Swanzey Planning Board Meeting August 13th, 2026
The Swanzey Planning Board met on August 13, 2026, and approved the minutes from the July 23, 2026 meeting by a majority vote. The Board continued the public hearing for the Balev Holdings LLC site plan review (PB2610) to August 27, 2026. The Board approved a motion to grant requested waivers for the Richard Whitney minor subdivision application and subsequently accepted the subdivision application as complete. Following a public hearing, the planning board voted to approve the three-lot subdivision of tax map 255 lot 24, contingent upon upgrading the road extension to Class 5 standards. The Board also approved a boundary line adjustment for properties at 102 and 110 Goodell Avenue after confirming both resulting lots would meet zoning requirements. A site plan modification for Environmental Alternatives, Inc. was approved, involving an enlarged building footprint and reconfigured parking. The Board discussed a five-year zoning audit outline and received updates on water and sewer infrastructure funding, including a potential Northern Borders grant application.
You are watching a Fact TV presentation of the town of Swansea. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. >> Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey everybody. 6:00. I will call to order the August 13 meeting of the Swansea Planning Board. Beginning with attendance on Victoria Rec as I'm here. Scott Self >> here. >> Mark Scera >> Richard Lane >> Brandon Self I do not see yet. Although that might be him. Michael York >> Suckman's rep. Alan Gross >> Stacy Goodo >> Charlie Harbbeck >> here. And I don't see Jane. Um, maybe that's not I'm gonna seat Charlie for Brandon for for now. And if he comes, he'll be unseated. Okay. Um, our agenda for tonight is uh beginning with the approval of minutes of July 23rd, 2026. Then we have se several public hearings. Um PB 2610 site plan review Balev Holdings LLC represented by Bryce Rener has submitted a site plan review application for the property located at 126 Manadnok Highway. The applicant proposes to expand outside storage by excavating the bank on the eastern side of the building, installing a small retaining wall and paving the area. Additionally, the applicant proposes utilizing the excavated fill to level the northwestern and southwestern sides of the building to create more flat storage space. The property is at tax map 103, lot 84 in the business district, and the applicant has requested a continuence. Just FYI for now. We'll return to that. Um second uh is PB2611 a minor subdivision. An application for a minor subdivision has been submitted by Lawrence land surveying acting on behalf of property owner Richard Whitney. The application proposes subdivising subdividing the subject property identified as tax map 255 lot 24 into three individual building lots. The parcel is situated within the rural agricultural district on the eastern side of Rabbit Hollow Road and south of Swansea Lake Road. Then under discussions and other business, we have a boundary line adjustment. An application for a boundary line adjustment has been submitted by promised land survey acting on behalf of property owners Chad Fontaine, Alice Fontaine, and Deborah Hamill. The subject properties are identified as tax map 249 lots 49 and 50 with addresses at 102 and 110 Goodell Avenue. Parces are situated within the residents district on the northern side of Goodell Avenue and east of New Hampshire Route 32. Then we have a site plan modification from Environmental Alternatives, Inc., a site plan modification related to the Dillant Hopkins Airport groundmounted solar and a uh brief zoning audit discussion. So, uh first step is to consider the minutes of July 23rd, 2026. Has everybody had a chance to look at the minutes? And are there any corrections, additions, or deletions? I'll make a motion to approve the minutes from July 23rd. >> Motion by Mark. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Scott. Any further discussion? All in favor? I >> opposed. [clears throat] The motion carries. Now our question about regional impact. Does anything on the agenda qualify as a development of regional impact requiring notification of neighboring municipalities? >> I'll make a motion. Is there a none? >> Motion by Richard. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? No. All in favor? >> Any opposed? [clears throat] Motion carries. Uh I guess let's see. I'll reread the public notice. Our first item is the uh 2610 site plan review for Balev Holdings. Um represented by Bryce Baylor. Brainer has submitted a site plan review application for the property located at 126 Manadnok Highway. The applicant proposes to expand outside storage by excavating the bank on the eastern side of the building, installing a small retaining wall and paving the area. Additionally, the applicant proposes utilizing the excavated fill to level the northwestern and southwestern sides of the building to create more flat storage space. Property is at tax map 103, lot 84 in the business district. Now, we um our public hearing is still open because we continued uh we first uh received this application on July 9 when we accepted it as complete and then we continued that public hearing to August 13. On July 10, three members of the planning board visited the site. That was Markclaris, Stacy Goodell, and me. And we uh as a result of that recommended additional uh detail to be shown on the site plan which Stacy documented in writing and Mark and I met with Adam to give him our ideas. And today uh we have a second continuation a request for a second continuation which Adam are we going is he did he ask for August 27th? Is that his request? I have reached out for a date confirmation and have not heard back. >> Okay. >> So, I think that would be that would be prudent. I also advise to possibly withdraw and reapply. >> Um, but there's some obvious cost downsides to that. >> Um, so I think the 27th would be a good idea. >> So, that would be 49 days into the application out of the 65 days that he has. uh we would need to make a dec decision by September 10th unless he waves the requirement for planning board action and consents to an extension. So I guess today we need a motion to continue the public hearing to August 27th. >> I'll make that motion. >> Uh is there a second? >> Any discussion? >> And the date will be the 27th of August. Correct. without further notice. >> Yes. Any discussion regarding the application or the process itself at this point. Okay. We have a motion second. No further discussion. All in favor? I >> [clears throat] >> uh any opposed? The motion carries. Okay. Um, next is a minor subdivision and this is an application submitted by Lawrence Land Surveying acting on behalf of property owner Richard Whitney. The application proposes subdividing the subject property identified as tax map 255 lot 24 into three individual building lots. The parcel is situated within the rural agricultural district on the eastern side of Rabbit Hollow Road and south of Swansea Lake Road. Who do we have to represent this? Would you like to come forward? Yeah. >> Good evening. I'm Charlie with Lawrence Land Survey here to present a free lot subdivision uh map 255 lot 24. We're at Hollow Road for Richard Whitney. Uh currently Matt 255 lot 24 is 124.66 acres. We propose to create three lots 62.16 acres 56.60 acres 5.9 acres. It is zoned in the rural agricultural district with a minimum 3 acres and 225 ft of frontage. At this point all lots meet those requirements. Uh the selectmen have agreed to allow Mr. Whitney to extend the class 5 portion of rabbit hole road uh to a total length beyond the last property that's developed of 450 ft which will give lots 2 and three their required 225 ft off a town maintained road. The first lot has frontage between two existing house lots. It's actually has 450 ft of frontage there and that is classified. The road agent has given his blessing on this extension and uh we've also been in communication with him as far as the driveway locations and um he says that once this subdivision is approved the driveway should be no problem. >> Thank you. Sure. Um what we're going to do, if you don't mind waiting, um what we need to do is uh to review the plat to make sure I know you've requested several waiverss and we just need to be sure that we have sufficient information shown to allow us to open a public hearing and discuss uh the subdivision. Sure. >> And if there's anybody here from the public who would like to discuss it, there'll be a moment later for for that to happen. So, um I'm trying to think the best way to go through. We don't have a a display version of this application, do we? >> No, you can you can sit if you want. >> Yeah, please sit. >> This might be a while. >> We're friendly. [laughter] >> These are pretty. Okay. These are pretty straightforward. >> Um so, what come up and join us? Yeah. Yeah. We'll be asking you more questions. So, what we're going to do is just go through the plat submission checklist. And there's certain items that you have uh said that you've asked for a waiver for because maybe they don't apply. Um but we just the board needs to all be on the same page with that. So, on on number the item number three is a scale. The request is for uh instead of 1 in equals 30t, the requested for one inch is 200 ft. And the reason for that is that this is a large lot. Uh continuing down, location and profiles with elevations. Let's see number eight. Location and profiles with elevations of existing water manes, sewers, coverboards, drains. This is um that infrastructure doesn't exist here in the rural ag district and the project does not you have stated the project does not include any connections to public water and sewer since they're not there to connect to. Um and you also note that uh de New Hampshire dees approval is not required as all lots are greater than five acres. Uh under 13 um the location of groundwater has not been identified because test fits were not performed. >> And that would be for the same reason that the perk tests aren't required because the lots were required. >> And likewise number 14 um perk tests were not performed. Um under 16 there are no deed restrictions and uh no under 17 no open space is proposed to be preserved. Under 20 um that refers to final road profiles and crosssections and no new roads are proposed to be constructed. Well, it's not a new road, but it's you're you're going to be improving. >> We're upgrading the existing road to class 5 standards. >> Class 5 standards. Okay. So, does that require profiles? >> No. Probably not cuz that's not part of the site plan. It's the town road. >> True. That true that >> right now it's a class six. Correct. >> It's a class 5 for 150 ft beyond the last residence. Because we needed 450 ft of frontage, we're proposing to extend that 300 ft and give the town a turnaround at the end of that 450 ft. >> I knew that. I was just going to mention that so everybody else. Thank you. >> Uh let's see. 21 talks about drainage and erosion control plans and you're saying that that's not relevant because no new roads are proposed. And uh under 22 um state subdivision or septic approval is not required. You're saying because all lots are greater than 5 acres and then you have pending the municipal access permit that you described. So the question before the board is do board members feel that we with uh these exclusions we have adequate information on the plat to justify going to public hearing. I'll I'll first make a motion about the waivers >> that uh we grant them the waiverss they requested that the because our wording would be finding that the waiverss would not have an adverse impact on public health safety or our budding properties and that granting the request is consistent with the intent and purpose of the rules waved. >> Motion by Scott. >> I'll second that motion. Second by Mark. Further discussion. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Okay. Um then the next question is whether we're prepared to accept the subdivision application as complete and proceed to public hearing. I'll make that motion to accept the application as complete and proceed to public hearing. >> Second by Richard. Any other discussion? >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Then I will open the public hearing at 6:14. [clears throat] planning board, do you have questions regarding this plat looks pretty straightforward. They've got the appropriate and required frontage and they've got everything on there that we're looking for and they're bringing the road up. And it looks like from our packet that the selectman said that they would accept the road once it was brought up to uh the class six I mean five five rather and it is brought up to class 5 now. Is that correct? >> We have approximately 380 ft done. There was some discussion between Joe and and and Mr. Whitney. Um so there's another roughly 70 ft to build and we're hoping we're hoping that gets done in the next two or three weeks. >> Okay. It would have to be a condition. >> Yeah. Condition, right? On that last sub. >> I assume you guys have the 30-day appeal period after an approval. Did do you follow? Okay. >> Um I'm this this extension. I'm I'm This is just a curiosity on my part. So this is in response to the change in state law regarding uh that that um state law currently requires the governing body to approve construction on class 6 roads. Um the that approval require uh it used to not be required but now applicants are required. >> It never was allowed before but the new law now they're allowed >> as it is. So the municipality has choices. We can the the sleman can provide services can maintain the road or be road or be liable for losses or damages. Are they is the town going to maintain the road at this point? Okay. >> Cuz it's Yeah, >> cuz that was for class six, wasn't it? >> And he's they're bringing up >> up to class 5 and then the town has to take over. Okay. >> Accept it. >> Yeah. So that's good to know >> the difference. >> Okay. We we originally were were not proposing to upgrade it, but >> it was pointed out that in the regulations it says 225 ft on a townmained road, right? >> So now that's why we're going to extend that out. >> Good. Once they start or bring in construction on these subdivisions, they have to u show the drainage for the driveways on a platform >> that that won't come before our board. >> That's right. >> That's what I'm asking. >> Yeah. That's up to the building inspector to make sure that that is done because it's not a commercial >> be kept just with the building inspector. >> It will be with the building inspector. Yeah. If it was commercial, then yeah, we'd see it before our board and look at that. But if it's the building department for a residential, then uh it's up to the building inspector. >> So these lots will be developed by the people who buy them, right? This isn't going to be a development of houses. >> So the current answer is the 5.9 acre lot Mr. Whitney's grandson is going to build a house on. the other two lots, uh, one is going to belong to his grandson, one is going to belong to his daughter. Uh, they're they're not intending on building on them right now. >> Yeah. It's not relevant to our our approval. We're just I just like to know. >> Yeah. >> So, I I wanted to clarify. You keep saying minor subdivision, but in your regulations, >> the [clears throat] only way it can be considered a minor subdivision if it's not further subdividable. that is in there. Yeah, you're that is so we we do not want it to be tagged with that. So that's why I submitted it as a major subdivision. >> Well, my understanding is that it comes in it is defined as a minor subdivision based on the number of lots that you propose. If you return again um and seek to to do another subdivision of the lots, wouldn't that be a new application? >> But what he said, that little caveat is in there. It's It's kind of hidden in there, but it says that about the minor subdivision. >> If when you're done the rest of the lots cannot be subdivided further, >> okay, >> then u then you're you're near the minor, but if they can be, then you're the mayor. >> But the public hearing is the same like we're doing right now. >> Okay. But but what you're saying is that you would like to reserve the option, >> but what would change in terms of >> um >> I I'm just quoting your regulations. >> Wouldn't that require uh future improvements to the road? >> It just says it's minor subdivision is anything less than anything 3 acres or le any three three lots or less in the remaining lots are not further subdividable. >> It also says though requires no new streets, utilities or other municipal improvements. >> So I I think I think it's correct to to this as minor. >> Okay. So they're not they would would not be restricted. If somebody wanted to take say that first lot that has 450 ft of frontage >> and subdivide that into two building lots, they would be able to do that. >> You would have to improve the road again. >> That's already on class 5. >> Oh, >> that portion already has frontage on class 5. It's it's the one in between the two. >> I I think you're taking the definition like very face value. Um, essentially as long as you have the frontage and the dry acreage and you meet the other subdivision requirements, just >> should be okay. >> That would be correct. >> Just doing due diligent for my client. >> Absolutely. Totally understand. >> Any other questions from the board? Questions from the public? Is anybody here to speak to this? Hearing no other questions. If we're ready, I'll close the public hearing. Ready? All right. Closing the public hearing. 6:21. Um. Any further discussion? Hearing none, I would entertain a motion to approve the three lot subdivision. >> I'll make a motion that we accept it with the condition of the extension of the class 6 into a class 5. >> I'll second it. >> Second. Any other comments? Motion carries. All set. >> That the road be upgraded to the class five, >> right? >> For the I guess the rest of the 75 ft, but anyways, beyond where they have it located on the blank. Can can we also add in here that it's it's approved by the ODU. We're in the middle of a motion here. You can't you can't uh add into that stuff, but it it has we know that it has to be approved by the road agent anyways. The selector already said that they'd be okay with it as long as the road agent signed off on it. So, if the road agent doesn't approve it, then it's not going in there regardless of whether we approved it or not. So, and they've already talked to the road agent. All right, all set. We're almost set with that. Uh, our next item is what did we not vote? I thought I thought we voted. >> So many votes. All right. All in favor of the motion as um with conditions. Not for sure. >> I kind of actually heard um that lot beyond this might have some activity and that this road might end up being extended. >> Uh heard that last night. You heard it. >> Yep. >> I heard it this morning. Next on the agenda is a boundary line adjustment and this is for an adjustment Fontaine, Alice Fontaine. Thank you for coming. >> Um >> identified as tax map 249 lots 49 and 50 Avenue. The parcels are situated within the residents district on the northern side of Fidell Avenue and east of New Hampshire 132. Who do we have representing this location? >> Um, we're not going to have anybody here tonight. Sorry, I forgot to notify um you guys. The applicant is away. Um, and the surveyor is not available without substantial charge. So, This is >> uh does the board would board like to continue with this without the applicant? >> Um I I I should be available for some some basic questions. >> Okay. Why don't you present to us Adam? Tell us tell us what they would say. >> Sounds good. Um so they propose adjusting the shared lot line between 102 and 110 Goodell Avenue. Uh the required lot size for the residence district is 1 acre. The required frontage is 150 ft off the town or state maintained road. Um going over the uh existing conditions, uh we're looking at tax map 249, lot 49 and lot 50. Uh the current area of 249449 is 5.89 acres and the proposed area is 5.79 acres. Um the existing area of the other lot, which is lot 50, is 1.8 82. The proposed new acreage for that lot is 1.92. Um they are both staying above the required minimum lot size. Uh the frontage is also staying um above the minimum. Um so lot 49 is going from 230 ft of frontage down to 186 ft of frontage. uh lot 50 is going from 146 feet to 190 feet. So that [clears throat] is becoming compliant uh from non-compliant. Um that's pretty much the gist of it. Uh if you look at page 23 of your packets, you'll see a uh you'll see a triangle. Um I don't know if you can see the shading. Um but that line is just being straightened out. It's it's kind of kind of wonky right now. Uh it's just being straightened out north to south. Um so both lots will be a bit more even. Um and again, uh lot 50 is becoming compliant with frontage. That's kind of it. Um pretty pretty basic. Um if you have any other questions, I can try to answer them. Our our general practice has been uh when we're improving a situation that's simple um we tend to be in favor of it and this looks like an improvement greater compliance. >> I make a motion. This is one of those simple things. >> Okay. [laughter] All right. We have a motion by Mark to approve the boundary line adjustment. >> I will second that motion. is there anybody here? I I should have asked this before, but um I can't do that now, can I? Never mind. Just >> You can if we resend our motions because we haven't done anything. >> I don't know that anybody is here from the public to speak to this. So, um, then please don't resend your motions. >> Okay. Um, so any further discussion? >> All in favor? I >> opposed. Motion carries. Mr. Nunan, >> moving right along. >> Have a site plan modification from environmental alternatives. At our prior meeting, we took a we quickly reviewed what's proposed and determined that in our estimation, this is indeed a site plan modification rather than the site plan revision. So, if you will go through the changes that you've that you propose. Yes. Good evening. John Nan for the record. Fieldstone Land Consultants here on behalf of Environmental Alternatives, Inc. Um, as mentioned by the chair, uh we had come before the board in July and just it was determined by the board to submit a site plan modification for the following changes. Uh the building that has not been built has been enlarged to 40 feet wide by 100 ft in length. Uh where 40x 80 was approved previously. Uh the second change being the parking has been modified based on the larger building configuration. The drainage has been revised based on the larger building configuration. Although all areas drain to the same storm water management system as approved. There is no increase um to imperous area. We basically just shifted where parking lot was before is now building coverage for an additional 20 ft in that length. The edge of the pavement adjacent to the north wetlands does not change. Uh that was a planning board concern when we when I presented in July. And then the 50oot wetland buffer has been added to the plans. Uh that was also requested by the planning board at the last hearing. And really it wasn't on our plans just for the record initially because that was not a setback for the town. So being a new setback and I'll point out on the plans where those are. So this was the previously approved plans where we had the 40 by 80 building. Uh we have two parking spaces here to the north and then parking here. So now with the additional 20 ft of building we move those spaces that would have been where the building is to this side here. So there is no change to the approach towards the wetland on the eastern side [applause] and there is no it still exceeds the setback of 50 ft. We're 77 ft from the wetland at the closest point to the building. And then this impervious area where we have our paved parking lot edge here did not change from here. Side is still where it was. So basically we've swapped parking spaces to this end um on this plan set versus what was submitted. We're designating now is the size of the office on this end. And the client would like to have or what the plan is for the office is to have that elevated 4 ft higher than the the warehouse and workshop area where they have the equipment in the building. So we're going to have that office 4 ft higher. Um, we're coming in on the right here. Um, and an exterior door with stairs over on the left hand side here. We have stairs and sidewalk further down. Previously on paper planting about the midpoint of the building. Now that's about 20 ft through the doors and the office is smaller than what they originally anticipated. So those are pretty much the the changes. the building growing 20 ft longer and now that's office area on that 20 foot extension. >> John, where are they at with the actual construction? I I know the big buildings there is the >> Yes, they constructed this building. Um the area to be paved is all gravel. It's to rough grade now with their subsurface gravels in the drain structures are all installed. The >> when you say installed, are they functional? >> The catch basins are not well, they they have a plate over one of them. The other ones have silk sacks in them because it's it's not paved yet. So, we keep gravels and anything getting into the catch basins at this time. There's kind of covered up on these on these two catch basins. Everything in the area here, so the grass treatment swale and the detention basin are constructed and They're growing grass. They're in the midst of coming in right now. speak. >> Does do any members of the public have thoughts about this question? >> Yes, I do. >> Would you identify yourself for the the taker? Join >> got a microphone. Um, we've had a terrible problem with drainage coming off their property somewhat. Uh, they had some sub drains that dump directly into the wetlands. Uh, the contractor took care of that within a couple days of the problem. What we have now is the road water coming off Saffford Drive runs directly into the wetlands through the wetlands is washing out the banking of my pond creating an immense amount of silt in my pond running over the dam directly in Wilson pond every time it rains. >> I've been I've owned the property since June 22nd of this year. I've been on that property for 55 years. I was standing on the man's tractor front of his tractor pulling stomps out. um I've been on the rust page pretty much my whole life. So based on uh Scott's comment, I'll make the point that we did water testing today and I actually met Scott today along with Jay Word. Um and the spot where we were testing is uh we get our worst test results. So there is some leakage. I don't know how I don't think it has anything to do necessarily with the property but um if it's coming off the road it's we want to make sure it has nothing to do with what's being built here. >> Um that's my point. Sorry. So I guess a question would that I'd like to know the answer to is at what point if if the drainage system is not operational at what point uh does it it seems like we should that should be operational before it shouldn't be causing problems during the construction phase. >> I'll explain what happened. Um so as everyone knows we've had torrential downpours >> 7.4 in over 10 days. >> Yeah. So Sapper Drive runs down there's a a ditch line along Sapper Drive. The ditch line ends at at the property here. And on the existing road before any of this was constructed, that same gravel ends right here. So all the ditch line comes down, it just it just terminates. So there's a ditch and then it stops. And there's an under drain out that's right here. So we have it all out. It's a 6 in line right here. So that way just came down and then came across the property into the wetland. So with the proposed plan, we we [clears throat] took that dish line cuz we had discussed initially is do we what do we do with that runoff? >> Sure. Cuz you don't want it on your property neither. So we bypassed our our hard drainage and outlet it because it was ran to this wetland is we come under ours and outlet to the wetland when the large storm had happened. Um the contractor had initially so we have a pipe and stone that runs behind the edge of the retaining wall here. There's also pipe and stone as a drip strip along the back of the roof so that that water comes down into the stone is picked up by a perforated pipe and then outlets over into our treatment soil in this area. The contractor had outleted in three spots pipes like that directly. So the water obviously took the path of least resistance came off the roof and was going directly right here. Um so when Mr. governor reached out to us. He had called me um in our office. I I went and met with him. I said, "Yeah, this these are absolutely not for plant." Um the contractor didn't realize [clears throat] that. He said, "I didn't know where I was supposed to run them." I said, "Well, we have it over here." He said, "Well, I did install it partway to there. I didn't run it all the way into our treatment swell." So, that same day, he removed these pipes. >> Mhm. >> Um restored the loom and sealed it. And then he cleaned out where there was silt. So he had um mulch burn all along the the wetland edge. >> So wood chips that are mulched up and burned but so that it stops the sediment. It had watched it had washed sediment and some of the well it was the lom a little bit of the lom at these two locations with the wood chips kind of went in. I mean it was literally a couple shovels. He cleaned that out and restored the mulch spd all the pipes these three pipes and made that so it's tied into the swale. Now um at that time even with the large amount of of water that were going on the water was bypassing the catch basin here and coming across and getting into the swale where it was supposed to go anyway on this upper side. The sediment for bay and the the pond as designed were functioning. I mean small amount of yet more than enough capacity. I mean there was probably you know a foot of water in the main basin and about 6 to 8 in of water in the sediment for bay which is what it's supposed to do is sit in there settle out and then the water was nice and clear in the pond itself. Um so this was all functioning as intended um after the the contractor had fixed these these three pipes. Um that was his error. He fixed them immediately the same day. He started on it the same day that we were called. Dees was notified also by the butter. Uh dees came down and looked at it and said there's there's not really sediment in there. He had already cleaned up the cut the the shovel poles at each of these two pipes. Clean those up. He already had them removed. Um and was working on just small areas of loming and seating. Dees had checked around the wetland said everything looks fine. None of this is impacting the the basin is all stabilized and and functioning as designed. Um and then and I did not meet dees of the site contractor and um dees Um they went over Mr. Govin had met them out there as well and they went over and looked at his pond dees of theirs. Um it didn't look like substantial outfall from the wetland impacting into his property. Um and he did note that the dam that is in question is not permitted with the state. Um so then it was kind of left as well we're not we're not going to open up or push that can of worms with the state. The contractor on our site has remedied the problem. So the only thing that's directing water now is the under drain from from Safford Drive road runoff where the ditch ends. Um so that that's where it stands. Southford Drive where where the ditch ends to the wetlands. >> Correct. And there's it outlets about 8 ft from the edge of the wetland. There's a rip wrap apron that's here that was shown on our plan. He has put straw bales at the end of that field too to try to just mitigate anything that's coming out. during the high flows. But, uh, it's not run off from from this site. It's run off from Safford Drive. Probably when Sapper Drive was done, the the ditch line should have probably been extended down to where the catch basin is at this area or at least got under tied to it possibly would have been our solution. But we signed it, you know, we we had it here. There was uh when Joe Caruso had done the inspection for the driveways, he said, you know, I'd like to see culverts put in cuz initially we just had it as a low point so that anything came in on our driveway went to our drainage. Um and Joe said, I'd rather see just in case, you know, is to have driveway culprits. We added driveway culprits at that time. Um this ditch line tends to be dry. I think it the water comes down south and then soaks in. I mean, there's, as everyone knows, there's a lot of volume of of wetlands up below this. The day that that happened, I mean, the dork that runs into Mr. Goblin's pond was raging. >> Um, there was a lot of water on that for sure. He had a good video of it, you know, when the the pipes were running here. I mean, absolutely, this was contributing at that time, but it was fixed that day. Really, I mean, seated the next day. Further questions, >> please. But please come forward. >> You got a motion. >> The contractor did a fine job to repair his problem with the water coming off. The problem is what comes off staff drive runs directly in the wetlands. The dam was permitted in 1972. I just spoke with the dam from guy from dees today. They are bringing in DS back into the picture. Uh they seem like there is a lot of silt and a lot of wood chips in the wetlands area. Wetlands area cannot contain any contaminants at all. Once you destroyed one square foot of wetlands, you destroyed miles of it. It changes the entire ecosystem. This muddy water, which I have some good videos of directly in the Wilson pond. We want to clean up Wilson pond, too. We don't want to develop Swansea and destroy our natural habitats. We can't be doing this. We have to stop this pipe. The contractor tells me the town gave him permission to run that pipe over there. I've done a forwarding request because I want to see the permit where the town actually wrote it down, put it in plans to run it. I think the contractor may have gone above and beyond the print I looked at that showed that pipe running maybe 3 ft from the wetlands. Now it's probably 20. He ran 20 which gave it a little but it swailed directly into the wetlands area. We have to protect our wetlands. I have a a picture from July 19th showing my property in the area where the water runs across perfectly level. I mow it. Now there's a probably a 3-foot swale. The side of my pond is washed out. I just want the town to fix their road problem. We can't be taking all the brine, the salt, the oil from the trucks and dumping it into my pond, in the Wilson pond. It's something that needs to be done fairly quick. It It happens every time it rains. It's not just that one big 3 and 1/2 in storm. If we have an inch of rain, it's running into the wetlands and running through. I have videos from a week and a half ago. We had a small rain shower, water running direct directly in it process. Would is this um did you say did you meet with a selectman regarding this? Did I >> Bill came up? >> Okay. So, >> yeah. >> Um because this the road issue is the domain of the board of selectmen, right? What what are your thoughts? [clears throat] >> Well, my thoughts are thank you, Mr. Gabbert. Is that it? >> For coming in. Appreciate your concerns and particularly your care for the wetlands and the pond. And um yeah, we So, as I'm understanding it, the problem is not from this uh piece of land that's being developed, but it's the runoff coming down the road. Correct. So, we need to go to I mean, Adam, the um DPW needs to figure out a solution to this. >> So, I've been in contact with Joe. Uh so, a couple notes from this meeting that I'm hearing is that a covert was required um from Joe. So, we need to get some paperwork on that, >> right? Just at the driveway crossings. Yes. >> So, I I can pull the driveway permit um to see what it looks like. >> Well, that was just a call for going into the driveway. There's there's a a square running down the side of both sides of Safford Drive. It's stone. 4T under that stone is a preferated pipe to carry water down. It's that pipe that used to just dead in natural soil. So, it would just back up and leech back up through natural. What do we do now? That pipe is exposed. That water has no place to go. Straight up the path of least resistance. Straight up again. And there there is a lot of debris in the wetlands. There is a lot of wood chips. There is a lot of silt in the wetlands. It it's I guess it's opinions. To me, it's zero. I retired from the United States Environmental Service. I was on a chemical industrial side of it, but I do have a little bit knowledge of wetlands and whatnot. You can't put anything in the wetlands. And we have heavy trucks pumping oil on a saffron dryer that's coming in. uh of course the brine salt for a limited time and and just the damage to my air and it's called drainage trespass when drainage goes across person you know let's say let's save our wet land it's great we're putting industrial factory I don't understand why in the first place we put on the ground so many wet hands in my personal opinion that's the worst thing you could have done but If you create a third of roof space, concrete, asphalt, you've taken away that much natural leeching ability. And to run that water just directly anywhere, you have to see the consequences down the road. It falls. The water doesn't stop. If we just get on it, just fix the problem. Plug that pipe into the contract convention. Just plug in the pipe and that will a temporary fix. And that way at least the water will back uphill and naturally leech out through that the lesions in the pipe. Um it was buried before it didn't go anywhere. It was dead ended just into the ground and now you know it was verbally from what I understand even move that pipe where it is now. >> I wonder if anything can be done to mitigate the damage done to the wetlands. You say there's materials in there that shouldn't be in there. >> Oh yes. six or eight inches of silk, a lot of wood chips. I >> I wonder if we should talk to the conservation commission if there's anything can be done if we could go in there and maybe remove some of those materials. >> Yeah, that would take expertise to see. They may say that it's not enough that it will actually break down the wood chips. No, that those should be removed. But the >> balance there is whether or not removal does more damage than what's already there, too. term. >> I'm hearing some conflicting um dees information. Um so dees was out with you. Um >> the dam inspector came out. >> Dam inspector. >> Yeah. He had the permit 1972. The dam was permitted in 1972. The inspector everything was fine. I spoke with him again today. He thinks that u the wetlands people dropped the ball on it. He said somebody probably just overlooked this problem. Do you have any written communication with them that you could board to the town [snorts] >> because I I think that would help. >> Today was a a phone call that I do have on >> some emails. Yes. That the wetlands people just blew it right off. The watershed people blew it right off. Nobody with the state wants to even touch it. So, if we can have um uh the name of the person that you're working with, um I can coordinate with them and Joe and we can kind of just work together to to fix it. And I think that would be faster if if we could get their contact info. That way, I can pass that info along to Joe and make sure that it gets worked on. >> One thing the damn inspector did tell me, even though we all work in the same building, he goes, "I don't know anybody from wetlands. I don't know anybody from Watershed. We don't communicate. We don't talk. So here we're we're butttheads again. The wetlands I I think the contractor has been been very good. He sees a problem. He's been taking care of it. Uh if he sees some few wood chips, he'll probably pick those right up and uh and go from there. It's the water. We have to stop that water that's going to continue to damage the wetlands. He can put keep put chips in there every time it rains. They're going to wind up in the wetlands and he's going to put them back. Uh he's got I'd say 90 99% of the water went off that property. They have control. It goes into their pond. It goes where it's supposed to be. There's going to be a little erosion and new construction. Grass hasn't quite set in yet good and and that's expected, but we just have to fix the drainage outside. Yeah, thank you very much for bringing this to to our attention and to staff's attention because I know Adam will circle the >> Yeah, it's it's it's been brought so it was brought to our attention a couple weeks ago. >> Um around the time the contractor fixed the issue with the roof drainage. >> Um we are still working on it. Um >> if I could have the name of the dees rep if you have it, that would be helpful. Um that way I can just contact them directly. um and get and get a report from them and then I can work directly with Joe. Uh my my role in this is is kind of as a mediator it would seem just because this has to do with Sapper Drive and um >> Okay. Do you mind if I write down his email? Um >> thank you. Thank you very much for coming in. >> Thank you, Scott. Oh, okay. We talk to the conservation commission about this too. This is a big contributor to vegetation growth in I remember you saying that before. I didn't understand that why but now now we do. I think that brings in a lot of salt as well. John, would you like to proceed? Thank you again. I just want to say this this board is very much concerned with protection of wetlands and and I appreciate your your articulate explanation of the values that we're all trying to protect. So I know Allan will get on the board of selectmen and Scott will not as siloed here in Swansea as >> I also want to talk to the conservation commission about this plugor >> simple solution. Yeah. >> I will legitimately bring it up to Joe tomorrow. >> Yeah. I I I'll meet with him tomorrow ASAP. >> Thank you. And >> I'll try to get um I did not meet dees out there. It was the site contractor that met with them the day it was the day of uh it was the Thursday that that it happened. Um they have like inspectors of the day. So I don't know who it would have been, but I'll talk to the site contractor and call DES and see if they have a report of what they wrote down in the in the report as well. Um cuz they had said, "Oh, everything looked good." And I believe it was wet the wetlands inspector that said we don't have record of the dam. So the fact that he has the permit and the dam bureau had, you know, has record of it. That's um >> that's that's great. >> Yeah. And we appreciate your explanation, you know, on paper of exactly what was happening and how it was rectified. >> It's uh >> yeah, it's ultimately it is that that under drain coming from the road. Um, and you know, if we can just work with Joe, I think >> it's easy enough to figure out a way to remove it or direct it elsewhere or something. are there any further questions about the um, site plan modification at this point? Any other discussion? >> No, I think we really really went over it. Sorry. at the premium. So >> I would entertain a motion to approve the modifications as presented. >> So moved. >> So moved by Richard. >> I'll second >> by Scott. Any other further discussion? >> Any opposed? Motion carries. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Just for clarification, that that you're water that you're talking about, is that going from the south to the north towards the pond? There's a little bit of a dip on Wilson Pond Road to the west. [clears throat] >> I'm I'm just confused as to which where exactly you're referring because I know where this project is. There's a as you come down to Wilson Pond Road, there is a small pond there that's many many years ago was a collection of bed bed springs and things of that nature. All kinds of metal in there, etc. But I'm I'm trying to figure >> west of their old pond will overflow into that pond. >> Into that pond. Yes. But does that pond then go underneath underneath the road in that dip? There's >> I believe that naturally leeches and eventually makes it way. I don't believe there's an outflow to that pond into Wilson pond. The only flow of Wilson pond is directly out of my pond which is a stream that broke that runs through my pond. You can drink the water. I don't know if I would, but >> that's goes across Russell page bas. [groaning] >> Very good. I just wanted to be sure where they're where we're talking. >> that right here. >> Okay. Um and then this is a dam. So when the roof went up come out the other end. >> Thank you very much. Scott, you'll hear from me tomorrow. Okay. Tomorrow. >> Yeah. Um, I'll reach out to I don't know when Joe's free and I don't come after. Appreciate it. Next up, we have a site plan modification presented uh pursuant to Dylan Hopkins Airport Groundmounted Solar Array. Would you like to walk us through the changes evening? >> Sure. Sure. >> Apologize we don't have a a display. I I wasn't uh wasn't expecting to uh present it, but um the changes the changes made to this site plan are submitted to >> Can you hear me? Okay. >> Almost. Wait till they >> loud. >> Sure. >> So, we're here tonight to bring our site plan approval up to date with some changes that were made over the course of the AOT permitting process and the F FAA permitting process. Um, the updates that I outlined included primarily shifting the storm water detention basin that's associated with the north array 150 ft south of its original location. And so it basically it just it slid south and that was um based on request from New Hampshire DOT planner as part of the FAA permitting to create a bit more separation between the tax QA object area and that particular feature. Um there are some minor grading adjustments that went along with that um and that were recently approved as part of our A permit. And we made some minor adjustments to the fence line around the north array. Um it it followed a kind of strange course in the south near the equipment pads initially with a uh triangular uh bend in the fence. So we straightened that out and um we brought the fence line a bit closer to the array in the north um and clarified interior versus perimeter fencing for both of the arrays. Um the plan was also updated to reflect a small area of wetland that straddles the north property line um that was unfortunately unintentionally emitted with our original application um because of a discrepancy between the tax maps that were used as the basis for that first step of doing the delineation and the uh final surveyed boundary lines. And so we have reflected that on the plan and have ensured no impact to that. And then the final update was just removing the color-coded phasing plan that we had originally included. And I think we talked about that during the meeting that you know our process is to go through and do a simple phase and then we come through the foundations the racking and the array in sequence and in coordination with AOT. Um we removed that color coding plan colorcoded plan that was a bit misleading I think in terms of how it would be phased. Um so those are those are the changes that that were made to the site plan. Um we've since gotten all of our no objection determinations from FAA and we just recently received our AOT permit approval and now we are here. >> You were going to wait until uh August I thought to begin construction. What is the expected construction date at this point? Um, with approval of the modification, we would be expecting to submit our building permit imminently. So, we would like to start very soon. >> I'm sorry. What did you say? Start when? >> Starting September within >> this year. >> Wow. Okay. >> Questions from the board about the proposed modifications? They seem pretty reasonable and uh nothing >> necessary, >> nothing major to what we consider. So, it's just keeping that, you know, that pond there, the north detention pond we see in our plans here. I'm not sure if that's this the old plan or the new plan or not. the new plan I had included and >> in our packet. Okay, that's probably >> there's a big copy behind me, too. There's only one big copy. So, >> if you guys need to look at it, uh, feel free to >> I'm just going to take a little for a second. >> Take as much time as you guys need to look at that. Yeah, the the north pond was originally kind of tucked up in the corner um alongside the taxiway object-free area and I just out of a a precaution, they wanted to provide a bit more space so there wasn't a feature directly against that area in case there was an over something of that nature. But um the new location resolves resolves that concern. >> Sorry, Megan. I should have had you print off three more copies. >> I apologize. I was uh I guess uh not totally uh sure that I would be kind of presenting if I >> It's probably my fault. I looked in the bag on Tuesday and I'm like crap coffee in here. >> I should have known better. I apologize. >> No, you're it's all great. >> We'll just give them time as much time as they need to look at it. >> Okay, that's fine with me. Yep. It's still okay with you overlapping into the center line on that southern array. >> Overlapping into the center line. here >> so this is >> could you could you clarify I guess I when you say overlap >> in your southern array >> you have on the very southern southern part of your array to the east side of the array that overlaps into the center line. The FAA is okay with that. Well, um so yes, we are outside of all of the object free areas underneath all of the visibility surfaces. So the um there's no there's no restriction uh height restriction in that area that the array exceeds. Um, and there's no object restriction in that area that the array exceeds. Um, if you see on the uh, I guess it might be a little bit hard to see, but on C2.1, it shows the colorcoded surfaces. So, we stay completely outside of that inner center line box, which is where you cannot have any construction or objects. The reason I keep asking about that is it appears that the most southern approach light is, you know, almost into your array. >> Um, we have a good um I believe we have 200 ft past that, but um we are we are outside all of the required surfaces and FAA did review and approve the solar panels. So um so I guess they yes they are okay with this plan. >> Questions? Looks good. >> You said the construction might begin September. What is your approximate end date for the construction? >> We expect the construction will be September through April uh 27 and that we'll be back next fall after the pause um for the bird nesting season um for a few months. So, August 27th through um >> you're going to work through the winter. >> Your hope. >> Any other questions or comments from the board? the site plan modifications as presented. I'll make that motion to approve the site plan modifications I presented. >> Further discussion? >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you for coming in and bringing us up to date. >> Thanks for coming, >> Adam. We have a zoning audit discussion >> and there was none. Thank you. Thank you for coming in. >> Um just a brief update I suppose. So tomorrow or at the very latest on Monday, you all will be getting some documentation on the um first draft of the reorganized ordinance and what it would look like. >> Uh meaning the document or or an outline of what to expect? >> Both. So it's a whole document. It's the whole ordinance that uh the the proposed the proposed reorganization. >> And then reasonings behind the decisions. It's not changing any of the language. It's just making everything into the new format. >> Nice. Um, and so the reason why uh we're getting this out to you all so early is so we have a couple of planning board meetings to discuss. So you all will have a couple weeks to look through these documents and have your comments ready before our meeting on the 27th. and then that'll give us the 27th and the 10th to discuss um these proposed changes. Um along with the proposed changes, there is a kind of like a five-year outline for u zoning amendments. we would need to make various compliance issues, um changes to to language and definitions that would need to be passed uh at town meeting. >> And that's I'm guessing that's a 5-year outline sort of based on uh urgency, I would expect. >> Yeah, it's it's a rough 5year, so it could very well take longer than that as >> but the most important things are sequenced towards the beginning. We can't predict what the state requires us to do. >> True that. >> Exactly. >> They are beefy. They are very dense. There's a lot of information. So, take as much time as you need. Send me as many questions as you need. Um I'll pass along everything to Sarah. And then before our meeting on September 17th, um you all would have had two two full meetings to discuss. >> So these these two meetings we won't have Sarah. These are just internal meetings. The 27th and the >> 10th. Can you make us some hard copies of that? >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. It's going to take me some time. >> Yeah. It's going to take some time, but um once I get once I get um the the handouts, I will immediately start printing um copies for pickup. >> Right. >> So, you guys will have what you need to take hard notes, you know, download them on onto your computer, tablet, whatever you use. spend a spend as much time as you can with this because it's it's a lot. >> But it's it's it's looking very good so far, but very promising. Sarah's doing a great job. >> Great. >> Now, no pressure. No pressure. But are you thinking the the handouts would be available on Friday, which is only a half day? >> It depends on when I get the the rest of the information. >> Maybe wait until Monday to knock on the door. >> Yeah, I I think at the very least uh you would have digital copies at the end of the day tomorrow. Agreed. But unless there's a delay, in which case, Monday for both. >> Wonderful. >> Sounds like it'd be a good thing to read if I'm having trouble sleeping. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's it's um it's a lot, but I think there's going to be a lot of positive changes in there. Um but again, first draft, so we're wanting a lot of feedback, a lot of red lining, a lot of notes. >> Great. Thank you. >> That's all I got. >> It's exciting. Other business Now he scared me. [laughter] Some updates updates >> updates on our sewer water committee. I think since the last time we are may have told you we're focusing now on the water company end of it, water part of it for the town. Uh the sewer part of it is in engineering right now. I may have told you last time. I don't remember what I told you last time, but it is in uh the engineering is preliminary to see exactly what uh route we're going to take. So that's where that stands. And we'll know in in the fall probably what the the best route to take. And so we're now we're looking at the water company and funding through Northern Borders possibly to either purchase that or partially uh purchase an upgrade. Uh it's a it's a complicated process. The deadline for the preapp is the 21st of this month. So we're on it pretty pretty heavily to get a preapp in um in time. So then we can get the uh application in in the fall and we would know in December I think [clears throat] if we're going to be awarded anything. So the northern borders are awarded up to like a million dollars per project. Uh and usually half of that has to be with construction and the other half can be with purchasing of assets and things like that. In this case, we may we're thinking about breaking up into two sections because the purchasing of the actual assets of the company will not meet that 50% construction part of it that's required. So, if if we go for Northern for a grant for that, actually it's a matching grant, 50% matching grant, they would all lot up to 500,000 for purchasing without um any construction in there. And again, that's a 50% match that the town has to match in there. So, it's all preliminary. We had a meeting last week with uh Sarah Sarah, but with Northern Borders u on the uh on the phone actually, or on the computer, whichever you had there. And that's what that's where we're at. We're moving along with that. Trying to get to so I'll have more later next meeting maybe know if we have time. So also on that note, if anybody can think of um any um benefits, real benefits, economic benefits to the town that the water company will will give us, we would definitely need that input because the northern borders relies heavily on that here moved more further up the list if uh economic the development part of it is uh is higher. So, you know, we've got the homestead woolen mills down there that they'd like to put on. You know, I don't know how many units are down there. It varies up and down, but I've heard like 80 or something like that. So, we've got that could go on if the water was there. Um, we could develop more on Route 10 if we had the water there. So, those are two things. Um, fire protection is another thing because the town really doesn't have adequate fire protection. They've got some of them bagged off. If you may have noticed in town >> at least half the fire hydrants in this part of town don't work. >> They put the bags over there. >> Oh, I don't know about that. I think they're all the fire. There's no water there. >> Yeah, they there's water there because those those high hydrants run off the same lines that the residences run off. >> Yeah, 50% of them know where >> Yeah, I know. But doesn't really know that. But either way, the water company is saying that we are not covered under fire protection. It's just for residential. So even though the hydrants are there, the problem being if they hook a fire truck up to the hydrants as they are now, if they only have one pump running, we'll say that that fire truck pumps 400 gallons a minute and that pump only pumps 300 gallons a minute, then you're depleting the system. So that's that's where the problem is right there. If they run two pumps, >> two pumps, not a problem because they've got all the water on the ground there. But >> depending how it's set up, so I think that's one of the things. and they have only have a 10,000gallon storage tank. So, anything you can think of that would help us with that application there that it would improve Swansea and it's again it's just in the west part of town here. Yeah, let us know. We can put into that application. >> One drawback I see though is a couple of those large lots is we have water and sewer there. You're going to get low income because that's what it's required. >> Yeah. You might [clears throat] um we won't have the sewer there for like another 3 years, but yeah, the water went in there. Yeah, you probably would. They rely on the sewer more than the water, it seems. But both would be nice. Yeah, if they were both right there on Route 10. Yeah, they might take up some of that property with with housing. >> Don't know. Funny thing is though, if somebody bought Nick's restaurant, they could that field they could build something there because they could if they bought both those lots, they can hook up to Nick's cuz he is on sore and water >> cuz he ran it over from his north Winchester. >> He is, but it I believe that's a 2-in line that's pumps over the hill there. They have a holding tank right in the like the middle of that lot. I know what you're talking about. And for the restaurant, I think it was a 2-in force man going over and hooking in the back of where one of their apartment houses was. And if there's something big going in there, that 2in line isn't going to cut it. >> We'd have to have something a little bit different. >> Well, there is some plans for that, but I can't say what that mean. >> Well, they better look into that before they get going too far. >> Well, but the person that wants to develop that is going to be a home to account. So >> good. >> Thank you, Scott. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you for doing that work, too. Gosh, >> touching you and the committee. >> You guys, >> I'll make a motion to adjurnn. >> Is there a second?