I.                    CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Palmer called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

II.                  PUBLIC COMMENT:

None

III.                 WORK SESSION:

1. Discussion and possible action:  Accessory dwelling ordinance

Planner Sweet reviewed the documents that were distributed to them which included comments from Scott Millar, a model ordinance drafted for Scituate, Foster and Glocester obtained from Providence Water (via Scott Millar), and a draft of suggested changes that shows items only underlined are changes that came from Hal Morgan and Jim Marusak’s office; changes with plain strike outs and plain underlined changes made from the original; other strike outs and underlined items that are shaded are changes made by Planner Sweet.  She used some pieces from the model ordinance, some from Scott’s comments and took the original and came up with a “compromise” piece to be discussed.

Bill Haas commented about the City of Providence’s ordinance and how State Representatives seem to think that this fits the rest of the State and it doesn’t.  One of the things that we were adamant about was having something that could be rented by the family. Both Planner Sweet and Chairman Palmer said that we can’t restrict that and can’t touch Article I, because the State changed the definition of family and we cannot contradict State law.  Further discussion ensued.

The members moved on to Article IV Section 4.1.1, Article IV, Section 4.3.2 and discussed changes with some wording within Section 4.3.2, A, B & G.  A discussion ensued regarding Section 3 A. - under Application Procedures and it should be noted that the board was not all in agreement with a special use permit being necessary; consensus was to keep it, but was not unanimous.

Chairman Palmer asked to skip to page 4, item #4 adding that this should be changed to read a site plan needs to be done by a professional, according to State law.  Further discussion ensued.  Chair and members agreed to leave as is.

Chairman Palmer left the meeting at 7:14 p.m. at which time Michael DeFrancesco took over as Acting Chair for the remainder of the meeting.

Discussion then moved back to page 3, section 3, B, #2 – Bill Haas and Donna Di Donato voiced concern with the wording of this item.  After discussion, the Board agreed to revise the wording.

Further discussion ensued regarding the remaining items on page 4, #3, #4, #5 & #6.  The board agreed to add item C. to read “Shall obtain an advisory opinion from the Planning Board.”

A question was raised about obtaining a Zoning Certificate with this addition; if there is a special-use permit required (for an ADU), the Zoning Inspector will check the box that reads “does not conform” and the applicant will then have to go to the Zoning Board of Review for a special-use permit.

Scott Millar asked to review Article IV, Section 4.3.2, page 3, I of the suggested changes draft and page 3, K of the model ordinance drafted for Scituate, Foster and Glocester, regarding “a declaration of the accessory family dwelling unit for the family member…”  Discussion ensued on how we would be able to enforce this and the board agreed that we should ask Peter and/or Jim for their advice on this item.

Planner Sweet will make revisions and bring to the next regular Planning Board meeting to vote on prior to sending to the Town Council.

2. Discussion of format for monthly packets to Board members

Planner Sweet wanted to revisit this topic and discuss the best way to distribute information to everyone.  She explained that we can ask the applicant(s) to provide us with electronic copies of plans in addition to full size (24”x 36”) and reduced size (11”x 17”) paper copies.  There was also discussion of using Drop Box which is a free file sharing program and/or having the information put onto individual thumb drives.  Planner Sweet will check with our new IT person about this and follow up with the Board.

C.  Comprehensive Plan

Planner Sweet did not bring an updated draft tonight; still working with Mehri.  Announce that we were able to renew her contract with the Governor’s Workforce for the next six months, and will continue to plug along.

Acting Chair DeFrancesco made a comment about seeing a copy of North Kingstown’s Comprehensive Plan and thought the presentation of their plan looked really professional.  He asked Planner Sweet if we could inquire about getting a hard copy.

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by William Haas to adjourn, seconded by Scott Millar; voted all in favor.  MOTION PASSED.   Acting Chair DeFrancesco adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,  

M. Dixie Foisy

Planning Board Clerk