WASHINGTON PLANNING BOARD

Minutes

January 4, 2011

Planning Board Hearing, public hearing regarding telecommunication ordinance proposed changes.

Members present: Lynn Cook, Jim Crandall, Nan Schwartz, Tom Marshall,

Public present: Steve Terani and Bob Fraser

At 6:00 PM the hearing was called to order by Lynn Cook. Schwartz advised that the Planning Board had sent the existing ordinance to the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission and Fieldstone Land Consultants who had made suggestions for the proposed revisions/updates. The Town of Washington is looking to make the proposed changes for housekeeping purposes. Marshall said that the Town is now not on the radar for a cell phone tower but the company that has been talking to representatives of the Town has been advised that they will return.

Cook asked for any questions from the public.

Steve Terani said that he thought the cell phone companies were going to be in attendance tonight. The Board explained the process of having a tower erected and the variance process. Steve Terani asked if the Town has control over where a tower would be erected? Schwartz said no. Crandall said that the cell phone companies would go where it is easiest. Steve Terani asked if having the companies going to the Board of Adjustment is hampering the process.

Bob Fraser asked if the Town of Washington would approve a cell tower on a Town owned property would approve a 180' tower on any Town owned property? The Board said no.

The Board showed Fraser and Terani a picture of the stealth cell phone towers that are placed on buildings with innovative siting techniques.

Tom Marshall motioned to adjourn the hearing. Crandall seconded the motion. All voted in favor the public hearing was adjourned at 6:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Michelle Dagesse