Vassalboro Planning Board
Minutes of January 9, 2007
Present:
Planning Board: Virginia Bracket, George Gould, Sally Butler, Gary Coull, Jay Nutting,
CEO: Paul Mitnik,
Public: Verne D. Pinney, Al Hodsdon, John Perron, Michael Letourneau, Mike Dyer, Theresa Dyer, Terry O Rourke, Christian O Rourke, Peggy Gallant, Charlotte Eastman, Terrance Gallant, Jim Heckman, Curt Ferland, Jane B Wells
The meeting opened at 7:03.
Review of November Minutes: George motioned to accept the minutes as presented. Jay seconded. All in favor.
Verne Pinney Surveyor Tax Map 2, Lot 47
Holman Day Road Subdivision
Preliminary and Final Plan
The proposal is a four lot subdivision. Only three of the lots need Planning Board approval. One of the corner lots, which was the first dividing of the land, occurred earlier and as indicated by the Town Subdivision Ordinance does not need Planning Board approval. The total land area of the three lots needing approval is 2.15 acres.
Verne Pinney of K&K Land Surveyors presented the initial information. The final map was shown to the Planning Board which includes both the location of wells and subsurface disposal area for wastewater for each lot. Green Card return certificates were handed to Paul from each land abutter. A letter from Maine Fish and Wildlife was also presented indicating that there are no known Significant Wildlife Habitats at the proposed subdivision site. Virginia asked about the type of subsurface wastewater disposal system.
Al Hodsdon replied that each lot will have concrete chambers. They require less space and can be easily replaced in the event of a disposal system failure.
Paul presented sign off sheets from Mike Vashon, the Town Manager and Eric Rowe, the Fire Chief indicating their approval or concerns from the proposed subdivision. Virginia noted that Eric did not see a turn around when he was at the site and Mike had concerns about the close proximity of the wastewater disposal areas to the road. Verne Pinney indicated that the road is not complete yet and the turn around will be constructed as indicated on plans. Al Hodsdon indicated that the 50 foot right of way includes the road and the ditches. The proposed location of the wastewater disposal areas should be far enough away so that snow piled up in the winter will not be on top of the disposal areas. The proposed locations of the wastewater disposal areas meet the setback distances of 10 feet that is required in the State Plumbing Code.
The culvert under the Holman Day Road at the intersection of the proposed road was discussed. Verne Pinney noted that there is typically not any water in the culvert.
Gary had concerns about the cost of a wastewater disposal replacement system noting an experience near China Lake where a disposal system cost about $9000 for initial installment and $5000 when it was replaced. Al Hodsdon estimated that a replacement system here would cost about $1500 to $2000. Al indicated that the soils here are good and only requires a medium size system. There are little materials to buy; a low amount of fill is required; and a replacement can usually be completed in a day.
Virginia had questions concerning the road to be built for the subdivision. Will the road be private, but built to town standards? Verne Pinney indicated yes. Virginia indicated that it was unclear how the road was to be maintained. John Perron indicated that he will be responsible for maintaining the road until the lots are sold. After the lots are sold, a road association will be formed and recorded in a deed covenant for each lot. Virginia noted that if the Town is to take over maintenance of the road in the future, it must be built to town standards and paved and then must be approved at a Town Meeting.
Virginia led the Planning Board through the requirements of the Preliminary Plan to determine if it was complete. There was little discussion and most items were noted to be included except as follows:
11. High intensity soils survey? Al Hodsdon noted that there was a medium intensity soils survey. This was deemed to be acceptable by the Board.
26, 28. Al noted that he did not receive letters back from Maine Natural Areas Program and the Natural Register for Historical Places. He though it was unlikely that this was an issue.
29. Who will dispose of the material from clearing the land? The contractor.
Virginia indicated that they were ready to vote upon the completeness of the preliminary plan. George made a motion to accept the preliminary plan as complete. Jay seconded All in Favor.
Virginia inquired whether anyone else attending had any comments. Terrance Gallant asked if blasting was necessary for the wastewater disposal systems. Al Hodson indicated that no blasting was necessary.
Virginia indicated that since this project was small, the final plan could also be approved at this meeting. Typically for larger scope projects, DEP approval is needed and it may take several months for that to occur. The twenty-one items required in the final plan were checked and noted to be included. George made the notion to accept the final plan as complete. Sally seconded.
Next compliance of the performance standards in the Ordinance were checked and approved as follows:
A.George made a motion to approve. Seconded by Sally. All in favor.
B.George made a motion to approve. Seconded by Gary. All in favor.
C.George made a motion to approve. Seconded by Jay. All in favor.
D.George made a motion to approve. Seconded by Sally. All in favor.
E.George made a motion to approve. Seconded by Sally. All in favor.
F.George made a motion to approve. Seconded by Jay. All in favor.
G.George made a motion to approve. Seconded by Sally. All in favor.
H.George made a motion to approve. Seconded by Gary. All in favor.
I.George made a motion to approve. Seconded by Jay. All in favor.
J.George made a motion to approve. Seconded by Sally. All in favor.
K.George made a motion to approve. Seconded by Gary. All in favor.
L.George made a motion to approve. Seconded by Jay. All in favor.
Virginia indicated it was time to vote on the approval of the entire subdivision. George made a motion to approve. Seconded by Sally. All in favor.
Mike Dyer and his accomplices inquired about a paint ball business that they are planning to start on Route 201. Virginia indicated that it is important to get a good quality map. This has been an issue with other proposals. Paul indicated that he was willing to meet with them and help them through the process. Mike indicated that he wanted to be included on the February Planning Board Agenda.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05.