Becket Planning Board
Approved Meeting Minutes
Wednesday , June 11th , 2008
Board Members Present: Gale LaBelle; Chairperson, Ann Krawet, Martin Schlanger; Clerk, Robert Podolski: ViceChairperson
Board Members Absent: Joseph LaCascia, Beth VanNess
Members of the Public Present: Alice Briggs, Colleen O’Connor , Mr. Richard Furlong ( arrives at 7:30)
Meeting called to order: 7:07 pm.
Approval of Minutes of May 14th, 2008 Meeting
Mr. Schlanger makes a motion to accept the minutes of the May 14th, 2008 meeting as presented . Mr. Robert Podolski seconds motion. No discussion, unanimous approval.
Public Participation:
Mrs. LaBelle asks the members of the public to introduce themselves. Mrs. LaBelle begins by reading aloud a letter received by Alice Briggs and Joshua Lombard (letter on file in planning board office). After hearing the letter read, Alice Briggs explains that she is aware of the freedom of speech laws, however the statue in question is offensive to her. Alice states that the statue is placed right next to the road and also directly across the street from the “Longhouse” Alice states that the statue of the jockey glorifies slavery. Alice then states that she did speak with the owners of the antique shop to explain her concern , however, received no response. Mr. Schlanger advises that this topic is not the jurisdiction of the planning board; Mrs. LaBelle agrees. Mr. Schlanger states that these
jockey statues are considered antiques and explains what they were originally used for. At this time, Ms. Colleen O’Connor suggests that Alice might consider contacting the NAACP. Alice says that she feels like not speaking up and saying nothing at all, is the same as condoning it. Alice also adds that she has spoke with the owner of the Longhouse and he also finds it just as offensive. Mr. Podolski states that this planning board must abide by the Becket Zoning By-Laws and that there is nothing pertaining to this in the by-laws. Mr. Schlanger suggests that possibly a letter to the building inspector, to check on the location of the staue and its close proximity to the road might be a good idea. Alice thanks the board for hearing her and leaves the meeting. Next, member of the public, Colleen O’Connor states her name and explains that the reason for her attendance is to question what is going on with the proposed General Store and further would like to know if they have
a new Title V. Ms. O’Connor states that the distance between the well and the septic is definetly not 100 ft.Ms. O’Connor goes on to explain that it is her opinion that the Board of Health may be corrupt and she intends on proving that. Mrs. LaBelle explais to Ms. O’Connor that planning board simply gave them a special permit to open, but that they would have to go in front of all appropriate boards to ensure that all contingencies are met. Mr. Podolski explains that at this time, they are waiting for results from the state. Ms. O’Connor asks if the interested party would be able to open, if he does not actually purchase the store, instead decides to just rent it. Board members reply , no that would not be allowed. Ms. O’Connor ends by stating that she is not opposed to the store opening, however , feels that a customer buying a cup of coffee has the right to know that it is safe.
Old Business- Registered Land Surveyor ; Response from Atty. Sally Bell
Mrs. LaBelle explains that this is in reference to last month’s discussion pertaining to the special permit request by Mr. John Conboy and the board’s request to have a registered land surveyor prepare a new plan for him. Mr. Richard Furlong explains that if the board would like to request an applicant to have a professionally done plan, once their hearing has started , and it is deemed necessary, knowing that the specific circumstances may require it that would be O.K. If however, they make it mandatory for all applicants, before the hearing even begins, then that would be considered excessive. Mr. Furlong advises , from a selectman’s point of view, to please give the consideration to revert back to the way the application guidelines currently read, giving the option of the engineer,
architect, or registered land surveyor.
Board members discuss and unanimously agree, upon receipt of Atty. Bell’s letter, the special permit guidelines will remain the same and no alterations will be made.
New Business
Information Packets- Mr. Conboy, 2727 Jacobs Ladder Road, Assessor Map 204, lot 57; distributed to new member, Ann Krawet . Information packets for Valerie and Gary Bellinger, 336 Sir George Drive, Assessor Map 216, lot 197, distributed to all members present.
Mr. Martin Schlanger makes note of all of the “Motorcycles are Everywhere” signs that seem to be showing up all the town. Mr. Furlong advises that if someone were to complain about the motorcycle signs, then the building inspector would have to address it, as they do violate the current bylaws.
Review of current board posistions- Gale explains that she would like to nominate herself for the Berkshire Regional Planning Position, explaining that her husband, Steve, is currently the alternate, would however, offer the position out to anyone who might be interested. Ms. Ann Krawet expresses interest in attending one of their meetings one day.
Mr. Podolski makes a motion to nominate Ms. LaBelle as Chairperson. Mr Schlanger seconds motion. Unanimous approval. Mr. Schlanger makes a motion to nominate Mr. Podolski to be Vice-Chairperson. Ms. LaBelle seconds motion. Unanimous approval.Ms. LaBelle nominates Mr. Schlanger to be Clerk, and Ms. Krawet to be Assistant Clerk. Mr. Podolski seconds motion. Unanimous approval.
Correspondence- Read and Reviewed.
Budget- Read and Reviewed.
Ms. LaBelle makes a motion to allow money from the planning budget to pay Berkshire Regional Planning. Mr. Schlanger seconds motion; unanimous approval.
Schedule Next meeting for Wednesday July 9th, 2008.
Mr. Schlanger makes a motion to adjourn. Mr. Podolski seconds motion. Meeting adjourned at 8:29 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Hunt
Administrative Assistant
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Martin Schlanger; clerk
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Ann Krawet
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Gale LaBelle ; Chairperson
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Robert Podolski; Vice Chairperson
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