Becket Planning Board
Approved Meeting Minutes
Wednesday , April 9th , 2008
Board Members Present: Gale LaBelle; Chairperson, Robert Ronzio; Vice Chairperson; Beth VanNess, Joe LaCascia (arrives at 8;00 pm) , Martin Schlanger
Board Members Absent: Robert Podolski; clerk
Members of the Public Present: Blanche Lennington, John Amato
Meeting called to order: 7:03 pm.
Mrs. Gale Labelle, Chairperson, opens meeting and announces that agendas are available for anyone who wishes to have one. Mrs. LaBelle states that the meeting is being held in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A and the By-Laws of the Town of Becket. A decision to issue a Special Permit requires a minimum of four positive votes from a five member board. Mrs. LaBelle goes on to introduce the planning board members present .
Approval of Minutes of March 12th, 2008 Meeting
Mr. Ronzio makes a motion to accept the minutes of the March 12th, 2008 meeting as presented Ms. VanNess seconds motion. No discussion, unanimous approval.
Public Hearing; Mr. Steven Buoniconti, 209 Sherwood Drive, Assessor Map 216 Lot 826.
At this time, the applicant, Mr. Buoniconti, nor any representation thereof , is present. Planning Board members decide to postpone the public hearing until later in the evening, giving the applicant additional time to arrive.
Special Permit Guidelines-Registered Land Surveyor.
Mr. Ronzio explains that it is the law in Massachusetts that only Registered Land Surveyors should be doing land surveys, not architects, engineers, etc. Mr. Ronzio states that he does have the law and documentation, just not with him tonight , however, will have it with him at the next Planning Board meeting.
Safety belt Policy- Letter from selectmen explaining the town’s seat belt policy was presented and read to board members present. Brief discussion. Board members sign and return policy forms.
New Business-Berkshire Regional Planning- Review of New Bylaw Amendments.
Small Wind Energy Systems-Ms. LaBelle explains that most places locally are very hilly and would most likely not support these systems. Mr. Ronzio states that the bylaw has many restrictions. Mr. Schlanger reads from the bylaw that the small wind energy systems would be allowed as of right on lots 2 acres or more. Board members present discuss the minimum setbacks and the height of the tower. Member of the public, Ms. Blanche Lennington explains that most of these are going to have to come before the planning board anyway, and at that point the planning board could implement any safety restrictions that they may fell necessary. Mr. Ronzio sites section 6.5.6 which deals with the abandonment and removal of the small wind systems. Mr. Ronzio questions whether or not there would be fines associated with the removal of
the structure if the owner was not in compliance of the zoning enforcer. Mr. Ronzio explains why fines should be implemented in these cases. Mr. Ronzio discusses section 5b, having to do with conduits. He states that more detail may be necessary. Mr. Schlanger notes that a returnable bond should also be considered as an addition.
Adult Entertainment- Mr. Schlanger questions subsection 8.2.4- Special Permit Submittal Requirements. The number of employees and security precautions are discussed. Mr. Ronzio states that the Police Dept. should know the external and internal layout of the premises. Board members discuss the 5 ft. high fence that is stated in the bylaw. Mr. Ronzio states that the outdoor lighting should be contained and facing the business / parking lot as to not disturb abutting properties. Ms. LaBelle reads aloud the section on expiration , stating that the special permit would expire after 2 years and every 2 years there after.
Heavy Duty Commercial Vehicles- Discussion as to the overnight parking of one heavy duty commercial vehicle either owned or operated by a resident of the premises shall be allowed by right. Board members present discuss the possibility of being more specific so that the word “overnight” would not be misunderstood. Mr. LaCascia specifies that overnight parking, including any load containing noxious , flammable or dangerous materials would require a special permit from planning board. Ms. Lennington explains that this was put in as protection for the “working man” who brings his truck home.
Contractor’s Yards- Ms. LaBelle reads aloud new subsection 3.2.1 , permitted accessory uses. Board members discuss the storage of equipment or materials, areas used for repairs and maintenance to equipment, hours of operation, and the storage of flammable, noxious or dangerous materials. Board members discuss the limitations of the amount of vehicles allowed. Mr. Ronzio states that the vehicles should still have to obey the existing 40ft. / 20ft. setbacks so that the vehicles are not parked so close to property lines.
Special Permit request for Stephen Buoniconti, 209 Sherwood Drive, Assessor Map 216 lot 826. At this time applicant, Mr. Stephen Buoniconti is still not present . Mr.Ronzio makes a motion to continue the public hearing until the next regularly scheduled meeting, to be held on May 14th. Mr. LaCascia seconds motion. Unanimous approval. Board members request that the secretary contact Mr. Buoniconti and let him know , it is the board’s strong suggestion that he in fact is prepared and ready and does come before the board in May. Secretary confirms that she will make the contact.
Information Packets- Upcoming May hearings-Secretary passes out the information packets for the two upcoming hearings for the board members to review.
Correspondence- All correspondence is read and reviewed .
Budget- Read and reviewed.
Schedule Next meeting for Wednesday May 14th, 2008.
Mr. Schlanger makes a motion to adjourn. Ms. VaNess seconds motion. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Hunt
Administrative Assistant
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Martin Schlanger
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Robert Ronzio, Vice Chairperson
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Gale LaBelle , Chairperson
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Beth VanNess
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Joe LaCascia
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