Minutes
Board of Selectmen
Work Session
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Eastham Town Hall, Earle Mountain Room
PRESENT: Linda Burt, Chair
Kenelm Collins, Vice Chair
Russell Sanblom, Clerk
David Schropfer
ALSO: Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator
ABSENT: Martin McDonald
Selectman Burt called the meeting to order at 2:35 p.m. Also attending the meeting are the Planning Board, as well as, Margo Fenn, Stacey Justice and Door Fox from the Cape Cod Commission.
Ms. Fenn noted that there will be changes in their regulatory process, with the main focus being increased communication between the Commission and the Town. Ms. Fenn noted what guidelines are used for a mandatory referral and also noted that the Commission would like to continue to check on borderline projects that have a mutual interest. Frank DeFelice, Building Inspector, questioned why a change of use would trigger a review. Ms. Fenn responded that the size would trigger the review and noted that the current threshold guidelines may change. She also noted that with a change of use the Commission considers if the new use will have a different impact on the area than the old use. Mr. Fox noted that they are trying to maintain a sense of consistency with their permitting and regulatory
processes.
Ms. Fenn informed the attendees that the mandatory review process begins with a public hearing, where Commission staff prepare an advisory report and present it to the review board. Another public hearing is then scheduled and a decision is made on the project. Mr. Fox noted that a discretionary referral hearing includes a presentation by the Town, the applicant and the Commission staff. Ms. Fenn noted that the task force recommended changing the thresholds to be non-uniform for the Cape. She noted that square footage may be calculated by footprint rather than actual square footage in the future to encourage multi-story buildings. Ms. Fenn noted that if a project meets the mandatory threshold, based on the project impact, the applicant can file for an exemption.
Selectman Schropfer questioned how things are referred to the Commission. Ms. Fenn replied that mandatory referrals should be done by the building inspector when the application is reviewed. She also noted that discretionary referrals are done by a majority vote of one of the regulatory boards in Town. Mr. Fox noted that people also call inquiring about projects, which may tip-off the Commission. Ms. Fenn noted that when this happens the Commission contacts the Town to get more information on the project.
Ms. Fenn noted that the changes will need Assembly of Delegates approval for the policy and regional plan changes. Mike Cole, Planning Board, noted that there is a need for communication in both directions. He noted that the Commission regulations are voted laws that town members have a responsibility to follow. Ms. Fenn noted that the Commission does other things besides regulation. She noted that they offer technical assistance to help with streamlining the permitting process within different towns.
Joyce Brookshire, Eastham Representative to the Cape Cod Commission, noted that the Commission is currently rewriting their mission statement and create better lines of communication between the Town and the Commission. Ms. Fenn noted that the Commission only reviewed a tiny fraction of development on the Cape, and suggested that future development be a cooperative effort with the individual towns handling most projects, the Commission reviewing larger projects, and the planning looked at together. Kevin Holland, Planning Board, questioned the high review fees that the Commission charges. Ms. Fenn responded that the three components of the fees are an application fee, consultants, and mitigation charges, with the latter being the costliest. Ms. Fenn explained that the charges are designed to make
the new development pay for any impact they may cause to the area.
Ms. Fenn questioned how often the present boards would like to meet with the Commission in the future. Mary Elizabeth Burgess, Town Planner, noted that quarterly may not require a meeting, but a quarterly report would be helpful. Ms. Burgess noted that there may be more need for the Commission in the future when there is more development in Town. Ms. Fenn informed all present that they will be hosting mapping workshops to illustrate land use, potential growth and protection areas, as well as future uses for the land.
3:55
Selectman Collins made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Sandblom, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes.
Respectfully Submitted,
Krystal M. Boyd
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