001Hello. Can you guys hear me? We'll just wait till Scott gets back. He just went to the restroom. >> No, I can hear you. Can you hear me? Yes. Good evening everyone and welcome to the Ashlin Planning Board meeting of Thursday, July 10th. Um, a reminder to everyone that the meeting is being broadcast and recorded and I will call the meeting to order at 7:16. The first item on our agenda is the chair clerk's report. Um I have tabulated the emails received from uh May about May 15th, which is about 5 days before the election. Um and we've received uh 10 emails in that time. Some of them weren't really directed to the planning board. One of them was answered by the board of health. One of them went to the town manager's office. But
002um but there were about uh about 10. Um next on our agenda is public comment. Is there any public comment in the room? And if you have public comment online, please um please raise your hand. >> Mark, thank you. Good evening. Mark the >> recording in progress. >> Sony 119 Main Street. I have one observation and I was surprised that I came in and another question. The observation is this town hall went through upstairs a whole new personnel sweep. That's the one observation the and I'm going to ask the planning board with the is actually not one one new member in the assistant planner is the planning board going to be in the same goal set mind and going forward with how it's been or is there going to be a new change because of
003new people? Um, I think a planning board always changes with new members and even the existing members might react differently or or you know have a new mix with when there's other people there. So I would expect that there'll be some consistencies with the board and some changes which I look forward to. >> Okay. And the other thing is when I came in, I I was told by U Jasmine that I asked her about the papers that was on the table. That's about the first time and I don't know how long that I actually got those everything in that packet that you get before it actually got first talked about. That's the first time I actually got to see them. And I'm very happy and thankful for that because that shows a little transparency of
004what what there is and what's going to be talked about. That is Jasmine. She is obviously setting a high bar. >> I keep that high bar there so you won't have to go over it too much to do better. >> Thank you. >> Right. Thanks, Mark. Um, seeing no hands raised online, we will move on to our first public hearing, which is 34 Albert Ray Drive. It's T-Mobile. Um, Jasmine, do you just want to tell us where we are with that? We received an amended memo and revised plans for the request of the board um stating that the structures that were proposed um we noticed there were inconsistencies with the images that were shared. So we did receive updated images and an updated memo. I believe we asked for an updated application as well. Um,
005the man I believe I saw you had sent that to a specifically. Did I miss that? >> U Madam Chair through you. >> Um, all the all the documents that were requested at the uh June 26 meeting were sent by email um to both of the planners the following day. Okay. Yeah, I think that I think the requests were um and and just so that we can clarify that um when we're talking about T-Mobile that uh it's a removal of six existing antennas, installing three antennas, three radios, and one mount modification. Is that correct? Yeah. >> So, madam chair through you, I did send a memo um as we agreed upon at the last meeting that is a statement stating that we agreed not to update any application. I would just supply the one cover
006letter stating the exact scope. Are those all the same? >> Those are all the same. Yeah. >> Oh, >> I think No, I think it just Is it just each one? >> It's just one letter. >> Okay, just one letter. Yep. >> Okay, so we might have extra. >> Yes, >> there. >> Oh, right. Um, this is the top one. Um maybe there is more >> the tough one is about um make is um what what we had noticed between the um T-Mobile and Verizon was that the Verizon drawings weren't showing the four tiered tower. It was only showing three three tiers. So we had asked um uh for just a confirmation that the structural analysis um uh took into account all the levels of the tower. Um and so that's I think what what
007this letter is. >> And madam chair through you. Yes. Um I also supplied a letter stating that it does all the documents show the four carriers. >> Right. Right. And I saw that in the new drawings that they were showing the four carriers. And I thought the the question during the meeting and I was just trying to clarify with this with you for T-Mobile is that they are removing I think our documents originally said that you're removing four but really you're removing six and that's what the drawings show that you're removing six. Is that correct? >> So through you madam chair that is correct. T-Mobile is removing six antennas to replace with uh three new antennas. >> Okay. And that's we just wanted to make sure that was um true in the that consistent with
008the decision document. So, is there a letter that says that? Because this letter, this particular paper does not. [Music] Did you find that those are all copies of the same? They're identify 8 specified. >> This is So this is what I have in again. Uh can you just clarify? >> Oh, is it do you have the July 8th one there? >> I have July 10th. >> Yes. So this was the previous one they had revised and sent that one. >> So it does not list the change in numbers. >> Yes. So, uh, Deep is saying that she thought at the and and I think, um, Dominica is saying that she sent it that she wanted to clarify that we noted that the documents including the application said the removal of four, >> but really we're
009removing six. >> Other than the updated plans, these were the only documents. >> So, is that something you had sent? Um, Dominica. >> Yes, Madam Chair. The following day, I sent an email with the attachment to both of the planners. >> Can you share your uh share that letter >> or just maybe the email addresses that it went to? >> It went to both the assistant and the town planner. Let me just see if I can find it quickly on my computer. >> I mean, it does seem to be updated. It is accurate on the drawings. Um, and it will be written that way in the decision. >> So, Madame Chair, through you, I sent a letter. It's dated June 27. Um, sent by email. Um and in it it I the letter serves to
010correct and clarify that the scope of T-Mobile PM Metro PCS application involves the removal of six existing antennas, the addition of uh three new antennas, three new radios, and one mount modification. Any application documents that were submitted on May 7, 2025 erroneously states that the application involves removal of uh four antennas. A allol. >> Okay. >> Were you able to find that? >> It was in the Oh, okay. It was in a different folder. Okay, there we go. Okay. So, um are there any other questions um on the T-Mobile application? Anna, uh do you have any questions on the application? >> Okay, questions. >> All right, thank you. >> Then why don't we um just do this one, do them one at a time. You want me to print this at least so you can
011read it? >> Does everyone have a copy of the decision? >> She read it out loud. >> No. Um, we meant of the decision, >> right? But I would like to update it so that it's correct with this antennas. >> Was it emailed to me as well or to the >> It was It was emailed to Amanda. Oh, >> is it possible to email it to me if it if it hasn't? >> Thank you so much. If we're if we're all going to look at our email version or whichever >> Yeah, I was just making what we want to make a decision on um is really on the approval document. Does everyone have that? >> If it went to my town email in the agenda, I'll open it up right now. >> Yes. So, there
012should be the um the metropcs >> special. >> That's right, the special permit modification document. Now, Jasmine, >> for the signature, she's going to print out a new copy because this one still has Peter Matic's name on it, >> right? >> And she's also going to correct the um >> four to six >> the the four to six um which was not corrected on on this version. So, but if anyone else has any um the three points there is just naming the the different um modifications, the removal of the antennas and the installing of the other antennas. Um uh it notes that the modification is an EL eligible request under federal regulations and it notes that the the proposed modifications will not extend above the current height of the tower. The rest of the conditions
013are um very standard safety um work hour. >> Since we don't have familio, we have five zero vote or is it >> we need only need four for a special permit. >> So you may want to correct that number. >> Yes, that's was that's what I was talking about earlier when I said I need that was part of the change that I made when I said And then I I didn't print I only printed you the Verizon. >> I do have the Verizon. >> You do, but you're the only one for >> I can share it. Bring it up on the screen if you'd like. Well, you can do that, but unless if unless there's any other questions for T-Mobile, why don't we just take a vote on that one? >> Sure. >> So, anyone
014would like to make the motion? >> The motion that we approve the >> motion to approve 34 Albert Ray Drive, T-Mobile application, >> the amendments. >> Yes. >> Okay. Is there a second and a roll call vote >> and test I >> and Trisha Kendall eye.ai. So that one is approved and we will make the modifications and we will sign them at the end of the meeting. Um >> how do we get do we need a wet signature for Anna or can she >> she can sign it tomorrow? she can or whenever she's available to sign it >> till late Sunday. >> So, Monday, Monday. >> Uh might be a little tricky. I'm in Boston Monday, Tuesday. So, there's no way to do it uh remotely. >> Um >> has to be live signature. >>
015It has to be for the registry because it has to be recorded, but I can I can talk to you offline and I can >> Yeah, let's talk offline and we'll figure it out. Maybe we'll connect Sunday night or early Monday. Okay, cool. All right. So, the next one is the Ver is Verizon. Same tower, same um condition, same document. Um >> that one didn't have any adjustments. >> Thought the wrong numbers were wrong, >> right? Um correct. No, this one has um and correct me if I'm wrong. This one is that they're adding three antennas. three antenna mount pipes and one hybrid cable. Right. She is nodding. I think that is correct. >> I did. >> Yes, madam chairman. Threeu. It's the proposal is to retain all nine antennas that are currently on the
016mount addition of three new antennas uh mount pipes and cable same center line. >> Yeah. It doesn't talk anything about about removal just about addition. >> That is correct. So, um I'm wondering though if the language in the two I'm just looking at the two decisions And just the language is different. For the um for T-Mobile, we we actually name out the applicant seeks to modify blah blah blah the four the six existing antennas. For the other one, we just refer to the drawing. So, I wonder if we should actually use the same verbiage. >> Absolutely. Um um other than that I don't any changes Are you guys good with that modification to make sure to have the language be the same? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um then if everyone's comfortable with that um while
017um Jasmine is making that modification >> go ahead and make another motion. >> So I move to approve the 34 Albert Drive or Albert Ray Drive Horizon second. >> Second and a roll call vote. Anna Tusminiski I >> and Trisha Pendle I. So we will have those modifications by the end of the meeting and um three of us will be able to sign them and um >> something so we can file. >> I'm around two on Monday and I I know where I know where Anna lives. >> We wouldn't be able to file it until Monday though until we have all of this with the clerk. >> Right. You said you're getting back on Sunday, Anna. >> Yes, I come back late Sunday. >> We can we can coordinate this a little bit later. I
018think we can >> off record on Monday. >> Yep. >> I I think we can have it wet sign on Monday morning. >> So, >> we'll figure something out. >> Just wanted to be transparent that it the clerk >> Yes. Okay. Um All right. So, um >> Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Yes. So, we will take care of those for you and um get them submitted on Monday. >> Thank you and good evening. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um and I know you have some time constraints there I want to be respectful of. >> Uh I'm just pulling up our agenda. I can stay a few more minutes for sure. Probably like 10 minutes more. So, if there's another item, >> I'll stay as long as I can. >> Do we
019need uh or Is there any other item where I'm important for pleasant? >> Okay. All right. Well, then why don't we um why don't we um go on to the third um public hearing on the agenda which 240 to 260 Pleasant Street Metro West Facilities LLC. This is the soccer field and um we will need to read that in right because it is a new listing. Why don't I do that since you are busy? >> Thank you. Well, I don't see. >> Oh, >> there's nobody on. >> Sorry. That's why I left perplex. Nobody on for 240 just 260. >> Oh, they they knew they were on the agenda. They asked to be >> and no one's in the waiting. >> Sorry, Becca's saying something. Uh, hi everyone. Through the chair, um, the applicant for
020that requested a continuence for conservations meeting which is on Monday. I imagine that they had intended to request a continuence from you all but may have forgotten. >> Oh, okay. >> Maybe the you get Peter's emails. They sent it to Peter. Does it bounce to you? I don't >> not that I know of. I would assume >> suggest in light of what we just learned, we give them the benefit of a doubt. I think it's reasonable for us to assume they they would be requesting a continuence >> because they may have to make modifications based on conservations. >> Okay. All right. So, um >> we want a motion to continue and to what date? >> Our next meeting would be >> the 24th. >> July 24th. kind of >> I'll make a motion to continue
021that hearing to July 24th, 2025 >> in light of what we learned from our concom >> expert. Second >> and a roll call vote >> I >> Anna Tesmani I >> and Trisha Kendall I. So we will continue that to the 24th and um see what happens then. All right. So, moving on, the fourth item on the agenda is a scenic road um scenic road uh application for um regular uh tree maintenance from Eversource Energy. >> Yes. >> You want me to Are you >> Oh, sorry. >> Do you want me to read it in case I don't have it upright this? I will read it in. Um, the planning board will hear the petition of Eversource Energy requesting scenic road permit per chapter 40 section 15C of the Massachusetts zoning act and chapter 249
022section 20 of the Ashlin bylaws. The applicant is proposing to perform circuit vegetation maintenance for utility pruning. The trees are to be pruned within the right of way of Cross Street from the intersection of House Street to the intersection of Deer Ridge Road and on House Street from the intersection with Quarterville Road to the Ashlin Hopington Town Line. So, um, I know Becca is here and I'm sorry, I cannot read the name. >> Matthew Mitchell from Eversource and Russell from Ever. >> Okay, thank you. Um, Is there any other introduction that we need or um can they just jump in? >> Matthew, would you like screen share capabilities? >> Uh yes, I would love that. >> Great. Thank you. >> Should be all set. >> All right. All right. So, uh, at the beginning of
023the year, I presented to the board, um, that the 455H3 circuit would be up for pruning this year, uh, which is the majority of which is in Ashland. Um, and originally I only, uh, put the permit in for House Street. Um, and we were originally not planning on pruning cross street, which are the two scenic roads uh, on this circuit. um because we were prioritizing the central art arteries of this circuit. Um but additional resources have been made available. So we are reinccorporating the rest of the circuit uh in this case um specifically cross street uh into our pruning cycle. Uh our clearance is 10x 10 by 15t. That's 10 feet to the sides and 15 feet uh above the very top wires on the utility poles. Uh that is an industry standard uh for
024a fiveyear cycle which is what most of our circuits are pruned off uh pruned off on. Uh basically the less frequently we prune uh the larger clearance we would need when we do have to prune. Um and the pruning would be done in accordance to an standards which is the general standards for the industry. It's not specific to utility work. um Cross Street. The uh scope of the work is from its intersection with how um down to a few pole spans south of Saddle Hill Lane. Uh the circuit's already been notified. The residents know that we're coming. Uh I've not actually um received any call-ins of people uh wondering what we're doing. Um but if anybody does call in as we uh get through the work, I'd be more than happy to meet with them
025and talk about the work. Can >> I try to make everybody as happy as possible? >> Can you say how those notifications are sent out? Is that a paper notification or uh by phone or >> So, normally we have an automated u letter sending program, but that's currently down. So, we've actually been hand notifying. Uh so, people would have received uh a sort of flyer with a diagram showing our clearances and the customer service number uh below if they want to call and have questions. >> Okay. Thank you, Becca. Is there anything um else you can describe to us about the process? Really, just because we have new members um and these these do come up on a regular basis, it's kind of tree trimming. >> Yes. So, um just for the board's um information,
026I had done an a site walk with uh Matthew on this um to go look at the trees and the uh well branches on the trees that are being pruned. um the scenic road bylaw. Um any trees that are within the right of way on those scenic roads um if they're going to prune any major limbs that triggers this hearing process. Um and your code specifically states that it's in the tree warden's opinion to cause sorry to determine if the major branches would cause the eventual destruction of the tree uh if they were removed. Um, so for your reference, I did not see any uh pruning branches that were planned that would cause the destruction of the tree. Um, there are a couple trees that are in worse condition and probably need to be removed.
027Um, but that to my understanding is not being proposed in this in this um hearing. Uh full uh full disclosure uh the circuit has had poor reliability figures for the last few years. I am planning a removal pro a tree removal project. Um but again that's not having anything to do with what we're discussing today. I'm just letting you know that that is in the works for future plans we're meeting. >> I'm sorry was that that there may be trees removed but not not during this period. Is that correct? >> Yes. None of the work we're discussing right now involves removal. Okay. But I am putting a list together for later on this year. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. Are there any questions from the board about >> Yeah, just I'm sorry. Just to
028understand the process. So, when the crew is going down the street, they're measuring that box basically around the wires and then they're trimming up to that thing or up to that measurement or does somebody go in front of them and like mark on the trees what needs to be trimmed to and then the crew comes and trims to those marks? Uh so the crews that we use this is what they do five days a week uh 365 days a year. Uh so they know what the clearance is. Uh sometimes they have to go a little bit beyond or a little bit short of the clearance uh just so that just to make the cut healthy. So you know if uh if they have to if the 10 foot mark to the side is leaving a
029foot of stub on a on a tree trunk, you know, we're going to go a little bit beyond the clearance to to make that a healthy cut. >> Thank you. All right. If there's no other questions, I can go ahead and make a motion. Um, make a motion. Permit request for Scenic Road. Um, Second that rolling day I >> and Trisha Kendall I. So that is approved. Um is that something that I don't remember is that something that requires our signatures? Is there a document? Oh, okay. Okay, great. Thank you. Assume everybody's okay with that if I just sign that one. All right. Oh, >> okay. Bookkeeping. Yeah. Okay. And Trisha, at this point, unless you need me for the minutes, I'm I apologize everyone that I'm I'm traveling for for business and I have
030to get going, but I wanted to be here for the the supermajority ones. >> I appreciate you being able to come on in that situation. So, thank you. >> Okay, take care. Have a good evening, everybody. Okay. So, um, since we only have three members, obviously I I don't think we're going to do anything off the task list and have any discussions there. Usually, those are things we try to discuss with the full board. Um, we also have no one here from the comprehensive plan. Oh, well, you did you attend the comprehensive plan meeting? Oh, actually you stayed with us and they went to comprehensive, >> right? >> Okay. Okay. So, we don't have an update there. There is no update right now on the design review committee. Um CPC obviously did not meet because
031you said they're taking the summer off and Metro West Regional Collaborative. I did put Yolanda in touch with you which I'd forgotten to do earlier but >> No, thank you. >> Okay, I need to respond to that. >> Okay. Um so that uh so that can get going and you can understand that organization better. Okay. Administrative matters. Um the associate member search process. This is we have listed it. >> I saw it. Yes, >> right. I haven't heard anything. I've gotten all responses. I don't if I get notified if somebody not fills out that form online for the clerk or if she gets >> I think she gets notified but then she sends it out to the appropriate board. >> Yeah, I haven't gotten any. >> Yeah. So, >> um I did send out in
032an individual email I copied um Jasmine and Melissa on that. I sent it to um Sam um whose full name I cannot remember. Don't have in front of me. There were also two other people um sa Sam was the other person who had run um for >> elections >> for during the elections who who did fill out a talent bank form and expressed interest. Um I haven't heard anything back from him yet. I also sent it to two other people um one who had filled out the talent bank form um I want to say maybe in March um around right around >> there was an email. Yeah. >> Yes. And um I had told them that there wasn't a spot open at that time and we would be filling in the associate position soon after
033the election, you know, um and he had asked me to um to let him know when that happened and keep him in the loop. So I did send him another email. And then there was a third person who was also potentially interested in in the election um but who never never kind of acted on that and was kind of just more getting information who also might have an interest in this position. So those are three people that I've actually talked to about it. I did send emails to all three of those people. Um copy Jasmine. Um but I haven't heard back >> from anyone yet. Um, but I'll follow up with that just at least get a yes or no if they still have an interest. Um, but otherwise also if you there's anyone else
034we know there certainly can get the word out to if you know more. >> So nobody's actually applied for it yet. >> Um, >> not that I'm aware of. >> Well, um, no. I would say that um, again Sam I can't remember his full name. um did fill out the talent bake form, but it was a little while ago. You know, it was right around the time of the election, I think. And so, I did reach back out to him, but I haven't gotten a response back to confirm that he's interested. So, um >> the ad I think went out yesterday or day before. So, pretty you could not have missed that. Okay. >> Um so, I don't think there's yet. >> So, yes. But anyway, hopefully um because I think some of the even
035for things like um the cell towers, which is a special permit and so it requires four votes and it would be very helpful to have someone in that sixth seat. It is a special permit. They can sit for that vote. So, um, uh, so that would be helpful to have some, >> you know, also set somebody up to be able to sit some, >> yeah, >> somebody actually had some very good associate members in the past year and a half. So, we're sorry, we were sorry to lose both of them actually. Um, okay. So, um, planning office updates and new applications, ongoing projects. >> So, we've got obviously YMCA on 30 Memorial Drive that will be on the next hearing on the 24th. Um, this doesn't necessarily impact the planning board, but we did receive
036also 40B application for 55 West Union Street. So, we do have comments that were sent before the PAL letter uh uh application, and if you're comfortable sending those comments to the ZBA now that the application is official, uh could certainly do that if the board would like. Um you also have the opportunity to review those documents and make additional comments if you would like. You're also welcome to attend them as a resident. You just must state if you're making public comment that your name and I'm speaking as a resident, not on behalf of the board. Um, so that would be on August 12th. Um, unless we find a huge clerical error in the filing. >> Yes. So this was for the project across from the Dunkin Donuts down near the YMCA will be that we've
037already commented on. So it it's certainly fine with me to forward that letter to um to the zoning board of appeals. I haven't well I guess since they just put in the formal application I haven't had a chance to see if the design submitted varies at all from the design we looked at. There was a significant difference from on Waverly Street from the design we commented on and the design that actually was proposed. >> So um >> share with the board >> the documents share the 40B documents with the board. >> They're just on a share drive. Yeah. Why don't we >> Yeah, just so that'd be not commenting on something. >> Yeah, that's out of date. >> Are they um >> They're not posted yet because we >> um wanted to get past the
038meeting on the 22nd first before we posted things for that far out. And we also wanted town council to review it before then. If they get us back the review before then and say this is complete, I probably will post it for the August 12th meeting because it's a large filing. I would like people to have opportunity to see it. Um but I didn't want >> Yeah. So I guess if you can um maybe if you can send us uh the link or or the >> or the drawings whatever whatever is most appropriate and maybe attach our letter to it. >> Yes. so that we'll have the letter on the email, either the drawings or a link to the drawings on the email and we can kind of see if it's um you know see
039if they're compatible. Would it be better for us to kind of take a look at that first before >> before I send it? Yeah, just in case there are discrepancies. >> Yeah, why don't you hold up? Absolutely. So that we make sure we're not giving them something >> part of that letter. >> We've gone through that cycle cycle. >> He he read the letter. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Um >> I didn't contribute. >> No, >> but I did appreciate the I know it was >> very last minute to have someone read through it and I >> So, um yeah. So, why don't we hold off on sending it to the ZBA until until we make sure our letter makes sense with the materials that they're receiving? >> Absolutely. >> So, okay. And anything
040else upcoming that you know of? Nothing upcoming walk through you have timing for >> Yes. So I reached out but I have not heard from Camilo yet. He's the only one. So far everybody said everything looks good but the 15th. >> Did you send me an email that said >> I did not send you an email but I think 15 does not work. >> I think there was there was one date I couldn't make as well. I could make the I could make the 15th but not I think it was the Monday >> and we're allowed to have a walk through with every >> Yes. >> as long as I post it. Yes. It has to be posted if we're all there. But if for some reason we can't all make it and you have
041to go individually or in groups of two or less, we don't have to post. >> Yeah. So there's um and I can't remember what the exception is called. We had have gone through that with um Lisa me before that there is an exception for sitewalks um to so that everyone can see the property and understand it. Obviously just while we're there we're not commenting on um our feelings, personal feelings about the project. We're just asking questions and trying to understand the site. >> Okay. >> You can do the 21st. Sorry. So not the 15th and not the 21st. So, we can do the 16th or the 23rd at 6. I'll just reach out to those two dates and see. >> Wasn't it the 20 >> 23rd? Sorry, the July 16th and July 23rd. I had
042July 15th. July 16th. July 21st and I was told no 15. >> Oh, yes. Okay. >> I can't do 16. >> So, the 23rd then. Okay. Let's let's do it then. I'll post it in tomorrow. I'll post it. >> So, um I thought you had said the 22nd, the Wednesday. Um >> she had 15 1621. >> Okay. Maybe I was thinking >> because I have ZBA on the 22nd. That's why I didn't offer that. I'm not You may still if you would like to go without me. That's certainly acceptable. Um, >> does 15th work for you at all? >> It doesn't work for Scott. >> No, leave it. I think I think I will be able to I think I will be able to make that. >> Are you sure? Because if you want to
043do the 22nd without me, that's fine. >> What? >> I haven't heard. >> Yeah. So, before you post it, why don't you we get information from Anna as well? But I think I will be able to um I I should have plenty of time to get back. But if not, I will get a tour from I mean I know the YMCA people so I can I can get a tour. >> Um six o'clock. >> 6 o'clock. It is a very heavily wooded site. So just >> shoes. >> Yes. >> And probably pants. So >> yeah. So, don't uh don't >> I won't post it yet. >> Yeah. Yeah. Wait. Let's make sure we hear from Anna and Camilo to try to get as many as possible. Once we have a date that >> works for
044most of the board, most if not all the board, then let's um also offer that date to um the design review committee um and to >> what other I think you had mentioned someone that might be interested as well in other department. >> Kevin from DPW. >> Okay. DPW. >> Yeah. to to if others that would like to join us as well. >> Okay. So then we have upcoming meetings July 24th. And so what do we have? We have YMCA and we have um 240 to 260 Pleasant. >> Yes. Also, I'm sorry. 55 Tilton should be applying very soon. >> The one that you reviewed >> Okay. So, they had asked uh just for a a nonofficial review of the application on Tuesday. >> So, I expect they'll be submitting. They won't make it in
045time for the 24th, but they'll likely be on if they get it in the next week, they'll be on the first meeting. >> Okay. Yeah. So, the meeting on the 24th, we will have two introductions to two different projects. >> Yes. So, we may set aside an hour each, you know, I would say. Um, >> certainly by >> Yeah. And then, yeah, it might the other one might not take as long. >> It's just it may not be as detailed after the conservation. >> Yeah. And then I would I would just ask to um be careful not to not to add anything else to that meeting if we can help it. Sometimes we can't Sometimes we can help it, but >> Absolutely. >> Okay. >> And then we'll see what happens for August 7th. There
046was select sorry I don't they had sent to save the date >> oh >> planning board about a joint meeting >> I remember someone mentioning this >> say joint meeting >> that the one in >> I just wanted to get the date for you >> if I pencled it. >> I'm just searching. Maybe I should just search October. >> I just wanted to make everybody aware of it. >> Uh 15th. >> Thank you. October 15th. >> Yeah, Wednesday. Um so Wednesday, October 15th, comprehensive plan joint meeting, planning board and select board. So one of their present official presentations the boards. Can't make that one. And you did tell us that ahead of time. And I did reach out to uh Michael, our town manager, and he did confirm that if you would like, you may
047watch the video and they would be open to accepting your comments for the next few days if you would like to comments. So that is kind of him too. >> Is it uh are those available on live on Zoom? I don't I don't know >> the joint meeting may not be live but I can share that link and information. >> So I didn't know if it was on if it was on Zoom. >> I believe they usually are literally >> unless it's happening. So I don't >> Okay, got it. >> Yeah, unless it's executive session they're on Zoom. >> Yeah. Yeah. I don't think it would be. Okay. >> But if you're interested, no pressure. I can send you the recording. >> Was it does it have to be that one day? It does. >>
048Of course. >> I was impressed that you already knew you weren't available. >> Yeah. >> I was like, I don't know that I know my schedule out more than three weeks. >> Annual conference. >> Three weeks is good. >> Is it? That makes me feel better. Thank you. >> All right. So then we have I think the last thing we do have meeting minutes for June 12th. I need a minute. I haven't had a chance to Oh, we did get um Anna and Camila's volen affidavit stamped in with the clerk. Very kind of them to do and send. So, those were all set. >> Um and his vote was good. >> Sorry, meeting minutes are way at the >> They're way at the end. Sorry. Would it be easier if we slip them in the
049pocket in the front paper clipped? Do you think maybe we can discuss reorganizing? >> We're working on reorganizing the whole office. Maybe we just have a meeting minute binder. >> no >> paper >> sustainability. >> Um, no. I think this binder is big because of the package that they have here. So hopefully >> well ever source and the >> Yeah, that's a big package >> and also the team. So, we can keep them in there if you'd like to until like a hearing is closed maybe, so you can review the hearing process. >> I haven't uh thought it through completely, but I know um sometimes it's just nice to go back and refer to various meetings and what we had talked about at that time. >> Absolutely. Yes, we're revamping everything. So, >> yeah. So,
050now's the time to kind of do it. >> Be great before we get cemented in our ways. Not that I opposed to change. But you know this. There's something um on line 42. It's a minor thing, but we're talking about the select board agreed that the Okay. No, never mind. I understand what we were saying. >> Okay. >> I got it. Remembering the situation now Okay, I think I'm I think I'm good. >> Motion minutes. >> Second that. >> And a roll call vote. I >> Trisha Kendel, we only need three for meeting minutes. >> So, >> and um I think that's it. Do you have >> Yes. So, I would like to just um just for complete transparency. Um I also consult for the town of Lunenburgg. Um I'm not a full-time planner there,
051but I do consult for them 20 hours a week. It's not something that I do that overlaps my Ashlin time in any way. Their meetings are Monday, which works out perfectly. So, I get to attend their meetings Monday via Zoom and I work on their things over my weekend. I don't work at them and on my nights. It's not anything that overlaps, but just in case. You may hear my name come up in another community. I didn't want anybody to say like, "Oh my goodness, why?" or anything like that. So, you may see my name on some things there. Um, but I just wanted complete transparency. It's been approved. I've signed a disclosure document with each community. So, just wanted everyone to be aware that if you did see it, it's it's because I'm there.
052>> Thank you for that. That's 60 hour work week. >> It's I'm contracted for 20. They're very kind to me. Tend not to use that much, which is very, very good of them. So, >> is it a new staff? >> Is it what? >> Is it new or have you been doing it? >> I started there two weeks before I started here. So, I signed the contract there two weeks before I was offered the position here. Um, but I did make it very clear that, you know, Ashland, I was looking for a forever home as a planner. Ashland feels like it. So, if it ever becomes, you know, one becomes too overwhelming, I would have to say to Lunenburgg, I'm so sorry. You know, I appreciate the opportunity, but I I think it would be
053in your best interest to find somebody else who has more capacity for this right now. Ashland will be my priority always. So, >> and that that contract has a certain duration on it. Is that right? >> We had agreed to six months or until they found a planner. So, it's not an exact date. Um, so I am hoping that they find a planner. They did have an entirely new staff overturn. Their admin left and their planner left >> and they have a new town administrator. So, they've got a lot of changes. So, I'm hoping >> by September, October maybe filling that position. That's my hope. Um, but they don't they have an MBTA consultant, so I don't work on their MBTA, so it's strictly just reviewing their special permits, site plan reviews, an subdivisions, those
054types of things. I don't work on their own either. So, >> certainly understand how uh stressful and scary it can be to not have a a a planner um uh in the office. So, hopefully they'll >> kudos to their staff. They've been keeping it together. chair has been full-time dad, full-time planner for free. >> So, >> any uh any other questions or comments? >> Yeah, I'm sorry. So, >> no, please. >> In the beginning, first report said you mentioned that there were 10 emails. >> Yes. >> I had assumed based on no other real reason that you going to talk about those. >> Oh, >> 10 emails. Do we ever like I mean I know we you acknowledge them but do we like >> I actually don't receive them so I don't even know what
055goes to the I don't think >> unless it gets forwarded to me and I don't it doesn't come as you're planning >> unless I just get automatically CCD and I don't know that it's gone to you because if I don't receive anything that says it's been from planning. Oh, we'll have to look on that because I >> I thought you don't get the Ashley or >> not that. >> Yeah, I thought you and Melissa are both supposed to get the five of us and our associate member when they're with us and the two of you I thought are all supposed to be included on that Ashlin planning. Um, so let's I'm pretty sure that's how it was with Peter and Alvaro. >> I wonder >> maybe because I only have that I've sent to you
056guys on that. Um I don't have anything from them. >> Like when the select board sent that date to you, they sent it directly to you and not to >> directly to me. >> Yes. So I I didn't Yeah. I did not get that. I did not get that date though. I remember hearing about it from someone. It must just been in conversation. >> I think you just happened to be talking. >> Maybe maybe that was it. Maybe that was it. >> Um yeah. So the other emails that come through are then are ones that some of them would have been before you you got your Ashland email. So you wouldn't have you wouldn't have seen those. >> Um but other ones that come through are both from people from the community. Um, well, they're
057all from from residents, but sometimes um like for instance, there was um an email that you probably did receive about some um problems with the Pond Street Y >> um trash, right? >> So, um >> so, so yes, so you should be you should be on there. So, um Mr. Gupta from the who's the director of the board of health immediately jumped in and he said we'll look at this. So it was a board of health it went to various committees various boards and so he jumped in. He's you know this is our jurisdiction and he jumped in and said that they'll look at it. another one um so it was sent to the planning board plus other I don't remember who but other entities but Diane um Wharton from the um select board um
058>> selectman's office yeah um >> or town planners town manager's office I believe >> um that the email was actually addressed to her but went to a lot of other people >> and I um asked her if it was resolved she's like yeah 100% % I answered the question. It's 100% resolved. It was just it was just a question. Um so other things go back and forth a little bit. So basically this is just so that we all get the emails but they get responded to in some way not necessarily by us um but they get responded. And the idea behind is make sure knows that we are reading not being ignored. And that's why we kind of only talking about how many we receive instead of going into it because they're obviously taken care
059by different people until something really needs to be brought in front of it. >> But how do I know that they're >> because I'm not I mean if they reply all then I do know they didn't reply all. responded directly to that person. How would I know that? >> Because well, we will get we'll get Jasmine on, but otherwise like you know because I'm now the it it was it was Kate who was the clerk as well. It was her job to respond. And so now it's my job to make sure >> it gets responded to, right? That there is a response, right? And so once in a while, um, once in a while, uh, Kate would say during the board meeting, oh, and we have a few things that aren't responded to yet. And,
060you know, to make sure that that they were responded to. Those were things. Um, sometimes we get email in and it's just a very typical response, you know, to there's a there's a text I can send it to that we agreed on some few years ago. um that basically thanks the person for for you know being involved and and for writing to the planning board because some of the things are just a comment and there is no response. Uh legally the board has no obligation to respond to any email or to any question asked during public comment. It's not our we can if we choose, but we're not obligated to. Um but this at least lets people know if they're sending an email versus coming to the mic. Come to the mic. we're sitting here,
061you know, we're hearing you. You send an email, you don't really know if anyone's read it. But by getting a reply, you at least know your email was received and you're getting a reply. It doesn't mean you'll get the answer you want or the long discussion you want, but you will get a reply. So, that make sense? >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. Um, anything else? >> Quick observation. I noticed the header Office of Planning and Economic Development. Is that um the >> is that is that mean that the role is a little more broader and how are we bringing the economic development part into this mix in this long run? >> So it means that my role is broader not the planning board. >> Sure. >> So what that means is expanding my reach
062to have build rapport with local businesses, learn what their needs are, learn how the town can help them, look at our community spaces, what is it our residents need, um how can we bring them together, you know, how can we improve their um walkways, their roadways, their trails, their bike paths. So, it's really looking actually at the community as a whole, long-term growth, big picture, comprehensive ideas, saying looking at those initiatives and a task list that you go through on how to achieve those goals. And that's really part of the economic development part is bringing in businesses, maintaining businesses, being business friendly, bringing in um other, you know, we don't want big Amazon, but like bringing in more mom and pops, but it's based, it needs to be based on. So, I guess there was
063a restaurant here started with an M that everybody loved. >> Mazy. >> Yeah. Oh, >> thank you. Yes. So, that is no longer here and that's something that Beth Reynolds, my director, has heard a lot about because she has built that rapport with the residents and the businesses and everybody says we would love to have something like that here again. So, that's something that we do have our mind on our eyes open for. So, when developers come in and they say, you know, I'd like to put in mixed use, you know, where are some areas that you have zoned for that? We keep those types of big picture projects in mind and sometimes we can work with developers and say is this something you may be interested in so we can develop Ashlin Pleasant to
064the residents that live here. >> Yeah. So Beth Reynolds role Beth Reynolds was the economic development director for I'm not sure quite a while. I mean I think she I think she was the first person in the position. >> She was. Yes. But um her role has been folded into now that it's not just a town planner, it's a that and economic development director, which isn't uncommon, I think, in >> in other towns. It seems to be the way things are going. >> Um and um so um and Beth is now an the assistant one of the two assistant town managers and planning falls under falls under her. So >> I think what will be beneficial because of this new role and what Mark asked right at the beginning right I think we never had
065that component in our planning board concept. So as you talk to developers and if you have been sharing these business ideas with them and they actually implement it be great as a board to know about it. >> Oh absolutely. And I think um that's a great way to make sure that what we're doing here really has sense beyond just proving buildings because it's tying into that economic development of the so it'd be great to have that regular feedback from you from what you've had conversations with developers. I think that's a definitely a new >> and when I worked there as the assistant we worked we did the mass downtown initiative where you completely reszone the entire downtown and we did bring together a committee and we did have one member of the planning board um
066one member of the assessors board of assessors um and we had mostly me um business owners and members at large of the community and it was I think we had seven business owners and We met probably quarterly to discuss long-term visions. How can we get there? A lot of the work that Beth done has done here already, which is amazing is some restaurants or businesses have come to her and said we would like to work together to promote both of our businesses. So, she's done the work of creating popups. That's how we ended corner spot and we're working to see what other businesses want so that we can boost everybody's business. and the businesses want to collaborate and we're very very excited to work with them. So, we are actually planning a meet and greet
067in October. And if you would like a planning board member, we can't have a quorum of the planning board, but if you would like to be in attendance, I mean, they're not they're not private meetings. They're open. They're not posted because it's just it's not a board. It's just a meet and greet. So, we'll post it. Hey, meet and greet. Anybody who wants to come, come help yourself. The same way that I think they post when they do drop offs at the corner spot and things like that. It'll probably just be in the flyer um in the newsletter. We'll post some things up around the community about it. But >> yeah, we're excited for it. And then also next meeting we'll have we're meeting tomorrow to discuss the comprehensive plan and our big picture goals.
068So I'd love to just give you guys some feedback on what it is that we looked at. It's really to get an idea of what we're looking for and then what the workload is. So are these actually attainable goals or do we have some choices that we have to make? And that's something that will be presented to the select board this weekend and that's what you guys will be discussing in October is the final presentation of the comprehensive plan after these discussions. But it doesn't hurt to keep you apprised of it now. >> So is the comprehensive >> it's the master plan >> a meeting tomorrow or is it a subset group that's >> I believe it's a subset group. >> Okay. >> I don't know if the entire comprehensive plan group will be there
069>> because I thought they usually met on Thursdays opposite us. I don't think it's all of them. It's department heads mostly. Okay. So that way we can determine when looking at these goals, do we actually have the capacity to meet them? >> Um and when we're looking through the strategies on how to get there, maybe there are better strategies. There was one recommendation already that somebody should create, you know, a complete GIS system of all the open space and trails in town. Conservation happens to already have one. It's just not live. So things like that that maybe we didn't know. another department had. It just helps to bring everybody together, look at the big picture items, work smarter, not harder, >> right? >> So, >> great. Sounds good. >> It should be good. >> Great.
070>> You want to send those letters so that we can sign? >> Yes, I have them printed right now. So, >> all right. So, while while we're doing that, we can adjourn our meeting. I will adjourn the meeting at 8:21. Is there a second? >> Second. and roll call. >> All right, we're adjourned. Thanks, >> Mackie.