The most pressing topic of the evening centered around the proposed septic systems and their proximity to nearby well water sources. A resident from the Country Woods area raised concerns about the potential contamination risk posed by the leaching fields, which are situated close to two wells near two barns south of the proposed site. During the discussion, an engineer acknowledged the potential risk, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance between the leaching fields and the wells. The engineer confirmed that the current design might need to be altered, potentially requiring pumps to accommodate changes in topography to move the leaching fields further from the wells and closer to the parkway.

The council member echoed the resident’s concerns, stating, “I wouldn’t want to be downhill from that,” highlighting the gravity of the environmental and health implications. The council stressed the necessity for state approval of any septic system design and discussed the importance of identifying the exact locations of the existing wells relative to the proposed leaching fields. A suggestion was made to retrieve this information through a public records request for further consideration at the next meeting.

Another topic was the adequacy of the proposed stormwater management system. The engineering testimony provided detailed information about the system’s design, which aims to meet state requirements for inland flood protection. The engineer explained that the proposed system was designed to handle the drainage needs of the site and that soil testing had revealed a consistent seasonal high water table. Further testing was promised to ensure compliance with regulations. Discussions also touched upon the septic system requirements, given that the property falls outside the sewer service area, necessitating individual septic systems for each building.

Buffer zones and screening measures were another focal point. The council deliberated on the necessity of a solid fence and natural vegetation to mitigate the impact of vehicle headlights on neighboring properties. It was proposed that a stockade-type fence, approximately six feet high, be positioned 66 feet from the property line to enhance screening. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of natural vegetation as a buffer, given the time it takes to grow, and the importance of implementing immediate protective measures was emphasized. The council members agreed that any application should include specific requirements for screening to ensure that neighbors are adequately shielded from headlights.

The layout of the parking area was also scrutinized, with suggestions to reevaluate its placement to reduce the impact on nearby residential zones. One proposal included relocating the parking area further from the residences and adjusting the driveway’s position. Additionally, there was discussion about the possibility of reducing the number of parking spaces, based on a traffic report that supported the idea. A designated spot for ambulances was proposed between the two buildings to facilitate emergency response.

The council further discussed the necessary outside agency approvals required for the project, including applications to the county planning board and the soil conservation district. It was noted that if the site plan were approved, the applicant would need to return to the board for site application. The conversation also touched upon the state septic regulations and the calculation of flow rates for medical office buildings, with concerns about the variability of flow rates depending on the type of medical practice occupying the buildings.

A member of the public, Regina Stephanie, raised questions about the project’s specifics, particularly the number of offices per building and their layout. The discussion revealed that the office layout had not yet been determined, as it would depend on future tenant arrangements. The council acknowledged that more clarity was needed regarding the types of practices that would occupy the buildings and their impact on the septic system.