Present: Tom Esslinger, Gretchen Abendschein, Doug Robinson, Stella Herpel, Laurence Williamson, Jim Jennison, Sue Paton, Frank Emig, Rob Vogel, Rob Devalk, Lisa Earl

Meeting began: 7:00PM

Discussion:
1. DR opened by citing upcoming areas of Planning Board interest including working with Cartographic Associates to align the South Acworth Village District map with the Zoning Ordinance description, updating the ZO definitions particularly relating to ‘structures’, the recently expressed interest of the Allstone Quarry to begin crushing and the need to enhance communication between the Town and NHDOT regarding state road driveway permitting;
2. SH noted the need for the ZO definition discussion to involve storage containers in terms of their multiple use on a property and whether they are subject to setback or other ZO requirements;
3. RD recommended the Zoning Board be included in the vetting process for ZO amendments and noted the need for clarity to facilitate ZO implementation by a lay/volunteer board such as ZBA;
4. FE noted need to consider grandfathering in changes considered and DR suggested there is statutory criteria for various forms of grandfathering;
5. SH suggested there is a need to address ZO requirement of subdivision approval for second dwellings on a property and that the discussion would need to confront the definition of ‘dwelling’ and consider the need for levels of allowance such as an in-law apartments which are of lesser impact than complete separate ‘dwellings’;
6. RD suggested square footage could differentiate ‘dwellings’ and noted need to assure space returned to residential use (a mobile home used for storage again becomes a residence) be inspected for safety;
7. TE suggested PB study occupancy permitting and bring a proposal to Town Meeting 2011 which would allow electrical, plumbing, septic and possibly carpentry sign-offs necessary for occupancy permitting; It was noted the current building permit process only provides pre-project information not follow up;
8. SH questioned possibility of freelance building inspector; RV asked whether occupancy permitting implied Town liability; TE noted inspectors could be bonded;
9. SP reported ConCom voted to pursue the Desbien property purchase in 2010 by continuing to work with the NH Forest Society, the Desbiens, LCHIP and other fundraising avenues; A professional appraisal of the property is planned;
10. TE cited the impact of the 10% rule on the Town Meeting vote supporting the Desbien property purchase and questioned whether the 10% rule unfairly restricts the will of the voters; In discussion it was explained that the 10% rule is a restriction inherent in the statutory Budget Committee process, that Acworth is one of the few towns to have a statutory Budget Committee and that an alternative would be a non-statutory Budget or Finance Committee; Scheduling of the Budget Committee process after Select board budget drafting was cited as a difficulty; RV asked how the process could be changed and it was suggested BOS and BC begin work on the budget together earlier in the fall by setting aside meeting time specifically for early budget discussion; It was noted the annual town valuation and tax rate are available in September and October respectively and both are tools to be used in budget building;
11. TE asked PB’s position regarding small commercial enterprises coming into Town; SH noted the limitations under allowed uses stated in the ZO and that discussion of expanding those uses has not taken place; TE suggested the need to consider Town areas which could be appropriate and update ZO.

Meeting adjourned: 9:00PM

NOTES OF JOINT BOARDS MEETING
April 20, 2010