Town of Kensington
Planning Board Minutes
December 2, 2004
Approved January 13, 2005
In attendance: Chairman Steve Wilson, Bob Solomon, Joan Whitney, John Sargent, Sr., and Jill Robinson of the Rockingham Planning Commission
The Meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm.
Approval of November 16, 2004 minutes – Joan Whitney requested the minutes under the driveway permit for Brockelbanks read, “The Brockelbanks stated they would be willing to amend the easement to show the width and will include specific language that they will maintain the right-of-way to and including their driveway entrance on the plan and all deeds." Joan Whitney moved to approve the November 16, 2004 minutes as amended, seconded by Bob Solomon with all in favor.
PUBLIC HEARING NEW
1) Adoption of the mandatory State Building Codes: International Building Code 2000, Plumbing Code 2000, Mechanical Code 2000, Energy Conservation Code 2000 and the National Electric Code 1999. The Board requested that this be put in the form of the warrant article to be presented at Town Meeting. John Sargent moved to continue this public hearing to the next meeting, seconded by Bob Solomon with all in favor.
2) Application of Pamela Jill Valente, 159 South Road, Kensington for a Home Occupation Site Plan Review, Map 4, Lot 17-3 in accordance with Chapter IV, Site Plan Review Regulations. Pamela Valente presented her Site Plan Review and the check list was reviewed. No abutters offered comments. John Sargent moved to accept the application as complete, seconded by Bob Solomon with all in favor. John Sargent moved to approve the Site Plan Review for Pamela Jill Valente of 159 South Road conditioned upon the Zoning Board of Adjustment notice of decision, seconded by Bob Solomon with all in favor.
3) Amend Chapter III, Article 3.1 D4 of the Subdivision regulations by replacing “ninety (90) days” with “sixty-five (65) days” to comply with RSA 676:4 C1, “Board’s Procedures on Plats”. Steve Wilson explained that this change was necessary due to a change in the law. There were no public comments offered. Bob Solomon moved to accept the proposal to modify the current subdivision regulations from 90 days to 65 days, seconded by John Sargent with all in favor.
CP Building Supply, Inc. – Commercial Site Plan Review for Eastman property at 268 Amesbury Road, Tax Map 3, Lot 15 – Mr. Cynewski explained that he was in the process of making a land swap with one of the abutters, which would provide for greater set back allowances. This will require a lot line adjustment. Mr. Cynewski waived the Board's thirty day requirement and all agreed to continue the Site Plan Review and conduct the lot line adjustment at the same time. A letter of authorization will be needed from the owner of the land. Bob Solomon moved to continue the public hearing to January 6, 2005, seconded by Joan Whitney with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Theresa Walker, RPC, Proposed Tree Regulations & Environmental Impact Analysis – Ms. Walker, and Conservation Commission member, John Skewes, met with the Board. The Rockingham Planning Commission has received NH Coastal funding to work with the Conservation Commission on projects they don't have time to do. The proposed Tree Regulations would ensure that future developments would not simply be clear cut and would require the applicant to hire an arborist. The Conservation Commission would do the background work for the Planning Board and a tree plan would be required indicating which trees would be removed and which would remain. An inventory could be provided showing road grading plans and tree preservation for pre and post construction. The goal would be to maintain as many trees as possible in an effort to reduce the impact of impervious surfaces. This would help to retain water in the water table and reduce run off situations. Theresa Walker asked the Board to consider adopting the regulation. Steve Wilson suggested it be edited to one page.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Recommended regulatory changes – Jill Robinson -Rockingham Planning Commission - Jill Robinson reviewed a Technical Advisory Memo containing some recent regulatory changes including a new wetlands definition. HB 1148 amended the state law and now requires towns to use the state's definition of wetlands. She suggested the Board could modify what the town currently has, but maintain the hydric A & B soils. A warrant article will be needed and she offered to prepare one for a public hearing at the next meeting.
Subdivision bond release – Discussion of requiring notification to residents of the subdivision and holding a final site walk – Stefanie Johnstone was not in attendance for continuing discussion so this will be forwarded to the next agenda.
Any other business properly brought before the board.
Engineering fees were discussed. The Board agreed that the applicant will need to get an estimate from the town's engineering firm and escrow the necessary funds. This will be added to the check list as a requirement prior to approval.
John Sargent moved to adjourn at 10:00 pm, seconded by Bob Solomon with all in favor.
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant