Wales Planning Board

· The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. Lori distributed the following items to the board: December 14 minutes, Draft Definitions Ordinance, Draft Road Ordinance, copy of e-mail from Carol Fuller (AVCOG), meeting agenda, and Potential Changes Needed to Land Use Ordinance bullet list.

· The minutes were read and approved as written unanimously by the board.

· Lori provided an update on the Floodplain Ordinance and the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance indicating that the minor revisions for adopt date and move of definitions to the definitions document has been completed and copies of the draft ordinances (including a copy of the definitions ordinance) have been sent to the appropriate reviewing individuals at DEP and SPO. She also indicated that we had received documentation on the town’s acceptance into the Flood Insurance Program from FEMA effective the 10^th of November. We are currently in the “emergency phase” and Lori has spoken with Sue Baker at SPO to move us into the “standard phase” which effectively makes the insurance cheaper for those who apply for it. Lori referenced the e-mail from Carol indicating that she would be able to provide up to 20 hours in assistance with finalizing the subdivision ordinance and providing drafting and review assistance with our Land Use Ordinance. It was discussed that perhaps we might take a shot a site plan as well if we can garner her assistance. If we require more than 20 hours, we can retain her services for $48 an hour. The board felt that utilizing some of our expense money for that purpose if it became necessary would be well worth it.

· The board members took a final look at the road ordinance. It was determined to change the second to the last sentence in section 2.6 by striking “In these cases” and simply stating that “Plans will be reviewed and approved by the Road Commissioner. Lori will make this change and forward the Final draft along to Carol. Lori will also ask Carol if we need to add any definitions from the road ordinance to the definitions ordinance through e-mail when she sends her the ordinances. The board believed that the references to the Road Ordinance that Lori added to the existing definitions from other ordinances probably covered most everything but that it would be good to have Carol keep it in mind as she reviewed the final ordinance. The board unanimously agreed that this was the “Final Draft Road Ordinance” and that we would make no more changes to it unless Carol found issues with it.

· The board reviewed the existing Land Use ordinance editing sections members had targeted as requiring changes, additions, or deletions based on the comprehensive plan. These changes are in the attached “draft land use ordinance”. Lori indicated that she believed there were no changes made to the actual “lot standards” – size, setback, frontage etc. We will verify that with Carol. We have questions on whether we are on the right track in section 4.3 in clarifying that culverts will be installed by the road commissioner only on entrances to town roads or ways or roads which are indicated in subdivision plans to become town roads. Do we want to add a minimum age limit for new mobile home placements – is there a HUD standard – check other town ordinances (Litchfield, Monmouth). Lori will check for any updated documentation on this as well as for the updated “Older Mobile Home Safety Standards” which is referenced numerous times in the existing ordinance.

· There was some discussion on the building (garage??) being built on Sabattus Mountain. It was questioned as to what exactly was issued for a permit for that structure and how the comp plan restrictions might affect it once the ordinances have been put in place.

· The board discussed whether we had any additional comments or questions on the subdivision ordinance for Carol. Ed questioned section 5.2.B (procedures). He wanted to know if our fee changes affected that. Lori indicated it didn’t look that way, but she will send the fee document along to Carol so she can ensure there are no discrepancies. Since fees are not listed in any other sections except for the amendment section, it might be better to either not reference the fees at all or to be consistent across the document. Ralph asked whether impact fees had been addressed. Ed believed they had not been because of the need for consistency – once they are in place they are in place for all development. Ralph thought we should be able to have it documented that impact fee’s could be assessed if the board deemed it appropriate – at the board’s discretion – for say, large subdivisions that would have a definite adverse impact on the town’s school system and other services. These minutes and these comments will be forwarded on to Carol with the draft ordinances.

· The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be on January 25^th.

Respectfully submitted,

Lori Blier, WPB Secretary

Related Documents: Final Draft Road Ordinance, Draft Land Use Ordinance (attached), e-mail from Carol Fuller, Draft Definitions Document