HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-18-PB-min
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 18, 2020
Minutes of the Lexington Planning Board
Held on November 18, 2020, Virtual Meeting per Governor Baker's Order at 7:00 pm
Present: Robert Creech, Chair; Robert Peters, Vice-Chair; Ginna Johnson, Clerk (arrived at 6:39 pm); Richard
Canale; and Charles Hornig. Also present was Amanda Loomis, Planning Director.
Robert Creech, Chair, read the agenda into the record, introduced members of the Planning Board and Planning
Department Staff, and called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
Mr. Creech read the following statement relative to the recent outbreak of COVID-19.
Good evening. Consistent with Governor Baker's Executive Order of March 12, 2020, suspending
specific provisions of MGL. c. 30A, §18 due to the current State of Emergency in the Commonwealth due
to the outbreak of COVID-19, this meeting of the Lexington Planning Board is being conducted remotely.
In-person attendance is not permitted at this time.
Every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access real-time proceedings via
technological means. In the event access cannot be provided, an audio or video recording of this meeting
will be available for review on the Town of Lexington website or through LexMedia as soon as possible
after the meeting.
For this meeting, the Lexington Planning Board is convening by video conference via Zoom. Specific
information for remote participation by the public can be found on the Planning Office’s web page. Please
note that this meeting is being recorded.
At this time, I will provide a brief review of the meeting proceedings.
1. For each public hearing, the Planning Board will request a presentation from the Applicant or
petitioner, followed by an opportunity for the Planning Board to ask questions or provide
comments. Then the floor will be open for public comments.
2. All comments during public participation need to be limited to 2 minutes or less and must be
respectful.
3. When the time comes for public participation, if you are dialing in, you may use *6 to mute or
unmute yourself and *9 to raise or lower your hand.
4. If at any time during the meeting you have a question, please use the Q&A feature, and staff will
respond.
1. Development Administration
a. Planning Board Covenant re-Release: Murray Hills Residential Development –
Mulberry Lane
Bob Creech, Chair, provided a brief review of the request and referenced the project's
staff memo. Mr. Creech questioned if any Planning Board had any comments.
Members of the Planning Board did not have any comments.
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board vote to release the letter of surety
for the Murray Hill Subdivision. Richard Canale seconded the motion. The
Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 4-0-0 (roll call: Charles Hornig – yes;
Richard Canale – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Bob Creech – yes). MOTION PASSED
Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of November 18, 2020
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board authorize the Planning Director to
sign the release on behalf of the Planning Board. Richard Canale seconded the
motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 4-0-0 (roll call: Charles
Hornig – yes; Richard Canale – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Bob Creech – yes).
MOTION PASSED
2. Town Meeting
a. Preparation for Town Meeting – consideration of amendments to zoning
Articles 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
Article 10 Discussion: Bob Creech, Chair, reviewed the potential
amendments to Article 10. The Planning Board discussed the possible
amendments relative to review by the Zoning Administrator. The Planning
Board concurred not to change their position on their position. (Ginna
Johnson arrived at 6:39 pm)
Mr. Creech allowed for public comments. Public comments were made by
one of the two Town Meeting members proposing amendments on the floor.
Article 11C Discussion: Mr. Creech noted that the Town Moderator was
dividing Article 11C out of the main article. Richard Canale provided input
relative to public notification. Mr. Canale further noted his concerns
regarding the public hearing vs. a public meeting. Robert Peters stated his
views regarding having a public hearing. Charles Hornig provided
information regarding site plan review, newspaper notice, and public
hearings. The Planning Board discussed public hearing vs. public meeting
requirements. Ginna Johnson requested clarification regarding the Planning
Director’s opinion relative to site plan review and public hearings. The
Planning Board discussed the language proposed in Article 11C and provided
amendments for consideration. The Planning Board requested that the Chair
and the Planning Director review with Town Counsel and provided
amendments at the November 19, 2020, public meeting.
3. Board Administration
a. Board Member & Staff Updates
Ms. Loomis provided a brief update regarding the Hartwell effort. Ms.
Loomis noted the release of the zoning bylaw and the new website
(HIPLexington.com).
Richard Canale provided a brief update regarding the Comprehensive Plan
Advisory Committee (CPAC) and the need for the CPAC to come to the
Planning Board.
Bob Creech provided a brief review of a seminar that we recently attended
(We in America).
Richard Canale moved that the Planning Board adjourn the meeting of November 18, 2020.
Robert Peters seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0
MOTION PASSED
Meeting adjourned at 7:19 pm
Ginna Johnson, Clerk of the Planning Board