HomeMy Public PortalAboutPB Minutes 2005-09-13 ORLEANS PLANNING BOARD
September 13, 2005 —Minutes
A meeting of the Orleans Planning Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A, Orleans
Town Hall. Present: Chairman: Sims McGrath; Vice-Chairman: John Fallender; Clerk: Seth
Wilkinson;Nate Pulling; Kenneth McKusick; Associates: Paul O'Connor; Gary Guzzeau. Town Planners:
George Meservey; John Jannell; Secretary: Karen Sharpless. Also Present: Board of Selectmen
Liaison: Jon Fuller.
7:00 P.M. —Public Hearing (continued) - Definitive Subdivision named "Namskaket Chase"—
Ralph L. & Sherry L. Boas —Road name: Songbird Circle
Paul O'Connor(abutter) and Seth Wilkinson (Board Member of the Orleans Conservation Trust) recused
themselves from the Planning Board during the discussion of this subdivision due to conflicts of interest.
Peter Soule (Soule Landscaping) made a presentation to the Planning Board regarding changes that have
been made to this subdivision plan. Soule talked about outstanding issues and how they have been dealt
with. Regarding the septic systems, the applicant went to the Board of Health and came to an agreement. In
lieu of a communal system, they are allowing individual and alternative systems for each lot with the same
discharge requirement. The Town will have an easement over Parcel B for discharge of wastewater effluent,
and nothing else. The lot will remain as an open space parcel, and can be used for effluent discharge for
abutters.
Soule stated the applicant has submitted a draft of a Conservation Restriction which will be owned by the
Orleans Conservation Trust,but the open space land will be owned by the association of lot owners.
Meservey stated the Orleans Conservation Trust is satisfied with the Conservation Restriction as submitted.
Soule stated the applicant has submitted a plan signed by a Massachusetts Arborist for the Linden tree stating
the tree will not be disturbed during construction. The revised subdivision plan shows that the road has been
moved west and a fence will be constructed to avoid disruption to the Linden Tree and its roots. Meservey
stated that Dan Connolly(Tree Warden) submitted comments on the Linden tree noting the Arborist's plan is
lacking in a couple of areas. The proposed silt fence around the drift line is inadequate, and Connolly would
prefer a more permanent fence be erected. Connolly also requested that a certified arborist stay on site
during construction to protect the Linden Tree and fertilization for the tree done after all construction is
completed. Connolly would be satisfied with the plan once those changes are included.
Soule stated a plan has been submitted to the Natural Heritage Program and showed a map to the Planning
Board delineating the habitats. Only a small corner of Open Space C is included in the habitat area in
question, but it is also within the Conservancy District and has wetlands, so no buildings will be erected.
There will be no impact regarding the Priority Habitat. There are no proposals to do anything in that area.
Soule noted that the water main was extended to be more convenient to connect water service to the
individual lots, and is shown on the Plan and Profile. Meservey stated this is in accordance with comments
received from the Water Dept.
Soule explained that the panhandle lots will require Planning Board waivers. Lots 2 & 3 will be accessed by
a common driveway over Lot 2, reducing the amount of vegetation to be cleared.
Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 1 of 12
Soule explained that the drainage on Open Space A will be moved into the cul-de-sac and Area A will be
maintained in its natural state as required. Meservey noted that the shed on proposed Lot I will remain and it
is set back from the property lines as required. The shed on Lot 2 will be moved to conform to the lot
setbacks.
Meservey stated that according to Town Counsel, once an easement is recorded, it is tied to the property,
regardless of whether it is used or not. In this subdivision, the applicant wants to retain ownership of the
property, and only grant an easement to the town.
Comments:
Paul O'Connor(abutter) questioned the use of the land for treatment& disposal of wastewater. Ann Boas
(abutter) questioned the ownership of open space land and McGrath stated that the Orleans Conservation
Trust holds the Conservation Restriction, but not the ownership of the land. There will be a body overseeing
the open space on an ongoing basis. Wilkinson(Board Member of the Orleans Conservation Trust) stated a
habitat checklist should go to Boston, and the Natural Heritage and Wildlife Program should protect the land.
O'Connor questioned whether the easement language regarding Open Space B will include future town
wastewater treatment. McGrath stated the "proposed use of this site is for disposal of treated wastewater".
There is no reference to treatment activity taking place on that property. Meservey stated there is no other
land available for treatment in this subdivision area. A small package plant could be located here and hidden
by shrubs if only 2-3 feet sticks up from the ground.
O'Connor expressed concern about the possibility of a new wastewater and treatment facility being created
on one of the parcels, not just for these houses on this subdivision, but for abutters. Soule stated that all
abutters were notified of the Board of Health public hearing on this subdivision and had a chance to weigh in
on the issues. McKissick said the potential of subsurface wastewater disposal in this area would be a plus for
the neighborhood.
MOTION: On a motion by Kenneth McKusick, seconded by John Fallender, the Board voted to
approve the granting of waivers from the Subdivision Regulations, allowing a 16-foot wide road and waiving
the frontage requirements for Lots 2 and 3 which are proposed as panhandle lots based upon the following
Findings of Fact:
Potential Findings of Fact:
• The proposed Open Space Residential Development meets the requirements of the zoning bylaw.
• The Orleans Conservation Trust has indicated it will hold a Conservation Restriction on the required
open space in the development.
• It is in the best interests of the Town to allow the road to be 16 feet in width, instead of the required
18 feet for a 5-10 lot development.
• It is in the best interest of the Town to allow the panhandle lots which will result in a shorter road
and less impervious surface within the development.
• The applicant has offered an easement a parcel of land shown on the plan as Parcel B to the Town of
Orleans for the future treatment and disposal of wastewater.
• The plan to preserve the Linden tree appears to be sound,provided all measures described are fully
implemented during and after road construction.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously
Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 2 of 12
MOTION: On a motion by John Fallender, seconded by Kenneth McKusick, the Board voted to
approve the Definitive Subdivision Plan entitled, "Namskaket Chase" dated July 11, 2005 and revised
September 2, 2005,prepared for Ralph L. and Sherry L. Boas, showing 5 building lots in an Open Space
Residential Development, with the following conditions:
1. Open space shall be restricted in perpetuity, and shall be maintained in a natural state. A conservation
restriction shall be granted by the applicant to the Orleans Conservation Trust for the protected open
space.
2. Any debris or manmade materials currently within the Open Space shall be removed.
3. Access to all 5 lots shall be via Songbird Circle, and access to any lots from Boas Drive is prohibited
and any existing access way shall be permanently abandoned.
4. Innovative/Alternative systems are required for all dwellings in the development, including the
existing dwelling which shall be retrofitted.
5. The applicant shall comply with all conditions of the Board of Health expressed in its August 24,
2005 memo.
6. Access to Lots 2 and 3 shall be via a combined driveway running along the panhandle portion of Lot
2.
7. The Tree Warden shall be consulted during the road construction process on the protection of the
Linden tree. The tree shall be protected in accordance with the protection plan completed by Land
Design Associates, dated September 7, 2005, and the following conditions:
• The proposed silt fence is inadequate. A more permanent fence should be installed around
the edge of the drip line between the road construction and the root zone.
• The Tree Warden should be contacted 24 hours prior to construction.
• A certified arborist must be present on-site during disruption of the critical zone to care for
the tree. He should identify the roots as they are exposed and cut them correctly as the work
is done.
• The tree should be fertilized after the work is complete to encourage regrowth of the affected
roots.
8. All utilities to the existing home on Lot 2 shall be through Songbird Circle, and shall be removed
from Boas Drive.
9. There shall be no access to any of the lots from Boas Drive.
10. Concrete bounds must be installed for all building lots and road rounding points defined.
11. No activities may take place within the Priority Habitat or Estimated Habitat areas described in the
August 8, 2005 letter from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife until a MESA review
has been completed. The applicant will file all applications required by MESA.
12. A restrictive Covenant or other acceptable form of surety shall be executed and delivered to the
Planning Board for the required improvements.
13. An Easement acceptable to Town Counsel shall be executed for the Town's use of Parcel B for
wastewater treatment and disposal purposes.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
Paul O'Connor and Seth Wilkinson returned to the Planning Board.
Proposed changes to Scenic Road Bylaw
The Planning Department wrote a memorandum to the Planning Board stating there are several inaccuracies
in the Town's Scenic Road Bylaw. Many of the problems are the result of street name changes that have
occurred over the years, but which were not translated to the Scenic Road Bylaw. The upcoming Special
Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 3 of 12
Town Meeting planned for November 7, 2005 would seem an opportune time to correct the bylaw
deficiencies and to designate other roads as appropriate.
Fallender asked how new roads get on the list and Meservey stated they are recommended by the Planning
Board as town roads with scenic value. This list of updated roads came from a joint meeting with the
Planning Board and Cynthia May(Town Clerk). The Planning Board discussed adding Eldredge Park Way
to the list of scenic roads.
The Planning Board discussed whether public hearings are required and Meservey stated that according to
Town Counsel no public hearings are needed. McGrath noted that most of this is corrective in nature.
Meservey stated that Town Counsel recommends forwarding this as one article. This prevents cutting trees
or removing stone walls on scenic review without public notification.
MOTION: On a motion by John Fallender, seconded by Nate Pulling, the Board voted to accept the
amended Scenic Road list which will be amended to include Eldredge Park Way and forward it on to the
Board of Selectmen for inclusion on the Special Town Meeting Warrant scheduled for November 7, 2005.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
Release of 1975 Covenant for Arthur Nicoli - 4 Mill Lane (formerly known as 13 Beach Road)
Meservey stated a letter was received requesting the release of an old Covenant for a Definitive Plan entitled,
"Subdivision Plan of Land in Orleans, Mass. for Arthur Nicoli, scale 1"=40',November 1974", dated
November 1974. This Covenant was required for the construction of a 5-lot subdivision and a cul-de-sac
that no longer exist. In order for the Covenant to be expunged, the Planning Board will need to release the
Covenant for Arthur Nicoli and Dorena Nicoli, in its entirety.
MOTION: On a motion by Kenneth McKusick, seconded by Nate Pulling, the Board voted to release
the Covenant for Arthur Nicoli and Dorena Nicoli, in its entirety, dated January 14, 1975 for a Definitive
Plan entitled, "Subdivision Plan of Land in Orleans, Mass. for Arthur Nicoli, scale 1"=40',November
1974", dated November 1974 recorded as Plan Book 2142,Page 214.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
Orleans Comprehensive Plan Update- Community Facilities Chapter Inventory
Jannell explained that changes were made to the Community Facilities Chapter based on a previous meeting
with the Planning Board and many of the comments were incorporated into the revised version of this
chapter. This is the final inventories chapter. The Planning Board reviewed all of the changes. Meservey
noted that there are contemporary items that need to be listed such as wastewater issues.
Next Steps
Meservey stated there are 180 actions from the original Orleans Comprehensive Plan, some of which have
been completed and should be relocated to emphasize remaining action items. McGrath explained that
McKusick has offered to help Meservey and Jannell work on the Orleans Comprehensive Plan update with
periodic review from the Planning Board. McGrath stated the Orleans Comprehensive Plan is the platform
that various town boards and committees work from for guidance in their ongoing activities. There are
budgetary considerations since many capital projects are implied in the inventory. McKusick suggested
Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 4 of 12
stripping down the inventories and editing out extraneous editorial comments. There will be an analysis
updated for each chapter at which time comments can be included. It may be appropriate to add certain key
actions to reflect new thinking since Orleans Comprehensive Plan adoption in 2001. When the Orleans
Comprehensive Plan draft is ready, there will be public hearings. There has already been public input by
way of the Town Survey which was just completed.
Village Center Forum
Meservey stated he felt the Village Center Forum presented by Carole Ridley and Julianna Gamble from the
Association to Preserve Cape Cod(APCC)resulted in a positive discussion and was very well attended.
There were a variety of people and interest groups at that meeting. Meservey felt that an important comment
centered around a zoning analysis of the current village center. Meservey noted there was interest in
reviewing the building height and zoning in the Village Center.
Meservey suggested that the Planning Board could work on some zoning amendment concepts to pass on to
Zoning Bylaw Task Force for review. The Planning Board discussed the merits of working on the Village
Center in sections or as a whole. McKissick noted it is important to have a vision and decide what needs to
be accomplished before moving forward. O'Connor expressed that it is important to maintain management
over growth in the downtown, and noted that visual presentations are effective
The Planning Board agreed to the suggestion of extending an invitation to the Association to Preserve Cape
Cod to attend the next Planning Board meeting on September 27, 2005. A suggestion was made that the
Chairman send a letter to formally thank the APCC for their time and energy this past summer and a special
thank you to Julianna Gamble for her efforts.
Old Business
Definitive Subdivision—John & Susan McAlear—23 Rock Harbor Road
Meservey told the Planning Board that the Definitive Plan for John and Susan McAlear, dated March 24,
2005, scale 1"= 30', for land located at 23 Rock Harbor Road was approved by the Planning Board on April
26, 2005. All of the conditions have now been met, and the septic system has been relocated as required.
The Planning Board agreed that the Chairman can sign the Mylar on behalf of the Board.
New Business
Orleans Resident/Taxpayer Survey Results
The Planning Department wrote a memorandum to the Planning Board which outlined the percentage totals
of the Town Survey that was sent out to 5,183 residents and taxpayers in July 2005. A total of 1,237 surveys
were received back on-line and by mail and compiled by the Planning Department. This resulted in an
overall response rate of 24%. The online form was not as well utilized as the Planning Board had hoped,
since only 163 surveys were completed online. The online form did however provide us with a fast and
efficient tool to enter data at town hall and many thanks go out to Karen Sharpless who data entered 72% of
the surveys received by mail. Further analysis of the surveys will follow.
Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 5 of 12
Jannell reported that 72% of the respondents were residents. The following is a list of the
top 10 issues that were supported by the residents.
Question 25:
The Council on Aging is looking to become involved in a program called "Program forAll-Inclusive
Care for the Elderly"(PACE) that provides elders with comprehensive, in-home services that are
similar to those provided in an assisted living facility. The program would allow many older residents
to remain in their homes while receiving assisted living services at a cost that is lower than moving into
an assisted living facility. The program would not involve the hiring of new employees, and services
would be paid by the recipients.
Would you agree to the Town actively encouraging the development of the PACE Program?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
53.60% 37.83% 3.96% 1.78% 1.29%
Question 7:
The local economy will be evolving over the next 20 years in response to residential growth in
Orleans and other nearby towns. Would you agree that the Town should be actively involved in
shaping the future of business and activities in the downtown?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
50.20% 37.03% 2.26% 5.17% 4.12%
Question 12:
Do you think it is a good idea to develop connecting paths in the Village Center to make the area
more walkable?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
42.12% 40.26% 6.95% 7.92% 2.18%
Question 15:
Population increase is beginning to have significant impacts on the natural environment. In the
mid-1980s, Meetinghouse Pond was closed for shellfishing due to high bacteria levels. Actions
taken to improve treatment of stormwater runoff resulted in a lifting of the closure in 1987. Today,
many coastal bays and coves are experiencing accelerated eutrophication, due to nitrogen loading.
We now know that the primary source of the nitrogen is septic systems, and that even a brand new
Titles system does not remove nitrogen. This problem has the potential to foul our waters and
make Orleans a less desirable community.
Would you agree to further increasing restrictions on land development to protect coastal waters,
even if it limited your ability to expand your home?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
44.95% 34.60% 3.48% 9.94% 5.58%
Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 6 of 12
Question 16:
Would you agree to support developing strict Nitrogen loading standards for all contributing land in
order to protect coastal waters?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
43.82% 36.62% 7.28% 6.79% 3.64%
Question 5:
Assisted living is a living arrangement that provides help with everyday tasks such as bathing,
dressing, and medications. Orleans is the eldest Town by age of population in the Commonwealth,
and yet it has no assisted living dwellings
Would you agree to support the Town actively encouraging the development of an assisted living
facility?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
33.23% 43.01% 6.55% 10.19% 5.50%
Question 9:
A Town goal is to encourage the Village Center to become a mixed-use area, with business and
residential uses together. The bylaws currently allow up to 3 dwellings in a commercial building.
Would you agree to support increased density in the Village Center, in the form of more 2nd floor
housing?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
29.99% 43.57% 5.90% 13.42% 5.74%
Question 10:
The Town has taken steps to foster development in "business nodes", including Skaket Corners,
the Village Center, and Cranberry Plaza, and limiting further commercial strip development. Would
you agree that more steps should be taken in this regard, i.e. further downzoning along Route 6A?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
37.11% 39.37% 7.36% 10.91% 3.48%
Question 17:
Would you be willing to pay a betterment fee to tie into town sewer or into a neighborhood treatment
plant in order to protect Orleans coastal resources?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
34.68% 41.07% 9.38% 7.84% 5.25%
Question 1:
Orleans currently has approximately 7,000 year-round residents. Based on current zoning
regulations, the population could grow to greater than 11,000. If seasonal homes become
occupied year-round, the population could be even higher. This could increase the demand for
many Town services and would likely result in higher property taxes.
Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 7 of 12
Would you agree with making efforts to set a cap on total population through changes in
regulations, even if it meant giving up some of your own current development rights in order to
preserve the quality of life in Orleans?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
40.34% 32.17% 4.37% 11.96% 8.65%
The following questions did not receive as much support from town residents:
Question 14:
Would you agree to expansion of safe biking facilities in Orleans? These could include a new bike
trail from the Town Center to South Orleans, a Bay Ridge Lane connection to the Rail Trail, and/or a
bike lane to East Orleans?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
37.59% 36.30% 7.11% 10.11% 7.76%
Question 24:
The Town currently supplies water to a very small number of Eastham residences.
Would you agree to support supplying a larger portion of Eastham residences with Orleans Town
water service if it were found to have no adverse effect on the supply or quality of our drinking water
reserve, and would have a favorable financial impact for Orleans?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
17.22% 54.89% 8.25% 7.52% 5.25%
Question 8:
Would you agree to support spending $125,000 in the Capital Improvement Plan as scheduled in
Fiscal Year 2009 for the Village Center Master Plan?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
31.12% 40.99% 10.67% 7.92% 7.84%
Question 3:
Orleans has a chronic shortage of lower priced housing that makes it difficult for some residents to
remain and for businesses to hire employees. A Town goal is to have 10% of the housing stock
qualified by State standards as "affordable"(currently, 8.5% of housing units are qualified as
affordable).
Would you agree with the Town buying land and developing rental housing that qualifies under
State regulations as affordable housing?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
28.13% 36.22% 4.53% 15.84% 13.58%
Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 8 of 12
John Jannell noted that the following questions received less than 2/3rds support from the
residents:
Question 22:
Nauset Beach has experienced significant erosion over the past few years, far in excess of the
long-term rate of 5 feet per year. In 10 or 20 years, the snack bar and parts of the parking lot may
need to be relocated further away from the shoreline.
Would you agree to efforts by the Town to buy land for beach parking farther back from the
shoreline?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
19.89% 45.51% 10.19% 12.53% 8.33%
Question 4:
Orleans has a chronic shortage of lower priced housing that makes it difficult for some residents to
remain and for businesses to hire employees. A Town goal is to have 10% of the housing stock
qualified by State standards as "affordable"(currently, 8.5% of housing units are qualified as
affordable).
Would you agree that the Town should consider alternative ways, such as temporary abatement of
taxes, to encourage housing that is lower priced and thus attainable by middle-income families?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
20.94% 41.31% 8.97% 18.19% 9.05%
Question 20:
Orleans'waterways and shellfish resources are managed by the Harbormaster/Shellfish
Department. Annually, the department spends $18,000 for shellfish "seed"that is transplanted into
local waters. There are also 24 shellfish grants that are leased for private aquaculture. These
activities support both recreational and commercial shellfishing.
Would you agree to expansion of the shellfish seeding program?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
16.01% 42.60% 22.80% 13.50% 3.40%
Question 19:
A Town goal is to preserve 400 acres of the remaining open space. Since 2001, approximately
150 acres have been preserved through purchase, gift or conservation restriction. Land Bank
funds are almost fully committed, meaning any future purchases would have an impact on the tax
rate.
Would you agree to support additional taxes to purchase and protect more open space?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
21.75% 37.11% 8.33% 17.30% 13.50%
Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 9 of 12
Question 11:
Another component of a healthy Village Center is a well-conceived traffic plan, including sufficient
parking and walkways.
Do you think it is a good idea for the Town to purchase property downtown for more public
parking?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
16.65% 38.32% 10.67% 21.02% 11.96%
Question 13:
Each summer, Orleans roads are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of cars on the roads. Many
key intersections operate in a "failure"condition throughout the summer months, making it difficult
to move around town. Without improvements to the local road network, the situation will become
worse in the future, as traffic increases by 1.6% annually. Yet, a basic tenet of the Town Plan is to
maintain the semi-rural character of the community. Based on this information, how would you
respond to the following statement?
The Town should fund the Highway Department at an appropriate level to reconstruct and add
capacity to our roadways where necessary to maintain traffic movement and safety. What volume
level should the roads be sized for?
Enough for Peak Mostly for No Opinion Mostly for Only for
Summer Peak Summer Yr-rd traffic Yr-rd traffic
10.75% 24.58% 4.04% 50.53% 8.41%
Question 18:
Assuming that wastewater facilities could serve at least half of the dwellings in Orleans, what part of
the capital costs for wastewater treatment should be borne by real estate taxes compared to
betterments and user fees:
100% 75 % 50150% 75% 100 %
Taxes Taxes User fees User fees
7.68% 8.25% 47.05% 16.57% 13.34%
The following chart is the breakdown of support on the Community Facilities and Services
question.
Question 23:
To help us plan for the future, the Town should (1) increase support for the following activities or
services, (2) maintain support at the present level or (3) decrease support? Assume that an increase
in support could mean an increase in taxes.
Increase Maintain Decrease
A. Library programs 20.78% 75.59% 1.62%
B. Bikeways 47.78% 43.33% 6.71%
C. Public rest rooms 33.87% 62.00% 2.18%
D. Tourist/information services 4.53% 81.57% 11.56%
Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 10 of 12
E. Public parks 18.03% 75.51% 2.91%
F. Public safety activities:
F1. Police 18.35% 75.75% 3.80%
F2. Fire and Rescue 20.53% 73.89% 2.91%
F3. Harbormaster 10.91% 80.52% 5.17%
G. Waterfront activities and facilities:
G1. Boating 9.46% 79.63% 7.44%
G2. Shellfishing 15.84% 76.56% 4.45%
G3. Beaches 20.05% 76.23% 1.37%
H. Road maintenance 33.63% 61.68% .89%
I. Drainage improvements 36.05% 59.01% 1.29%
J. Sidewalks 31.61% 59.66% 6.06%
K. Public parking 32.98% 57.07% 5.50%
L. Public transportation:
L1. Town 30.07% 54.97% 8.81%
L2. Regionally 35.89% 50.69% 8.33%
M. Public water supply system 28.86% 67.02% .73%
N. Conservation programs 37.27% 53.44% 5.90%
O. Recycling facility and services 26.76% 68.63% 1.86%
P. Senior Center Programs (COA) 19.16% 74.21% 3.64%
Q. Education/Schools 21.83% 71.71% 3.80%
R. Human/Social Services 21.58% 71.54% 4.12%
Jannell noted that the following question had the least support from residents:
Question 21:
Orleans'waterways and shellfish resources are managed by the Harbormaster/Shellfish
Department. Annually, the department spends $18,000 for shellfish "seed"that is transplanted into
local waters. There are also 24 shellfish grants that are leased for private aquaculture. These
activities support both recreational and commercial shellfishing.
Would you agree to promotion of private aquaculture in Town waters even if it led to decreased
areas for boating?
Strongly Agree Agree No Opinion Disagree Strongly Disagree
9.94% 34.92% 21.34% 22.23% 10.11%
The Planning Board discussed how to get the results of the survey out to the public and to the Board of
Selectmen. Meservey noted that the results corroborate that residents generally agree with how the town is
proceeding. McGrath noted that the results will be used for guidance on updating the Orleans
Comprehensive Plan.
ACTION: The Planning Board agreed to post the results on the Town's website and give copies of the results
to the Board of Selectmen, noting that further analysis will be forthcoming.
Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 11 of 12
Committee Reports
Regional Transit Authority Flex Route Update
John Jannell gave a report on Regional Transit Authority activities and indicated that they are waiting for a
report from the budget subcommittee regarding service in FY '06. The buses have been ordered. The
National Park Service received $1.5 million($500,000 of which is slated for marketing). The service is
scheduled to start in May 2006. They are waiting for a commitment letter from the State.
Approval of Minutes: August 9, 2005
MOTION: On a motion by John Fallender, seconded by Kenneth McKusick, the Board voted to
approve the minutes of August 9, 2005.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The vote was unanimous.
Approval of Minutes: August 30, 2005
MOTION: On a motion by John Fallender, seconded by Nate Pulling, the Board voted to approve the
minutes of August 30, 2005.
VOTE: 4-0-1 The motion passed by a majority. (Seth Wilkinson abstained).
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: On a motion by Nate Pulling, seconded by John Fallender, the Board voted to adjourn at
9:30 p.m.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The vote was unanimous.
SIGNED: DATE:
(Clerk: Seth Wilkinson)
Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 12 of 12