TOWN OF DUNBARTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF MEETING
July 11, 2002
Present: Chuck Graybill, Chair
Les Hammond
Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator
7:00 p.m. Planning Board, including Jim Marcou, George Holt, Ken Swayze, Carter Higginbotham, Brian Nordle, Michael Poirier (alternate). The following individuals also participated: Bruce Vaal, Jon Wiggin, , Leo and Gail Martel, Ron Slocum; re: current issues, as follows:
1. Stillwater proposed development: Chuck discussed the Selectmen's requirements for the subdivision to proceed. George mentioned that the salt issue is a big issue. Chuck read a letter to Jim, by Fred Weston's lawyer. George indicated that the lots are adequate to support single wells and that mediation systems can be installed. George feels that the Town should not deny subdivision approval if there is salt contamination, since it can be remedied. He feels the conservation of land is more important than the salt issue. Chuck reviewed Fred's agreement to grout and case wells and the desalting method. Jim questioned whether there could be repercussions later. Chuck indicated that the Town's legal counsel has explained to Fred that he is equally liable as the Town. Chuck mentioned that we could note on the plans that there is a potential salt problem. Carter asked if it were not on the plans would the Town be remiss? Les indicated that the Town will be requiring that all wells be grouted. Carter feels that is a good idea Jim asked whether that should be a Building Dept. requirement rather than a subdivision requirement? Jim asked if the road requirements are acceptable to the Selectmen. The response was "Yes." George discussed a letter that came back from the State, which indicated that the Town needs to come back with justification for the plan. The State suggested putting in two cul-de-sacs.
2. Stark Lane proposed development: Jim indicated that the Planning Board met with the State and has taken a site walk. Ken indicated that he has called the Hwy. Dept./Engineers twice with no call back. He also indicated that there is no copy of the Kettinger subdivision. Ken indicated that this proposed development has been tabled and that there has been a preliminary survey of the land completed.
3. Les mentioned the intersection of Mansion Rd. and Rt. 13 and that there is a proposed development across the street.
4. Jim mentioned that there had not been a proper notification of abutters on the Tenney Hill Rd. proposed subdivision. Les indicated that the Selectmen are requiring the replacing of three culverts, and that the developer is buying and the Town is replacing. The developer is also clearing to the stone wall on his side to widen the corner. George expressed his concerns about the widening of Tenney Hill, since it is a scenic road. He doesn't want to see the road realigned and it sounds like the Selectmen are circumventing the law since the townspeople voted to maintain scenic roads, not to allow Selectmen to change them. Ken indicated that the Town can require developers to cut trees in order to get approvals and that landowners are the ones who have the right to cut trees to the center of the street on their property. Leo Martel wants to know what the problem is just because there will be four more houses. Les indicated that the concern is safety. J.R. indicated that there is only a handful of trees involved.
5. Jim brought up the Drobat subdivision and indicated that the Conservation Commission is preparing a response to DES' converns. Geoge verified that DES signed off on it and there is nothing more the Selectmen can do. Les questioned if then a building permit will be issued, and the answer was "Yes." In response to a question on the proposed improvements to Rangeway Rd., Les indicated that one culvert will be installed and that the Board is considering blocking both ends of the street.
Jim indicated that the Planning Board will start having workshops in addition to the regular monthly meetings.
George brought up the updating of the Master Plan and indicated that the law is changing and will have a specific date to update the plans. He indicated that Dunbarton has the oldest Master Plan in the area. A discussion regarding updating the Master Plan took place.
8:10 p.m. Andy Drobat and Michael Hayward, re: subdivision conditions
Andy asked about any required improvements to Rangeway Rd., beyond the power line. Jan VandeBogart doesn't know of any needed improvements, just that Simon Audet, the previous road agent, had mentioned a "pull off". Les mentioned the Town's right of way and that a waiver would be required since it is not a Town maintained road. Andy indicated that the plan needs to be signed. Chuck indicated that Janice will get a release, and that no repairs to the road are needed. George questioned why they can build on a class 6 road. Chuck and Jan indicated that it is because they are grandfathered.
8:30 p.m. Meadow Lane, private way, Gail and Leo Martel
Leo indicated that there have been trucks on this road for the past two days. Janice indicated that they have a permit to cut lumber, and that no recent building permit has been issued. Les indicated that when a road is discontinued, abutters have a right to get to their land. Les indicated that the landowner cannot build a house unless he goes to the Zoning Board and gets a variance. Ron Slocum mentioned that the landowner told him that he was going to build a house, subdivide and build another house. Ron questioned whether he can improve the road and that he has been trucking crushed rock for two days. Chuck indicated that the logging permit allows him to improve the road. The previous owner had a building permit in 1988. Chuck will have Janice send information to the legal counsel for review. Ron is concerned about future subdivions developments. Leo is concerned about upgrading his road.
9:05 p.m. Other Business
Chuck mentioned that the mowing contract has been awarded to Donald Gravel by a vote of 2 to 1.
Janice mentioned that Al Vaal is having an open house on Sat., from 2-6 p.m. and all the Selectmen are invited.
Chuck indicated that the Selectmen met on Wed., 7/10 at 10:00 a.m. to sign documents to bring about the purchase of the Narsikkas property. Chuck wishes to extend the Board's sincere appreciation and thanks to the Conservation Commission for their efforts on a job well done. The closing is expected on 7/17.
9:20 p.m. Les motioned, which was seconded by Chuck, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried.
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Chuck Graybill, Chairman
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J.R. Swindlehurst, III, Selectman
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Les Hammond, Selectman
Respectfully Submitted:
Joanne Johnson