Planning Board Members present: Chairman Badger, Vice-Chairman Roy, Rick McMenimen, Janice Rosa, Adam Schroadter, Val Shelton, George Willant, Town Planner Diane Hardy
Town Council Chairman Glennon called the meeting to order at 7:03pm. He explained this is a joint meeting with the Planning Board to present their proposed changes to the M1 District. This meeting, although open to the public, would not be a forum for public comments. When the Town Council does the public hearing for the ordinance at the November Business meeting, there will be an opportunity for the public to speak.
Planning Board Chairman Badger made a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation explaining the process of how the draft ordinance was created, including the Zoning Board variance that had been denied, the charge by the Town Council to review the zoning and a non-binding warrant article. The Planning Board held five workshops and two public hearings with over 15 hours of meeting time put into this ordinance, which has had six revisions. The Board felt the proposed changes provided an integrated approach to redevelopment within the M1 District. He noted there had been a question as to whether the Town Council voted to charge the Planning Board with this rezoning. He noted according to RSA 674:4 the Planning Board has the authority to review, revise and propose ordinance changes. The Board recommended the Town Council approve and adopt the ordinance as presented.
Town Council Chairman Glennon acknowledged the hard work of the Planning Board and Town Planner Diane Hardy and thanked them for their diligence on getting this to the Council. He concurred the Council did not vote to send this to the Planning Board but the previous Council and current Council supported the Board’s efforts throughout the process.
Councilor Bergeron asked about the LEED certification. He expressed his concern the bonuses may not be financially viable for the developer.
Town Planner Diane Hardy explained there are three levels of LEED certification. The bonus process allowed the Planning Board the flexibility to allow up to 4%.
Town Council Chairman Glennon explained the next step would be for the Town Council to conduct a public hearing. If there are no changes, the Council can take a vote on the ordinance at the November workshop. The first reading would be held at the Council business meeting on November 5th and the public hearing and vote could be taken on November 19th.
Planning Board Chairman Badger encouraged Planning Board members to attend these meetings.
Councilor Kwaks asked about the gross developable floor area.
Town Planner Diane Hardy explained the Board had discovered during the review process only 68% of the gross area of the mills was usable due to low ceilings, dirt floors, thick walls and maintenance areas. The gross developable floor area reflects this usable space.
Motion: To accept the recommendation from the Planning Board for the zoning changes to the M1 District.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Vice-Chairman Carr
Vote: 7-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Aye
Town Council Chairman Glennon noted the motion passes. The first reading of the ordinance will be held on November 5th during the Town Council business meeting. If no changes are necessary, the public hearing and the Council vote could be at the November 19th Workshop. He thanked the Planning Board for their hard work.
Town Council Chairman Glennon explained the Advisory Heritage Commission presented draft documents for the historic district ordinance and regulations. He noted the Advisory Heritage Commission has worked hard on this. He felt this would benefit Newmarket. He asked if the Planning Board could review the documents and have them back to the Council by December.
Planning Board Chairman Badger stated this would be a lengthy issue. It was highly unlikely the Planning Board would be able to have a draft ordinance prepared by December to present to the Council. He would converse with the Board, but ensured the Council the Planning Board would work as quickly and diligently as they could.
Town Council Chairman Glennon asked the Town Administrator to discuss the Harvest Festival.
Town Administrator Wojnowski explained the Harvest Festival would be held downtown on Saturday, October 25th beginning at noon. He hoped this would become an annual event. This event is being put on cooperatively through the Newmarket Business Association, Newmarket Recreation Department, Main Street Committee and the downtown businesses. There will be a costume parade, jack-o-lantern contest, apple and pumpkin pie contests, games for children and costume prizes.
