Town of Kensington

Planning Board Minutes

July 21, 2009

Approved August 18, 2009

 

In Attendance:  Chair Mike Schwotzer, Vice Chair Theresa Wojcukiewicz, Joan Whitney, Peter Merrill, Richard Powers, Selectmen’s Representative and Dylan Smith, RPC Circuit Rider.  Meeting called to order at 7:34 pm.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

Amend Chapter III, Article 3.5, propose an amendment to the subdivision regulations regarding security to offer an ILC (Irrevocable Letter of Credit) rather than a bond.  M. Schwotzer explained that an ILC is easier to call than a bond.  Rich Powers added that trying to chase a bond can cost thousands of dollars.  There were no public comments.  Joan Whitney moved to amend Article 3.5 to include an Irrevocable Letter of Credit rather than a bond, seconded by Theresa Wojcukiewicz with all in favor.

 

Scenic Road, Chapter II, Article 5.1a, for the removal of a tree on Trundle Bed Lane.  Road Manager, David Buxton, provided photos explaining that the tree was just after the entrance to the skateboard park and has already been struck by a truck.  He said he tried to have it removed last year but there was a lack of funds and timing.  Rich Powers said he’d looked at it and spoke of favor of having it removed.  Dave said he’d like to do it this year in conjunction with four or five different trees at a total cost of $3100.  There were no public comments.  Rich Powers moved to allow the town of Kensington to remove the tree, seconded by Peter Merrill with all in favor.

 

Chairman Schwotzer closed the public hearing at 7:45 pm. 

 

Approval of June 16, 2009 minutes – Theresa Wojcukiewicz moved to approve the minutes of June 16, 2009, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.

 

NEW BUSINESS: 

Felch Gravel Pit – Report review – Kathy and Franklin Felch and Chris Batchelder attended.  Chris said he will work on cleaning out the swales and the sediment.  He explained they’d cleaned up some but with all the rain it’s filling in again.  M. Schwotzer addressed the concrete, stating that they have no list of imported materials, thus concrete is not allowed.  Chris explained that these are preformed footing blocks that they use.  The buckets have been removed and only one vehicle remains.  There was an old utility truck left by the former owner and Kathy has followed the steps required including sending a registered letter.  Their goal is to get rid of the prior materials.  Chris emphasized that they don’t store fuel or oil.

      M. Schwotzer read the summary.  The Felch’s requested that they be notified when an inspection is to be done so they can meet with the town engineer and answer any questions.  They also requested they receive a copy of the report.  Chris said that as soon as the weather breaks they will correct all the issues and added that they won’t haul or move material until all is corrected.  Joan Whitney asked how it will be confirmed.  It was agreed that David Buxton will check and report back to the Board by the next meeting.  Joan Whitney moved to accept the verbal agreement and to give them until the next meeting, seconded by Peter Merrill with all in favor.

Kuegel Gravel Pit – Report review – pit in compliance. 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Conditions – Time limits – conditional approval meeting – Dylan Smith read that there must be active and substantial development.  He agreed to draft an amendment allowing for one year as stated and then a letter requesting a one year extension if needed.

Merging lots – Joan Whitney discussed requiring two contiguous non-conforming lots to be merged after a time.  Dylan Smith agreed to look at what other towns do and they can discuss at the next meeting.

 

Open Space Ordinance – bonuses, conservation- postponed.

 

Master Plan – Discussion of vision chapter.  It was agreed to look at districting, including an overlay of conservation land and trails with Conservation Commission members at the next meeting.  Members were asked to consider the vision.  Dylan explained that UNH does surveys, etc., for very little money.  Rich Powers suggested looking at other communities – 50 years ago vs. now.  Are they well managed and what has worked and what hasn’t.

 

Discussion of Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations – Dylan Smith spoke of the possibility of a slope ordinance.  He will work on this as well, but suggested input from the Conservation Commission.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Circuit Rider Contract – approval – approved and signed.

 

Next Meeting will be August 18, 2009. 

 

Peter Merrill moved to adjourn at 9:22 pm seconded by Joan Whitney with all in favor.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Denise Gregson

Administrative Assistant