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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning 05/17/1978MANSFIELD PLANNING BOARD AGENDA May 17, 1978 1. Call to order (7:30 P.M.) 2. Clerk's Report a. Correspondence b. Minutes of May 3, 1978 3. Warrant 4. Visitors Agenda 5. Old Business a. 1978-79 Work Program 6. New Business a. Status of Plans 1) Margaret Zaffini - Form A - Franklin Street 2) William Bertarelli - Form A - Maple Street - 5/24/78 b. Lot Release - Green Acres c. Correspondence d. Public Discussion e. Date for next meeting f. Around the Table 7. Adjournment MANSFIELD PLANNING BOARD MINUTES May 17, 1978 Present: Chairman Parsons Planners: Hartman, Mangiaratti, Mahana, Matoian, Grant Planning Director Maurer 1. Motion: To appoint Planner Mahana acting clerk. (Mangiaratti-Hartmann, all in favor) VOTED 2. Letters were read from the following: RIM Engineering to Planning Director regarding the Camelot -at Mansfield subdivision Peter O'Brien, attorney at Law, to Planning Board regarding site plan for Leon Grant Brookline Trust Company to Planning Board regarding securities for Circle C Estates Mansfield Co -Operative Bank to Planning Board regarding securities for Juniper Drive. Release Form for lots on Maple Street within the Green Acres subdivision Planning Director to Allan Willis regarding securities for Juniper Drive. Planning Director to Circle M. Realty Trust regarding securities for Pinto Way Planning Director to Elmwood Park Realty Trust regarding securities for Erick Road Downtown Advisory Committee to Chief of Police regarding traffic and circulation problems in Downtown Mansfield Downtown Advisory Committee to DPW Director regarding traffic and circulation problems in downtown Mansfield Downtown Advisory Committee to Fire Chief regarding traffic and circulation problems in downtown Mansfield Planning Board to Board of Selectmen regarding appointments of Chairman, Clerk, Capital Improvement Program Committee, Downtown Advisory Committee, Great Woods Study Committee and SRPEDD representative. 11 Planning Board to SRPEDD regarding Mansfield Planning Board appointment to SRPEDD Planning Board to Robert E. Chavaree regarding Riverside Park mutes eY 17, 1978 Page 2 3) Board discussed the Minutes of May 3, 1978. Planner Mahana stated that he wished to contest the minutes. Planner Mahana noted that on Page 2, item #6, he was not disputing the election, but he did not hear any vote taken for Chairman or Clerk and it is recorded as all in favor, voted. Planner Grant noted that there was a call for nominations and there were no others, but there was no vote taken. Chairman Parsons questioned if he would rather the minutes state "being no other nominations the vote was declared unanimous". Planner Mahana noted that this would not be correct as there was no vote. Planner Mangiaratti noted that at Town Meetings when there is no opposition the vote is considered unanimous. Motion: To amend the minutes of May 3, 1978 to read as follows: Planner Mangiaratti nominated Planner Parsons as Chairman, seconded by Planner Lesuer. Since there were no other nominations the election was declared unanimous. Planner Magniaratti nominated Planner Lesuer as Clerk, seconded by Planner Hartmann. Planner Matoian nominated Planner Mahana as Clerk. Planner Mahana declined the nomination. Since there were no other nominations the election of Planner Lesuer as Clerk was declared unanimous. Planner Grant nominated Planners Mahana and Hartmann as the Planning Board's representatives to the Capital Improvement Program Committee, seconded by Planner Mangiaratti. Since there were no other nominations the election of Planners Mahana and Hartmann were declared unanimous. Planner Lesuer nominated Planner Mangiaratti as the Planning Board's representative to the Downtown Advisory Committee, seconded by Planner Matoian. Since there were no other nominations the election of Planner Mangiaratti as the Planning Board's Representative to the Downtown Advisory Committee was declared unanimous. Planner Matoian nominated Planner Hartmann as the Planning Board's representative on the Great Woods Study Committee, seconded by Planner Mahana. Since there were no other nominations the election of Planner Hartmann as the Planning Boards representative to the Great Woods Study committee was declared unanimous. Planner Mahana nominated Planner Lesuer as the Planning Board's representative to SRPEDD, seconded by Planner Grant. Planner Lesuer nominated Planner Matoian as the Planning Board's representative to SRPEDD, seconded by Planner Mangiaratti. Planner Mahana nominated Planner Mangiaratti as the Planning Board's representative to SRPEDD, seconded by Planner Matoian. Planner Hartmann nominated Planner Grant as the Planning Board's representative to SRPEDD, seconded by Planner Mahana. Planner Grant declined the nomination. Votes taken on the nominations were as follows: Minutes May 17, 1978 Page 3 Nomination of Planner Lesuer as Planning Board Representative to SRPEDD. (Matoian-Grant) NOT VOTED Nomination of Planner Matoian as the Planning Board's representative to SRPEDD (Lesuer-Mangiaratti) NOT VOTED Nomination of Planner Mangiaratti as the Planning Board's representative to SRPEDD (Mahana-Matoian, Grant Hartmann in favor) VOTED (Mahana-Mangiaratti, all in favor) VOTED Planner Mahana noted that he wished he had spoken up at the last meeting, but he did not feel it was right for a member to serve more than one term as the Planning Board's representative on another committee and noted that Planner Mangiaratti would be serving again on the Downtown Advisory Committee. Planner Mahana questioned if the minutes were edited by the Planning Director. Planning Director Maurer advised that they were not. Planner Mahana felt that the minutes were not in enough detail as there are statements made at meetings that were not in the minutes. Planner Hartmann noted that it is impossible for everything to be put in the 'minutes. Planner Matoian noted that the minutes are the Planning Board's records. Chairman Parsons noted that the law only requires the motions to be recorded completely. Planner Grant noted that 'there Jhas been stuff left out of minutes and there are things that happened that have not shown up in the minutes. Planner Mahana suggested that there be one set of minutes with just motions and another set of file records with the exactproceedings of the meeting. Planner Grant felt that they should tape all meetings. Planner Matoian felt that this would be too involved. Planning Director Maurer noted that it is difficult to take notes this way and also there are 3 or 4 persons talking at ,once and it is difficult to determine what is the main point. Planning Director Maurer felt that the minutes give the intent of the occurance of the meeting. Planner Mangiaratti felt that the minutes done in the past were a good job . He noted that if they felt the motions were inaccurate they could go back over each motion. Planner Grant fa, -,14' if they are having discussions on zoning or subdivisions that they should go over them so that they can be sorted out. Felt that they should make sure that important decisions such as zoning and subdivision should be recorded and not up to the secretary to take them down. Board reviewed the warrant in the amount of $6.00 for Lawyers co-operative extension 'service. Chairman Parsons questioned what exactly the bill was for. Planning Director Maurer advised that the Board has a copy of Chapter 40 of the General Laws and that this is a supplementary of the revisions to the Law. Planner Mangiaratti noted that he pays $92.00 for the complete set. Motion: To. approve the Warrant of May 23, 1978 in the amount of $6.00 (Mangiaratti-Grant, all in favor) VOTED Minutes May 17, 1978 Page 4 5) Board reviewed the memorandum prepared by the Planning Director regarding the Circle C Estates subdivision earth removal permit from the Board of Appeals. It was noted that Mr. Antosca had requested to be put on the agenda but was not here.It was noted that at station 15 + 50 where it has been staked by the engineer that they are only cutting 102 feet wide instead of 170 feet wide. Planner Grant questioned if they could still put the roadway in without any problem with just the 102 feet width. It was noted by the Planning Director that this would be no problem and would offer the least damage to the existing landscape. Planning Director Maurer noted that the proposal is only for excavation in King Arthur way and not in Lancelot Lane or the retention area. Planning Director Maurer noted that the applicant has received Board of Appeals approval subject to the Planning Board reviewing the stakes for excavation. Planning Director Maurer placed the plan on the table for the Boards review. Planner Mangiaratti questioned the purpose of the Planning Director inspecting the stakes. Planning Director Maurer noted that the approval with the Board of Appeals was subject to the limits of cuts being staked out so that the planning Board could determine if it is in conformance with the subdivision plans. Planner Mangiaratti questioned if roadways are going to be lower than the lots. It was noted that the lots will be higher than the roadways. Planner Grant felt that the Board of Appeals decision was vague as to whether it should be reviewed by the Planning Board before or after excavation. It was noted in the review that the widest cut is going to be 120 feet wide and this is less than what was originally proposed on the subdivision plan. Planner Grant felt that they should not be to concerned with the taking of material as it is not as much as originally proposed. Planner Mangiaratti questioned if there would be water in the retention area at all times. Planning Director Maurer noted that it would be dry as there is a 42 inch pipe coming in and an 18 inch pipe coming out. Planner Grant noted that on Rustic Drive the pond was full yesterday and empty today. Board discussed the Board of Appeals hearing for Mr. Gray for the increasing of trucks allowed to leave the gravel pit. It was noted that the paper mentioned that the Planning Board had slipped up and Planner Grant noted that he was at the hearing and they had referred to the Board of Appeals not the Planning Board and they would be soon building the overpass and all kinds of trucks are going to be going through there. Board questioned the steps they had to take on the Camelot -At -Mansfield earth removal project. Chairman Parsons felt that they should send a letter to the Building Inspector with a copy to the Board of Appeals with the Board's evaluation of the stacked out property and that it is in conformance with the subdivison plan. Motion: To accept the Planning Directors Report and incorporate it into a letter to the Building Inspector. (Mangiaratti-Grant, all in favor) VOTED Minutes May 17, 1978 Page 5 6) Board discussed the 1978-79 Work Program. Planning Director Maurer noted that he sent a proposal to the Town Manager to further define his position with a work program to show how he would be working for the Planning Board, Town Manager and other committees within the Town. He noted that this is the first time that something has been setup and that it defines his responsibilities and also gives the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen an opportunity to evaluate his position. He noted that this proposal lists out items that should be done over the next few years including Planning Board items. Planner Grant questioned if the Town Manager was going to §<t p into the planning end of things and that the Town Planners function is to work with the Planning Board 80% or 75% of the time. Planner, Grant felt that the Town Manager really shouldn't get involved in planning on a day to day basis and therefore the Planning Board would have a better idea as what should be set up for a work program and then forward it to the Town Manager as the Planning Director should work with the team that he is working with every day first. Chairman Parsons noted that the Town Manager hires the Planning Director. Planner Mahana noted that he would be opposed to any change in the Town Planners function and that he has asked for a recap of his activities a number of months and does not propose to be any part of the Town Planner using this Board as a stepping stone to another department. Planner Mahana felt that the Planning Directors work is going to be diluted if he works for the Town Manager or any other Boards and then the Planning Board would have no say. Planner Mahana felt that as long as he is the Planning Director he does not want 20% of his time allocated to the Town Manager one bit. Planner Grant noted that there is alot of things that go on every day at the Town Hall that you don't see and I do. He noted that the Planning Director has to work with the TownManager because the Town Manager is his boss. He noted that his major concern is that if his function is the Town Planner then it should be in unison with the Planning Board as they are here every week, they pay there taxes and the Planning Director is here every day. He noted that he has to give some repose with his boss, with the sewer for example, as it is a planning type function and that he has to draw the line when it is not a planning related item. Planner Grant noted that sewer updating and future wells are planning functions and that the Planning Board should utilize the Planning Director for the things that they don't get to do. Planning Director Maurer noted that if you initially go back to the Charter the Town Manager appoints the Planning Director and he shall be the administrator to the Planning Board and other duties and responsibilities are to serve the Town Manager and other Boards and Committees as assigned by the Town Manager. He noted that he has been here for 8 years and there has never beena clear definition of what the Town Planner is directly responsible for. He noted that a few years ago there was a problem with the Planning Board because he was meeting with other boards and committees and felt that the attitude of the Board at that time was wrong the Planning Board is the vehicle of coordination between the other boards in the Town. He noted that when the Charter was amended the appointment of the Town Planner was placed under the Town Manager. Planning Director Maurer noted that he has never had from the Planning Board or the Town Manager a clear definition of exactly what they wanted him to do. He noted that when Dennis Hannon was Town Manager he would have given him a list and said you do this, this and this as fillers and some were planning related and others were not. Minutes May 17, 1978 Page 6 Planning Director Maurer felt that there should have been a list of items to be accomplished and so he prepared the memorandum to the Town Manager listing the items. He noted that he had hoped to have a copy of it for the Board's review however the Town Manager was away. He noted that the items listed included the updating of the comprehensive planning program and continuation of the review of subdivision plans and other items that are directly Planning Board functions. He noted that there are other items listed that come under the Town Manager and Selectmen, which includes the sewer, which is a planning function. He noted that after it comes under construction then he will not be so involved with it. He noted that the next area of substantial amount of time would be spent for the downtown area. Planning Director Maurer noted that he is not setting the pro§ram up to be a Town Manager's errand boy because the Townwould not get the full benefit of his position this way and that he did not feel that Mr. Metropulos is the type of Town Manager that would be expecting him to be this. He noted that another item in the memorandum that he is responsible for that is required by the Charter is the Capital Improvement Program. He noted that since it has been effectively working it has not taken as much time as mt had in the past. He noted that the only item that is not planning related, but he has done in the past as a volunteer effort, but now it is part of his job, is the preparation of the Annual Town Report. Planner Mahana noted that almost anything could be considered planning related but does not mean it is the job of the Planning Director. He noted that the Town Clerk could be involved in everything because he handles the monies. Planner Grant noted that the Town Clerk has a problem. Planner Mahana noted that what he objected to is that the Planning Board had to wait along time to get input for the Downtown and Business Zoning and they had to go to a Special Town Meeting. Planning Director Maurer noted that this is incorrect as this was done at the Annual Town Meeting not a Special Town Meeting. Chairman Parsons noted that one thing that is true and he hopes will continue to be true is that regardless of what has been asked of the Planning Director by the Town Manager his number one priority has been to the Planning Board and of talking about the proposal to the Town Manager that it stall seems to be true. If it does not, then the Board would have to discuss it with the Town Manager. Planner Mahana noted that if this is the case he will also discuss it with the Board of Selectmen. Planning Director Maurer questioned if there was any one area where Planner Mahana felt that he had not complied to his obligation. Planner Mahana noted that he had advised the Board that the new zoning by-laws would be ready. Planning Director Maurer noted that they are in the process of being typed, however the Attorney General has 90 days to take action and that the expense involved, it would not be practical to run the copies and then have them turned down by the Attorney General. Planner Granted noted that if anyone has a problem with a particular area of zoning that they can obtain the copies of the revisions. Planner Grant noted that everytime a position is created in a community it tends to loose its designation after time. He noted that the main street of Town, he did not know how much time the Planning Director can spend there because the die has been cast. He noted that the only thing he objected to is that the Board did not have the opportunity to sit down at a closed meeting Minutes May 17, 1978 Page 7 and discuss what was sent to the Town Manager. Planner Grant felt that the Board may have wanted to add things to it. He noted that he did not object to any of the iitemsthe Planning Director had mentioned being in the memorandum. He noted that the Planning Board would not like to see the designatation of the Planning Director warded off into the sunset. He noted that this year he is doing the Town Report and next year they add something else. Chairman Parsons noted that they don't even know what the proposal is. Planner Mangiaratti felt that the discussion was ridiculous until the Board has reviewed the memorandum. Planner Grant felt that maybe the Board should have sat down and (discusse'dit. Planning Director Maurer noted that he gave it to the Town Manager as a courtesy because he is the one that the Planning Director is responsible to. Planner Grant noted that perhaps the Board should make a progress report to the Town Manager. Planner Mahana questioned how they could make a progress report when the Board doesn't even know what he is doing. Planning Director Maurer noted that when he first came to the town the major effort was the Comprehensive Planning Program from 1970- 1973. He noted that it was the same time that the Town was going through major development. Back in the early 70's there were 4 or 5 definitive subdivision plans at one time and there were hearings every week. He noted that right now they don't have the development surge and when something like that comes along you have to readjust your time. Planning Director Maurer noted that he happens to believe in the planning effort and when there is a lull in one thing you should shift to something else that the Town would not be able to do if the time was not available. Planner Grant noted that the Board is no better or worse than the Town Manager and they should have the courtesy also. He noted that it is nice that he can say okay this is what I am doing now as the Town Manager is not that familiar with what is going on himself. He noted that the only thing that he has a negative comment on is that the Planning Director should work with the Board in which he is supposed to work with. It was the consensus of the Board to postpone further discussion on the work program until the Board receives a copy of the memorandum from the Planning Director to the Town Manager. 7) Board reviewed the Form A Plan for Margaret Zaffini for land on Franklin Street. Planner Grant questioned why the dimensions on the street frontage were not listed. It was noted that they are. Planner Mangiaratti questioned if the stream feeds into the pond or out of the pond. It was noted that it feeds out of the pond. Planning Director Maurer noted that the water elevations should be shownon the plan. He also noted that when areas are in a flood prone area they should show the 100 year flood area. Motion: To approve the Form A Plan for Margaret Zaffini for land on Franklin Street. (Grant-Mangiaratti) MOTION WITHDRAWN Minutes May 17, 1978 Page 8 Planning Director Maurer noted that one of the provisions to keep the Town eligible for flood insurance was that the wetland areas show the elevations of the water. Motion: To return the Form A Plan for Margaret Zaffini for land on Franklin Street to require the elevations of the water and to comply with the regulations for flood plain lines. (Mangiaratti-Grant, all in favor) VOTED 8) Board reviewed the Form A Plan for William Bertarelli for land on Maple Street. Planning Director Maurer advised the Board that they had previously signed this plan and the applicants had failed to file it with the Registry so a new signed plan is required. Planner Mangiaratti questioned if this plan had been signed before the Board required the remaining land to be shown. Planning Director Maurer advised that it was. Planner Grant questioned if there would be any problem with signing this plan again without the remaining land shown. Planner Mangiaratti noted that there was one plan on Central Street turned down but did not feel that it is really necessary. Chairman Parsons noted that the Plan would have to be stamped that approval of this plan does not imply approval of anfuture roadway for any future subdivision. Motion: To sign the Form A Plan for William Bertarelli for land on Maple Street with the stamp that approval of this plan does not imply approval of any future roadway for any future subdivision. (Mangiaratti-Grant, all in favor) VOTED 9) Planner Grant suggested that thej put on a list that remaining land being shown be eliminated and to also send a letter to the Town Clerk that he not keep a copy of the plan when it is field. 10) Board reviewed the Lot Release form for the Green Acres subdivision for the release of lots 41 (11), 42 (12), 43 (13), 48 (14), 49 (15), 50 (16), 51 (17) and 52 (18). Planning Director Maurer noted that these lots front on Maple Street and wereaapproved as part of the subdivision, so they can now be re16ased. Planner Grant requested to review the subdivision plan before taking action on this. Planning Director Maurer presented the Board with a copy of the approved subdivision plans.'' It wasnnoted by 'Pl:anner Grant that there is not 120 foot frontage on lots 15 and 14 without an easement for the roadway. Planner Mangiaratti suggested that they release all but those two lots. Motion: To sign the release form for the release of the lots fronting on Maple Street within the Green Acres subdivision as follows: Lots 41 (11), 42 (12), 43 (13), 50 (16), 51 (17) and 52 (18). (Mangiaratti-Matoian, all in favor) VOTED Minutes May 17, 1978 Page 9 11) Board reveiwed the letter from the Brookline Trust Company extending their original letter of Credit #106 for work to be completed within the Circle C Estates subdivision until May 23, 1979 in the amount of $21,166.45. Motion: To accept the letter for Brookline Trust Company extending the original letter of Credit #106 for work to be completed within the Circle C Estates subdivision until May 23, 1978 in the amount of $21,166.45. (Grant-Matoian, all in favor) VOTED Planner Grant noted that Gaston Avotniks, owner of the gravel pit, was complaining that there is a $5,000 bond posted with the Town now and he is requesting the Town to either reseed the gravel pit or release the $5,000 so he can do that himself. It was noted by the Planning Director that his bond is through the Board of Appeals. Planner Mangiaratti questioned why the Town doesn't take the money now and do the work themselves within the Circle C Estates subdivision . Planning Director Maurer noted that they are still working within the subdivision and that they put the base coat and other utilities in but they don't put the finished coat on until the houses are built so the trucks don't ruin the road. 12) Board reviewed the Letter of Credit from the Mansfield Cooperative Bank for securities for Juniper Drive in the amount of $5,322.60 with an extension time of May 25, 1979 to complete the work. Motion: TO accept the letter of Credit from the Mansfield co-operative BAnk in the amount of $5,322.60 for securities for Juniper Drive. (Grant-Mangiaratti-all in favor) VOTED 13) Board reviewed the letter from Peter F. O'Brian attorney at Law regarding the site plan for Leon Grant. Planning Director Maurer noted that it is not an issue in which the Planning Board should get involved as at the time the site plan was submitted the paving of parking was not required however, since a building permit was not issued before the new adoption to the zoning the Building Inspector is going to require this pavement. Planning Director Maurer noted that when the Board signed the Form A Plan it protects the zoning use in affect at the time the plan is signed He further noted that when a subdivision plan is signed it holds it to all zoning in affect. Planning Director Maurer noted that the matter at hand is between the Building Inspector and Mr. Grant, unless the Building Inspector asks the Board to review a site plan. Planner Matoian questioned the purpose of the Form A Plan. Planning Director Maurer noted that he divided the lot into two lots. Planner Matoian questioned if he was protected by this plan at all. Planning Director Maurer noted it protects him for the use and not the intensity. Planning Director Maurer noted that the site plan shows only gravel so it is the site plan that is being questioned and not the Form A Plan. Planning Director Maurer noted that the Form A Plan and the site plan were both done at once. (planner Grant left the meeting and did not participate in any of this discussion.) Motion: To advise Peter F. O'Brian, attorney at Law, that this is a matter between the BuildingInspector and Mr. Grant. (Mangiaratti-Hartmann, all in favor) VOTED Minutes May 17, 1978 Page 10 14) Chairman Parsons noted that it was mentioned earlier in the meeting that some members felt the minutes should be more complete, others felt it should be tape recorded and others felt they are fine as they are:; Planner Mahana felt that he would like to see a set of minutes with just motions made but then a file copy of the proceedings of all comments made by the people, but only the motions made to be in the minutes. Planner Grant felt that they should have a tape recorder for only the things such as subdivision procedure and zoning amendments so that if something is questioned it can be reviewed. He felt that something in the new earth removal regulations was changed in the transcription, such as the word residence was left in instead of the word residential. Planning Director Maurer noted that even if it was tape recorded and it was noticed after Town Meeting it stands the way it was voted at Town Meeting. Planning Director Maurer noted that in the last eight Years that there has never been an instance where a tape recording would have been beneficial. Planner Grant noted that it is impossible to take down every word that is said. Planning Director Maurer noted that the expense involved has not been budgeted. Planner Grant did not feel that the expense would be so large that the Town could not afford it. He noted that the only thing that he hesitated to see is that there is alot of money involved on these plans that are submitted to the Board and they should get every break. He noted that if the Board can't prove what they intedded to do because they can't back up their statements it is not right. Planner Matoian did not tiff. this is the right way to go. Chairman Parsons felt that the minutes could more accurately reflect the Board's discussion if only one conversation took place at a time and the secretary would have a better opportunity to get the pertinent information. Planner Mahana noted that the Chairman should gavel down anyone who is interrupting. Chairman Parsons noted that he would accept the challenge. Planner Grant noted that there are only seven members and the only time there would be confusion would be during a hearing. Planner Matoian noted that it would not hurt if there was something you wanted emphasized then have the secretary read it back. Chairman Parsons noted that if there is something that the secretary has a problem understanding that she should stop the proceedings and ask to have it clarified. 15) Mrs. Margot Jellinek came before the Board and noted that she heard discussion on possible newwork for the Planning Director as Assistant Town Manager. She noted that she remembered there was something months ago that Mr. Tighe would not endorse for the Town to receive monies that would go to their engineering corppany and the Planning Director would have to put in a percentage of time. She noted that this would diminish his work for the Planning Board. She noted that she is not sure if it is State or Federal monies but the company would be getting this. She advised the Board that they can check back in their minutes and would be interested in seeing this, as Mr. Tighe had objected because he felt the Planning Director's time might be checked and he would be responsible for it. Minutes May 17, 1978 Page 11 Mrs. Jellinek noted that if the Planning Director takes on any more jobs, such as assistant town manager, that she does not see how he can meet his obligation as outlined ith the application for funding. Chairman Parsons noted that the percentage in the application of time involved was 45% but was not certain and would have to check this figure. Mrs. Jellinek suggested that the Board check on the minutes for the next meeting and review thim. Chairman Parsons noted that if they did not get the grant that they do not have to have 45% of his time for it. Mrs. Jellinek noted that they should know how much time was committeed and whether they got the grant or not. Planning Director Maurer noted that they have already heard and that they did not get it. 16) It was the consensus of the Board to hold the next Planning Board Meeting on Wednesday, May 31, 1978. Planner Grant questioned if there was a time period involved on the plan that was not endorsed and would this waiting another week for a meeting create a problem. It wasnoted that the Planning Board has taken action and, therefore, the Board does not have to meet next week. 17) Planner Mahana noted that he felt it would be nice to send a letter to Christian and Schromm thanking them for inviting the Board to the Open House and wishing them well at their business venture. Motion: To send a letter to Christian and Schromm as suggested by Planner Mahana. (Mahana-Matoian, all in favor) VOTED. 18) PlannerMahana questioned in the sign regulations if there was a time limit for signs in subdivision for a period of one year. It was noted that this is correct. Planner Mahana noted that the sign for Village Estates should be removed as this subdivision is completed for over a year. Motion: To send a letter to the Building Inspector instructing that the sign at Village Estates be taken down and advise that the time period has more than elapsed, the houses constructed, and the roadway accepted, and therefore it should be removed. (Mahana-Hartmann, all in favor) VOTED 19) Planner Mahana noted that there is a sign on School Street right after J.P. Smith's Greenhouse which is about 4 x 8 with firewood for sale. Planner Mahana questioned if this sign was permitted. Planner Grant noted that they could do this in an Industrial Zone. Planning Director Maurer noted that there has to be a sign permit and the size of the sign has to relate to the size of the building and this is a vacant lot. Motion: To send a letter to the Building Inspector inquiring about the legality of the sign. (Mahana-Mangiaratti, all in favor) VOTED Minutes May 17, 1978 Page 12 20) Planning Director Maurer noted that relative to the application they had before the National Endownment for the Arts that he met today with Carol Thomas, the consultant:.that they had the agreement with that, with their assistance in preparing the application, if we received the grant that they would be the consultants. He noted that she advised that they are receiving applications again and discussed ways of improving the application for a better project as far as the National Endowment for the Arts is concerned. He noted that we could prepare the revised application if the Board wishes. Planning Director Maurer noted one comment about time was that when they originally put the application in a year ago there was a certain amount of time allocated by the Planning Director which amounted to 40% of his time, He noted that the major project he is going to be working on is the Downtown Project with the Downtown Advisory Committee. He noted that there is alot that the Committee has to do to stimulate the interest in the downtown area and as long as he is going to invest this time the Town should be able to receive a grant for the effort. He noted that he will be doing the work in the downtown area whether or not they get the grant. Planner Mangiaratti questioned what the grant was for. Planning Director Maurer noted that it is for beautification and that the Town would be getting $13,000 for a consultant to design plans, and the Town has to provide in-kind services in the amount of 10%. Chairman Parsons questioned if the grant was just for the study or the plants and shrubs as well. Planning Director Maurer noted it would be for the study and then give the owners the opportunity to improve their property from the study. Planner Mangiaratti noted that what they are going to do is tell the people if you spend some money it will look nice. Chairman Parsons noted that there had been some persons that came in before the Committee and advised that they wished to improve thier property and a study like this would give them a theme. Planner Matoian questioned what if the people can't get the money or a loan. Planner Mahana noted that this is a vehicle which would give some cause -eye municipal approval, which the banks look on favorably. Chairman Parsons noted that when he was on the Committee they went around and looked at other communities and they were attractive because of a cohesive effort had been put there, such as all red brick buildings or blue sidewalks or red maples, whatever. He noted that this study or series of proposals is what would be needed. Planner Grant questioned where they would start and suggested starting with the mouthpiece of Mansfield and getting them to rehash the back of their building as he felt it is the biggest eyesore in the downtown. Planning Director Maurer noted that the Committee had one person working with them and while they were working with them New England Security hired this consultant to come up with a proposal for their building and this is what the Committee proposes to do. Chairman Parsons noted that he felt it would be appropriate, if the Planning Director felt so motivated, to reword the application and also for the Board to have the opportunity to review the application in conjunction with this work program and then they can evaluate this program as a total. 21) Meeting adjourned t 10:00 P.M.