Town of Kensington
Planning Board Minutes
October 6, 2005
Approved November 3, 2005
In Attendance: Chairman Michael Schwotzer, Joan Whitney, Richard Powers, Peter Merrill, Michael Motherway, Selectmen’s Representative, and Jill Robinson, Rockingham Planning Commission Circuit Rider. Bob Solomon joined the Board at 7:07 pm.
The Meeting was called to order at 7:04 pm by the Chairman.
PUBLIC HEARING
Joanne Z. Ivarson of 2 Kimball Rd. for Home Occupation of Landscape Design, Map 13, Lot 12 – Joanne Ivarson explained that her home occupation entails the use of a computer in a 10’x 10’ office. There are four parking spaces if needed, but she primarily goes to the client’s home and said she feels there would be limited reasons for them to come to her property. The Board reviewed the check list and approved all with the exception of signage. Ms. Ivarson said she had no plans for a sign at this time, but would like to be able to put one up in the future. The Board agreed that this would be a condition of approval, but would not require a public hearing, only a public meeting. Peter Merrill moved to approve the Site Plan Review for Joanne Ivarson at 2 Kimball Road with the specification that if she wants a sign she will return to the Board for review and approval, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
Donald and Errick Johnson, LLC, Seabrook, NH, and Wood Wrights, Inc., Newton, NH for Site Plan Review for commercial use at 243 Amesbury Road, Map 3, Lot 16. – Dennis Quintal of Civil Construction Management, Inc., representing the applicants, gave the presentation, which entailed the erecting of a 100’x 100’ building. Mr. Willette explained that his business is primarily residential general contracting and Mr. Johnson explained that he and his son have two businesses; pool installation and metal fabrication. They also have several construction vehicles that would be stored at the site; an excavator, loader, skid steer and bulldozer. They maintain these vehicles and contract to have the oil picked up. They would like to lease the remainder of the building for similar trade business. All agreed they would be willing to return to the Board for review and approval of potential lessees.
Mr. Quintal then addressed some of the engineering review comments provided by Christian Smith of Beals Associates including: 1) #5, Article 5.B.8 USGS Datum-plan is approximately USGS and the elevation was transferred from an abutting site plan. A waiver from this Article was submitted; 2) #4, question of whether the cistern being installed in the vicinity could be used. Chief LeBlanc will be consulted; 3) #19, question of whether a municipal driveway permit is required in addition to NHDOT permit approval; 4) #17, a copy of the Sequence of Construction will be sent to Mr. Quintal; 5) #12, Article 7.B.1 regarding requirements for adequate screening; 6) #20, Article 3.8, septic requirements based on the number of people. Mr. Quintal will add a note to the plan that there will be no more than 24 people; 7) #9, Article 6.A.12, question regarding utilities and sprinkling requirements; and 8) #11, Article 6.A.19, question regarding requirement of firewalls with joint applicants. Mr. Quintal added that signs will be constructed and built to the town’s zoning requirements and he will work directly with both Christian Smith and Jill Robinson regarding their comments.
Steve Nickologianes of Old Amesbury Road asked what the hours of operation would be. The applicants stated the basic hours would be 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, five to six days a week, however, there could be times on occasion would they would need to do office work later in the evening. Steve commented that the area is becoming congested with the ice cream stand, a lumber yard and now these proposed businesses and suggested the Department of Transportation be consulted regarding a traffic study and the current speed limit, which may now be excessive.
Jim Tuttle of Hampton accompanied by his mother Arabella Tuttle of Old Amesbury Road, said he would like to work with the applicants regarding the different types of commercial businesses and expressed concerns about the types of businesses that might lease an area of the building. The applicants reiterated that their goal would be to lease to general trade businesses similar to their own.
Peter Merrill proposed applying a condition that there could only be so many quantities of compressed gases and the Board would need the MSDS details with a minimum and maximum determined. M. Schwotzer explained that the difference would be having only materials needed versus storage of any kind. It was agreed that a proposed condition to the plan would be to return to the Board if there is a change of use or additional uses or occupancy proposed.
Peter Merrill moved to accept the plan as complete for the purpose of jurisdiction, seconded by Joan Whitney with all in favor. Joan Whitney moved to grant the waiver request for the USGS Datum, seconded by Bob Solomon with all in favor. Bob Solomon moved to continue the public hearing to the next meeting of November 3, 2005, seconded by Joan Whitney with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Expedited review subdivision – David Swift, 51 Moulton Ridge Road, 2 lots – Mr. Swift explained that he’d like to subdivide his existing lot. M. Schwotzer pointed out that the minimum frontage for Kensington is 200’, not 250’ as stated on the plan. Peter Merrill questioned the elevation listed as 116’, saying he thought it might be 216’. Mr. Swift will check on both.
Jill Robinson had reviewed the plan with several comments: 1) HISS survey by a soil scientist is needed; 2) a driveway reserve area is needed; 3) the plan needs to show the forested areas, but he could request a waiver to Article 4.21, Tree Clearing Regulations; 4) the plan needs to show drainage or culverts; and 5) the applicants need to submit a waiver request for erosion/sediment control plan and stormwater management plan. Mr. Swift will also submit a letter stating nothing has changed and there are no easements since the plan was drawn in 2002. Joan Whitney moved to accept the application as complete, seconded by Peter Merrill with all in favor. Peter Merrill moved to continue to the November 3, 2005 meeting, seconded by Bob Solomon with all in favor.
CP Lumber – Request to move one building 50 feet – the plans have been revised to include Christian Smith’s comments in a letter dated September 28, 2005 and will be addressed formally at the November 3rd meeting.
Discussion of mailer for Special Town Meeting – M. Schwotzer will prepare a letter on behalf of the Board explaining the reason for the Town Meeting and requesting residents to vote Tuesday, November 1. The Board approved mailing these to residents as well as posting notice on the elementary school sign.
Discussion of stone walls – Concerns regarding the proper placement of new stone walls was discussed. They should not be built in the town roads’ right-of-way, which can vary depending on the size and age of the road. Residents are urged to contact town officials who can assist them with the proper set back, before building the walls.
OLD BUSINESS:
Proposed amendment to Ch III, subdivision regulations, Art 4.3 re: cul-de-sacs – the definition was reviewed with discussion regarding whether to combine it with the definition of a loop road. Peter Merrill suggested doing a mathematical ratio. Jill Robinson agreed to rework the proposal to include this.
Elderly Housing Ordinance discussion – general discussion focused on basic intent including defining affordability.
CIP (Capital Improvement Project) discussion – Mike Schwotzer and Michael Motherway have scheduled a work session for Thursday, October 20th, to meet with department heads.
Peter Merrill motioned to adjourn the meeting at 10:12 p.m., seconded by Joan Whitney with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant