TOWN OF BRADFORD
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 9, 2014
Meeting called to order at 7:05pm by Marcia Keller, Chair.
Members Present
Marcia Keller, Chair, Jim Bibbo, Erich Caron, Don Jackson, Clair James, Mark Keith and Steve Chase, Alternate
Members Absent
None
Select Board Representative, Sonny Harris, arrived at 8:15pm.
Approval of Minutes
Motion was made to approve the minutes for August 26, 2014. Motion carried 6-0.
Conceptual Consultation- Rural Heritage Connection- Rail Trail
Michelle Halstead, representing RHC of Bradford, presented a proposal to build a rail trail through Bradford linking the Tilly Wheeler Trail from Warner to the Newbury town line. The primary intent is to provide safe travel for bicyclists, horseback riders and, seasonally, snowmobilers. The trail will primarily follow the NH DOT Right of Way along Route 103. RHC is looking to list the project as a priority in the Regional Planning Initiative. Business community has indicated interest in the project for the potential economic benefit to the town. Principal goal of the project is safety, secondary goal is to provide amenity to residents of the town and to improve health and recreational opportunities. Conceptual funding would come from fundraising and business contributions. Estimated maintenance cost would be $700/year with volunteer contribution, without accounting for any potential partnership with the snowmobile community. Initial estimated cost at $10,000 which is subject to change.
Work Station
It was suggested to create a station in the room for the public computer and tax maps for convenient public access and to set-up another station in the room for the Secretary of the Planning Board to have access to the Planning Board files.
Tri-Fold
Several edits were made to the Planning Board Tri-Fold regarding contact information.
Form Letter Re: Electronic Filing
The Planning Board requires that all final approved applications be submitted in electronic format. It was agreed upon that a letter should be sent to all applicants who have not submitted applications in electronic format since the regulation was updated. A form letter will be drafted to send to applicant and engineer requesting this submission.
Max Enterprises
The Select Board Minutes 8.25.14 noted that a letter would be sent to Mr. Chivers regarding code violation. The Planning Board advised that no such letter had been seen yet and inquired as to the status of the letter as a copy should be included in the Planning Board file. Select Board representative, Sonny Harris, stated he did not know if the letter had been written yet.
Gravel Pit- Update on Amendment of Excavation Regulations
The Gravel Pit Subcommittee presented a first draft of the Amendment to Excavation Regulations. Proposed changes include detailed Inspection Guidelines and a comprehensive educational session.
Proposed Inspection Guidelines include structured annual inspections, permit coverage maintenance, and a suggested checklist for inspections to ensure regulations are being followed. A team of several individuals educated on Excavation Regulations was suggested to conduct proposed inspections. It was agreed upon that a follow-up letter should be completed post inspection and provided to the Gravel Pit Owner/Operator.
Changes and additions to local Excavation and Reclamation Regulations would include updates of local permits to coincide with NH Alteration of Terrain Cycle, begin reclamation after two years of inactivity rather than one, and clarify inspection process including detailed inspection checklist for Gravel Pit Owner/Operator.
The proposed educational session will be for gravel pit owner/operators, those who may need to complete the reclamation process, future owner/operators, Select Board members, Planning Board members, and select representatives from the conservation commission, NH DRA, NH DES AoT Bureau and ZBA.
Proposed timeline for the educational session is 11.3.14 with a preview session 10.28.14. All dates tentative pending availability of state invitees. Formal invitations will be sent to Gravel Pit Owner/Operators once details are finalized.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30pm.
Minutes submitted by Camila Devlin, Secretary