to Woolwich Planning Board
Members Present: Bill Potter, Jason Shaw, Gregg Buczkowski, Mike Hoover & Allison Hepler
Also Present: Ken Desmond, Fire Chief/CEO
Allen had a family emergency; Bill Potter, Vice Chairperson, ran the meeting in his absence.
Meeting called to order.
1st Order of Business:
- The Board welcomed Allison Hepler as a new full time Board member replacing Clark Granger.
- Ken mentioned he had attended a State of Maine Shoreland Zoning seminar. The Town has until May 1, 2008 to update its Shoreland Zoning Ordinance.
- The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
- Jason gave each member a newly updated book containing all of the ordinances for the Town of Woolwich.
2nd Order of Business:
- Paul Grover of Wiscasset was present to inquire about the new Sanders North Subdivision. He believes that the subdivision road may be located too close to Bailey Cemetery. He stated that the law dictates a 25' minimum setback from a cemetery. The Board will research it further and discuss it at the June 26th meeting.
3rd Order of Business:
- Art Spencer of Mountain Road was present to inquire about selling a portion of his lot. He would like to divide the 5.5 acre parcel into two lots: 2.5 acres and 3 acres. Bill Longley was present in the audience and Jason asked for his comments. He stated that Mr. Spencer should have his attorney conduct a "chain of title search" to see if any subdivision issues are involved. If there aren't any subdivision issues, the Board will likely not need to take any action. Mr. Spencer indicated that he would contact his attorney. The Board requested a follow up letter containing his attorney's findings.
4th Order of Business:
- Ed Rice of Barley Neck Road was present to inquire about the zoning status of his property. A portion of it is located in the Resource Protection Zone and he questioned why. Bill Longley commented that the State of Maine imposed the Shoreland Zoning map on the Town in 1993. Bill suggested that Mr. Rice hire a consultant to walk the property and create a map that accurately reflects the actual land. It's possible that the property doesn't meet the Resource Protection criteria. If the consultant feels this is the case, Mr. Rice can submit a request to the State to see if the classification can be changed.
5th Order of Business:
- The Board discussed the home occupation application process with Ken. Along with complete applications, the Board would like Ken to obtain a one page summary of the proposed home occupation from the applicant.
- The Board discussed whether the Site Plan Review Ordinance applies to Atlantic Mechanical, located in the Woolwich Industrial Park. Bill Longley stated that he had issued a building permit prior to the Site Plan Review Ordinance being adopted by the Town. He said he has driven by, though and questions whether the building is in the proper location and whether a building permit was obtained for the other building located on the property. Ken said he will investigate and follow up with the Planning Board.
- Mike Hoover asked Ken if it were possible for the Board to receive a monthly report of building permits issued. Ken provided a copy of the report he had submitted to the Board of Selectmen earlier.
6th Order of Business:
- The Board agreed to postpone discussion regarding the Sign Ordinance until a later date.
7th Order of Business:
- Deryl and Penny Lewis of 37 Nequasset Road were present to inquire about dividing their 4.4 acres of property into two parcels. They proposed a 50' right-of-way to the back lot, of which a portion is zoned "Limited Residential". The Board will research allowable uses. The Lewis' will return to the June 26th meeting for more information.
8th Order of Business:
- John Grill was present to comment on the Chopps power project proposed by Maine Tidal Energy Company. He has various concerns and wants to be certain that the Town is involved in the process.
- Allison questioned who was in control of this activity. John Grill replied that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has jurisdiction over these types of operations.
- Mike Hoover spoke and said that he is involved in granting permits for hydroelectric projects. He explained that Maine Tidal Energy Company has a three year window to evaluate the feasibility of moving forward with the project. Mike stated that he had attended the Selectmen's meeting prior to the Planning Board meeting and had recommended to the Selectmen that they write to FERC to intervene in the process. This would give the Town an opportunity to stay informed and have input. By the Town filing for intervention status, the Town would become a "legal intervener".
Meeting adjourned.
* Next Planning Board meeting June 26th at 7:15 p.m.
Bill Potter, Planning Board Vice Chairperson
Jason Shaw, Planning Board Secretary
Gregg Buczkowski, Planning Board
Mike Hoover, Planning Board
Allison Hepler, Planning Board
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