Planning Board Minutes s1

Planning Board Minutes

DATE: December 3, 2014

Members Present: Pam Marquis, Dave Killian, John Field (as chair) Convened: 7:17pm

NEW BUSINESS: Cumberland farms new sign-Carolyn Parker came in on behalf of Cumberland Farms. Upon initial review of the plans Pam does not feel the plan is accurate and would like more information. Carolyn is proposing a scroller sign, the numbers roll, it will be internal illumination. The numbers will be lit and the Cumberland Farms part of the sign will be lit. It is an existing pylon sign. They want to take the single pole sign and make it into a double pole sign. Currently people change the prices manually outside, this would give them the ability to change the prices from inside the building. They will maintain the current footing. Same exact sign will be reused, maintaining the internal illumination, with the exception of the scroller. Maintaining the square footage of the sign. An “as built” survey will be done to make sure the set back is 15feet from the edge of the roadway. Carolyn believes this is improving the setback by 4ft. Currently there are manual pump toppers with the magnetic prices on the pumps. Lanes need to be shut down to change the numbers. They are proposing a Smart pay pump topper, prices will alternate every 8 seconds (can be set at 30), they will only be seen only by the people at the pumps. They can be dimmed, sign will be set as low as 3, with an LED bulb. They are internally illuminated. They are the same size this is required by the state. Dave is concerned about it being internally illuminated and he would like to get more information from other boards about it. Carolyn would like to postpone at this time, in order for us to get more information and possibly be able to get on board with ZBA. Dave asked if Carolyn would like to formally submit her application. She says yes. She will wait to hear from the Planning Board on our questions to determine when she needs to go to ZBA. Pam is questioning whether or not the sign will be far enough back. Dave thinks we need to speak to the ZBA, Highway and Building Inspector. Write a letter to ZBA if the pump toppers are considered internally lite signs because of led. Is changing the sign an issue? Square footage is the same, but since there is a change to the sign. Pam is stating that the plan itself is not compliant to their 1996 Site Plan. She thinks they are in violation of site plan. Get Carolyn to confirm the plan is accurate.

Review Engineering Order of Conditions for Apple Road Project-Not enough Members present to complete. OTHER ANRs/SITE PLAN REVIEWS: Cynthia Schermerhorn came in with plans for the property the property they own on Champeaux Road. Breaking out the B Lot which is all in Brimfield. Dave would like to see what action is being done with the property, as it is not stated on the plan. There is nothing that states that LOT B is being created from the existing lot. They will go back to the surveyor and have him put more description on the plan. They will be back in January.

OLD BUSINESS: 2015 Bylaw Changes for October Meeting -Table of Contents -Both Solar and Wind Bylaws- only a page or two-Simple Solar that covers height and screenings. Farm land was getting gobbled up to move to smaller solar farms. Dave thinks it is going to be individualized. Currently we will have our own engineer, and we should utilize them to be our eyes and ears. Dave is comfortable with what we have for bylaws. Review the Zoning bylaws to get rid of the inaccuracy. -Right to Farm bylaw-committee. -John making the tornado damaged land to commercial/business zoning. -Pam is concerned with the inconsistency of the fencing of the flea market are during the off season. -Zoning bylaw typos -Cottage Industry Law-revisit it-better definition -Kennel license with no zoning for kennel business

John had a question about Babe’s Lawn Care, if the building inspector noticed any changes to the sign.

John said the Pioneer Valley is going to be doing electronic mapping. Mention of the racing facility that was discussed in the paper on the Sturbridge/Charlton line and discussion of the current facility in Palmer/Warren.

OTHER: - Review minutes of November: Will be reviewed next month.

- Payroll Clerk/office hours- signed. Office hours were discussed, clerk hours to be Thursdays 8:30-11:30, when the Town Clerk is in his office. The Planning Board will discuss next meeting to get all members input.

Dave makes a motion to adjourn the meeting, Pam seconds and all in favor. 8:17pm