Seated: Vicky Arico, Jim Bird, Mark Bolinsky and Dave Hall Jr., chairperson

Absent: Annette Immorlica, Tom McKinney and John Quinlan

7:15 PM The meeting was called to order. The board went through the mail, including letters from two different engineering firms. Arico asked if the board could invite the firms to speak at a meeting about what the services they offer. Arico also suggested inviting Stantec as well. Hall Jr. stated that the Selectmen may have an agreement with Stantec and felt they should first ask the Selectmen before hearing from other firms.

Hall Jr. stated that there were no new applications submitted to the board therefore there were no plans to review. Continuing with the discussion regarding engineering firms, Hall Jr. asked if the board should consider Chip Spalding, an alternate, as well. Hall Jr. felt that Vollmer didn’t quite have a true grasp of Mont Vernon as a small town and how they do things. Bird stated that Vollmer mostly dealt with the Selectmen. Arico stated that the board has changed the procedure since they last used Vollmer. Arico stated that they have clarified the checklists and weeded out the things that the planning board needs to decide. Bird stated that the board could ask Spalding if he is interested in being put on a list of possible engineers for future reference. Hall Jr. asked about his alternate status when he is reviewing plans. Bolinsky stated that Spalding would recuse himself when he is working on a plan.

7:30 PM Review of April 22, 2008 minutes Arico moved to approve the minutes of April 22, 2008 as written. Bolinsky seconded. All were in favor. The motion passed.

The board briefly discussed private roads. Hall Jr. asked what happens when an applicant comes before the board citing precedence. Bird stated that they try to come up with something that makes the Fire Chief happy and will work for everyone. Bird stated that sometimes they have the developers put sprinklers in the homes and build less of a road. Arico stated that, with private roads, every lot is unique so you have to look at it on a case by case basis. Bolinsky asked if there should be any regulations for private roads. Bolinsky questioned if they really need the Fire Chief’s approval or does the board do it as a courtesy. Bird stated that he believed some sort of requirement exists at the state level.

7:40 PM Technical Review of PDF files Hall Jr. stated that the board can use the Adobe tools to add comments and notes to the PDF document. Hall Jr. felt this would be helpful when the board has a question regarding the zoning. The board can add comments to the sections in question and later discuss it at a worksession.

7:45 PM The board briefly discussed possible zoning that would be a tax benefit for the town. Hall Jr. stated that the board spoke with Sally Wilkins, of Amherst Land Trust, last year regarding affordable housing that is a tax benefit to the town. Hall Jr. stated that the housing in Amherst is usually bought by people with no children and becomes a tax positive for the town. Arico asked about incentives for developers. Hall Jr. stated that there is usually a bonus structure and the developers get more density. Hall Jr. asked if the board felt they have an obligation to look into this. Bird stated that he was open to hearing any proposals. Bird stated that he would like to see some businesses in town. Bird stated that they do not have any critical mass in the center of town and would like to see zoning that would create critical mass.

8:00 PM Bird motioned to adjourn the meeting. Bolinsky seconded. All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Angela Wilson, Administrative Assistant