PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 9.27.16
TOWN OF BRADFORD
PLANNING BOARD
September 27, 2016
Meeting called to order by Erich Caron, Chair, at 7:04PM.
Members Present
Erich Caron, Chair; Claire James, Vice Chair; Garret Bauer; Sonny Harris, Selectmen’s Rep; Carol Troy; Mark Keith; Pam Bruss; Steve Chase, Alternate; Michael James, Alternate ; Suzzanne Simano, Alternate
Members Absent
Doug Troy, Alternate; Miriam D’Angona; Mark Keith
Review and Consideration of Minutes
Minutes of September 13, 2016 were accepted with no changes.
Appearances:
G&A Automotive Map3/Lot82B: Claire James received a form from the State of NH regarding an application that was sent in from G&A requesting they be approved for a State of NH Inspection Station. There was some confusion on the form regarding the signage for the business so Claire called the DOT to have them come and assess the signs to make sure that they were all in compliance. When the gentleman from the State, Roger Keilig, came out to assess the signs he informed Claire that the current signs on Rt 103 were in fact in the State right of way and that they needed to be removed, Roger said that all the business owners will be receiving letters from the State regarding this matter. Both Amy Fortune (co-owner of G&A) and Martyn Chivers (land owner of Map3/Lot82B) were in attendance and expressed to the Board that they were very upset with how this was handled and that all they wanted was to get their new inspection station up and running. Claire explained why she took the steps that she did because she wanted to ensure that all the regulations were being met. Mr. Chivers was very upset because he was told in the past that his signs were fine as they were. Two members of the Bradford Police Department were in attendance of tonight’s meeting and they were able to deescalate this situation and calm all parties. The board decided that because they are currently in the process of re-writing the sign ordinance that they would not enforce the sign ordinance on existing signs. There was a motion to hold off enforcing the sign ordinance on existing signs until the sign ordinance has been voted on at the 2017 town meeting. Vote 7-0
Sweet Beet Farm Stand Map16/Lot105: Garret Bauer temporarily removed himself from the board during this discussion. He informed the Board that Sweet Beet would like to move the current farm stand to the old Thistle Inn and this would be a Change of Use and also there would be a new permanent building. Garret informed the Board that this plan meets the 30’ setback requirements. He plans on getting a variance allowing the current sign to remain. The next step of this process will be actually moving the farm stand to the new location. He has been working with Mark, Bradford Fire Chief, on current fire codes, but is not getting a lot of direction as to what steps need to be taken next. The Board suggested getting all of Marks expectations in writing along with the regulations so that there is no question as to what each party is expecting. It was also mentioned from a board member to maybe reach out to the Newbury Fire Chief and see if he would be able to help provide some of the regulations. The Board informed Garret that they do not see any issues with the current plans but that it would have to be presented to the Zoning Board meeting on November 2nd, the secretary will add Sweet Beet to the next ZBA agenda.
Master Plan: The master plan is completed and there is a 64 page document that Claire will send to all the Board members for their review to discuss at the next planning board meeting. There was discussion of the cost to complete the Master Plan totaling around $10,000.00, the board suggested asking for this over a two year plan from the town of Bradford, asking for $5,000.00 each year.
To Do Folder:
- G&A form: Motion to check off “Yes” on the form and to leave the next section on the form about signage blank, vote was unanimous.
- Church submitted a sign application: The board reviewed the application and there was a motion to approve, vote was unanimous.
- Driveway application for Map1/Lot44: The board reviewed the application and motion to approve, vote was unanimous.
- Budget: Claire will come up with a draft of the budget to present at the next Planning Board meeting
The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday October 11, 2016 at 7:00pm at BACC.
Meeting adjourned at 9:47PM
Minutes submitted by Molly Hopkins.