The Raynham Planning Board held a regularly scheduled meeting on March 26, 2009.
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p. m. by Vice-Chairman Burke Fountain.
Board members present: Burke Fountain, John Canto and Henry Ellis
Board members not present: Daniel Andrade, Christopher Gallagher
Staff present: Marilyn Whalley, Town Planner, Maureen McKenney, Administrative Assistant
6:06 p. m. - MORE Grant - Mr. Fountain noted that at a previous meeting, the Board agreed to take $34,000 from the $75,000 Carriage Hill escrow account the Town is holding and apply those funds towards the MORE Grant and to then replace the $34,000 with funds that will be submitted to the Town from the developer of Bella Estates site plan when a building permit is obtained for construction at Bella Estates.
Ms. Whalley advised the Board the $34,000 is needed because the Town must spend their portion of the funds from the MORE Grant by June 30, 2009. She noted the Town funds will be applied towards engineering costs for improvements to Paramount Drive/Hill Street area. She noted the state awarded one million dollars through the MORE Grant and the Town will be providing funding for costs over that amount.
It was noted the Board was awaiting a written request by Michael Intoccia, developer of Bella Estates, for a minor modification to allow the $34,000 he will be contributing to the Town to be placed in the Carriage Hill escrow account upon receipt. The request was not received yet so the Board took no action on the matter.
6:10 p. m. – General Business: Minutes of March 12, 2009, were received. Mr. Fountain moved to waive the reading and approve the minutes as submitted; second by Mr. Canto; motion passed by unanimous vote.
Invoices were signed.
Copy of e-mail correspondence from Highway Superintendent Roger Stolte to John Galvani, Norwood Bank, regarding hazards at Carriage Hill Estates, was received. No action was taken.
Town Planner Update: Ms. Whalley submitted a draft copy of “Raynham Planning Board Request For Qualifications For Review Of Planning Board Submittals” for discussion with the Board. She also submitted a prior contract the Board had with Nitsch, Inc. for project review services and noted the contract has expired and is no longer in effect.
Mr. Fountain noted the Board had previously discussed implementing a rotating system for project review consultants using three local engineers instead of having one engineering firm conducting all the reviews. After discussion, Ms. Whalley agreed to check on Chpt. 30B procurement rules to determine if a rotating system is allowable by law.
Mr. Ellis asked if the Board could have individual contracts with three different engineering firms at the same time. Ms. Whalley agreed to research that also.
The Board and Ms. Whalley discussed the feasibility of engineering consultants bidding on each project as they came before the Board. After discussion, it was agreed that would involve too much time and expense.
Mr. Ellis noted the Board may still want to use the services Nitsch engineering services for bigger projects. Mr. Canto noted smaller firms can subcontract work out to larger firms if a project warranted. Ms. Whalley stated she might want language in a contract stating a firm cannot do that.
After discussion, Board members agreed they will be working on language for a new contract for engineering services. Board members also agreed they liked the services provided by Nitsch, Inc. and finds the firm very competent.
Ms. Whalley informed the Board she received a letter from Attorney David Gay, Taunton, MA, regarding rezoning on Carver Street near Broadway. Attorney Gay advised that his clients, the Southworths, are interested in rezoning their property from Residential A to Business use.
Ms. Whalley questioned if this would be spot zoning. Mr. Ellis stated the parcel in question was large enough to not be considered spot zoning.
Zoning on Broadway was discussed. Board members noted they did not want to see strip malls and plazas along Rte. 138. Ms. Whalley discussed a possible mixed use concept with transitional areas. Mr. Fountain asked Ms. Whalley to put together some ideas for Broadway rezoning.
After discussion, the Board advised Ms. Whalley to inform Attorney Gay that the Planning Board does not see the Southworth’s property becoming business use at this time.
Ms. Whalley asked if the Town has a zoning by-laws rewrite committee. Mr. Ellis stated that rezoning is done by ad hoc committee. Mr. Canto noted rezoning is often initiated by special interest.
Ms. Whalley informed the Board that free services will be made available from the firm of Goody-Clancy, through SRPEDD, regarding a possible transit oriented development at the Rte. 138 dog track property. No action was taken.
There was no further business, and the meeting adjourned at approximately 6:48 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Raynham Planning Board
Christopher J. Gallagher, Clerk
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