Littleton, New Hampshire

Approved Planning Board Minutes Jul 20, 2010

LITTLETON PLANNING BOARD HEARING
COMMUNITY HOUSE HEALD ROOM
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
6:00 P.M.


Present: Chairman Charlie Ryan, Vice Chair Linda MacNeil, Ed Boynton, Arwen Mitton, Rod Trahan, Val Poulsen, Stacy Hall, and Joanna Ray (recording secretary)

Absent: Alli Gaulin (alternate)

Others: Eddy Moore, Ron Bolt, Mary & Jan Edick, Robert Blechl, Jane Ladd, Pat Kellogg, Herb Lahout, Marghie Seymour, Marcy Hornick, Mike Norman, Heidi Hurley, Wendy Hazlett, Gail Kimball, Ray Lobdell, Jean Martel, John Martel

Chairman Ryan called the meeting to order at 6 PM.

6:00 Review and approve minutes from 6-01-10 & 6-21-10 Chairman Ryan discussed the changes to the Right to Know law (RSA 91:A). The draft minutes of a meeting are the minutes of record. The next set of minutes will mention the changes made to those draft ones. Rod Trahan made a motion to approve the 6-01-10 minutes. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Val Poulsen made a motion to approve the 6-21-10 minutes. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Ed Boynton made a motion to adjourn no later then 8 PM. Val Poulsen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

6:15 Energy Conservation Committee Ron Bolt presented. The ECC has 5 full members and 2 alternates. A year ago the PB asked the ECC to put together an energy chapter for the Master Plan. The ECC is asking for the PB's comments and guidance regarding the draft chapter. The chapter follows the style of the other chapters. Some of the highlights of the plan include expanding the list of items accepted for recycling at the Transfer Station, incentives for ride sharing programs, promoting bicycle and pedestrian traffic, and the Safe Routes to School program.

Chairman Ryan stated that there would have to be public hearings before the Board could vote to accept any additional chapters to the MP. The Board will hold another meeting to discuss what they have read.

Ron Bolt mentioned changing the name from Energy Conservation Committee to Energy Conservation Commission. Commissions are allowed to have a budget. Money would come from donations. The ECC will be an advisory group. Ron suggested having information about energy conservation available on the Town's webpage.

There was discussion about fixing sidewalks. The question was raised about who is responsible for any new sidewalks created.

Energy audits were mentioned. Vice Chair MacNeil pointed out that they could be costly. Ron Bolt suggested giving people information about energy audits on the Towns' webpage.

There was discussion about what percentage of the Town recycles. The Transfer Station is busy with recycling, but there is also a lot of recyclables being thrown away.

Ron Bolt also mentioned proposing a warrant article to give tax exemptions to people that change to solar systems. The tax assessment would not go up the amount spent to upgrade. There would be no loss, but it is an incentive. Adding windmills to the Zoning Ordinance was also discussed. If the PB were interested, the ECC would look through the Zoning Ordinance to see where it would fit.

6:45 Safe Routes to Schools Ron Bolt presented. The SRTS has a Task Force that was formed about a year ago and has some grants to promote biking and walking to school. Stimulus money might also be available. This program is beneficial to show community support. The Task Force is asking if any PB member would like to be part of this. Sidewalk repairs, bike lanes, and better crosswalks near Lakeway Elementary are needed. The Task Force does not need Town approval to accept grant money. Ron is asking for a letter from the PB endorsing the SRTS program. Chairman Ryan said the Board members have day jobs and is not sure if any of them would have time to be part of this. Vice Chair MacNeil stated her support for the program, but she does not have the time available. Chairman Ryan will write up a letter stating the Board's support.

Chairman Ryan stepped down for the following case. Vice Chair MacNeil will run this part of the meeting. Arwen Mitton also stated she would step down due to a possible conflict of interest.

CONTINUATION OF: Herbert Lahout, Owner

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