Town of Kensington
Planning Board Minutes
April 15, 2008
Approved June 17, 2008
In Attendance: Chair Joan Whitney, Vice-chair Mike Schwotzer, Bob Solomon, Theresa Wojcukiewicz, Peter Merrill, Steve Wilson and Dylan Smith, Rockingham Planning Commission Circuit Rider. Richard Powers, Selectmen’s Representative arrived at 7:40 pm.
Meeting called to order at 7:36 pm.
Election of Officers: Chairman and Vice-Chairman – Steve Wilson moved to elect Joan Whitney as Chairman, seconded by M. Schwotzer with all in favor. Joan Whitney moved to elect Mike Schwotzer as Vice Chairman, seconded by Theresa Wojcukiewicz with all in favor.
Approval of March 18, 2008 minutes – Mr. Merrill explained that the information was incorrect in number 3 of the last paragraph, stating it’s not a Unitil restriction but a NH State Metering which has been raised to 100kw, RSA 362-A:1-a-11-b. M. Schwotzer moved to accept the amended minutes of March 18, seconded by Joan Whitney with all in favor.
Driveway Permits – David Buxton presented two permits for Hudson Heights, Lots 3 and 7. He also explained that the last lot on the left has a drainage issue. The bank was cut into and a French drain and swale were installed and the water drained onto the adjacent lot. He contacted Christian Smith, the town’s engineer, who said the drainage should continue down the lot line to the road side swale. Mr. Buxton added that the Building Inspector should inspect the lot and drainage before issuing a certificate of occupancy. He also suggested adding to the sequence of construction that a slope steeper than 3 to 1 needs to be vegetated. Dylan Smith asked about erosion control and Mr. Buxton explained that while it is required for subdivision, it is not required on individual lots and suggested requiring a specific layout for challenged lots as part of the building permit process or possibly adding a procedure for residential Site Plan Review. M. Schwotzer moved to approve the two driveway permits for Hudson Heights, Map 6, Lots 3 & 7, seconded by Bob Solomon with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Placement of Town Meeting regulations in Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations - M. Schwotzer moved to assign the Kensington Senior Housing Ordinance approved at Town Meeting to Chapter II, Article 8.5 and the Wind Energy Conversion Systems Ordinance to Chapter VII, Article 1, seconded by Joan Whitney with all in favor.
Felch Gravel Pit report – Christian Smith of Beals Associates in his Construction Inspection Report dated March 25, 2008 wrote that since the pit has been open longer than the original estimate of 8 years to complete the excavation as cited in the approved plans signed in July of 1999, a written status and updated plan of excavation through completion should be prepared and submitted to the Planning Board. The Site Specific (NHDES Alteration of Terrain) permit requires a written status report every two years and an updated plan of the project every six years as a condition of permit approval. Copies of these documents should be submitted to the Kensington Planning Board for review. Denise will write a letter requesting these documents.
Kuegel Pit Report review – Mr. Kuegel acknowledged that as reported by Christian Smith of Beals Associates he has brought in concrete and asphalt as it was his understanding that he couldn’t bring them in to bury them, but could mix them with his gravel. All agreed that times have changed and these materials can now be processed. He explained they are mixed in accordance with State specifications which are very stringent. Steve Wilson questioned what would constitute a gravel pit versus a processing plant.
Rob and Susan Garneau spoke with the Board regarding a buffer encroachment that resulted in tree vegetation removal. Mr. Kuegel acknowledged this and stated he restored the buffer and grass is growing. Upon further discussion, Mr. Kuegel agreed to plant trees and remove anything buried. He agreed to meet with the Garneau’s and work out a restoration plan.
M. Schwotzer stated that a change has occurred. Mr. Kuegel could ask to modify his permit and import list or remain with the current requirements. Mr. Kuegel agreed to remain within the confines of his current permit and import list at this time and stated the material would be out by summer. The Board explained that if he feels he needs to make changes in the future he can return to the Board.
OLD BUSINESS:
Driveways – Proposed regulation changes – David Buxton was in agreement with the basic proposal but stressed that he’d like to be able to address single homes as well. Richard Powers suggested adding wording requiring a permit when paving or repaving a driveway. The three areas to deal with are subdivisions which will require the first 10 feet of driveway be paved as the binder course is installed prior to certificates of occupancy, new lots on country roads which could be included in the building permit process and existing driveway, many of which are problematic. Dylan Smith will work on the additions for Board review at the next meeting. If complete then a Public Hearing will be held at the following meeting.
Structures 120 sq. ft or less – M. Schwotzer explained that going forward all structures will be subject to the setbacks regardless of size, but existing, non-compliant structures, will be allowed to remain.
Any other business properly brought before the board.
Joan Whitney passed out a “Model Ordinance for Small Wind Energy Systems Ordinance” and an “Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design” requesting the members review for the next meeting.
M. Schwotzer moved to adjourn at 10:20 pm seconded by Steve Wilson with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant