HomeMy Public PortalAboutPlanning Board Minutes 2012-06-26 ,
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ORLEANS PLANNINGBOARD
June 26~20l2-Minutes
A meeting of the Orleans Planning Board was called toorder at7:00pm. hn the y4uuaet Meeting Room at
the Orleans Town Hall. Present: Chairman: Chet Crabtree; Vice-Chairman: 5tcveBorneneicx;
Clerk: Charles Bechtold;Kenneth Mo&juaick and John FuUender. Associate: Andrea Reed.
Planning Department Staff- George Mnen/ey; and Secretary: Karen Shary|esm.
Also Present: Board ay Selectmen Liaison: Jon Fuller. Absent: Paul McNulty
ZONING DISCUSSION -.LARGE HOMES& NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Mmm.R0gney Cunningham presented Planning Board members with a pictorial handout showing
u comparison nfNaooct Bluffs in East Orleans past and present. Mrs. Cunningham
described her opinion of how the recent construction ofa new large dwelling ioimpacting
the neighborhood character and neighbor's ocean views iothe area off Cullumun`aPass.
Mrs. Cunningham noted that even though technically this is not considered a historic
area, b has a history of cottages built back tothe lqh0`n and contributes to the character
of Orleans. Mrs. Cunningham referred Planning Board members to information from
Provhmetown regarding regulations mnlarge buildings. Mrs. Cunningham stated that she
feels that the Special Pen-nit process under the Orleans Zoning Board of Appeals im
confusing and misleading for abutters who want to have input in the process of
neighborhood construction.
Allison Jackson stated that she has been coming to the Cape since the 1950' and feels that the
recent large home construction in her neighborhood has impacted her abUdvto enjoy
unimpeded views of the wat rDootumdoeiubbodhood. Mrs.Jackson stated her opinion
that Orleans needs todo more to prevent construction of large homes impacting
neighborhoods.
Robert Cunningham stated his opinion that he feels bamboozled by the Zoning Board of
/\oneaJm process and feels that the board missed the resulting size and height mf the house
as the footprint of the house violates the 4,000 square foot regulation and the cupola rises
6` from the roof line and violates the Town's height restrictions.
PLANNING BOARD DISCUSSION:
Meaervey stated that the Zoning Board of Appeals checks io see of construction plans meet the
zoning bylaws and abutters are nodfiudand their opinions are included in Zoning Board of
Appeals deliberations. Memon'ey noted that appeals tou Zoning Board uf Appeals decision must
be submitted to the Town within 30 days of that decision. Planning Board members discussed the
impact of large homes on the character of Orleans and questioned how the process could be
Planning Board Minutes—June 26, 20/2 Page | of4
streamlined and easier for abutters to contribute. Meservey clarified that if an area is not wetland,
then it is used in the calculation of upland. Planning Board members discussed whether to pursue
researching large home construction volume and character impacts on individual neighborhoods
or town-wide. McKusick suggested bringing both options to a public hearing. Planning Board
members discussed asking the Zoning Board of Appeals for guidance bylaws can be worded to
help them with decision making.
FERTILIZER MANAGEMENT
Planning Board members discussed the issue of lawn fertilizers and resulting nitrogen in the waters in
Orleans and how to educate property owners to minimize or eliminate the use of fertilizers. Meservey
noted that the town(through the Highway&Parks and Beaches Departments)has made a concerted effort
to minimize the use of fertilizers on town properties.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Community Preservation Committee 0 year Appointment)
MOTION: On a motion by Kenneth McKusick, seconded by John Fallender,the Board voted
to appoint Steve Bornemeier to serve as the Planning Board representative on the Community
Preservation Committee.
VOTE: 4-0-1 The motion passed by a majority. (Steve Bomemeier abstained).
Zoning Bylaw Task Force(Recommendation for 1 year Appointment)
MOTION: On a motion by Kenneth McKusick, seconded by Steve Bornemeier,the Board
voted to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that Chip Bechtold continue to serve as the
Planning Board representative on the Zoning Bylaw Task Force for one year.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
Board of Water&Sewer Commissioners(3 year Appointment)
MOTION: On a motion by John Fallender, seconded by Charles Bechtold,the Board voted to
appoint Kenneth McKusick to serve as the Planning Board representative on the BOWSC.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE UPDATES
Board of Water&Sewer Commissioners(McKusick)
• McKusick informed Planning Board members of an award from the Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection for outstanding performance in 2011. The
town's water system has achieved one of the top scores in the Medium/Large Community
System category of the 2012 Public Water System Awards Program. The Orleans Water
Planning Board Minutes—June 26, 2012 Page 2 of 4
Department was one of only 30 water systems to be honored this year resulting in being
in the top .8%of the best run water systems in the Commonwealth.
McKusick reported that the budget has been submitted and they will make
recommendations to the Board of Selectmen regarding rate increases. McKusick noted
that the goal is to raise the rates 3.5%this year.
Orleans Communk Partnership (Fallender)
Fallender distributed a printout regarding Sharrows(Shared Lane Marking)which are used to
guide bicyclists and vehicular traffic on ways to share the road safely. Fallender reported on
progress on the installation of bicycle racks,tree removals and plantings, sidewalk repair and
upcoming events.
NEW BUSINESS
Orleans GIS M appin g Program
Meservey informed Planning Board members that the Town's GIS mapping system has been
upgraded and is easier to use. The GIS maps can be found on the town's website under the
Planning Department.
CORRESPONDENCE
Citizen's Planner Training Collaborative-Course LLgffg for Fall 2012
Planning Board members were encouraged to take courses through the Citizen's Planner Training
Collaborative.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 2, 2012
MOTION: On a motion by John Fallender, seconded by Steve Bornemeier,the Board voted
to approve the minutes of May 22, 2012.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: On a motion by Steve Bornemeier, seconded by John Fallender,the Board voted
to adjourn at 8:45 p.m.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
Zi
SIGNED: DATE: ✓
(Charles Bechtold, Clerk)
Planning Board Minutes—June 26, 2012 Page 3 of 4
LIST OF HANDOUTS FOR JUNE 26 2012 PLANNING BOARD MEETING:
1. Nauset Bluffs, Past and Present(distributed at the Planning Board meeting by Mrs. Rigney Cunningham)
2. Town of Wellesley,Large House Review Rules and Regulations
3. Cohasset Zoning Bylaws—Large House Plan Review
4. Trulia Chart—Is the McMansion Era Over? Americans Ideal Home Size
5. Orleans Comprehensive Plan—Section 5.5 Implementation Program
6. Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan—Control of Fertilization
7. Pleasant Bay Fertilizer Management Plan,Final Report, dated December 2010
8. Sharrows—Shared Lane Marking brochure
9. List of CPTC Courses Fall 2012
10. Planning Board Minutes for May 22, 2012.
Planning Board Minutes—June 26, 2012 Page 4 of 4