DUBLIN BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Minutes of Meeting
On March 4, 2010, the Dublin Board of Adjustment met at the Town Hall to address various administrative issues. Attending were:
Joe Cavanaugh (Chairman) Mary Liz Lewis
Dan French Will Oja
Bill Gurney Jim Sovik
Susan Phillips-Hungerford
Chairman Cavanaugh presented meeting handouts which included a meeting agenda, drafts of the Feb. 4, 2010 minutes, 2010 goals and objectives, written rules of procedure, and other administrative business items.
A. The February 4, 2010 minutes were approved; Joe will post same.
B. The 2010 goals and objectives were reviewed and approved. These are contained in the Town’s annual report given by the Board.
C. The Rules of Procedure (3rd draft) were reviewed. Minor changes were suggested for inclusion as follows:
o On page 1, under the “Members and Alternates” section, wording was changed to reflect that both members and up to five alternates were appointed by the Selectmen.
o On page 2, under the “Meetings” section, the site visit schedule was changed from the “Monday” prior to the meeting to “within one week”.
o On page 2, under the “Application/Decision” section, the objective and desirability of scheduling hearings which coincide with the regularly-scheduled 4th Thursday of each month was discussed, and it was noted that an applicant’s appeal for a hearing must be considered to start when the paperwork is complete and accepted by the Chairman. It was noted that the wording in our Land Use Regulations under Article XII, B.2. regarding timing was unclear. It was suggested that the Chairman create a time window when applications would be accepted, so that hearings would coincide with regularly scheduled meetings if at all possible.
o On page 6, para. 5, change the word “rehearsing” to read “rehearing”.
o On page 6 “Hiring of Experts” it was noted that the application form itself needs to be modified to reflect an applicant’s agreement to pay for the cost any experts hired by the Board. In addition, the wording in the procedure needs to be strengthened to reflect that the determination to select and hire an outside
consultant or expert would be at the sole discretion of the Board. Concern was raised reflecting that the Town must have legal protection to ensure that the applicant has financial responsibility to pay these costs, regardless of the outcome of the hearing. Joe will discuss with Town Council, and modify the application paperwork accordingly.
Subject to inclusion of the above changes, the Rules and Procedures were adopted.
Vice Chairman-Susan Phillips-Hungerford was nominated and voted to serve in this capacity.
Board Vacancy-Joe noted that Jim’s term expires in March 2010. It was voted that the Board would recommend to the Selectmen that Jim be reappointed for another 3 year term.
The proposed Workforce Housing ordinance was discussed. General consensus of the Board was that it is too broad in scope and the Board’s preference would be for the Planning Board to develop an alternative method of dealing with this issue in the coming year.
Variance Criteria-it was noted that the Variance Criteria forms which had been prepared for use on variance hearings were in-line with the State’s suggested language, which is weaker than the language contained in Dublin’s zoning. Joe indicated that he had been informed by Town Council that this was “acceptable” The consensus of the Board did not favor using the weaker State language, and requested that Joe revise the forms to be in line with Dublin’s criteria.
Land use provisions-The Board reflected concerns that our land use regulations are out of date, and that a major review and modification may be desirable. Since this is a Planning Board issue, Joe will schedule a meeting with the Planning Board Chairman to informally present our concerns.
The meeting was adjourned-with the next meeting scheduled for 7PM, Thursday, March 25, 2010.
Jim Sovik-member
Dublin Board of Adjustment
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