09/07/1983 GROWTH STUDY COMMITTEE Minutes

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MINUTES GROWTH STUDY COMMITTEE Present: Chairman Richard Terry, David Hardy, Janice Mills, Jean Thomas, Mike Makunas. Absent: Charles Buckingham (resigned) , Janice Smith, Pauline Delory (at ConCom Meeting) , Earle MarsterB (resigned) , Richardson Jonas (at Planning Bd. Meeting) Since this was not a posted meeting, and it was questionable whether there was a quorum present, the group decided to hold an informal discussion in order to respond to the invitation of Earle Marsters, Chairman of the Planning Board, to offer input on the proposed sign code. The matter of the sign code was not a part of the "charge" for consideration given to the Growth Study Committee by the Selectmen, and the request for the Growth Study Committee to attend the Planning Board Meeting prior to any meet- ing scheduled by this committee, seemed premature % to its members, However, in order to make any sort of contribution to the sign code discussion, as a committee, the mem- bers felt some discussion was needed. It was pointed out by Jean Thomas, that since the Planning Board is required to hold a Public Hearing on the amendment, it might be more advantageous to provide their input at that time. Chm. Terry stated that might be the time to provide individual comments - but perhaps the committee might arrive at some consensus tonight. He said the Selectmen want this committee to tighten things up this year. Mike Makunas, who had to depart for the Board of Appeals Meeting, brought up one figure he questioned - which appears in two places in the proposed sign code. Where signs,are allowed llowed to be as large as 20 square feet, he would prefer that be reduced to 16 square feet (i.e. Sec. 10.2.4) He pointed out that .the Town of Fat mouth has that limitation, and anything over that requires,a' special permit. There was general agreement on this. Jean Thomas said she and the Building Inspector have questions regarding the time permited for compliance, in Sec. 10.7.2. All agreed the word "legal" should be eliminated. Chm. Terry said that since the amendment will be on the May, 1984 Town Meeting Warrant, he -, suggests 2 years be allowed to comply, or get a special permit. This seemed fair to all. Chm. Terry brought up the question with conflict with the Village Center Concept - could there be one sign code for the village, and another for the rest of the town? Jean Thomas said she understood the Village Concept overlaid other restrictions. Mike Makunas reminded those present that the Building Inspector determines the issuance of permits. Jean Thomas noted that Town Counsel also had a question regarding the possible conflict of having two different sign codes within the town . Dick Terry asked if they should be the same? Janice Mills suggested making it Section 10A, and incorporating it. Dick Terry said there was a need to determine why the article was postponed at the last Town Meeting. Mike said he thought it was due to "People conflicts", which have not been eliminated. Chm. Terry questioned See. 10.6.1. which includes the words "public purposes" - no one will understand that, he feels - the group agreed to change that wordage to "with special permit". Chm. Terry questioned Sec. 10.6.3, which he thinks is too large. All present agreed that would allow a giant sign. Prior to Mike Makunas' departure, the group decided to meet on Tuesday nights in the future, to avoid conflicts with other numerous committees and boards which meet on Wednes- day nights. All concurred. Chm. Terry feels there is a need for streamlining the code. Should they get rid of 18'.3.3, .4 and .5 in the Village Concept? Would there be an accusation of discrimination if C1 and C2 in the Village Concept have one set of rules, while those outside have another? I