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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-10-27 Master Plan Implementation Committee Minutes Master Plan Implementation Committee Meeting Minutes October 27, 2022 Attending: (in person): Meredith Barnes-Cook(Vice Chair), Stan Limpert, Jimmy Wefers, Eitan Goldberg, and Richard Vaillancourt Absent: Jon Strauss, George Koehler, Sean McDonough, Hollie Williams Staff: Andrew Shapiro (Director of Community and Economic Development), Jean Enright (Planning Director) Call To Order Meredith Barnes-Cook, acting as Chair in Jon Strauss' absence called the meeting to order. Public Comment No public comments were received by Andrew Shapiro by the time the meeting had started and no members of the public were present to offer comments.. Introduction of new MPIC members Richard Vallaincourt (Select Board) and James Wefers (NA Historical Commission) Both new members were present and introduced themselves to the Committee. Approval of September 29, 2022 Meeting Minutes Eitan Goldberg moved to approve the minutes as presented. Stan Limpert seconded. The vote was 5-0 in favor, motion passed. Old Business: Continued discussion of updates on Master Plan strategies that have been made on the MPIC Implementation Web Pa e Andrew Shapiro provided an overview of the website for the new Committee Members. Updates that Shapiro included: Strategy 73 - Create a local Historic Preservation Master Plan to identify resources for stronger protection of historic resources, improvements to strengthen effectiveness of existing historic and neighborhood conservation districts, and protection of historic town records. • Shapiro explained that the Town plans to submit an application to the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) for a grant to cover half of the cost to procure the services of a qualified consultant that would assist the Town in developing a Historic Preservation Plan. The cost would most likely be in the range of about $40,000, half of which would need to be covered by Town sources - to be determined. A letter of intent will need to be submitted by November 14th. MHC would then indicate to the Town whether it should apply for the grant. Strategy 85 - Continue to prioritize the update, repair, and renovation of the Town's public buildings and schools as needed. • The Town was notified that it has been awarded a $66,560 grant through the State's Housing Choice Program, which will be used for procuring the services of a qualified architectural consultant that assist the Town in evaluating how it can effectively reuse the soon-to-be vacant Senior Center building at the rear or Town Hall. • The recently completed American with Disabilities Act(ADA) self assessment and transition plan notes about $52,000 in estimated costs to upgrade 20 Town owned buildings to bring them up to full compliance with ADA. A capital request has been submitted to the upcoming budget to complete those upgrades over two year period of time. Strategy 88: Complete the inventory of shade trees located throughout the Town in order to help identify locations where more might be needed. • The Community Development Division through its Conservation Department is requesting $85,100 in capital funding to produce a tree inventory and management plan. The plan will also help guide the Town in utilizing funding from Amazon that is earmarked for the planting of shade trees. Continued discussion regarding Master Plan Strategy 19: Create an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw that would allow small accessory residential units on existing residential parcels. Jean Enright explained that the Select Board had recently added exploration of an ADU Bylaw to its goals for the fiscal year 2024, which gives the issue a good push to move forward. She will be working with the Planning Board to place a discussion about the issue on its next agenda. Mr. Vaillancourt inquired about the definition of an ADU. Mr. Goldberg explained that it is a dwelling unit, accessory and subordinate to a single family home. There are various iterations of these types of units, including inside a home, attached to a home, or as a separate structure on the same lot. Ms. Enright noted that it would be helpful to have a working group formed, with the guidance of the Planning Board, to discuss what aspects of a potential ADU bylaw would be amenable to a broad cross section of the general public (i.e. dimensions, whether units could be built over separate garages, etc.). Shapiro noted that the Town last year voted to approve an inclusionary zoning bylaw and that a potential ADU bylaw is the other major housing related policy that the Master Plan suggests that the Town should consider. New Business Updates regarding the establishment of the Steering Committee for 400 Great Pond Rd and, 25% Rail Trail Design, Historic Preservation Master Plan, and other projects that may be of interest to the Committee Mr. Vaillancourt confirmed that the Select Board approved of the formation of a steering committee to guide the Town in determining what to do with the 400 Great Pond Road property that it has just acquired, including the existing single family home that sits on the property. Ms. Enright noted that she would occupy a role on the Committee, in addition to the Planning Board Chair(or designee), the Harbormaster, the Facilities Director and other relevant Town Staff. Mr. Vaillancourt also noted that a few members of the public at-large would be interviewed for participation on the Committee. Shapiro explained to the Committee that the Town is in the process of planning for/designing a rail trail,phase 1 of which would run from the driveway of the high school, along a former rail right-of-way, to the intersection of Dale Street and Marbleridge Road. The Town has engaged Stantec as its engineering consultant for this project. Stantect has submitted a project need form to MassDOT for this project on behalf of the Town, which is a first step in lining up the project for transportation improvement program (TIP) funding. Stantec is continuing to work through this project. Abutters and the public at-large will be engaged. The project will take years to develop. Shapiro also noted that the Town has engaged another engineering consultant to assist in developing pedestrian trail connections between Sutton and Main Street, and High Street, where it meets the Mills to Hills Trail. Discussions with abutters have occurred and the consultant is currently developing concepts. Adjournment: Stan Limpert moved to adjourn, and Eitan Goldberg seconded. The vote was 5-0 in favor.