MINUTES OF THE WHITSETT PLANNING BOARD
The monthly meeting of the Whitsett Planning Board was held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at the Whitsett Town Hall. In attendance: Board Chairman Bob Maccia, Board Vice Chairman Joe Wheeler, Evelyn Rutkoski, Patrick Hickey, Jr., Homer Moser, Ella Efird, and Councilmember Jerry Rice. Absent: Paul Lewis. Also present were
Ken Jacobs and from the Rock Creek Record Beth Seagraves.
Planning Board Chairman Bob Maccia called the meeting to order, noting a quorum was present; and seated newly-appointed Board alternate Ella Efird to vote.
1.
Adoption of
Minutes
Planning Board Chairman Bob Maccia asked for any changes to the minutes
from the Planning Board meeting on May 2, 2007. Motion made by Board member Patrick Hickey to adopt the minutes from the May 2 meeting as presented; seconded by Board member Evelyn Rutkoski. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Board Chairman Bob Maccia distributed a one-page
document (copy attached) presenting the language that Greg Niles recommended
for incorporation into the Town’s Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, which is
scheduled for public hearing on Tuesday, June 12. The Planning Board reviewed and concurred
with the suggested changes, thereby making the ordinance in its final form for
the Town Council to adopt during its regular meeting on June 12.
3.
Any Other
Old Business
Board Chairman Bob Maccia asked for any other old business; and there was brief discussion about the Saturday, July 14 dedication of the Whitsett historic district roadside marker. Chairman Maccia stated that since it is likely the Board will have no July meeting, he is now reminding Board members to put the July 14 community event on their calendars and plan to attend if at all possible.
Invitations would be sent to VIPs, flyers would be mailed to townsfolk and
others posted at businesses, activities for the day were in the works, and the dedication/unveiling would be brief, followed by picnic food being served.
Board Chairman Maccia opened up for discussion the buffer zone ordinance, which brought to the table much concern about qualifying and better defining the elements of a buffer zone.
Issues raised for consideration in amending the current ordinance included: spacing of plantings, types of plantings--especially the reference of “evergreens,” encouraging business owner and home owner to work together at the outset, and the allowance of proposed exceptions provided both business owner and home owner agree.
Given these ideas for incorporation into the ordinance, some of the language suggested was:
·
Depending on the variety of plantings, spacing
shall result in a solid screening
within _X_
number of years.
·
Landscaping shall contain evergreen plantings as
its main element.
·
Business owner and home owner shall work
together within reason to determine appropriate barrier that falls within the
guidelines of this ordinance.
·
Should the business owner and home owner agree
to a buffer different than that included in the guidelines, they may request an
exception and submit their proposal to the Planning Board with final
arbitration by the Town Council.
Discussion will be continued on the above [or similar] sentences and any additional insertions/revisions at the August Planning Board meeting.
In conclusion, those present mutually believed that
the most optimum action that could be followed relative to this or any applicable
ordinance concerning a new business would be for the business owner and home
owner to come before the Planning Board for site plan review and
discussion. This would afford the Town
the opportunity to not only present its requirements for buffer zones, but to
introduce its specifications on lighting, signage, etc. All issues, concerns, questions would be on
the table; and all would hear the same rules, regulations, explanations.
Board Chairman Bob Maccia explained that there was a vacancy on the Enforcement Committee as a result of Sharon Hunt’s resignation as a Planning Board alternate as well as a member of the Enforcement Committee; and asked
if anyone serving on the Planning Board would be interested in serving on the town’s Enforcement Committee.
Board member Patrick Hickey volunteered. Motion was made by Board Vice Chairman Joe Wheeler to recommend to the Town Council that Planning Board member Patrick Hickey serve on the Enforcement Committee; motion seconded by seated Board alternate Ella Efird. Motion carried by unanimous vote; and at the June 12 Town Council meeting, Board Chairman Maccia will recommend Patrick Hickey to be installed on the Enforcement Committee.
Board Chairman Bob Maccia asked for any other new business to be discussed; and there was none.
With no further business before the Board, Planning Board Chairman Bob Maccia invited a motion to adjourn. Motion made by Ella Efird to adjourn; motion seconded by Joe Wheeler. By unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
The July meeting of the Whitsett Planning Board is considered cancelled unless any issues arise that need attention next month. Otherwise, the next meeting of the Whitsett Planning Board is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at the Town Hall.
/s/ /s/
______________________________ _________________________________
Jo Hesson, Town Clerk Bob Maccia, Planning Board Chairman