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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

Scituate Planning Board, May 13, 2010
TOWN OF SCITUATE MASSACHUSETTS

SCITUATE PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES
May 13, 2010

Members Present: Mr. William Limbacher, Mr. Daniel Monger, Dr. Nico Afanasenko, Mr. Robert Vogel, Mr. Eric Mercer and Mr. Richard Taylor

Members Absent: None

Others Present: Ms. Laura Harbottle, Town Planner

See Sign-in List for names of others present at this meeting.

Location of meeting: Selectmen’s Hearing Room, Town Hall

Mr. Limbacher called the meeting to order at 7:30pm

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Dr. Afanasenko moved to accept the agenda. Mr. Monger seconded the Motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.

Reorganization of Planning Board - Elect Chairman, Vice Chairman and Clerk

Mr. Limbacher welcomed the new members of Board and asked if they had been duly sworn in. He explained that traditionally the Board reorganizes the three positions of the Board, Chairman, Vice Chairman and Clerk. Mr. Limbacher explained what the responsibilities of these positions are.

MOTION: Dr. Afanasenko moved to nominate Mr. Limbacher as the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Monger seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. Mr. Limbacher, Mr. Monger, Dr. Afanasenko, Mr. Mercer and Mr. Taylor voting on the motion. Mr. Vogel had not yet arrived at the meeting.

MOTION: Mr. Mercer moved to nominate Mr. Monger as the Vice Chairman of the Board. Dr. Afanasenko seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. Mr. Limbacher, Mr. Monger, Dr. Afanasenko, Mr. Mercer and Mr. Taylor voting on the motion. Mr. Vogel had not yet arrived at the meeting.

MOTION: Mr. Mercer moved to nominate Dr. Afanasenko as Clerk. Mr. Monger seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. Mr. Limbacher, Mr. Monger, Dr. Afanasenko, Mr. Mercer and Mr. Taylor voting on the motion. Mr. Vogel had not yet arrived at the meeting.

There was further discussion on the responsibilities of the Planning Board including attendance, member participation and voting.

Mr. Vogel arrived at the meeting at 7:40.

Sign signature forms for Plymouth County Registry of Deeds and Land Court
The Board signed the signature forms to be sent to the Registries and Land Court for their records.

Appointment of Liaisons
Mr. Limbacher explained to the new members the role of Planning Board liaisons to other Boards and Committees. The Board went through the list of 15 Boards and Committees that a Planning Board liaison is appointed to and agreed which members would be assigned to each role.

Discussion - Memo from Al Bangert regarding adoption of standards for water distribution systems

Mr. Limbacher asked the Board to refer to a memo dated 5/6/10 from Mr. Bangert, DPW Director, regarding a change in required standards for water distribution systems. Mr. Monger said he is concerned that these changes could affect the cost of constructing affordable housing and asked if the quality of iron pipe is that much better and how would it affect a typical project. Ms. Harbottle replied that the issue came up recently with a small subdivision and the cost difference was approximately $18,000.00 to $30,000.00. Mr. Mercer asked if there have been studies on this. Mr. Limbacher said that this is standard in the surrounding towns.

Mr. Limbacher explained that in order to make changes to the regulations, the Planning Board has to advertise and hold a Public Hearing. He said that he thinks there are a couple of other changes that have been brought up regarding changes to the regulations an example being sub-basin on the roads. He suggested that Ms. Harbottle speak with Mr. Bangert and Mr. Cafferty to ask about other changes. He would like to see them done at the same time so the process does not have to be repeated. The Board had further discussion on the proposed changes to the standards. Mr. Limbacher suggested Ms. Harbottle write a memo to Mr. Bangert stating the Planning Board would open a Public Hearing and ask him to consider other changes DPW would like to see in the regulations. He said the Planning Board could condition Decisions until the changes are made.

Discussion - Possible recommendation to Town Meeting - purchase of Pier 44

The Board discussed the proposed purchase of Pier 44 including the use of MBTA mitigation funds. They also discussed the possible alternatives that the property could be used for. Ms. Harbottle said the Town Administrator is recommending a Committee to suggest a use of the property.

MOTION: Mr. Monger moved to write a letter of support for the purchase of Pier 44. Dr. Afanasenko seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.

Discussion - Subdivision tour

Ms. Harbottle said that traditionally every spring the Town Engineer and the Planning Board take a tour of the incomplete subdivisions. This has not been done in a couple of years. The purpose is to see where there are issues that the Board should be addressing. The Town Administrator has several of the Department Heads organized into a Development Review Team to track issues and progress. Ms. Harbottle said she is responsible to put together the report for this team. She feels it would be a good time to have another tour. Ms. Harbottle said she spoke with Mr. Cafferty in DPW asking what would be a good time to do the tour. Mr. Cafferty suggested a Tuesday afternoon. Ms. Harbottle asked the Board if that would work for them. The Board agreed if enough notice is given they should be able to attend. Ms. Harbottle said she would set the time up with Mr. Cafferty and let the Board know.

Town Planner’s Report

Ms. Harbottle told the Board there would be an information session on the Open Meeting Law at the G.A.R. Hall for all Board and Committee members. She will let them know when this is scheduled.

Ms. Harbottle informed the Board that the Zoning Bylaw passed at Town Meeting has been submitted to the Attorney General. The Town should know by the middle of August as to whether they are approved.

Ms. Harbottle said that Inclusionary Zoning and Floor Area Ratio were mentioned during the process of revising the Zoning Bylaws this year. She said the Board of Selectmen prefers to present new zoning articles at spring Town Meeting rather than the fall. The timetable should be to begin working on these issues during the middle of the summer to have the process complete for spring Town Meeting. The Board had further discussion on the need for these bylaws.

Ms. Harbottle said she is applying for a grant for sidewalks. There are three locations that were chosen based on the fact that the designs were already done. The Board continued discussion on sidewalks in town.