Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting date:
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Board of Selectmen Present: Curtis Plante
April 12, 2012 David Lindsay
Stanley Wysocki
Don Lowe, Town Administrator
Linda L. Day, Town Secretary
The Board of Selectmen met at the Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted 3-0 by roll call (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes) to enter into executive session under the authority of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 21A (3) at 6:30 p.m. to discuss collective bargaining. The Board announced it would reconvene to regular session.
The Board reconvened into open session at approximately 7:00 pm.
SITE PLAN REVIEW - SYNCARPHA SOLAR, LLC & RENEWALB ENERGY MASSACHUSETTS
Present: Brian Kopperl and Bob Knowles, Renewal Energy Massachusetts and Todd Morey, Senior Professional Engineer, Beals Associates, Inc.; Fire Chief John Mentzer
The Board of Selectmen held a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. to act upon the application of Syncarpha Solar, LLC and Renewable Energy Massachusetts, LLC for a site plan review pursuant to the Town of Bolton Zoning Bylaws, Section 2.5.5.6 for the construction of a Solar Energy Facility to be located on a portion of the property owned by the Davis Farms Trust at 125 Still River Road, Bolton, MA.
Mr. Morey provided a summary of the proposed solar energy facility. The solar array will be on approximately 53 acres and include 25,000 ground mounted solar panels with invertors. All wire supports will be underground and buried with conduit. An eight foot chain link fence will enclose the area, and embankments between the site and houses will help to shield the abutters from the project visually and acoustically. The closest house to the fence is approximately 400 feet.
Mr. Plante recommended that the abutters be notified of the work that will take place on the site.
The Conservation Commission conducted a site inspection on April 25, 2012 and found the site to be suitable for this type of development. The Commission did recommend that the gap proposed at the bottom of the fence be higher than the proposed 3” for rare or endangered species to move through the facility.
Chief Mentzer confirmed that the Fire Department was satisfied with the proposed project.
The Planning Board held their public hearing on March 28, 2012 and will vote on the project at their meeting on April 25, 2012. Although the Conservation Commission requested a gap at the bottom of the fence for wildlife, the Planning Board recommended a gap of less than 4” to keep small children from accessing the site.
The Planning Board will consider, as a condition to the special permit, that proof of a mutual agreement with the power company be provided along with a final emergency response plan accepted by the Fire Department prior to the issuance of a building permit.
The issue regarding the type of surety required is still being reviewed.
On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to continue the hearing to April 26, 2012. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes) This will allow the time for the Board of Selectmen to confirm that the developer is meeting the requirements of the Planning Board.
COUNTRY DOGS DAYCARE AND SHOPPE, INC.
Present: Karen Newsham and Jean Sifleet, owners of Country Dogs Day Care and Shoppe, Inc.
The Board of Selectmen held a public hearing at 7:20 p.m. in the Town Hall, 663 Main Street, Bolton, to act upon the application of Country Dogs Daycare and Shoppe, Inc., for a site plan review pursuant to the Town of Bolton Zoning Bylaws, Section 2.5.5.6 for a retail dog daycare and kennel located at 626 Main Street, Bolton, MA.
Building Inspector Mike Sauvageau did not have any comments regarding the proposed site plan.
The Conservation Commission provided comment expressing concern with the potty breaks, waste disposal and runoff, signage near wetlands and buffer zone. The Commission recommended that the Board of Selectmen require a written operation and management plan for the maintenance of the carport area.
The Board of Health approved the project provided that the plan allows for changes from the Board of Health if necessary. The Board also required that the Enforceable Schedule for an Upgrade Agreement for the building's failed septic system be in place before occupancy.
The Planning Board conducted a public hearing on March 14, 2012 and voted to approve the request for a Special Permit with the conditions that the site plan is approved by the Board of Selectmen; the Board of Health issues including the upgrade of a failed septic system by the owner are addressed; the Conservation Commission concerns regarding the potty breaks and waste disposal in the parking areas are addressed. The Planning Board’s approval was also conditioned on the proposed use being limited to the interior of the building and approved carport, and that the special permit being approved for the current Salt Box structure would require a new special permit review if the property was redeveloped.
On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to continue the hearing to April 26, 2012 to allow time for the outstanding issues with the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Board of Health to be worked out. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
SIGN REQUEST
Ms. Sifleet and Ms. Newsham requested approval for two signs for the retail dog daycare and kennel located at 626 Main Street.
A sign approximately 4’X7’ in size will be located on the peak of the building and read “Country Dogs DayCare & Shoppe and a smaller sign approximately 2’X4 in size will be located near the entrance to the daycare and read the same. The Board of Selectmen suggested that the signs be a little smaller than proposed and that the smaller sign include “entrance” on it.
The tenants confirmed that the building owner has approved the sign provided they meet the town’s requirements and approval.
On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the request for the two signs with the edit to the smaller sign. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
DELTA FINANCIAL – 579 MAIN STREET
The Board of Selectmen conducted a review of the site plan for Delta Financial located at 579 Main Street. The original plan included two skylights in the front, two dormers on the rear and some new windows and glass doors to replace the old barn doors.
The modified plan includes replacing the two sky lights with two roof dormers, adding two dormers to the south wing and two front skylights and two rear dormers will be eliminated.
It was the Board of Selectmen’s opinion that this was an insignificant change, was grandfathered and did not require a review by the Design Advisory Team (DAT).
On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the modifications to the site plan. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – abstained, Wysocki – yes)
PROCLAMATION – SENIOR APPRECIATION MONTH
Present: Terry Abdalian and Mary Ciummo, Co-Directors of Friends for the Seniors
On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to proclaim the month of May as Senior Appreciation Month. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
The theme of the month is “Never Too Old to Play”. Activities scheduled for the seniors include the delivery of May baskets, Tuesday Connection luncheon including games, event hosted by Library, and luncheon to be held at the First Parish Church when the oldest senior in town will be recognized.
PAN MASS CHALLENGE (PMC) KIDS RIDE
Mr. Keane met with the Board of Selectmen to request approval to hold the PMC Kids Ride on the grounds of the Florence Sawyer and Emerson Schools. The event will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2012 from noon to 2 p.m. One of the three bike routes crosses the Condyne property. Police Chief Alfano has approved this event. On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the PMC ride contingent on approval from Condyne. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki –yes)
BERLIN BICENTENNIAL – FRYE ROAD DETOUR
On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the request from the Berlin Board of Selectmen to divert traffic on to Frye Road during their Bicentennial parade on Sunday, June 10, 2012. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
CONSERVATION COMMISSION RESTRICTIONS
Present: Carol Gumbart, Conservation Administrator
On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the conservation restrictions for Weatherbee, Harvard/Old Harvard Road (3.8 acres) and Ducharme, 58 Old Harvard Road (3.95 acres). (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
UPDDATE FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Present: Chris Nelson and Helene Demmer, members of the Economic Development Committee
Mr. Nelson provided the Board of Selectmen with an update from the Economic Development Committee. The Committee was formed in 2010 to help attract, retain and grow business and jobs in Bolton, to improve the economic environment, business climate and quality of life for residents and to meet the long term needs and fiscal requirements of the community. The commercial vacancy rate in Bolton is at 49% compared to 15% in surrounding towns; This year the average tax bill will be $9,021 which puts us in the top 5% of 351 towns and Bolton has the 4th highest tax rate in Massachusetts.
Mr. Dinjian cautioned the Economic Development Committee to be a little more transparent with the information being distributed regarding the town's debt service.
The Economic Development Committee unanimously voted to approve the Village Overlay District although they would have preferred a lot coverage of 12%, rather than the 10% that has been proposed, and felt that the fast food definition was overly restrictive and could limit some food options such as coffee shops, deli’s, etc.). The Committee has not formally voted on the Kane Property rezoning article.
When asked by Mr. Troup why the Committee had been silent on the Davis Farm solar project, Mr. Nelson stated that they hadn’t discussed it because there had been plenty of support, but he would be glad to take the project to the Committee for discussion and a statement.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Selectmen’s Meeting: The next Board of Selectmen’s meeting will be May 10th.
Remote Participation Policy: The Board of Selectmen reviewed and made some minor revisions to the Policy and Procedures for Remote Participation for All Town Boards and Committees. Approval of the policy was deferred to their meeting on April 26, 2012.
On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn at 9:30 pm. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)