HOLDERNESS PLANNING BOARD
PO BOX 203
HOLDERNESS, NH 03245
Minutes: April 15, 2010
Members Present: Todd Elgin, Earl Hansen – Chair, Ron Huntoon, Carl Lehner, Suzanne Peoples – Selectman, Bob Snelling, and Peter Webster – Selectman Alt
Members not Present: Randy Currier and Peter Francesco
Staff Present: David Lorch – Planner
Others Present: Catherine Broderick, Dean Clark, Peter Royea, Ibra Royea, Heidi & Paul Luscher
Call to Order: Mr. Hansen called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
Roll Call: Mrs. Huff called the roll. Mr. Webster was welcomed as the Ex-Officio Alternate replacing Mr. Laverack. Mrs. Peoples presented the slate of nominations: Earl Hansen – Chair, Bob Snelling – Vice-Chair, and Todd Elgin – Secretary. Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Mr. Lehner, to close the nominations. The slate was approved by unanimous vote.
Approval of Minutes: Mrs. Peoples moved, seconded by Mr. Elgin, to approve the minutes of March 18, 2010 as presented. Motion passed.
Continued Applications: none
New Applications:
Case #2010-04: Paul & Heidi Lucher
Request for site plan review for property located at 7 Esco Lane, Map 252 Lot 6, general residential zone. Applicant seeks approval for existing business.
The public hearing was opened at 6:33 P.M. Ms. Broderick, representing the Luschers, submitted written justification for the waiver requests submitted with the application. Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Mr. Snelling, to accept the application as complete. Motion passed. Mr. Elgin moved, seconded by Mr. Lehner, to grant approval of the waivers as presented. Motion passed. Ms. Broderick explained that the site plan will provide a benchmark of the activity on the property for the town and the owner. She reported that the Boundary Line Adjustment approved at the December 2009 meeting between the Luschers and the Squam Valley Masonic Lodge has been completed and recorded. The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance request to continue the business with conditions. Those conditions included obtaining site plan and
all town permit approvals, limiting the use to 5,000 square feet, and prohibiting the manufacturing of parts for sale. Ms. Broderick noted that the applicant has kept the property appearance low key and well maintained and acknowledged that any future changes would require further site plan review and variance requests. She provided photographs of the property and the buildings for the record file. In response to questions, it was explained that there are four full time employees, which includes Mr. & Mrs. Luscher, and one part time employee. There are no hazardous chemicals used on the site; mineral spirits is used as a solvent and recycled. Mr. Lorch commented that the parking area appears adequate for smaller box trucks, but that large trailer trucks have to back in off Route 3 because the area is not large enough for turning. Mr. Luscher explained that deliveries are generally twice per month. He further noted that they own a property across the street which could be used
for deliveries if needed. Mr. Hansen stated that might need to occur if issues arise in the future.
Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Mr. Snelling, to approve the application as presented subject to the following: all conditions as listed on the Zoning Board approval; all business activities shall be contained inside the buildings; the business shall be limited to eight (8) employees; and no business shall occur between 11:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. Motion passed. The public hearing was closed at 6:50 P.M.
There was brief discussion regarding the necessity of mylars for site plan review. It was agreed that there could be a change in the Rules and Application which could make mylar submission either a condition of the approval or at the discretion of the board.
Other Business
Zoning Ordinance: The 2010 zoning ordinance was distributed. Mr. Lorch noted the new consistent format which will make it easier in the future to add new sections.
Lakes Region Planning Commission is sponsoring a milfoil impact presentation on 4/26 at the Gilford Community Church. It was noted that the church has a permeable asphalt parking lot, which appears to be a comparable cost to standard asphalt lots, but may take more maintenance to keep the “holes” clear.
Office of Energy & Planning Conference in Nashua will be attended by Elgin, Huntoon, Lehner, Lorch, Snelling from the PB, and Simensen from the ZBA.
Non-conforming lots and structures: General discussion ensued regarding expansion of both conforming structures on a non-conforming lot and non-conforming structures, which currently require Board of Selectmen approval for a building permit. The Selectmen feel that this should be a function of the Zoning Board. Mr. Hansen stated his preference that the zoning language should be in the form of a special exception rather than the stricter variance criteria. Mr. Lorch was tasked with providing some draft language for the next meeting.
Sewer Project: Mr. Snelling informed the Board that because Plymouth has used stimulus money to improve their sewer plant, the urgency to obtain a feasibility study for hook-up to the Ashland plant has diminished. The Selectmen are still interested in Holderness being a part of a study which will focus on needs 20 – 25 years out. Mr. Snelling noted that a committee will need to determine the parameters of a possible Holderness line to the Ashland plant. He also explained that 35 years of water quality data has shown a deterioration of lake water quality.
Timber Cuts: The LRPC is submitting a request to better address timber cuts on lots which are subdivided within a year of the cut to the Municipal Association for legislative review. It is felt that restrictions of more than a year should be placed on subdivision of such lots to allow better re-growth before development occurs.
Groundwater withdrawal: The state currently regulates single water withdrawals of more than 56,700 gallons per day. Legislation is being considered that would allow towns to have a groundwater management plan which would allow the town to estimate the town’s needs. The state would then be required to consider in their approval process documentation that a large withdrawal, whether it is a single well or a large development with many wells, jeopardizes the town’s needs. Monies are being sought to help towns fund studies for management plan.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Wendy J. Huff
Secretary
Minutes Approved: May 20, 2010
Corrections: none
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