7:00 p.m.
UPSTAIRS – STIMSON HALL
Don Hutchings, Dan Cobb, Jack Goosetrey, John Redlon
George Thebarge
Excused: Rod Boyington
Absent: Jason Wilson
Others present and speaking: Terry Hamblet
Dan Cobb moved; John Redlon seconded
Motion to make Jack Goosetrey a voting member.
3 Yes
I. Minutes
A. Minutes of January 28, 2010
Dan Cobb moved; John Redlon seconded.
Motion to accept the minutes as written.
4 Yes
II. Information Exchange
George updated the group on the Street Parking Standards which have been approved by the Town Council. The committee is looking into limiting the acceptance of new streets and that the discussion will include winter maintenance only. If the Town stops paving roads in new subdivisions, then widths of the roads will need to be discussed and may impact the Planning Board in particular, in design standards. Part of this discussion is related to many state roads being turned over to the Town as well as budget issues.
Don stated that there is no obligation to accept the roads if they are brought up to standard. He asked if this will change. George believes that clarification in the wording of the Street Construction Ordinance should be done. Don stated that this obligation was always used as part of the criteria that the Planning Board uses.
III. Tabled Matters and Unfinished Business- NONE
IV. Public Hearing and New Business
A. Request for conditional use approval for a screen-printing business as a conversion of an existing plumbing supply. Address is 264D Portland Road, Gray, Maine. Applicant is Terry Hamblet, 45 Johnson Road. Map 35, Lot 14A, Commercial Zone. Owner of property is Wade Trudel.
Terry Hamblet gave an overview what they would like to do. They would like to move their business to Gray as the Portland location they were working has closed. The location of their business is in an existing building that was a plumbing business. He described the equipment used.
Jack asked if they have met all of the qualifications on the buffers and whether or not the fire department has inspected the building. George stated that this has been used as a business space previously. They would need an occupancy permit which would require inspection from the code enforcement officer. Since it’s been previously used as a business, he doesn’t see an issue
Don asked why the applicant was required to go the Planning Board if there was already and existing business.
George stated that the new zoning ordinance separates uses. This particular use (screen-printing) is not listed, so it requires a screening process by the Planning Board for review.
Don commented that forcing people to through this process for such a small project should be something that the Town should discuss further.
Dan Cobb asked about the berm that is there based on the photos. George stated that as there are long hedge rows on Route 100 which blocks the view as well and that the business is located in the back of the building.
There was a discussion on the screening and hedging. John reminded the group to remember that once an approval is given then the only recourse if people don’t follow through is through code enforcement.
John Redlon moved; Jack Goosetrey seconded
Dan Cobb proposed an amendment to include the standing conditions in the motion. John agreed.
Motion to approve conditional use approval for a screen-printing business as a conversion of an existing plumbing supply. Address is 264D Portland Road, Gray, Maine. Applicant is Terry Hamblet, 45 Johnson Road. Map 35, Lot 14A, Commercial Zone. Owner of property is Wade Trudel. Subject to standing conditions:
1. The project shall be operated in accordance with the plans, textual submissions, and testimony presented to the Planning Board by the applicant.
2. The Board finds that with the following conditions of approval, the proposed screenprinting business will meet the conditional use criteria of Section 402.9.3 F.
3. There shall be no outdoor storage of equipment, materials, and supplies.
4. There shall be no exterior signage for the business larger than the current size of the
existing one on the property.
John would like to see that the applicant has the same opportunity to hang their business sign. The group did not object and the motion was made to include this (see standing condition #4 above.)
4 Yes
A. Workshop Discussion of Timing of New Submissions
George stated that one Planning Board meeting a month is typical in many communities and the issue of the delays or lateness of submissions is in part due to the 2 meetings a month which are 2 weeks apart.
Having a meeting every 2 weeks for long agenda items is a good use of people’s time.
George described the Falmouth Planning Board’s schedule and submission deadlines and gave some examples of their process that might be applied to Gray. It requires that submissions be submitted one month prior. There was also a discussion on the peer review process/fees/ and authority that has been done in the past. The proposed goal is to get the items to the Planning Board one week prior. This makes the 3 week deadline for submission is difficult.
Don stated that 72 hours prior is sufficient and that pre-work is up to the Planning Board. It is up to the Planning Board to decide if they will review an application at a particular meeting or not.
Don believes that this evening’s submission didn’t require Planning Board approval but could have been approved directly at Town Hall.
George proposes one Planning Board meeting a month, with submissions 3 weeks prior and small items can be added 2 weeks prior to the meeting. If there are extensive items for discussion, the meeting could continue the following week if the Board desires.
Don suggests that George submit it in writing when the full Board is here to discuss and vote on it. George agreed and he will also include suggestions on handling small applications as well.
Jack asked if there are time limits in other communities. George stated that 10:30pm has been a limit for beginning new item discussion.
V. Adjournment
John Redlon moved; Dan Cobb
Motion to Adjourn
4 Yes
The meeting ended at 7:40pm
Meetings that are cancelled because of weather will be noted on the town web site (www.graymaine.org), local cable channel (2), and 6, 8 & 13 news. If the meeting is cancelled, it will be held the following Thursday night at 7:00 p.m.
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