Planning Board Meeting Minutes 12/10/2020
APPROVED OFFICIAL MINUTES
PUBLIC MEETING
Meeting Date: December 10, 2020
Meeting Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting Place: Monterey Town Office (Planning Board Members Only)
Members: Tom Sawyer, Laura Mensi, Nancy Marcus, BJ Johnson
Remote Public Attendance: Sharelle Hicks, Chip Allen
Chip Allen of Blue Hill Rd. joined the meeting and briefed the members on his interests joining the planning board as a new member. Sharelle Hicks joined the meeting interested in the discussion regarding short term rentals.
Public Hearings and Meetings:
- N/A
Misc.:
Town of Sandisfield – Waiver Letter – Discussion/Approval
TS briefed the members on the letter from Sandisfield requesting a waiver from the Monterey Planning Boar. There were no objections. Waiver was approved. MSV LM/BJ
Dock License review & signoff – 29 Dowd Rd -Map 109, Lot 14
TS briefed the members on the application. There were no objections MSV LM/NM
Master Plan – Discussion
TS briefed the members on the topic of a Master plan and the need to update the 15 year old plan. The last plan was prepared by BRPC in 2003. There may be grants to help with the financing of a new plan. A consultant may be considered. All boards would be expected to participate and be committed. Funds could come from appropriation and grants. Secure services with a consultant (procurement). Neighboring towns have completed their Master Plans. LM advised to reach out to other towns and their process. BJ thinks that we should review the past Master Plans and then invite other boards to weigh in on their thoughts of going forward with a new draft of a plan. NM is in agreement. The clerk will scan the Master Plan and distribute to members before the next meeting. Discussion continued to next meeting.
Short Term Rentals – Discussion – Continued
BJ briefed the members on the issue of Short Term Rentals (STR) in Lenox and Pittsfield. Stevens Lake Assoc. (SLA) property owners have been renting their homes while not being present. The SLA. is considering regulations which would take into account of hardship. BJ has a lot of concern with daily STR. NM commented that Stevens Lake Assoc. is private and may be easier to regulate than for the town.. TS reviewed Mass.gov and the state requires that STR register and a state tax is required to be collected. LM commented that it will be difficult to enforce. TS commented that STR may be a burden on public safety and suggested an application to be considered for STR managed by the town. Chip Allen commented that the town should be aware of rentals in town. LM questioned administration of management of STR at the town level. A public hearing might be in order sometime in the future. LM questioned if STR could be considered in the Master Plan. The discussion to continue to the next meeting.
Reports from Board Members
TS – Next meeting will be 1.14.2021. TS questioned the status of the Verizon Tower and Fiber. Discussion regarding the time frame for fiber being installed. TS discussed budget reviewed FY 2022. TS recommending to level fund Budget FY 2022.
Review Misc. Correspondence
TS – reviewed misc mail.
Approve prior minutes
Tabled to next meeting
Adjourn
LM/BJ MSV 8:26
The list of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Planning Board which may be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.