Planning Board Meeting – September 9, 2008 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, John Bardzik, Neil Carlson, Bob Pariseau and Warren Hall.

The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 6/2/08 were reviewed and accepted.

Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

The Treasurer’s Report: David Goldin indicated that we are in a new fiscal year and are “level funded” for consultants fees this year.

Applications to the Planning Board: There were no applications.

Instruction Time: none

Discussion points:  David pointed out that the Pelham Elementary School had increased its enrollment to 118. Jim Huber stopped in looking for a meeting space and asked us to send our minutes in to Kim so that they could be posted.

Motions/Votes:  none

Other issues: Warren mentioned that STCC was putting together a new website featuring Shays Rebellion. He noted that this might be of interest to the Pelham Elementary School.

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place: October 7, 2008 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall on September 10, 2008.

Planning Board Meeting – June 2, 2008 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, John Bardzik, Neil Carlson and Warren Hall.  Also present: Larry Smith

The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 5/5/08 were reviewed and accepted.

Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

The Treasurer’s Report: David Goldin indicated that we still had funds available to pay for some limited consultation time with Larry Smith.

Applications to the Planning Board: There were no applications.

Instruction Time: devoted to discussion about “Forest” recommendations.

Discussion points:  There was a continuing discussion about the recommendations that had been received by the Forest Conservation Committee.  Larry stated that the recommendations provided for what has been called “Cluster” zoning.  This would mean a higher density and greater residential tax burden in town.  David pointed out that the Pelham Elementary School may be able to provide for another 50 students.

Motions/Votes:  none

Other issues: Warren asked Larry how the Planning Board might provide for development that allowed for higher density development by Special Permit.  Larry said that is best accomplished by a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and is quite common.  John Bardzik asked Larry what the Planning Boards highest priority should be, and Larry stated that without question it should be economic development of the Town of Pelham.

Action Items: Members were urged to attend the Forest Conservation Committee meeting that is scheduled for June 17, 2008.

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place: Sept. 8, 2008 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall on June 2, 2008.

Planning Board Meeting – May 5, 2008 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, John Bardzik, Neil Carlson and Warren Hall. 

The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 4/7/08 were reviewed and accepted.

Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

The Treasurer’s Report: David Goldin indicated that we still had funds available to pay for some limited consultation time with Larry Smith.

Applications to the Planning Board: There were no applications.

Instruction Time: The question was raised as to who inspects “shared driveways”.

Discussion points:  There was a continuing discussion about the recommendations that had been received by the Forest Conservation Committee.  There was general agreement that we should have one final meeting with Larry Smith to discuss the Forest Conservation recommendations and then move on to other business.

Motions/Votes:  none

Other issues: There was general agreement that we need to better understand and respond to strategic goals of our Town.  All agreed that there would be no regular Planning Board meetings in July or August and that the next Planning Board meeting would take place on Monday, September 8, 2008.

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place: June 2, 2008 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall on June 2, 2008.

Planning Board Meeting – April 7, 2008 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, Bob Pariseau,  John Bardzik Neil Carlson and Warren Hall. 

The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 3/3/08 were reviewed and accepted.

Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

The Treasurer’s Report: none

Applications to the Planning Board: Form A’s were received and plans were reviewed for two lot sub-divisions from Doug Dagarin and Bob Rivard.  Both plans were approved as there was “No Planning Board Approval Required”.

Instruction Time: Neil brought in a copy of a Planners Handbook at Warrens request.  Warren will have copies made so that each member has a copy.

Discussion points:  There was a continuing discussion about the recommendations that had been received by the Forest Conservation Committee.  Also, some discussion about the Finance Committee, the proposed overrides, the CPA, and a town Master Plan.

Motions/Votes:  none

Other issues: none

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place: May 5, 2008 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall on May 5, 2008.

Planning Board Meeting – March 3, 2008 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, Bob Pariseau,  John Bardzik and Warren Hall.  Also present was Jim Huber, resident, who circulated his petition for Select Board.

The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 2/4/08 were reviewed and accepted.

Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

The Treasurer’s Report: none

Applications to the Planning Board: none

Instruction Time: none

Discussion points:  There was a continuing discussion about the recommendations that were being drafted by the Forest Conservation Committee.  Also, some discussion about the Finance Committee, the proposed overrides, and the CPA.

Motions/Votes:  none

Other issues: none

Action Items: Warren to write a letter of recommendation for the Draft Open Space Plan and circulate to Planning Board members.

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place: April 7, 2008 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall on April 7, 2008.

Planning Board Meeting – February 4, 2008 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, Bob Pariseau,  John Bardzik and Warren Hall.

The Minutes from the Planning Board Meetings of 11/5/07 and 12/3/07 were reviewed and accepted.

Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

The Treasurer’s Report: none

Applications to the Planning Board: none

Instruction Time: none

Discussion points:  There was a continuing discussion about the recommendations that were being drafted by the Forest Conservation Committee.  Also, some discussion about the Finance Committee, the proposed overrides, and the CPA.

Motions/Votes:  none

Other issues: none

Action Items: none

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place: March 3, 2008 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall on February 4, 2008.

Planning Board Meeting – March 3, 2008 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, Bob Pariseau,  John Bardzik and Warren Hall.  Also present was Jim Huber, resident, who circulated his petition for Select Board.

• The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 2/4/08 were reviewed and accepted.

• News from other Town Boards and Committees: Warren received an email from Mary Carlson asking that we pick-up the Draft Open Space at the Rhodes Building and write a letter of recommendation.

• Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

• The Treasurer’s Report: none

•      Applications to the Planning Board: none

6.        Instruction Time: none

• Discussion points:  There was a continuing discussion about the recommendations that were being drafted by the Forest Conservation Committee.  Also, some discussion about the Finance Committee, the proposed overrides, and the CPA.

• Motions/Votes:  none

• Other issues: none

• Action Items: Warren to write a letter of recommendation for the Draft Open Space Plan and circulate to Planning Board members.

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place: April 7, 2008 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall on April 7, 2008.

Planning Board Meeting – April 7, 2008 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, Bob Pariseau,  John Bardzik Neil Carlson and Warren Hall. 

• The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 3/3/08 were reviewed and accepted.

• News from other Town Boards and Committees: none

• Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

• The Treasurer’s Report: none

5.        Applications to the Planning Board: Form A’s were received and plans were reviewed for two lot sub-divisions from Doug Dagarin and Bob Rivard.  Both plans were approved as there was “No Planning Board Approval Required”.

6.        Instruction Time: Neil brought in a copy of a Planners Handbook at Warrens request.  Warren will have copies made so that each member has a copy.

• Discussion points:  There was a continuing discussion about the recommendations that had been received by the Forest Conservation Committee.  Also, some discussion about the Finance Committee, the proposed overrides, the CPA, and a town Master Plan.

• Motions/Votes:  none

• Other issues: none

• Action Items: Warren to make copies of a Planners Handbook and file Form A’s and plans with Town.

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place: May 5, 2008 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall on May 5, 2008.

Planning Board Meeting – May 5, 2008 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, John Bardzik, Neil Carlson and Warren Hall. 

• The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 4/7/08 were reviewed and accepted.

• News from other Town Boards and Committees: We discussed the email from Tilman Lukas regarding the upcoming Forest Conservation Comm. meeting on June 17, 2008.

• Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

• The Treasurer’s Report: David Goldin indicated that we still had funds available to pay for some limited consultation time with Larry Smith.

5.        Applications to the Planning Board: There were no applications.

6.        Instruction Time: The question was raised as to who inspects “shared driveways”.

• Discussion points:  There was a continuing discussion about the recommendations that had been received by the Forest Conservation Committee.  There was general agreement that we should have one final meeting with Larry Smith to discuss the Forest Conservation recommendations and then move on to other business.

• Motions/Votes:  none

• Other issues: There was general agreement that we need to better understand and respond to strategic goals of our Town.  All agreed that there would be no regular Planning Board meetings in July or August and that the next Planning Board meeting would take place on Monday, September 8, 2008.

• Action Items: Warren to call Peter MacConnell re: shared driveway. Warren to call Larry Smith and ask him to our next meeting. Warren to get DVD copies from PVPC of Valley Vision.

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place: June 2, 2008 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall on June 2, 2008.

Planning Board Meeting – June 2, 2008 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, John Bardzik, Neil Carlson and Warren Hall.  Also present: Larry Smith

• The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 5/5/08 were reviewed and accepted.

• News from other Town Boards and Committees: We discussed the upcoming Forest Conservation Comm. meeting on June 17, 2008.

• Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

• The Treasurer’s Report: David Goldin indicated that we still had funds available to pay for some limited consultation time with Larry Smith.

5.        Applications to the Planning Board: There were no applications.

6.        Instruction Time: devoted to discussion about “Forest” recommendations.

• Discussion points:  There was a continuing discussion about the recommendations that had been received by the Forest Conservation Committee.  Larry stated that the recommendations provided for what has been called “Cluster” zoning.  This would mean a higher density and greater residential tax burden in town.  David pointed out that the Pelham Elementary School may be able to provide for another 50 students.

• Motions/Votes:  none

• Other issues: Warren asked Larry how the Planning Board might provide for development that allowed for higher density development by Special Permit.  Larry said that is best accomplished by a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and is quite common.  John Bardzik asked Larry what the Planning Boards highest priority should be, and Larry stated that without question it should be economic development of the Town of Pelham.

• Action Items: Members were urged to attend the Forest Conservation Committee meeting that is scheduled for June 17, 2008.

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place: Sept. 8, 2008 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall on June 2, 2008.

Planning Board Meeting – September 9, 2008 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, John Bardzik, Neil Carlson, Bob Pariseau and Warren Hall.

• The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 6/2/08 were reviewed and accepted.

• News from other Town Boards and Committees: none

• Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

• The Treasurer’s Report: David Goldin indicated that we are in a new fiscal year and are “level funded” for consultants fees this year.

5.        Applications to the Planning Board: There were no applications.

6.        Instruction Time: none

• Discussion points:  David pointed out that the Pelham Elementary School had increased its enrollment to 118. Jim Huber stopped in looking for a meeting space and asked us to send our minutes in to Kim so that they could be posted.

• Motions/Votes:  none

• Other issues: Warren mentioned that STCC was putting together a new website featuring Shays Rebellion. He noted that this might be of interest to the Pelham Elementary School.

• Action Items: Warren to send digital minutes of the past years meetings to Kim for the town website.

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place: October 7, 2008 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall on September 10, 2008.

Planning Board Meeting – October 7, 2008 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, John Bardzik, Neil Carlson, and Warren Hall.

• The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 9/9/08 were reviewed and accepted.

• News from other Town Boards and Committees: Bill Pula, from the Board of Health met with us to discuss the challenges that the Board faces.

• Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

• The Treasurer’s Report: no changes.

5.        Applications to the Planning Board: There were no applications.

6.        Instruction Time: Bill Pula reviewed a draft (7-12-08) of proposed changes to the Pelham bylaw for subsurface disposal of waste water.  He also shared information with the Planning Board about how the Quabbin Health District functioned and the services that Pelham receives.

• Discussion points:  Warren had asked the Planning Board members to bring in what they consider to be priorities in the near term for the PPB.  There was some brief discussion and Warren said that he would type these up so that the Board could have future discussions and prioritize them.

• Motions/Votes:  none

• Other issues: none

• Action Items:

Warren to invite John Trickey, Finance Comm., to our next meeting on 11/10. 

Neil to get a habitat map from Cons. Comm.

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place: November 10, 2008 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall on November 10, 2008.

Planning Board Meeting – November 10, 2008 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, John Bardzik, Bob Pariseau, and Warren Hall.  Others present: John Trickey, Bill Martel and Fred Vanderbeck.

• The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 10/7/08 were reviewed and accepted.

• News from other Town Boards and Committees: John Trickey, from the Finance Committee had been invited to discuss the challenges that are facing the Town of Pelham.  John discussed a number of short and long term challenges and the possibilities of re-zoning some areas in town for general business.  He also suggested that a Master Plan may be of some use and asked the Planning Board to look into what would be involved in putting one together.  Bill Martel, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, also expressed his support for the idea of a Master Plan.  There was some brief discussion of past attempts at a Master Plan and Warren said that he would talk with the PVPC to get a better idea of what would be involved.

• Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

• The Treasurer’s Report: no changes.

5.        Applications to the Planning Board: There were no applications.

6.        Instruction Time: See above News from other Boards and Committees.

•  Discussion points:  See above.

•  Motions/Votes:  none

•  Other issues: none

• Action Items:

Warren to contact PVPC regarding Master Plan.

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place:

December 9, 2008 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall on December 9, 2008.

Planning Board Meeting – December 9, 2008 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, John Bardzik, Bob Pariseau, and Warren Hall.  Others present: Jessica Allen, Jim Huber

• The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 11/10/08 were reviewed and accepted.

• News from other Town Boards and Committees: Jim Huber reviewed the engineering drawings of the “new” location of Amherst Road.  Warren expressed the Planning Boards lack of engineering qualifications and said that he thought that the Planning Board would be more comfortable signing off on the new road location if it was at the request of the Select Board and DPW.  

• Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

• The Treasurer’s Report: no changes.

5.        Applications to the Planning Board: There were no applications.

6.        Instruction Time:  At the invitation of the Planning Board, Jessica Allen from the PVPC presented the details of what would be involved with putting together a Master Plan for the Town of Pelham.  She said that very limited funds were available in the present economy.  The cost to the Town of Pelham for PVPC services to help facilitate a Master Plan would be between $35,000. and $50,000.00 and stated that a great deal of volunteer time and resident participation would be required.  She mentioned that the Town of Middlefield was working on their Master Plan with only volunteer participation and had already taken over two years with many sections having to be re-written.  In summary, Jessica said that the quality of the Master Plan would only be as meaningful as the quality of the residents participation in its preparation.

•  Discussion points:  It was asked if a Master Plan had ever been written for the Town before and Bob Pariseau mentioned the work that Professor John Mullen had done many years ago. 

•  Motions/Notes:  none

•  Other issues: none

• Action Items:  Warren will try to find a copy of Professor Mullen’s report.

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place:
February 3, 2009 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall.

Planning Board Meeting – February 3, 2009 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: Neil Carlson, John Bardzik, and Warren Hall.  Others present: Rick Adamczyk and Jim Huber

• The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 12/09/08 were reviewed and accepted.

• News from other Town Boards and Committees: Rick Adamczyk, Pelham DPW, reviewed the engineering drawings of the “new” location of Amherst Road with the Planning Board. He discussed some of the history of the road and its right of way.  He told the Planning Board that their signature was the next step in the process of legalizing the proposed changes that would make the legal descriptions of the roadway correspond with the actual road location.  He brought a document with him that had been prepared by Town Council that required our signatures.  All members present signed the document and Jim Huber made a copy in the library for the Planning Boards records.  

• Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

• The Treasurer’s Report: no changes.

5.        Applications to the Planning Board: There were no applications.

6.        Instruction Time:  no formal instruction time.

•  Discussion points:  Warren told the Planning Board that he had met with Earl Shumway over the Holidays and had discussed the Master Plan that had been prepared by John Mullen in 1997.  Neil said that he might have a copy of it at home and Warren asked him to try to find it so that all members could have a copy.  Warren asked Jim Huber if the ad hoc group that had formed to develop creative ideas had presented anything to the Select Board.  Jim said that the group had been named “Pelham Possibilities” and had not yet made any presentations.

•  Motions/Votes:  A motion by way of signatures was unanimous “in favor of the layout of Amherst Road as shown on the plans titled Pelham, Hampshire County, Laid out as a Town Way by the Town of Pelham-September 18, 2008.”

•  Other issues: none

• Action Items:  Neil will try to find a copy of Professor Mullen’s report.

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place:
March 3, 2009 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall.

Planning Board Meeting – March 3, 2009 Town of Pelham, Massachusetts

The Planning Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Warren Hall, at 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham.  Members present: David Goldin, John Bardzik, and Warren Hall.  Others present: none

• The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of 2/03/09 were reviewed and accepted.

• News from other Town Boards and Committees: none.

• Planning Board mail was opened and reviewed.

• The Treasurer’s Report: no changes.

5.        Applications to the Planning Board: There were no applications.

6.        Instruction Time:  none.

•  Discussion points:  Warren passed out copies of the Pelham Master Plan –1997 that he had printed for the Board.  Warren stated that he was very impressed by the depth and scope of this Master Plan.  He asked all the members to read it over and be prepared for discussion about how we could best update the Master Plan with figures that represented 2007. 

John Bardzik asked if we thought that it would be advisable to get in touch with Professor John Mullen, who had written the Master Plan, to see if he would be available for further input.  All Board members agreed that it would be a great idea.  Warren said that he had given a copy of the Master Plan to Joe Larson for his review and that he would like to have Joe’s thoughts.

David discussed the possibility of putting together an “overlay” map showing all of the current zoning and land use for the Town of Pelham. All members thought that would be a very useful tool and asked David to look into how we might put that together.

•  Motions/Votes:  none

•  Other issues: none

Action Items: 

John said that he would get in touch with Professor John Mullen to ask him to

Be involved with updating the Master Plann – 1997.

Warren said that he would ask Joe Larson to attend the next Planning Board to discuss the Master Plan.

David will begin research on putting together a zoning, land use overlay map.

Motion to Adjourn:  Made and seconded.  Next meeting date/time/place:

March 3, 2009 @ 6:30pm at the Pelham Community Center’s History Room.

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Planning Board Chairman, Warren Hall.