Town of Sharon Planning Board

Meeting Minutes of 10/28/09

Amended and Approved on 12/2/09

 

Planning Board Attendees

Paul Lauenstein, Chair 

Susan Price, Vice Chair

Eli Hauser

Amanda Sloan

David Milowe, Clerk  - absent

 

 

Peter O’Cain, Town Engineer, Consultant

 

Chair Report

·        The meeting was called to order at 7:40 PM by Chair Paul Lauenstein.

·        The first invoice for Land Strategies as pertains to the Post Office Square review, in the amount of $3,948.00, was approved for payment by the Board. The invoice will be paid with the Kendall funds.

·        Brickstone Properties. LLC cancelled their appearance at tonight’s meeting. They has asked to discuss alternate plans for Rattle Snake Hill, but deferred participation to a later date.

 

Bond Reduction for Eisenhower Extension Subdivision

Mr. O’Cain stated that the developer of the Eisenhower Extension subdivision is requesting that the performance bond for the Eisenhower Extension Subdivision be reduced from $97,700 to $47,000, a reduction of $50,700. Mr. O’Cain reported that the grass strip and sidewalk dimensions were corrected and the trees have been planted. The Selectmen allowed Attorney Gelerman to meet with Mr. Klayman, Mr. Friedman and Mr. Piazza regarding their specific issues. The gate and plowing issues are now all set. Mr. Gelerman was working to explore the possibility of putting together an indemnification agreement that would work for the Town and the abutters.

 

Ms. Price moved to approve the revised bond recommendation for Eisenhower Extension Subdivision per Peter O’Cain’s memo dated October 28, 2009. Mr. Hauser seconded the motion. The Board voted 4-0-0 in favor.

 

Bella Estates

Ms. Price moved to authorize Town Engineer, Peter O’Cain to place a stop work order at Bella Estates if the definitive CSD Plan is not submitted by November 13th, 2009. Ms. Sloan seconded the motion and the Board voted 3-0-1 (Mr. Hauser abstained).

 

Town Meeting

The Board discussed how they would present their thoughts on each Town Meeting article relevant to the Planning Board.

 

Sign Bylaws - Ms. Price will present the Planning Board’s position as relates to the Sign Bylaws at Town Meeting. Ms. Price explained that the article was intended to allow for renumbering, clean-up and changing the word “shall” to “may” with regards to the Board of Selectmen’s appointing a Sign Committee.

 

Mr. Hauser moved to recommend editorial and numbering changes for the Sign Bylaw of the Sharon General Bylaws also known as Article 17. Ms. Price seconded the motion and the Board voted 4-0-0 in favor.

 

Light Industrial District - Attorney Phil Macchi will present the Light Industrial District Article to Town Meeting as it is a Selectmen’s article. Town Engineer, Peter O’Cain, agreed to call Mr. Macchi to discuss the Planning Board’s comments and thoughts on this article as well as their suggested presentation format.

 

Brickstone - The Planning Board vote with regards to the Brickstone Articles 1 and 2 will be reported by the Board. Mr. Hauser stated he would present the majority vote opinion and Ms. Sloan or Mr. Lauenstein would present the minority opinion.

 

With reference to the Mountain Street Article, the Board agreed that they had not voted on this article, no meetings or public hearings were held to discuss the issue so they will not offer any official opinion.

 

Eisenhower Drive Extension Street Acceptance – The Board agreed they had voted 5-0-0 to recommend Eisenhower Drive Extension subject to the satisfaction of the Town Engineer and Tree Warden and the completion of the Town Engineer’s punch list.

 

Form A’s/Sign Reviews

None.

 

Meeting Minutes

Ms. Price moved to approve the meeting minutes of 9/16/09 as amended. Mr. Hauser seconded the motion. The Board voted 4-0-0 in favor.

 

Ms. Price moved to approve the meeting minutes of 9/30/09 as amended. Ms. Sloan seconded the motion. The Board voted 4-0-0 in favor.

 

Ms. Price moved to approve the meeting minutes of 10/14/09 as amended. Mr. Hauser seconded the motion. The Board voted 4-0-0 in favor.

 

Other

Mr. Lauenstein suggested that that the Board begins to focus on planning for the Town and suggested looking at existing plans such as the Housing Production Plan and EO418 Plan. Ms. Sloan said that the Board, over the next six months, should become familiar with various other Town initiatives such as the Open Space Plan, Economic Development Plan, Library Plan, Sacred Heart, sewage treatment plant, for the center of Town etc. She suggested that instead of being reactive, we need to be proactive and promulgate visions and how those visions will affect the Town.

 

Ms. Price reported that the zoning for the P.O. Square project is progressing. While attending an MAPC meeting, she learned that the State offices of transportation, and the RMV and Mass Highways are being combined into MASSDOT. She also advised the Board that the State is acquiring CSX rail infrastructure.

 

Mr. Hauser reported that the renderings for P.O. Square were received and he will circulate them. The second invoice for the vendor is pending.

 

Adjournment

Mr. Hauser moved to close the Planning Board meeting at 10:00 PM. Ms. Price seconded the motion and the Board voted 4-0-0 in favor.