Aug 21
Planning Board
August 21, 2019
The August Planning Board meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. In attendance were Bruce Sanborn, Charles Tarbell, Ted Gerber, Ray Merrill, Recording Secretary Cindy Kimball and Chairman Colin Holme along with Code Enforcement Officer Bill Haynes.
First on the agenda was a review of the July minutes. Bruce made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Ted seconded the motion and the vote was 5-0 in favor.
Second on the agenda was Chris Searles representing Keoka Beach Campground. He would like to install a portable double-walled skid tank on legs on a 40' existing dock to sell gasoline to boats on Keoka Lake. The tank will hold either 300 or 500 gallons of fuel, have a 100'hose and would be seasonal, starting in May 2020. It will be locked when not in use. He currently has a gas system in place that he uses for maintenance vehicles. He was asked to look into state regulations and training needed, and report back his findings of any permits required. Colin noted that the campground is a non-conforming use and this additional use does not appear to be a substantial enlargement or change. The board agreed with this assessment. Colin asked that Chris have a spill response kit available at the tank and Chris agreed to keep one by the pump. Several planning board members noted that fuel from a pump may be less prone to spilling than from individual containers.
Next on the agenda was Chris Field regarding a buffer zone deck addition involving 30%. He was not in attendance so the item was tabled.
Next was Elizabeth Roth regarding Bear Mountain Music Hall. Elizabeth, who could not be in attendance, purchased the former Bear Mountain Grange Hall in South Waterford. She submitted the following:
The goal of the Bear Mountain Music hall is to maintain the historic Bear Mountain Hall as a gathering place for celebrating local talent, creativity, fellowship and community.
The majority of activity will be in the community hall which will be re-furnished in a more casual style. I plan to serve coffee, tea, soda and baked goods which will be brought in at this time. At some future date when the kitchen can be updated and inspected by the state I hope to expand the menu to simple soups and stews. The great hall will be used for special events such as concerts and dances by local musicians as well as special guests who are visiting or have second homes in the area. I hope to include various types of music to appeal to a wide audience including classical, jazz, modern, traditional and folk. I also envision book readings, story tellers and showings by visual artists to grace the walls.
As work progresses on the building I hope to cultivate other activities which would be appropriate for the space. I would like the building to be available for local groups that may need a place to hold meetings and for people that want to offer classes or workshops.
Colin noted the building is outside of SZ but it constitutes a change of use and will require site plan review. Parking and septic will be the biggest challenges since the property is small and currently parking is limited. Bill noted at a recent open house approximately 20 cars parked in the small lot adjacent to the building, along the road and at Kimball’s Hardware. Elizabeth will attend the PB September meeting.
The next item on the agenda was a discussion about modifying the dock regulations in the town’s Shoreland Zoning Ordinance. Currently, the maximum length is 200 feet and docks cannot interfere with navigation. There is no guidance on location in regards to property lines and the current code limits width to six feet. Colin noted that Harrison has a 48-foot dock length restriction and he read the Lovell standards and dock application. The PB will continue to look into restrictions, sizes, and standards before deciding whether to modify Waterford’s current ordinance.
In the audience were concerned lake property owners who offered comments:
Arne Klepinger, who was advocating for the Jacobsen's whose access to water they contend has been restricted by the Flynn's dock that cuts across the water in front of their property.
Kathy Souza expressed concern that empty lots along the lake will eventually have people putting in docks that may restrict neighboring access. With no restrictions in place, she said it could become a problem.
Jim Flynn, whose lengthy dock currently angles in front of the Jacobsen’s property, said he is willing to move it to give them better access.
John Wait talked about the long dock at Keoka Birches, which is currently shared by seven families. When the lake water level is low, a shorter dock would limit water access for boats.
Del Angers, also of Keoka Birches, noted that each piece of property along Keoka Lake is individual and any regulations should take that into consideration.
Colin asked that the PB review the Lovell and Harrison ordinances and any others available and they will continue to look at developing a new ordinance.
Bruce made a motion to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Charles seconded the motion and the vote was 5-0 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Kimball