TOWN OF BRADFORD
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
November 10th, 2020
7:00 PM BRADFORD COMMUNITY CENTER 134 EAST MAIN STREET & REMOTELY VIA ZOOM
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm
Members Present: Pam Bruss (Chair), Carol Troy (Vice Chair), Carol Meise (via Zoom), Laurie Colburn (via Zoom), Sonny Harris (Alternate), Mel Pfeifle, Michael James (Selectmen’s Rep), Doug Troy (Alternate) and Tom Dunne.
Members Absent: Steve Chase
Public Present: Dick Wright 168 Morse Hill Road, Newbury NH representing the Bradford Fish and Game Club, Alisa Neuneker.
Pledge of Allegiance 7:06 pm
To Do:
- Review and consideration of the October 27th, 2020 minutes.
Motion: Carol Meise motioned to accept the minutes as written.
Second: Carol Troy
Public Hearing(s):
Susan Murphy Subdivision Map 10 Lot 6- The Public Hearing was opened at 7:09 pm.
Pam Bruss reviewed the rules and procedures for the public hearing.The site walks minutes from November 8th,2020 were acknowledged. Mike Bauer was present and is authorized by the applicant Susan Murphy to speak on behalf of the Subdivision application for Map 10 lot 6. Mike Bauer gave an overview of the application. Chair Pam Bruss opened the meeting for discussion.
Katia was present and authorized to represent her parents Mr. & Mrs. Richard Asthalter who abut Map 10 Lot 6. Katia questioned the dwelling type that is proposed on the subdivision application. Chair Pam Bruss clarified that the abutting lot is for a single-family dwelling unit. Katia had no further questions.
The public hearing was closed at 7:34pm.
Sonny Harris discussed the deed description. The Planning Board reviewed the Official Public Record (OPR) 3629/2145 and noted as another reference (OPR) 940/275. The Planning Board discussed the easement that is continuous with the land and the water rights attached to the well located on the property. The Board discussed that the septic will need to be relocated 75 feet from the well radius. The authorized agent agreed to update the map with the relocated septic.
Motion: Carol Troy motioned to accept the Subdivision Application Map 10 lot 6 with the condition that a mylar will be submitted and the septic will reflect the 75-foot setback from the easement and location of the well.
Second: Michael James
Decision: Carol Meise- Aye, Michael James- Aye, Laurie Colburn- Aye, Carol Troy- Aye, Pam Bruss- Aye, Tom Dunne-Aye, Mel Pfeifle-Aye.
Appearances:
Land Use Discussion Bradford Fish and Game Map 2 Lot 110 & 111:
A non-meeting meeting was held with Attorney Christine Philmore and the Planning Board at 5:30 pm on November 10th,2020. Chair Pam Bruss explained the format of the Land Use Discussion.
Michael James recused himself at 7:42pm.
- Dick Wright was present on behalf of The Bradford Fish and Game Club. Mr. Wright clarified that the land was bought at auction by Michael James and The Bradford Fish and Game Club purchased the land from Michael James. Dick Wright explained the use of the land since 1966 and at that point in time shooting was conducted on open land. Bullet traps had been placed on the property to protect the land. Mr. Wright stated that permission to shoot was given from the property owner at that time Bill Krummel; in exchange allowing Mr. Krummel to put his driveway on the Bradford Fish and Game Club property. When the land was cleared the loggers took the bad pieces of wood and stacked them creating a natural backstop. Shooting has occurred in the Fall and in the Spring for the Hunter Education Classes. Dick Wright explained how he feels that the land should be considered grandfathered and if not, it would impact the Hunter Education Classes that the Bradford Fish and Game Club offer. Dick Wright explained how the club will only use 22 long riffles and high-powered rifles will be band.
- Alisa Neuneker of 74 Gillingham Drive Bradford, NH- Alisa gave an overview of the lots her grandparents had acquired over time and how in their will they stated that the lots were to put up for auction and the proceeds to be donated to a charity. Alisa stated that she has enjoyed having the club as neighbors and also donated $10k to the Bradford Fish and Game Club to help them acquire the lot at auction on the basis that there would be no building or noise generated. Alisa stated that over the summer there has been a lot more shooting activity and witnessed high powered riffles being used along with other types. The issues are that the land is zoned rural residential and feels that essentially that it is a shooting range. Approximately eight homes abut the Bradford Fish and Game. The activity that has been occurring does not reflect the Hunter Education classes that are held on the property.
All Public comments were closed at 7:53pm
The Planning Board discussed that if the club were to go back to the use of the 2-3 times a year for the Hunter Safety Education Classes then that would be considered grandfathered. If the club wants to continue with the expanded use a site plan would be required and they would have to go before the Zoning Board for a special exception. The Board discussed if the use was legal when it began. The Board agreed that there were no Zoning requirements when shooting began and that there were also no abutting properties when it began. The Planning Board discussed if the use continually conducted shooting. The Board was in agreement.
Motion: Mel Pfeifle motioned the approval of Map 2 lot 110 and 111 grandfathered.
Second: Tom Dunne
Decision: Carol Meise- Aye, Laurie Colburn- Aye, Carol Troy- Aye, Pam Bruss- Aye, Tom Dunne-Aye, Mel Pfeifle-Aye.
The Planning Board discussed that this automatically becomes a non-conforming use to the Zoning Ordinance because Map 2 Lot 110 and Map 2 Lot 111 have been grandfathered.
The Board deliberated the expansion of use. A site plan will be required if the use is different then the Hunter Safety Education courses with the use of 22 long riffles only. Laurie shared that there has been an expansion of use due to the volume of activity. Carol Meise shared that returning to the Hunter education classes activity would deem them grandfathered.
Motion: Carol Meise motioned to the prior use of the land of Bradford Fish and Game hunter safety courses 2-3 times a year, with the use of 22 long riffles and archery at the hunter education courses. If any other use is expanded a site plan will be needed.
Second: Carol Troy
Decision: Carol Troy- Aye, Tom Dunne- Nay, Mel Pfeifle-Nay, Carol Meise-Aye, Laurie Colburn-Nay, Pam Bruss-Aye.
Motion: Carol Troy Motioned to re vote on carol meise motion
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: Carol Troy-Aye, Tom Dunne-Aye, Mel Pfeifle-Aye, Carol Meise-Aye, Laurie Colburn- Nay- Pam Bruss Nay.
Motion: Carol Meise motioned to the prior use of the land of Bradford Fish and Game hunter safety courses 2-3 times a year, with the use of 22 long riffles and archery at the hunter education courses. If any other use is expanded a site plan will be needed.
Second: Carol Troy
Decision: Carol Troy- Aye, Tom Dunne- Nay, Mel Pfeifle-Aye, Laurie Colburn-Nay, Carol Meise-Aye, Pam Bruss-Aye.
Chair Pam Bruss reiterated that a site plan is not required. If there is an expanded use a site plan will be required. The Bradford Fish and Game will need to go before the Zoning Board as well.
Michael James was seated at 8:27pm.
Other Communications:
- The Planning Board Discussed the budget and will be meeting with the Budget Committee on December 3rd, 2020.
- The Planning Board discussed meeting remotely due to Covid-19 cases rising. The Planning Board agreed to have all Planning Board meetings meet remotely until further notice.
Planning Board Communications:
The next Planning Board Meeting will be held on November24th, 2020 at 7:00pm remotely on the ZOOM platform. To access and participate in a Planning Board meeting using the Zoom platform, either:
- To join Zoom meeting online: https://zoom.us/j/309707493?pwd=WitYNjlENWhsNkdtNERrRjZiWlNiZz09
Meeting ID: 309 707 493
Password: 757403
or
- Use a telephone to dial one of the following numbers:
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
And enter the following Meeting ID when prompted:
Meeting ID: 309 707 493
Password: 757403
Motion: Carol Troy motioned to adjourn.
Second: Carol Meise
Decision: Mel Pfeifle- Aye, Carol Troy –Aye, Laurie Colburn- Aye, Carol Meise- Aye, Pam Bruss- Aye, Michael James- Aye, Tom Dunne-Aye.
Adjourned at 8:34pm
Draft Minutes submitted by
Katie Olohan
Planning Board Secretary