Planning Board

TOWN OF SWANSBORO PLANNING BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY 4, 2021 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm. Board members in attendance were Michael Favata, Christina Ramsey, Scott Chadwick, Jeff Conaway. The board had 1 vacancy and Ed McHale was on a leave of absence and was excused. Brad Buckley was absent, unexcused. Minutes On a motion by Mrs. Ramsey, seconded by Mr. Conaway the meeting minutes for April 6, 2021 were approved unanimously. Business Tree Preservation and Replacement Plannier, Jennifer Ansell reviewed that at the April 19, 2021 Special Meeting, the Board asked for example ordinances from other communities and to continue discussion at the next regular meeting. Some communities request permits, however, the clear-cutting issue could still occur. Additionally, she pointed out that a fine is applied by some communities for clear-cutting. If the board desired to recommend a permit for clear-cutting and fee if it occurs without a permit, that would be handled like a zoning violation. After discussion on permit requirement, permit fee cost, and clear-cutting without permit fine, Mr. Chadwick made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Ramsey, to recommend requirement of a permit with no fee for clear-cutting, and a penalty fine of $3,500/per acre up to a max of $20,000/per project in addition to tree replacement. The motion passed unanimously. There was a suggestion that any penalty fees collected go into the Stormwater Enterprise Fund. Staff Comments Mrs. Ansell shared that there were several bills currently presented to the senate and house that she wanted the board to be aware of that could affect town planning and zoning. Those bills were: House Bill 74 Billboards & Replacement Senate Bill 349/House Bill 401 Increasing Housing Opportunities On a motion by Mr. Chadwick, seconded by Mr. Conway, recommendation to the Board of Commissioners to adopt a resolution opposing these bills was unanimously approved. Mrs. Ansell also report that she was working on the requested inventory list and hope to have that ready to present at the next regular meeting. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Conaway, seconded by Mr. Buckley, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 pm. Page 1 of 1