ACTON PLANNING BOARD MEETING

May 21, 2009

A.        ROLL CALL – 7:00

            Members present were:           

            Chip Venell – Chairman           

Thomas Cashin – Vice Chairman

Keith Davis

David Jones- 2^nd  Alternate      

            Members absent were:             

            Randy Goodwin,  Larissa Crockett, Yoli Gallagher  

                                               

Also present were: Ken Paul, Code Enforcement Officer; William Palladino, Peter Marchant of KJK Wireless and Recording Secretary Michelle Rumney

B.         MINUTES

May 7, 2009 – A Motion was made and seconded to approve the Minutes of the May 7, 2009 Meeting as corrected.  Davis/Cashin – Unanimous.

C.        UNFINISHED BUSINESS

William Pallidino w/Wild Willies(The Shed)

Mr.Pallidino was in a few months ago to get permits for his existing signs that

were not previously approved at the time of his conditional use.  The board

reviewed the photos of the signs and determined that the signs were not intrusive

as they were attached to the building and didn’t see any issues with those existing

signs.  A motion was made and seconded to approve the existing signage as an

amendment to the existing conditional use. 

Approval granted.   Cashin/Davis -Unanimous

Mr. Palladino expressed that he would like to change the sign that currently sits

along the road side.  He showed the board a photo of the sign he would like to

install.  The Board asked that he come back at the next meeting and submit a plan

with current and proposed dimensions of the sign.

D.        NEW BUSINESS

Peter Marchant w/ KJK Wireless- Preliminary Plans for Site Plan Review

Mr. Marchant presented the board with a proposed plan for a wireless cell tower to be located on the property across the street from town hall owned by Arthur Kelley.  Access road would come in from Sam Page Road; it would be a 190foot lattice tower to be located 200’ off Sam Page Road.  The proposed site is set back at least 190’ from all structures and public roadways.

Chip inquired as to whether it meets all FAA guidelines especially being in close proximity to the Old Acton Airfield Strip.  To which Peter replied that it is under 200’ tall so will not be required to have a light from the FAA and it is far enough away from the air strip to not have an impact.

Peter explained that a balloon test is common practice with many towns as part of the process.  Usually, the balloon would be put up early in the morning and left until Noon time or so, depending on what the town requests.  He also explains that this is weather permitting.

Chip inquired as to what the full purpose of the 75’ enclosure was, Peter replied that it was to fence in the ground equipment and back up generator.

Tom asked that Peter correspond with Maine DOT in reference to the setback from Route 109 and what their requirements are at a State Level.  Peter agreed to do so

David asked if he had considered moving this further away from the road all together.  Peter explained that Mr.Kelly’s orchard would be impacted if they moved back.  David also asked if their plans showed the power lines that are along the road side to take into account the set back from those incase of the tower falling and also what type of wind force these towers are rated for.  Peter replied that the power lines were not on the plans at this time and the tower is tested for a 100mph wind force.

Ken asked for a propagation map to show the coverage that the proposed tower would provide to the town.

Tom asked what the generator pad and propane tank were for on map C-3.  Peter replied that they are for the back up generators incase of power outages. There is also additional space in the enclosure for other carriers to lease space and use the same tower.   Tom asked if Peter could find out the specs on the noise levels of the generators. Peter said he could.

The board asked that Peter come back to the next meeting on the 4^th of June with correspondence from DOT with the state setbacks, the propagation map, noise levels of the generator.  At that time a site walk and balloon test can be scheduled.

E.         OTHER BUSINESS

In midst of the discussion with Mr.Pallidino, the message board signs raised questions.  There wasn’t a specific issue with them at this time; however the chairman stated that Mr. Crowley will need to be notified that he needs to stop his sign from flashing as that is not allowed by ordinance or state law.

Best Possible Location Permit- Bill Ellwell – Map 153 Lot 6 (24 35^th Street)

Proposed application for demolition of an existing building and replacement of new, no closer to water or road than it sits currently.  The existing structure sits approximately 25’ from the edge of the road and 30’ from water.  The lot has an approved existing septic that is 88’ from the water.  Ken recommends building as proposed.

A motion was made and seconded to accept Ken’s recommendation.  Permit approved Davis/Jones- Unanimous 

           

F.         ADJOURNMENT

 The Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    ______________________________                                                                                                Michelle Rumney,

                                                                                    Recording Secretary