32:58The council’s lengthy deliberation on a retroactive demolition application underscored the need for a review process. The application, which involved the dismantling of a structure while failing to provide essential details such as grading, drainage, tree removal, or landscaping plans, led to debate among council members. One member insisted that the application should be reassessed as if it were new, urging a careful evaluation to ensure compliance with legal and environmental standards. Questions about whether permits had been issued were confirmed, yet concerns remained about the adequacy of the review, particularly regarding tree preservation and stormwater management. Despite the lot’s flatness, which suggested minimal impact on adjacent properties, there was consensus on the necessity of implementing stormwater management measures to protect neighboring areas and public drainage systems.

42:43The council also examined the procedural aspects of the demolition, including adherence to utility disconnection protocols and environmental safety measures such as asbestos management. While these responsibilities typically fall under the purview of the construction official, uncertainty lingered about whether these procedures had been followed correctly. The application was initially presented as an addition to the residence before transitioning into a full demolition, raising questions about the application process’s thoroughness.

The council emphasized the importance of notifying neighbors about demolition activities. The need for a detailed review process was reiterated, with suggestions for requiring surveys to depict existing conditions and demolition plans confirming that work would not extend beyond the building footprint. The conversation also highlighted the inadequacies of an ordinance prepared in 2003, which lacked specificity about demolition definitions. The council agreed that this ordinance required a review to provide clearer guidance for both town officials and residents. A proposal was put forth for members to collaborate on revising the ordinance, combining demolition guidelines with tree preservation measures.

The discussion recalled a past incident involving a school where a demolition proceeded without Planning Board review, raising questions about compliance with procedural norms. Members sought clarification on whether the zoning board had acted improperly and stressed the importance of delineating jurisdiction over demolitions in residential zones. The potential for penalties for future violations was considered, with concerns about continued infractions without consequences. The council resolved to address these issues when reconvening to discuss the ordinance.

15:16In another significant agenda item, the council addressed the continuation of videotaping Planning Board meetings, a decision that had been previously reconsidered during budget discussions. Earlier in the year, a proposal to eliminate videotaping of sessions starting July 1st had been considered due to cost concerns of $100 per meeting and videos not being made available to the public. However, the council acknowledged the importance of maintaining transparency, especially as 2025 was notable for the town’s master plan update. A resolution was prepared and passed unanimously, agreeing to continue the process of videotaping meetings and uploading them to YouTube, allowing residents to access discussions, particularly regarding the master plan.

The council noted that monitoring YouTube viewership would be essential to justify continued funding for the recordings. Discussions included uploading past meetings, with consensus that the only expense would be the time required for recording, as there were no additional costs for uploading videos to YouTube. The council agreed that maintaining the recordings indefinitely would support official minutes, even though they are not legal records.

24:29Finally, the meeting addressed two demolition applications. The application by Alex Van for the demolition of property on Ridgewood Road was carried over to a subsequent meeting, with clarification provided about ongoing construction work due to safety concerns. A footing and foundation permit had been issued, allowing limited work to proceed while the application was under review. Another resolution concerning the demolition of a property on Cypress Street was discussed, with a minor correction noted before passing unanimously.