Planning Board Minutes
Wellfleet Planning Board
Minutes of Meeting on Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Council on Aging, 7:00 PM
Members Present: Gerald E. Parent, Chair, Andrew Freeman, Janet V. Morrissey, R. Dennis O’Connell, Alfred Pickard
Members Absent: Eric Larsen, Janet Reinhart
Others Present: Assistant Town Administrator/Planner Brian Carlson, Francis Parisi, Attorney for Varsity Wireless, LLC, Jesse Moreno Civil Engineer, Pro-Terra Design Group, LLC, Dan Goulet of C Squared Systems, Michael Giaimo, Attorney for Verizon Wireless, Brendan Gill of Structural Consulting, Inc.
Chair Parent opened the meeting at 7:05 PM.
ANR #15-06 135 & 0 Pine Point Way
Chet Lay of Slade Assoc. presented the new plan for 135 & 0 Pine Point Way where the boundary between the two new lots has been amended slightly to accommodate a new structure that is to be built.
Morrissey moved to deem the plan as an Approval Not Required; Pickard seconded; the motion passed 5-0.
FY17 Planning Board Budget Vote
The Board discussed the changes between the 2016 and 2017 budgets, and slightly revised the proposed FY17 budget. Funding for Contract Services was decreased to $4,300, and Advertising was increased to $2,000, with no net change.
Morrissey made the motion to approve the FY17 Planning Board Budget as amended; Pickard seconded; the motion passed 5-0.
Varsity Wireless Special Permit Hearing continued
Prior to the beginning of the hearing, Morrissey disclosed that she lives on Indian Neck which is near the focus of this project. O’Connell disclosed that he is involved in the cellular industry. The Board saw no conflict and allowed both to participate in the proceedings.
Francis Parisi presented the Varsity Wireless Telecommunications request to erect a 90 foot tower in S. Wellfleet at 724 Rte 6. He explained that Varsity Wireless is a wireless infrastructure developer that designs facilities that comply with town bylaws and land use restrictions. Verizon is the anchor tenant for this property. He pointed out that there is a gap in coverage that this tower would address.
Board members asked questions throughout the presentation. Some of those questions involved noise levels that can be expected, and how they would be mitigated. Chair Parent asked about the specs of the propane tank and suggested that it be buried to cut down on potential problems.
Chair Parent also questioned whether the Wellfleet Planning Board would be involved in the process if modifications were made in the future, i.e. every time a new carrier and antenna is added. The tower design accommodates five separate antennas. Parisi stated that there is no requirement that the Board review each addition. Some towns have their Building Inspector determine if the modification meets the federal requirements. If not then the project needs to go back for a Special Permit. The Cape Cod Commission requires a determination that additional antennae don’t exceed the federal emission standards. As long as the CCC has granted the modification then it can go directly to the Building Inspector.
The Board agreed that it appreciated the thorough review done by the Cape Cod Commission.
O’Connell read an email received today from the Cape Cod National Seashore which contained its concerns with the installation of a monopole at the site in question.
When polled, all five board members present indicated that they were inclined to approve the plan with conditions that will include a bond for removal, timing of routine testing of the emergency generator, and perhaps burying the propane tank.
Parisi agreed to provide the Board with a copy of the CCC Decision in Word format.
Chair Parent closed the hearing to public comment.
The Board agreed to continue the discussion at its next scheduled meeting on December 2, 2015.
Minutes
10-7-15 9 AM Site Visit – Morrissey made the motion to approve the minutes as amended; Parent seconded; the motion passed 5-0.
10-7-15 7 PM Meeting - Pickard made the motion to approve the minutes as amended; O’Connell seconded; the motion passed 5-0.
10-21-15 7 PM Meeting - Pickard made the motion to approve the minutes as amended; Freeman seconded; the motion passed 5-0.
Correspondence
None to report
Topics for Future Concern
- Law Suit Old King’s Highway Community Housing Project
- Nextel – Restoration Bond
- Amendments to Road Requirements in Subdivision Rules and Regulations
- Formula Business Bylaw
- DLTA Grant Project
- 2015 Bylaw reprint status
Agenda for Meeting on December 2, 2015
- 145 School St. and 0 Off School St PSD #15-01
- Varsity Wireless Telecommunications Monopole Findings of Fact and Special Conditions
- DLTA/ Cottage Colony & Cluster Housing Bylaw work
- Planning Board 2016 Meeting Schedule
Adjournment
Morrissey moved to adjourn; Parent seconded; the motion passed 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:31 PM.
Public Records of November 18, 2015:
- ANR #15-06 on file on record with the Town Clerk
- Planning Board FY17 Budget Worksheets
- Special Permit #15-01 on record with the Town Clerk
- Cape Cod Commission DRI Decision, dated 10-2-15
- email from Lauren McKean, CCNS, dated 11-18-15