Town of Kensington
Planning Board Minutes
September 16, 2008
Approved October 21, 2008
In Attendance: Chair Joan Whitney, Mike Schwotzer, Bob Solomon, Steve Wilson, Peter Merrill, Richard Powers, Selectmen’s Representative, and Dylan Smith, Rockingham Planning Commission Circuit Rider. Theresa Wojcukiewicz arrived at 7:52 pm.
Meeting called to order at 7:36 pm.
Driveway Permits – David Buxton presented two:
· Moulton, Muddy Pond Road for a second driveway. David Buxton explained that the Moulton’s want to remove the trees along the road. He determined they are in the town’s right-of-way, thus a Scenic Road Public Hearing will be required. The Moulton’s will pay the cost of removing the trees. M. Schwotzer moved to approve the Moulton’s application for a second driveway with the stipulation that the Planning Board has major reservations with regard to safety factors due to the steep pitch leaving the road and potential adverse weather conditions, seconded by Richard Powers with six voting in favor and one opposed.
· Kimball, Kimball Road for a second driveway. Steve Wilson moved to approve the Kimball driveway application conditioned upon the construction of the driveway in the town’s right-of-way being stabilized and completed within twelve months, seconded by Bob Solomon with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Pinnacle – Lot line adjustments – Joan Whitney recused. Trustee, Bruce Cilley, presented the plan which is to reduce the acreage of the current lots in keeping with current regulations and place the excess acreage in conservation. The plan was reviewed and comments from Christian Smith of Beals Associates dated August 12, 2008; “2. I have confirmed that New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Subdivision approval is required as two parcels formerly larger than five acres are being reduced to areas below that threshold. I recommend the NHDES subdivision approval be added to the notes section on sheet 1 of 2, and be a condition of approval by the Planning Board.” Peter Merrill moved to approve conditioned upon NHDES subdivision approval being added to the notes section on sheet 1 of 2, seconded by Steve Wilson with all in favor. Steve Wilson moved to authorize the Vice-chair to sign on behalf of the Board when the plans and mylar are completed, seconded by Bob Solomon with all in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Felch Gravel Pit – Joan Whitney returned to the Board. Mr. and Mrs. Felch presented a copy of the state required plan as requested. They also provided a copy of a letter sent to the attention of Gloria Andrews of DES detailing that approximately 10% or 53,000 yards of the estimated amount of the excavation has been completed. Their plan is to continue following the approved plan. Completion date will depend on the sale of materials. When they receive the reply from the state, Kathie will provide a copy for the file. Peter Merrill clarified that they have a harvest pit, not a processing pit. Steve Wilson commented that the stone is full of silt. The Felches explained it will be washed.
Driveways – Proposed regulation changes – Dylan Smith presented an updated copy of the proposed amendments. For driveways containing slopes of 12% or more, it would be a requirement to have a drainage plan by a New Hampshire licensed engineer. Following discussion it was agreed that this should be changed to 8%. Joan Whitney suggested the wording of unsafe conditions for access and egress. Side slopes were discussed with most agreeing that 4 to 1 would be good. David Buxton felt they should be no greater than 20%. This will be researched further and Dylan will prepare another draft. Once finalized a public hearing will be scheduled.
Workforce Housing – Suggestions included allowing multifamily in the commercial zone only, looking at areas along the state roads through town to include an area of 51%, and ensuring that affordable units are not clustered but scattered throughout. Dylan Smith presented a copy of Exeter’s density bonus. Peter Merrill suggested working toward an annualized goal. Dylan Smith will continue to gather information.
Application Fees – revise engineering escrow amount – Engineering estimated fee has increased to $250 per plan/lot. As required by Rockingham County Registry of Deeds, a $25.00 surcharge is now payable at the time of request for recording. Joan Whitney moved to give Denise Gregson authority to change the fees when necessary, seconded by M. Schwotzer with all in favor.
Steve Wilson moved to adjourn at 9:45 pm seconded by Peter Merrill with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant