HOLDERNESS PLANNING BOARD
PO BOX 203
HOLDERNESS, NH 03245
Minutes: March 19, 2009
Members Present: Todd Elgin, Earl Hansen – Chair (6:35), David Horton, Ron Huntoon, Suzanne Peoples – Selectmen Liaison, and Robert Snelling
Members not Present: Randy Currier
Staff Present: David Lorch – Planner
Others Present: Carl Lehner, Lori Downs and H.L. Lenentine – Long Haul Farm
Call to Order: Mr. Snelling called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
Approval of Minutes: Mrs. Peoples moved, seconded by Mr. Elgin, to approve the minutes of 2/19/09. Motion passed.
Applications:
New: none
Continued: none
Other Business
1. Procedures – Site Visits
Legal counsel from the Local Government Center was sought regarding clarification for the definition of a meeting, especially when a quorum of the body was not present. In the opinion of the attorney, as long as the intent of the law was met (public notice and the right of the public to be present) it would be permissible for a board to meet without a quorum with the understanding that no decisions could be made. The Board reviewed new language for procedures for site visits and amended it to include subcommittee meetings. After all revisions have been made, a new Rules of Procedure will be presented for adoption by the Board.
2. Informational Review – Long Haul Farm
Ms. Downs explained that she and her husband were present to review their 2004 site plan approval and to obtain procedures for amending the plan to conform to their present and future operational plan. She informed the Board of events currently taking place at the Farm and asked for clarification of use of the Special Events permit form. Mr. Hansen explained that the original intent was for one-time events primarily for notification to the Police and Fire Departments; on-going events and activities would fall under the jurisdiction of site plan review with the Planning Board. The Board advised Ms. Downs and Mr. Lenentine to submit an application which would include hours of operation, emergency access, type and number of events with anticipated attendance numbers, appropriate capacity of the septic system, and any other
information or state permits that would enable the Board to render a decision.
3. Shorefront septic system assessments
Mr. Lorch and Mr. Hansen explained that when shorefront properties are sold, an assessment of the septic system is supposed to be conducted and the results provided to the town. Advice from town counsel was sought on the best way to properly include the requirement in the town zoning ordinance. Mr. Elgin commented that transfers of properties should be included in the assessment review. Draft language will be submitted for review by the Board.
4. Dark Skies regulations
Mr. Hansen noted that House Bill 585 regarding outdoor lighting will be deliberated over the next few months and the Board should table this issue. The Board agreed to wait for further information from the state.
5. Public sewer feasibility
Mr. Snelling raised the possibility of conducting a risk analysis study, similar to one conducted by Meredith, to help manage septage within the shore line zone. The study could be as focused or as broad as needed, and could include the possibility of extending the sewer line along the Route 3 corridor with the Ashland facility. It was agreed that a subcommittee would be formed to review the procedures used by Meredith, ascertain the scope of the project, and submit a recommendation to the Planning Board by November 2009, which would enable a request of funding, if needed, for the next budget year. Mr. Snelling, Mr. Elgin, and Mr. Huntoon volunteered to be on the committee.
Planner’s Report
1. Mr. Lorch stated the Board of Selectmen are hosting an information meeting regarding the Plymouth State University arena project on 3/30/09 at 6:30 P.M. at Town Hall.
2. The Board of Selectmen have requested names for appointment to the Board; Mr. Snelling would like to renew his membership, Nancy Scothorne does not wish to renew. Mr. Currier will be contacted to determine his interest in being appointed as a regular member. Mr. Snelling noted that any candidates should be advised that there is preparation work and research involved in being a member.
3. Mr. Lorch informed the Board that final grammatical corrections are being made to the new 2009 Zoning Ordinance and copies will be provided at the next meeting.
4. The Lakes Region Planning Commission (LRPC) is sponsoring a NH Water Resources Primer in Northfield on 3/23/09.
5. Mr. Snelling gave a brief overview of the LRPC explaining that they provide technical support to communities, discuss and offer guidance on regional issues, and advocate local issues at the state legislature. A survey has been developed to identify community high priority issues and how the LRPC can support communities in addressing those issues. Board members are asked to fill out the survey and return them to Mr. Snelling for collating. The chairs of the land use boards will then meet with the Board of Selectmen to complete one survey to represent the town.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Wendy J. Huff
Secretary
Minutes Approved: April 16, 2009
Corrections: none
| 
