Wilton, NH Planning Board

TOWN OF WILTON

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

MINUTES

Approved 6/16/10

DATE:            June 2, 2010

TIME: 7:30 P.M.

PLACE:         Wilton Town Hall Courtroom

PRESENT:     Wilton Planning Board Members: Chairman Jeff Kandt, Alec MacMartin, Neil Faiman, Walter Zuber, John Shepardson, Alternate Dawn Tuomala, NRPC representative Steve Wagner and Clerk Heather Loewy Nichols.

The agenda was amended as follows:

1.)              Pump Station – Wilton Water Commissioners

2.)              Wilton Fire Station Addition

3.)              Other Business

4.)              Adjournment

Chairman Kandt called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. and appointed Dawn Tuomala to the Board as a voting member at 7:42 pm.

Applications:

1.      Pump Station – Wilton Water Commissioners – A public hearing regarding the proposed addition to a pump station.

Jim Tuttle, of the Wilton Water Commission appeared before the Board and submitted pictures of the pump station at present, noting that the Commission is proposing an 8' x 20' cement block addition. He explained that they will be taking the fence down to expand the building to the right and then will reinstall the fence for security. He stated that currently there is a 1,500 gallon chemical tank in the building and this addition will get the chlorine and corrosion control chemicals away from the electrical components.

In response to a question from Mr. Kandt, Mr. Tuttle explained that the chlorine comes in what looks like a hockey puck and the chlorinator forces water into a column through the puck and dissolves the chlorine.

In response to a question from Mr. MacMartin, Mr. Tuttle explained that the chemicals present are in liquid form and the sodium hydroxide is in a separate containment area.

Mr. Tuttle noted that the addition will have two four foot wide doors to allow for easier delivery of two of the chemicals which come in drums. He stated that currently they need a dolly to get them into the building. He explained that the process that creates the liquid chlorine creates a mist so all the exposed piping sweats and adds to the destruction of the conduit. He noted that they will have to heat, insulate, and isolate the addition.

In response to a question from Mr. Kandt, Mr. Tuttle stated that there is a 10' x 6' vertical tank that goes 4' below ground and 8' above for the chlorine, and there is a chemical to counteract corrosion and one to control the ph of the water.

Mr. Kandt noted that if this were a standard application near the well head the Board would be concerned about spills and containment.

Mr. Tuttle explained that the addition will have a foundation and floor that pitches towards the door with a drain and manhole that can be emptied in the case of spillage.

In response to a question from Mr. Shepardson, Mr. Tuttle stated that he will contact the chemical vendor and obtain data sheets regarding the best way to store the chemicals.

In response to a question from Mr. MacMartin, Mr. Tuttle explained that each container has a mini containment area that can trap a small leak and if there was a catastrophic event the drain would be able to catch whatever remained of the 55 gallons of chemicals.

Mr. Kandt stated that he feels like if anyone is going to be careful of the water supply it would be the Water Commissioners.

In response to a question from Mr. Zuber, Mr. Tuttle stated that the only additional lighting will be indoor and there are currently two spotlights in the front of the building with motion detectors on them.

Mr. MacMartin suggested that the Board advise the Wilton Water Commissioners to have a containment plan that adequately deals with the chemicals that they are storing on site.

A MOTION was made by Mr. MacMartin and SECONDED by Mr. Zuber that the Board issue a written opinion recommending that the proposed addition includes a containment plan to deal with 110 to 120% of the amount of material that will be stored on site, whether it is within the structure or in an outside containment area, per industry standards.

Voting: 7 ayes; motion carried unanimously.

2.      Wilton Fire Station Addition- Board of Selectman – a public hearing regarding the proposed addition/changes to the Wilton Fire Station.

Dawn Tuomala left the Board as a voting member.

Bill Condra introduced Dennis Meyers.

Mr. Meyers explained that the fire station expansion idea has been around for a few years and a decision was made, before his firm was hired, to expand on the existing downtown site adding three more bays and personnel space. He stated that the current roof drains towards the rear into a cistern in the middle of the fire station that also collects floor drainage; the proposal will separate the drainage and add an oil/gas separator and grit separator to treat run off.  He noted that there will also be a drainage system for the parking lot to keep drainage amounts the same. He stated that they will be adding site lighting in the parking lot to meet visibility and security needs while meeting the dark skys requirement with down cast lighting on the canopies. He further explained that they will be containing the back edge with a concrete retaining wall which will cause some impact during construction to the abutter driveway that is currently on their property, however, he noted, after construction is complete the driveway could be rebuilt. He reviewed the proposed floor plan noting that equipment is wider, taller, and longer now so the new bays will accommodate new equipment and there will also be a personnel area that includes an entry lobby with offices. He explained that there will be space for a future elevator to serve the unfinished second floor and they will be renovating the existing structure including upgrading the energy envelope. He further explained that the upstairs will be unfinished which does allow for options in the future, including bed space if required. He also noted that the new exterior will match the existing exterior. 

Mr. Kandt noted that the Board had not received any plans and not only are they used to looking at plans but the RSA states that the Board should have received them.  

Mr. MacMartin stated that the Board is seeing this project at the end of the design phase and noted that the proposal is to increase the size of the structure significantly, more than 100%. He stated that he would like a more complete discussion of the drainage.  Mr. Meyers stated that he will provide the drainage report to the Board.  

In response to a question from Mr. MacMartin , Mr. Meyers explained that they are proposing infiltration chambers under the pavement with catch basins and an overflow system. He stated that infiltration is for the 50 year storm and the overflow is for 100 year peak noting that he will provide the report.

In response to a question from Mr. Wagner, Mr. Meyers stated that the proposal is to just shell the second floor at this time.

Mr. Wagner questioned whether there was any way to use this building to satisfy the need for a public shelter space. Fire Chief Dick stated that the elementary school can he used as emergency space and mixing the public and the emergency personal during an event is a bad idea.

In response to a question from Ms. Tuomala, an abutter, Mr. Meyers confirmed that the windows in the existing building will be replaced and the new lighting will be downcast off the canopies on the front apron.  

In response to a question from Ms. Tuomala, Mr. Meyers stated that his firm considered various pavement options including impervious, but they felt it was not the right option for their needs and he noted there are other ways to deal with infiltration.

In response to a question from Ms. Tuomala, Mr. Meyers stated that the test pits have been dug and the results are in the drainage report.

In response to a question from Ms. Tuomala, Chief Dick stated that the new parking will allow for more emergency personnel to park but still not everyone. Ms. Tuomala noted that she does not mind if they continue using her lot for parking.  

In response to a question from Brian Carter, the main abutter in back, Mr. Meyers stated that they are not planning on disturbing the granite retaining wall as they are anticipating installing a temporary shoring wall behind the construction effort.  Mr. Carter stated that he was concerned about them moving the wall back.

Mr. Condra explained that the finished plans are due in August and the Board of Selectmen do not plan on going out to bid on this project until after Thanksgiving, so the Board could continue this application until the September or November session at which time Mr. Meyers could present the real plans rather than concept plans,

Mr. Wagner stated that he would like to get more information about the storm water plan and the options that have been reviewed. Mr. Meyers stated that he would get that information to the Board.

Mr. Kandt stated that the thinks the Board will need to meet again with the final plans.

In response to a question from Mr. MacMartin, Mr. Meyers stated that his firm will provide a maintenance and operation manual for all the systems including the roof and envelope.

In response to a question from Mr. Carter, Mr. Meyers stated that construction should last for 10 months. 

In response to a question from Mr. Carter, Mr. Meyers stated that the construction should not cut off access to the driveway but some coordination will be needed as access will be impacted.

In response to a question from Ms. Tuomala, Mr. Meyers stated that no state permits are required. 

A MOTION was made by Mr. MacMartin and SECONDED by Mr. Faiman to continue the application to July 7. 2010.

Voting: 6 ayes; motion carried unanimously.

Dawn Tuomala returned to the Board as a voting member at 8:30 p.m.

3.      Other Business

-         Stormwater Protection Regulations

The Board reviewed a proposed Stormwater Protection regulation as prepared by Ms. Tuomala.

Steve Wagner noted that there is a contact at NRPC that would be willing to review the regulations with reference to a new EPA permit that will be required in the future.

The Board agreed to read the regulations for the next work session.

-         CIP

The Board decided that the latest revision of the CIP is appropriate.

-         Impact Fees

The Board discussed follow up information they need to obtain for the consultant.

4.      Adjournment

A MOTION was made by Mr. Zuber and SECONDED by Mr. MacMartin to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m.

Voting: 7 ayes; motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,

Heather Loewy Nichols

Clerk

Click HERE for PDF