Town of Exeter, Rhode Island
PLANNING BOARD
675 Ten Rod Road
Exeter, R.I. 02822
401-294-2612
401-294-2592
Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2022
Minutes Approved: December 13, 2022
Members present: Scott Millar, Michael DeFrancesco, William Haas, Gina Thurn, Joe St. Lawrence, Michael Viveiros and Donna Di Donato
Members absent: None
Staff present: Steve Sypole, Solicitor, William DePasquale, Planner, Dixie Foisy, Clerk
Chairman Millar called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
None
A. Preliminary Plan-Development Plan Review: Gashy Dowlatshahi, Applicant and Owner of Pine Ridge Industrial Park, property located at 560 South County Trail, Exeter, RI; Zoned B and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 72, Block 2, Lot 10; a request for a proposed Tradesman Center in Building E.
Chairman Millar recognized Patrick Freeman, PE, American Engineering, Inc., along with property owner and applicant Gashy Dowlatshahi,1150 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, RI. Mr. Freeman noted that they were present for the Plan Review process for the Pine Ridge Industrial Park, specifically Building ‘E’. He stated that this building will be a single-story building and will be used as a trades building, i.e., plumbing, electrical, etc.
Mr. Freeman reviewed the project which included the construction of a commercial development, including roadways, drainage, water lines, electric/cable lines, a public well waterline extension and connection to an existing onsite wastewater treatment system. He indicated that Building ‘E’ had received an approved OWTS application (#2111-0847) to connect to the existing septic system. That the proposed building will be connected to existing utility lines on site and no connections to Route 2, South County Trail are proposed. Those utilities include gas, electric, cable, telephone and water. He went on to say that the public well was approved for the five buildings on the property. That as part of the development additional catch basins are proposed and some modifications to the existing infiltration basins are required. They have received approval from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, RIPDES permit (#102185).
He noted that they have provided the Board with a landscaping plan for the site and signage plans. Mr. Freeman also stated that they have included the Fire Marshall’s letter of approval, that had been requested by the Board. He made mention of the existing and proposed lighting for the complex, which will include “dark sky” compliant lighting to be attached to Building ‘E’. He stated that they have a document from Bob Ferrari, that the proposed public well, that serves all five buildings, is adequate. Chairman Millar asked Mr. Freeman who Bob Ferrari is and he stated that he is a professional engineer who owns and operates Northeast Water Solutions.
Chairman Millar recognized William DePasquale, Town Planner. Mr. DePasquale reviewed his Planning Memorandum: Preliminary DPR Building ‘E,’ Previously Approved Pine Ridge Industrial Park, AP 72, B 2, Lot 10, Dated: October 19, 2022. He noted that the pre-application request is for a Development Plan Review (DPR) for the construction of Building ‘E’ and associated parking as a component of the previously approved Pine Ridge Industrial Park.
Mr. DePasquale noted that in December of 2004 the Planning Board granted final plan approval for the Pine Ridge Commercial Park and that the Board has reviewed each and every additional development that was proposed for the property. He noted that Building ‘E’ is the last building for this site. The Planner went on to say that the Board had asked for an “As Built” recorded on the property once the property is completed. Mr. DePasquale stated that the petitioner has submitted everything that the Planning Board has guided them to do and should the Board consider final approval be done by the administrative officer, he offered seven final findings, which are recommendations, and they included the following:
1. The Final application shall include a written narrative addressing how the conditions were addressed and where on the plans the changes were made or notes applied.
2. Prior to the issuance of a building permit for Building ‘E’ a potable well shall be installed or at Final, written proof that water is available that maintains a satisfactory yield and water quality shall be provided.
3. A written sign-off letter from Susan Hawksley, Fire Marshal, regarding compliance of Building ‘E’ with pertinent ordinances and regulations, included but not limited to, a determination by the Fire Marshal that the onsite water storage cistern is adequate for the proposed Building ‘E’.
4. Any additional information deemed necessary by the administrative officer necessary to process the final application.
5. The applicant shall be required to file a final application to the Planning Board that presents a completed “As Built” development plan (prepared by a professional engineer or surveyor) for the entire campus. Said submission shall be made to the Town Planner no later than May 1, 2026. The Planning Board will consider Final approval for the entire campus as shown on a final “As Built” plan of the Pine Ridge Industrial Park, that fully illustrates all required improvements have been completed and depicts all physical structures, landscaping, signage, roads, parking, utilities, drainage, OWTS, etc. on the property.
6. The Final Plan shall be completed by the administrative officer to the Planning Board with condition (5) above.
7. Issuance of a building permit shall be contingent upon receiving all pertinent federal, state and local permits as well as with the above conditions.
It was noted that the Planner’s memorandum under section II Recommendations, the list was misnumbered, noted and corrected.
The Planner’s memorandum also offered Findings of Fact; Waivers, none requested; and Land Development Regulations Sec. 3.5.
Patrick Freeman asked for a clarification with regards to Number 5 of the Planner’s Recommendations regarding a Certificate of Occupancy. Mr. DePasquale made a clarification about receiving a CO, stating that they had up until 2025 and the “As Built” should be completed no later than May 1, 2026.
Chairman Millar asked if there were any additional comments or questions and hearing none entertained a motion to approve. Board member Michael DeFrancesco made the motion to approve the Preliminary Plan-Development Plan Review for Gashy Dowlatshahi, Applicant and Owner of Pine Ridge Industrial Park, property located at 560 South County Trail, Exeter, RI; Zoned B and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 72, Block 2, Lot 10; request for a proposed Tradesman Center in Building ‘E,’ along with the Planner’s Planning Memorandum of October 19, 2022, which included his recommendations and findings of fact. It was seconded by Joe St. Lawrence, a vote was taken and all were in favor, 5-0. The motion passed.
A. Preliminary Plan-Major Land Development to construct a 3.7±MW Utility Scale Solar Development: (This Project is vested under a former Zoning Ordinance Article XI “Renewable Energy” dated July 16, 2018; the Planning Board issued a Master Plan approval on January 22, 2019). Renew Solar RI Exeter Ten, LLC Applicant, and James Marshall, Owner of property located at 590 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI; zoned RU-4, and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 37, Block 1, Lot 5; including a waiver of the requirement to obtain all state permits prior to the preliminary plan review, a RI PAP is required and currently under review by the RI Department of Transportation.
Chairman Millar entertained a motion to open the Public Meeting to build a 3.7+MW Utility Scale Solar Development, approximately 12 acres at 590 Ten Rod Road, and Renew Solar RI Exeter Ten, LLC is the applicant and the owner of the property is James Marshall. It was seconded by Bill Haas. Chairman Millar asked if there was any discussion, hearing none, a vote was taken and all were in favor, the Public Meeting was opened.
Chairman Millar read into the record how the hearing process will proceed. He noted that the applicant would explain the project followed by Town Planner William DePasquale, who would go through his comments on this project and then the meeting would be open to the public for comments.
Chairman Millar recognized Kelly Morris Salvatore, the Attorney representing Renew Solar RI Exeter Ten, LLC, a subsidiary of Nautilus Solar. Ms. Morris Salvatore stated that also present for the meeting were Melissa Burrell, a representative of Nautilus Solar; Jason Gold a PE from TRC Companies and Laura Lefebvre also from TRC Companies. Melissa Burrell, Master Electrician, who builds solar farms was recognized. Ms. Burrell noted that what they build they don’t leave, that they will maintain the farm and their intentions are to become part of the community. She noted that they currently have 94 solar farms in operation across the country. That currently they have three projects being built in Rhode Island through the Rhode Island Housing authority.
Ms. Burrell was asked to explain the connection with the Rhode Island Housing authority. She indicated that it’s called PHARI (Public Housing Authority of Rhode Island) and the deadlines they are trying to meet are for the housing authority. That all the subscribers to this solar farm will be lower income residents and they will be able to reduce their electric bills by 40 percent.
Board member Michael DeFrancesco asked if there were informational brochures about Nautilus, Ms. Burrell indicated that they contract with TRC companies and anything they would handout would be from Nautilus. Mr. DeFrancesco asked to have a package about Nautilus be included for the record.
Kelly Morris Salvatore then spoke about the Master Plan Required Findings, recognizing that some of the Board members were not on the Board when the Master Plan was approved. She noted that this Board had already made a determination that the project was consistent with the Exeter Comprehensive Plan and that Mr. Millar had also gone over the Zoning ordinance, and they had obtained a Special Use Permit from the Zoning Board which expires on March 14, 2023. She indicated that they had recently gone before the Zoning Board for an extension and did receive a six-month extension. That the only item holding up the project is the State approval for the Physical Alteration Permit. She indicated that the permit probably would have been issued by now, but because Rt. 102 is a scenic highway they were required to go before the Rhode Island Scenic Roadway Review Board, which then makes a recommendation to the RI Department of Transportation. She noted that they had met once with this Board, but due to lack of a quorum, future meetings had been postponed. They are asking for a waiver for State permits, producing them upon final plan submission.
She went on to say that the Board made a finding that there is no significant negative impact at Master Plan and they will be focusing on that tonight. No subdivision is required. With regard to physical access to the site, the Board found at Master Plan that there is physical access to the site and the physical alteration permit is required, which was explained above. The Board also determined that pedestrian and vehicular access is safe. She went on to say that drainage provisions are proposed and will need to be approved by RIDEM. That agricultural production is an important feature in Exeter and that this solar proposal assists in the continued agricultural production on the site. That an important feature of the installation is that it is hidden within the site and is not visible from local roadways or neighboring residential homes. That it does not require extensive landscaping or artificial buffering to ensure it is not visible from neighboring properties or roadways.
Laura Lefebvre, Senior Project Manager for TRC, noted that she has been involved with this project since 2018. She reviewed what she and the previous company had done before and after filing their Master Plan. She went on to say that the Planning Board had approved the Master Plan, unanimously, in January 2019 and that the Zoning Board then granted the Special Use Permit in March 2019.
Kelly Morris Salvatore noted that Clearway was the former owner of the project; prior to the Nautilus
purchase.
Jason Gold, Registered Civil Engineer for TRC. Mr. Gold gave a brief overview of the project from its initial concept to where they are currently. He reviewed both the site plan and the proposed landscape plan. Mr. Gold explained the changes that have been made, including that the fencing is smaller, limited disturbance is smaller, the landscaping design is bigger and that overall, the project has been reduced in size from the original Master Plan concept. He noted that the fenced area on the property covers 10.8 acres. No lighting is proposed, signage will only include warning signs and emergency contact information. They will be adding additional trees and relocating some of the stone wall making the entrance way more attractive. He went on to review property simulations that had been done of the surrounding areas.
Board members discussed with Mr. Gold what drivers, passengers and pedestrians could see of the solar farm from different vantage points.
Board member Mike Viveiros asked why five poles were being installed instead of three? Mr. Gold stated that the first two poles will be owned by Rhode Island Energy and the next two poles would be owned by the developer and the one additional pole would be located on the street. He went on to say that RI Energy designs and decides where the poles will be located.
Melissa Burrell, Master Electrician, stated that RI Energy dictates how the poles will be installed and what will be placed on each of the poles. She noted that both State codes and AHJ regulations, which RI Energy is, are followed.
Jason Gold noted that they were asked to provide a decommissioning cost, which the client agreed to, which would be in 35 years, at the time the project is expected to end, and would be $284,000. They were also asked to provide the probable landscaping costs, providing surety for landscape screening and seed mix would be $223,550.
Chairman Millar recognized William DePasquale, Town Planner, and was asked to review his Planning Memorandum of October 18, 2022, Renew Solar RI Exeter Ten, LLC, *Preliminary Plan, Major Land Development Project—3.7 MW Ground Mounted Solar Farm. *Vested Legacy Project – Reviewed under (So called “green ordinance” solar 4 Article XI, Renewable Energy, of the Zoning Ordinance as amended on October 15, 2018).
Mr. DePasquale reminded those in attendance that although there had been Master Plan approval in 2018 that those facts and findings, when moving on to the Preliminary stage, may change and that with new information, additional assessment and findings are required.
He reviewed Travel on this vested project from June 27, 2018 through October 14, 2022.
The Analysis: To date the Planning Board has granted conditional Master Plan approval on January 22, 2019 for the utility scale solar photovoltaic application of Renew solar RI Exeter Ten, LLC, Applicant; and James Marshall, Owner; of property located at 590 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI; Zoned RU-4 and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 37 Block 1 Lot 5.
He went on to review the Conditional Master Plan approval on January 22, 2019, followed by a present-day review. In his present-day review, Mr. DePasquale stated, “That upon review of the record and past approvals, I examined the submission with an eye toward compliance with the Master Plan conditions of approval, Comprehensive Plan consistency as well as implementing my experience in applying best practices for utility scale solar land uses which can be very disruptive land uses when placed within an otherwise bucolic landscape.”
In his conclusions he stated, “In a follow up meeting with the applicant team, I also discovered tremendous destruction of the natural buffer proposed due to insect and disease. This verity in my opinion would render the buffer proposed as insufficient in providing the screening necessary or expected by residents that were involved in the public process. This observation amongst others is listed below and formed the basis for my request that the applicant provide supplemental information.” He delineated in his October 18, 2022 memo 19 additional items requested as supplemental to the preliminary application which was found incomplete.
His memo reviewed and offered direction with regards to: Ten Rod Road, Drainage, Fire Marshall correspondence, Decommissioning Agreement, Natural/Landscape Buffer, Fencing, Shade Tree Cutting, Relocation of Stone Walls, Ground Maintenance Plan, Signage and RIDOT Physical Alterations—Waiver requested.
Mr. DePasquale’s recommendation stated, “Presented with this vested project that has obtained Master Plan approval and considering the willingness of the applicant to work with the Town and provide supplemental information, I may offer a recommendation for conditional approval with a strict understanding that there are some fundamental concerns that need to be addressed if preliminary approval is to be considered. The outstanding concerns listed in this memorandum must be addressed to the satisfaction of the Panning Board and is considered a prerequisite for finding compliance with the Comp Plan, LDP and ordinance.
He then offered 12 stipulations for Conditional Preliminary Approval followed by his Findings of Fact. He concluded with his Required Findings, which included the following:
1. The Master Plan when approved found the instant project to be consistent with the Exeter Comprehensive Plan as presented and discussed in the memo from the Town Planner dated 1/15/19, the instant petition with condition being generally consistent with the Exeter Comprehensive Plan as applied in the former so called “green ordinance” Solar 4 Article XI, Renewable Energy, of the Zoning Ordinance as amended on October 15, 2018.
2. The proposed vested development for a utility scale solar photovoltaic installation conforms to Article XI, Renewable Energy, of the Zoning Ordinance as of October 15, 2018 (so called “green ordinance”) known as Solar 4.
3. The applicant has received RIDEM approvals for the alterations to the wetlands proposed and teamed with this conditional preliminary approval there are no known significant negative environmental impacts from the proposed development the finding conditioned upon receiving additional information regarding visual impact, wildlife connectivity/habitat and third-party stormwater review to ensure no post development increased in runoff from the site occur (3.5.3).
4. The lot in question is preexisting and has adequate and permanent access to a public street. The applicant will need to provide a PAP from RIDOT for the change in use for the updated Preliminary application of review (3.5.5).
5. Pedestrian and vehicular circulation in the post condition will not change. Drainage provisions are proposed and will be subject to a third-party engineering peer review. The proposed site development is not totally hidden within the site and is visible at two locations from Ten Rod Road which is a designated scenic highway and as such additional modifications are needed to be made a condition of approval to mitigate views from the scenic highway and neighboring residential homes. Due to insect and disease damage of the forest buffering this development it does require extensive landscaping and artificial buffering to ensure it is not visible from neighboring properties or roadways (3.5.6).
6. Lot frontage complies with the Exeter Zoning Ordinance (3.5.8).
7. No access easement is required (3.5.9).
8. The proposed vested development meets all the design standards of the Exeter Zoning Ordinance Article XI, Renewable Energy, as of October 15, 2018 (so called “green ordinance”) known as Solar 4.
Kelly Morris Salvatore followed Jason Gold with some additional questions for both the Planner and the Board with regards to Gate choices, Landscape surety, Landscape Peer Review--noting their SUP time limitations of March 23, 2023. She also asked for some relief on the “Physical Alterations” permit being submitted at Final approval.
Chairman Scott Millar noted that there was a lot to unpack and felt there was a need for an additional meeting which would be continued to November 22, 2022, after hearing from the public, followed by a punch list of items Renew Solar RI needed to revise and bring back to the next meeting.
Monique Hauser, 1 Quail Hollow Drive, Exeter, RI
Ms. Hauser, an abutter to the solar farm, asked for an explanation about the size of the project. She noted that in the 2018 the size of the plan was 2.8 MW and now the size is 3.7 MW so how is the project considered smaller? Mr. Gold tried to explain the size that the 2.8 MWac now stated as 3.7 MWdc, “DC” relates directly to the number of panels and the difference is, it’s converted to “AC” before it’s transmitted to the grid.
Ms. Hauser asked if the footprint of the project was smaller? Mr. Gold said yes, based on the fence line which was 11.6 acres and now it is 10.8 acres, allowing for more landscaping. Mr. Gold indicated it will be 80 feet to the fence. Ms. Hauser noted that for those who stand on Locus Valley there will be certain points where you will be able to see the solar panels.
Nicola Rainone, 120 Hallville Road, Exeter, RI
Mr. Rainone stated that he has been a resident of Exeter since 1965. He went on to say that he is an advocate for using all that mother nature has to offer including wind, solar, gas, etc. He asked how long the solar panels were expected to last? And when they have to be replaced will they be recyclable or carcinogenic? He recalled an incident in Colorado when all the sheep were dying and they found that there was nuclear waste buried in the grass/ground from previous government experiments. He asked, “Will the solar panels be repurposed or will they find that there is a future problem?” Mr. Rainone was also very concerned about runoff to his property.
Sharon Pelser, Locust Valley Road, Exeter, RI
Ms. Pelser stated that she has been living in Exeter her entire life. She asked, once we have four large, big poles with everything on them, what happens in Exeter when the electricity goes out? She stated that Exeter is one of the last places to get electricity restored and that means many places in town have no water, because they don’t have town or city water, only wells, so without electricity, they have no water, no power, no heat, all those things and what happens to their electricity then? She restated her initial question and asked, “With four large poles, what will happen to maintain the solar power?”
Melissa Burrell, representing Renew Solar RI, explained that there are surge protections built into the system that would automatically disconnect the solar panels from the grid.
Mr. Rainone asked once again to have a response to his runoff question. Chairman Millar indicated that they had a third-party look into the stormwater and soil erosion and that the information will be shared with Mr. Rainone. Chairman Millar noted these concerns and will work with the consultants to work through these possible issues.
Esteban Beetar-Mestre, 595A Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI
Mr. Beetar-Mestre noted that after listening to others he is very nervous about how this project will impact his home and surrounding properties. He stated that cutting down so many trees will cause future problems with water run-off and drainage. He shared that he had moved from Newport due to the congestion, noise and traffic and chose Exeter for its rural beauty and to preserve the history of Exeter. He stated that he would much rather be looking at the trees and nature than a bunch of solar panels.
Mr. Rainone asked once again about the life expectancy of the solar panels. Ms. Burrell indicated that many factors go in to the make, model, year and wattage that will determine the life of the panels and there are no carcinogenics in the panels.
It was asked if the panels would produce electricity when covered with snow? Ms. Burrell states that the solar panels will produce energy when there is light. Board member Michael DeFrancesco read from a report that stated that the typical solar modular has a useful life of up to 35 years and components will be upgraded, causing only minor interruptions. The owner operator anticipates that the array will be in operation for a minimum of 30 years. Kelly Morris Salvatore indicated that the panels would be recycled.
Brendan Murray, 75 Locust Valley Road, Exeter, RI
He asked if there were any tax benefits or electrical relief for the abutters? Chairman Millar noted that a bill was passed in the General Assembly, in their last session, that limits the tax revenue a town can charge solar developments, stating it’s about $5,000 per megawatt. He noted that the equipment, land, everything, is basically $5,000. He went on to say that the town would get more from a typical house lot, substantially more, so the tax revenue the town can expect from this is project would be negligible. Chairman Millar noted that The University of Rhode Island has done a study and found that abutters properties values do go down and go down substantially when built near solar farms.
Robert Hauser, 1 Quail Hollow Drive, Exeter, RI
Mr. Hauser referenced the University of Rhode Island’s study of 400,000 homes which found that those homes within a mile radius of a solar farm installation, lost an average of 5 percent in value, noting that there are approximately 70 homes within the mile radius of the proposed solar farm. Mr. Hauser reviewed the math from a former project and ascertained that $22,000 a year is the benefit to Exeter as tax revenue. He felt it was bazaar that the tax base of Exeter would be put at risk for $22,000, when you consider a $500,000 home would lose $25,000 of value and there are 70 properties within that mile radius of the proposed solar farm. He stated that he’s going to get hit and everyone else is going to get hit for $22,000.
Trudy Charboneau, 595E Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI
She noted that her neighbor, Mrs. Warner, was asking about Mr. Marshall’s property, because he is not well and may not even be returning to his farm. She stated that Mr. Marshall was the one who wanted the solar array, because it afforded him some financial gain. She herself was concerned about the noise level of the solar farm, because currently at night she only hears the evening’s insects.
Chairman Millar received comments from another resident who was unable to attend the meeting and would share her comments with those in attendance. Board member Donna Di Donato requested a five-minute break in the proceedings for the stenographer. The meeting would reconvene at 9:10 pm.
Chairman Millar read into the record Olivia DeFrancesco’s concerns, who was unable to attend.
Ms. DeFrancesco resides at 87 Hallville Road, Exeter. Ms. DeFrancesco’s complete letter to the Planning Board is dated October 25, 2022 and is included with the Planning Board meeting notes.
1. Protect the area that is now Route 102 from the North Kingstown border to Route 3 with a Historic Preservation Overlay District.
2. Review the National Register of Historic places inventory nomination forms for Fisherville and Lawtonville which speak of information from a landowner that he found prehistoric projectile points in his garden.
3. Double the buffer along Locust Valley and the southern part of the solar array.
4. The Planning Board should protect our wetlands and water quality.
5. The Planning Board should also work on making sure this historic land that this solar company will be making lots of money from is taxed appropriately.
6. Work with Rhode Island DOT Scenic Highway Department to keep our designated scenic and historical roadway looking as rural as possible, as they do in Jamestown.
Ms. DeFrancesco included with her letter the following Exhibits:
1. Exhibit 1: Plan Development Process
2. Exhibit 2: Introduction to Public Humanities (Center for Public Humanities and Cultural Heritage)
3. Exhibit 3: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission Special Report State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Preliminary Survey Report Town of Exeter.
4. Exhibit 4: National Register of Historic Places Inventory—Nomination Form/Fisherville
5. Exhibit 5: National Register of Historic Places Inventory—Nomination Form/Lawtonville
6. Exhibit 6: Town of Exeter—Inventory of Historic Sites (Source: South County Greenspace Project, June 2002).
7. Exhibit 7: Executive Summary: A Big Plan for the Smallest State
Chairman Millar mad a motion to continue the meeting after the regular 9:30 pm time until 9:45 pm. Joe St. Lawrence seconded the motion. The vote taken was all in favor. The meeting will conclude at 9:45 pm.
Chairman Millar referencing the URI study work with landscape architects to have an additional buffer to abate and provide a screen 12 months of the year. Not only on Rt. 102 but most importantly on Locust Valley Road.
Jason Gold stated that they have 50 feet of native evergreens proposed now. Scott Millar stated that arborvitaes are not native, and the deer love them. Chairman Millar asked for site specific with the plant selection, so it works, and are relatively mature so they don’t have to wait ten years for the plantings to mature. Mr. Millar will provide a list of plantings he is suggesting.
Chairman Millar also asked that Renew Solar RI work with Crossman Engineering closely during construction so they can see the impacts to the land.
Board member Michael Viveiros asked how they will get to understand what they will see with the topography. Jason Gold stated that he has provided that information in their package which will answer all of Mr. Viveiros’s concerns.
Board member Michael DeFrancesco wanted to make certain points; they included the following:
1. National Grid and the interconnector poles and states that they do not have to go where they are currently placed.
2. Entrance—plans show a “truck trap” construction entrance…. there should be some provision for landscaping once the project is done.
3. Project was vested under the “Green Ordinance Solar 4” subject to a Special Use Permit. He noted that while they can’t stop the project, but need to try to make it more friendly for the Exeter residents.
4. Mr. DeFrancesco felt that the alternative could be a 20-home subdivision and he would prefer to see the solar farm.
5. He questioned who would be responsible for damage at the work site. He noted the phasing and construction which would be: Phase I Site access; Phase II Stormwater control; Phase III Equipment and fence installation and Phase IV Site stabilization.
6. He asked who the site inspector will be and that the Town be included in updated information.
7. Require the final “as built” by an engineer.
Chairman Millar referenced the Town Planner’s memo on Page 1l, 2B (13) to use pollinator species “where practicable” Mr. Millar noted that these species should only be mowed once a year and not during the growing season.
It was noted that Council waived the tax treaty requirement on 1/17/19. (Not required).
Board member Michael Viveiros referenced the plans that reference the views from Locust Valley Road. He asked for additional information from what they have presented for a better understanding.
Kelly Morris Salvatore asked if the Board liked the idea of the white gate that is depicted within the plans. Mike Viveiros still wanted a clearer understanding of exactly what people will be seeing with relationship to the electrical poles and how the electrical company will work with the Town.
Board member Gina Thurn asked if the Board had any sway with the Zoning Board and the Special Use Permit and the ability to move the SUP deadline. Chairman Millar hopes to be able to complete the process by the next meeting in November.
Chairman Millar made a motion to continue the Public Meeting until November 22, 2022 at 6:30 pm.
It was seconded by Bill Haas; all were in favor of the motion. Chairman Millar deferred meeting minutes.
The following administrative requirements were deferred by the Chairman to the Planning Boards’ next meeting, slated for November 22, 2022.
A. Zoning Board of Review: November 10, 2022
B. Approval of Minutes: September 27, 2022
C. Invoice Approval: Esquire Deposition Solutions
D. Future Meeting: CPAC Meeting and Planning Board Work Session rescheduled to Wednesday, November 9, 2022 due to Election Day on Tuesday, November 8th.
Motion by William Haas to adjourn, seconded by Michael DeFrancesco; voted all in favor. Motion passed. Chairman Scott Millar adjourned the meeting at 9:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca Lukowicz and
M. Dixie Foisy
Planning Board Clerk