I.            CALL TO ORDER:

Chair Chris Palmer called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.

    II.            PUBLIC COMMENT:

Gina Thurn was present and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 III.            WORK SESSION:

A.    Discussion: Checklist/Peer Review Process

Chair Chris Palmer stated that (3) checklists were distributed for review: Master Plan, Preliminary Plan for Minor Land Development and Preliminary Plan for Major Land Development projects.  He stated that these are pretty good other than some typographical errors, but does feel they fall short in regards to the permitting process and new requirements such as soil erosion control plans.  Chair Palmer is recommending the Board review these checklists and note items that we can add to these checklists.  This way, we won’t have to ask the applicants for these items, as they will be a required part of our checklists.

Michael DeFrancesco stated that compared to other cities and towns, Exeter’s checklist requirements are pretty lenient; he thinks ours need to be more comprehensive, so we (Planning Board) don’t have to ask so many questions.  He referenced Supporting Materials on page 2 needing to be clarified of the Master Plan checklist for major land conventional developments; he also referenced item #38/local agencies on page 3 of the Master Plan checklist for major land conventional developments.

Chair Chris Palmer agreed that Exeter is very lenient compared to other communities.  In response to Mike DeFrancesco’s comments, the Chair feels we need to clarify that in order to be certified complete after submission, it should be stated to the applicant that their submission will be given to the following agencies for comment.  Chair Palmer added that peer review needs to be a required item in our checklist(s).

Scott Millar referenced the Master Plan checklist, page 2, item #22 relating to Natural Heritage areas and noted that these were determined by RI DEM biologists that only had access to State land and land that the State had easements on.  He explained that most private parcels have not been inventoried or had field analysis completed as they can’t trespass on private property, with few exceptions.  Therefore, about five years ago, the State created a group called the Wildlife Action Plan that came up with “Conservation Opportunity areas” that are mapped and on RI GIS.  Scott Millar suggested that in addition to the Natural Heritage areas we should add these Conversation Opportunity areas as identified in the RI DEM Wildlife Action Plan which provides a comprehensive overview of what might be located on a particular parcel and allow the Board to make a more informed decision.

Chair Chris Palmer agreed with Mr. Millar’s comments and added that statements on Impaired Water Bodies should be noted as well.

Scott Millar added that Cold Water Fisheries are least tolerant to any changes in land use and it would be beneficial if the applicant could indicate where those areas are; they are mapped on RI GIS and again will help the Board make more informed decisions.

Chair Palmer agreed and added that there is a lot of good information available on RI DEM and that there are a lot of State permits required that are needed for building construction.  We need to add these items to the checklists so the applicants are aware of what’s required beyond the municipal level.

Scott Millar added that once a new Planner is on board, we could compare our checklists with neighboring communities, such as South Kingstown and North Kingstown.

Michael Viveiros suggested that RI Scenic Roadways should be added as well.

Michael DeFrancesco agrees with Scott that all the checklists need to be updated, but suggested that the new Planner should be included in this process to receive their feedback.

Chair Chris Palmer agrees that we should takes notes from other communities that make sense for Exeter.  He added that his main concern is adding the Peer Review piece.

Donna Pari stated that existing plans are sometimes convoluted with things on top of them; suggested asking applicants for a base line plan with less layers.

Michael Viveiros referenced the Minor Land Development checklist that notes an item about water company or district and asked if we have such a thing.  Chair Palmer stated that we do not and that it may have been intended at one point but never happened.

Scott Millar noted that we require soils information, but we require a soil type which is not very helpful for most people.  Some towns are now basing it on seasonal high-water table; it can be done by hydrologic soil groups A-D that designate what is best used in community development.  He added that this can be color coded in electronic plans which makes this very easy to see wetlands, etc.

Chair Palmer agreed and stated that some towns require soil types are listed on the plans.

Michael Viveiros inquired about public water supply on private land (discussed at our last PB meeting with applicant).  Need clarity as to where the water is coming from and that there is an understanding that someone is responsible for maintaining this water supply.

Chair Palmer stated that public water supplies are much more stringent than a private well and are a lot more involved with the Department of Health with getting permits and approvals.

Discussion to continue with the new Planner.

Cheers!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Michael DeFrancesco to adjourn, seconded by Scott Millar; voted all in favor.  MOTION PASSED.  Chair Chris Palmer adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,  

M. Dixie Foisy

Planning Board Clerk