MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CORNWALL

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION HELD ON TUESDAY JANUARY 11, 2005.

A Regular Meeting of the Cornwall Planning and Zoning Commission was held at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, January 11, 2005, in the Cornwall Town Hall. Present were: Chairman Richard Lynn, presiding; members David Colbert, Patrick Hare (at 7:40), Anne Kosciusko (at 8:00), and Doc Simont; alternates Ian Elwell, James LaPorta and Emilie Pryor. Vera Dinneen, Land Use Clerk was also present (at 7:35). Rick welcomed Emilie Pryor and Jim LaPorta as new alternates to the Commission. Emilie, Jim and Ian were designated to vote for absent members.

R E G U L A R M E E T I N G

The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 14, 2004 were approved as circulated.

APPLICATIONS FOR ZONING PERMITS

The monthly report of zoning permit activity by staff was briefly reviewed.

OLD BUSINESS

Commission GIS Natural Resources Mapping

Rick Lynn distributed HVA’s response to the request for proposal for the Natural Resources Map Series. He stated that the Cornwall Conservation Trust and the Cornwall Association might be willing to help with the project. Doc Simont stated that the Assessor might also help out. Vera Dinneen has spoken with Michael Gannett, Town Historian, and he is willing to help with the Archaeological, Historical and Architectural Resources map. Emilie Pryor suggested that Jeremy Brecher might also help. She will ask him and organize a small meeting. Pat Hare suggested adding development constraint to the Unique Natural Areas map and adding old roads to the Historical map. Emilie stated that the name “Unique Natural Areas” was too general and should be changed to “Significant Natural Areas”. Ian Elwell expressed concern that private property owners may not want a historical item, which is located on their property, shown on a public map. Rick explained that the Commission will need to be sensitive to those concerns. Rick will draft a contract between the Town and HVA. One possible way to cover the expense is to have the parceling map done this fiscal year and the natural resource maps next fiscal year. A letter will be sent to the Cornwall Conservation Trust and the Cornwall Association requesting $500 from each. David Colbert stated that the Natural Resource maps may be more appealing for them to contribute to than the parcel map. Rick explained that Gordon Ridgway wants money from outside sources to be paid directly to HVA, which will be doing the GIS mapping work for this project. Rick stated that the outreach letter will explain exactly what will be done and that it will be under the direction and control of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Rick will draft the letter to the two groups. Discussion will continue at the February meeting.

It was unanimously voted to change the order of the agenda to accommodate David Hurlburt.

NEW BUSINESS

Site Plan Modification David & Valerie Hurlburt, Grange Hall Rd.

Rick asked David Hurlburt to explain the request, but Karl was not present and Rick would like his input prior to Commission action. David showed pictures of the bank which he is asking to remove. The contractor from the ball field project is willing to do the site work in exchange for the gravel. The future garage will more than meet the setback. requirements. The bank was created when the house was constructed. He is not willing to pay to have a contoured map prepared. He estimates that no more than 1,000 yards of gravel will be removed. The regulations state that not more than 300 cubic yards can be removed without an earth excavation permit. Rick stated that it is difficult to determine if this would be considered commercial excavation. Ian asked the applicant to stake the proposed garage and shoot some site lines to get a closer estimate of the amount of gravel to be removed. Doc suggested removing 300 yards from the site and spreading the remaining gravel on the property. Dave will stake the garage. Rick will speak to Karl. Members asked Dave to submit an erosion and sedimentation control plan and details of the proposed earth excavation and garage. This item was tabled until the February meeting.

OLD BUSINESS (Continued)

Commission Proposed Accessory Apartment regulation changes

A draft regulation change was distributed. Rick explained that the present regulations allow the construction of a second dwelling on the same property. Doc suggested deleting the portion of the proposed regulation change regarding meeting setbacks. He added that if the structure does not meet setback requirements, it must predate zoning. There was much discussion about whether or not to include the requirement that the structure be established for a minimum of ten years. Members agreed that the size stipulation was the important issue. This item was tabled until the February meeting.

NEW BUSINESS (Continued)

Commission 2005 Budget request

Vera distributed copies of the current budget, showing expenditures and the balance remaining in each line item. The line items involving Karl’s pay and mileage are over budget. A large bill from Tom Byrne is still outstanding, but will be submitted to the applicant for payment. It was the consensus of the Commission to rework the figures for fiscal year 05-06 to accommodate the expenditures to date for this year and to suggest a 5% raise in pay for land use staff. Pat offered to draft a letter to be submitted with the budget emphasizing the importance of planning. A couple of members offered to attend the budget meetings between the Selectmen and the Board of Finance to show support for the proposed budget request. It was also the consensus of the Commission to develop and submit a budget amendment request for this fiscal to cover anticipated costs.

COMMUNICATIONS None

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 9:25pm.

Vera Dinneen, Land Use Clerk