Amended and Approved
Committee
Attendees
Jim
Goldsmith – Chairperson |
Marilyn
Z. Kahn |
Michael
Baskin |
Steve
Lesperance |
Craig
Edwards |
Joel Tran |
Guests
Walter
Newman - ZBA |
Paul
Lauenstein – Planning Board |
Lynn
Wolbarst – |
Barbara
Nadler – Library |
Scott
Horsley – Planner |
Nate
Kelly - Planner |
Meeting Initiation
Meeting was
called to order at
Meeting Minutes
Approval of
the November 7th and 21st minutes was deferred to a
future meeting.
Presentation by Horsley Witten Group
Scott
Horsley and Nate Kelly of the Horsley Witten Group (planners that specialize in
low-impact development) gave a presentation entitled “Integrated Water
Management and a Smart Growth Proposal for the
When
questioned, Horsley stated that Titled V is not designed to protect water
quality but to protect the water from bacterial contamination and other public
health concerns. He stated the solutions
needed are to minimize impact, create no new net impact and perhaps form a
positive impact to the water supply. Strategies include a) water supply
conservation, b) re-use of waste water, c) storm water management and d) land-use
planning and better site planning.
It was
mentioned that in
Horsley noted
this was done in Mashpee where nitrogen loading was reduced. The developer
negotiated a deal with a nearby condo complex with Title V problems and the
situation was resolved. He also stated there are new Title V standards coming
out. He recommended designing a site that is flexible and expandable as the
need arises. He suggested we design the Wilber site to be functional and
economically viable.
Horsley
stated that there are many options for technologies, with the best being a biological
vegetative system. It can be designed on
a small space and the action is subsurface. It breaks down sewage particles and
puts the nitrogen gas into the atmosphere. The cost is low and though techniques
are non-conventional they have been used in
Tran asked Horsley
about his thoughts on the amount of pre-planning to be included in the RFP. Horsley
stated that it is critical that the town guide the RFP, maintain control and
direct the project. Horsley can provide parameters. We should give the
developer the concept and the requirements. Horsley would like to provide the
concept design which would be done in time for the RFP. He stated there are various
grant programs that may help us to fund some of the work and they would assist.
These include Riverway Grant, Smart Growth Grant and TOD Grant. He thinks
Baskin
interjected that the committee needs to decide on how to proceed. The more
capacity, the more credits we can give to the developer. It may make
development in town center more attractive. Tran stated if we can reduce
nitrates and produce a positive effect, we can develop the site differently.
Horsley
added that a 10,000gpd restriction was not a “tight” number; it can be changed
based on fixtures and water use as well as the system chosen. As an example,
with use of composting toilets, there can be a 60% reduction in leaching
fields.
The
committee members who were present thought the presentation was excellent. The
firm seemed knowledgeable, committed, and seemed to want to provide
alternatives. By employing the firm we can earn credibility to deal with other
boards in town.
Next Steps
Future Meetings:
Monday, December
12th,
Meeting
ended at 9:15pm.
Respectfully
submitted,
Rachelle F. Levitts