Meeting Minutes
Planning Board
September 22, 2022
FINAL
Board Members Present: Darren Finneral, Chair; Jim Lord, Chris Millette, Denise Mitchell, Wayne Seaholm, Members
Public: Vicki Davis from Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission, Alison Kinsman (CIP Committee Member)
Mr. Finneral called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
CIP:
Ms. Davis introduced herself and briefly explained the purpose of the CIP.
She said it is important to look at the CIP every year because costs change from year to year.
She explained that Department Heads were asked what heavy equipment they will need in the future, and it is worked into the plan.
Ms. Mitchell said the police never has a vehicle in the CIP and doesn’t understand why they were allowed to purchase a cruiser this year even though they used grant money. She said she wonders how much meat the CIP has. Mr. Finneral said they put together the CIP and then present to the budget committee. Mr. Finneral said they did ask department heads to get accurate numbers on big items they will need. Mr. Seaholm wonders if we saw an increase this year in department items in which the numbers in the CIP would go up. Mr. Millette said this is just a plan to put away money in chunks in preparation for the big, ticketed items.
Ms. Kinsman explained that money is put aside each year in CIP for big items, but it still needs to be placed in a warrant article at Town Meeting to authorize spending. If more money is needed, the Town would also vote on the additional cost that was needed if there was not enough with CIP funding. Ms. Kinsman said Highway and Fire Departments are looking 2-3 years ahead in the CIP planning.
Ms. Mitchell said she thought they weren’t buying a cruiser this year, but then they did.
There was a lengthy discussion regarding the $20,000 under Recreation.
The Board anonymously decided to change the $20,000 to $10,000 under Recreation.
Ms. Mitchell is concerned about the fixing of the library. She thinks they need more money.
There being no more changes, Ms. Davis will make the changeregarding Recreation and the Board will sign at the October 18 meeting.
Ms. Kinsman said the fire department and highway department both came into the CIP meeting to talk about the costs of vehicles they will need in the future.
Ms. Davis will make that one change and will send it back to Mr. Finneral.
Warrant Articles
Ms. Davis said the Board should update our definition of accessory dwelling unit.
Ms. Davis said since we do not allow an accessory unit that is separate from the house that tree houses would be covered under this.
Mr. Finneral said our definition of structure could use some help.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding tree houses.
Ms. Davis thinks the definition of accessory dwelling unit should change and use the same language that the State uses.
Ms. Davis thinks a steep slopes map should be included in the ordinances.
8.3.1 – Discussion took place regarding this proposed change by Mr. Hernick. Ms. Davis agreed with the change. They will wait until Mr. Hernick returns to continue this discussion.
15.2.1 – Mr. Millette went over existing structures being considered more non-conforming. The Board worked on rewording this ordinance.
7.8.2 – The Board will wait until Mr. Hernick returns. Ms. Davis thought it was interesting that there was nothing regarding patios because that can cause an impervious surface in walkways.
Ms. Davis said she noticed there is no mention of solar in the ordinances.
Mr. Lord made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Seaholm seconded the motion. All in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna S. Long
Recording Secretary