HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-15-PB-min
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF JANUARY 15, 2020
Present: Robert Creech, Chair; Charles Hornig, Vice-Chair; Robert Peters; Ginna Johnson; and Richard Canale.
Also, present was Amanda Loomis, Planning Director; and Eve Tapper
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 7:33pm on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
Board Administration
1. Town Meeting update: Discussion of possible zoning articles for Annual Town Meeting including
but not limited to the following:
Groundwater By-Law
Eve Tapper stated that the Groundwater Bylaw is under review by the Department of Public
Works and therefore is not yet ready for review by the Planning Board at this time. Ms. Tapper
requested that the Planning Board move the public hearing for both Short-term Rental and
Groundwater Bylaws from February 12, 2020 to February 26, 2020.
Wireless Communication
Eve Taper provided a brief status update regarding wireless communication, stating that Carol
Kowalski, Assistant Town Manager for Development, has been working to develop design
regulations. It was further noted that Burlington has recently released their regulations regarding
wireless communication and Lexington is encouraged to review them.
Charles Hornig provided a review of his recent meeting with the Communication Advisory
Committee (CAC). Mr. Hornig noted that he was unaware that there was a duplicated effort
taking place.
Robert Creech provided a brief statement regarding a recent site visit, noting that photos were
circulated to the Planning Board.
Richard Canale posed a number of questions relevant to the topic of wireless communications
specifically how Lexington can aid service providers while providing service that minimizes
negative impacts to the community. Mr. Canale further questioned what the enforcement
mechanism of such efforts would be and the need for a better understanding relative to shot
clocks. The Planning Board had a brief discussion relative to Mr. Canale’s questions.
Mr. Hornig stated that revisions were made to the draft Wireless Communications Bylaw based
on the CAC meeting held on January 14, 2020. Mr. Hornig provided additional review of shot
clocks and the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules regarding municipal regulation
of such infrastructure. Mr. Hornig reviewed a timeline for permitting of such installation and
made recommendations for permitting.
Mr. Canale requested clarification regarding the level of review and what types of review would
be necessary.
Ginna Johnson requested clarification regarding regulations relative to such infrastructure being
located in historic districts. Mr. Hornig provided a review, process, and relative rules for historic
districts. Mr. Hornig noted that Lexington can adopt specific regulations as long as they comply
Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of January 15, 2020
with FCC regulations. Ms. Johnson requested that a letter relative to wireless communications be
sent to the Historic District Commission.
Mr. Creech provided a brief overview of a recent meeting with Mark Sandeen of the Lexington
Board of Selectmen relative to the urgency associated with such regulations. Mr. Sandeen had
attended a CAC meeting. The CAC did not foresee a near term rollout of 5G in Lexington and he
is of the opinion that there is no urgency to implement new Wireless rules.
The Planning Board had a brief discussion regarding the need for a building permit and the view
associated with such infrastructure installation. Mr. Canale stated his interest in design guidelines
for 5G wireless communication and requested clarification relative to other wireless
communication structures and their implementation process.
Mr. Hornig provided a review of the discussion held by the CAC on January 14, 2020, which
included guidance on the FCC regulations. Mr. Hornig stated that he would coordinate this with
Ms. Kowalski.
Mr. Canale requested clarification regarding the Design Advisory Committee (DAC) review. Mr.
Hornig provided a review of DAC’s charge.
The Planning Board requested that Mr. Canale join Mr. Hornig in his coordination meeting with
Ms. Kowalski.
Solar By-Law
Robert Creech provided a PowerPoint presentation to the Planning Board that included a series of
solar panel examples, in addition to a review of the hurdles associated with installation of solar
panels on residential properties.
Amanda Loomis provided a brief review of proposed draft amendments to the Lexington Zoning
Bylaw relative to commercial solar installations.
Ginna Johnson stated concern about the loss of trees within the setback of properties, in addition
to other environmental concerns associated with the installation of ground-mounted solar panels
on residential properties.
Charles Hornig stated that the broader community is very supportive of such efforts.
The Planning Board discussed the opportunity for solar installations in Lexington, in addition to
residential vs. commercial solar installations.
Charles Hornig stated that the Planning Board should wait until the public hearing as to whether
they should include both residential and commercial.
Richard Canale stated that he would not like to include residential at this time, since the
implications have not been identified at this time.
Robert Creech noted the differences between the two documents being proposed.
Ms. Johnson stated her appreciation for review of this matter and requested a timeline for such
efforts.
Mr. Hornig provided a review as to why solar should be permitted in the residential zoning
district, which includes commercial properties located within the residential zoning district.
Short term rental by-law
Minutes for the Meeting of January 15, 2020 Page 3
Charles Hornig provided a brief review of a recent meeting with the Building Commissioner and
the Zoning Administrator relative to Short-term Rentals.
Members of the Planning Board reviewed the draft Short-term Rental Bylaw and the draft
regulations. Support was provided for the documents as drafted.
2. Review of the Draft Letter, Subject: Traffic Safety on Concord Ave in the vicinity of the Cotting
School, dated January 8, 2020
The Planning Board reviewed the draft letter entitled “Traffic Safety on Concord Ave in the vicinity of
the Cotting School,” dated January 8, 2020, in addition to edits proposed by Richard Canale.
Mr. Canale provided a review of his proposed amendments which included whom the letter should be
sent to, a school zone, the need to make the area safer, in addition to the development of a formal needs
analysis.
Robert Creech noted that the original draft letter was developed for the purpose of providing
talking points. Mr. Creech concurred with the edits provided by Mr. Canale.
Charles Hornig provided insight regarding the recommendations which would be intended to
determine what is needed for the area.
Ginna Johnson questioned if the potential traffic calming measures would be part of the request.
Mr. Canale responded that such recommendations would come from the needs assessment.
Eve Tapper provided an overview of a recent conversation with Shelia Page, Assistant Planning
Director, relative to where the money for such needs assessment would come from.
3. Minutes of December 18, 2019 and January 8, 2020
The Planning Board reviewed the draft minutes of December 18, 2019 and January 8, 2020. Robert Peters
noted the differences in formatting of the draft minutes. The Planning Board briefly discussed such
differences.
Richard Canale requested that a comment made by him on January 8, 2020 be added to item number 2,
relative to the Federal Highway Administration.
Ginna Johnson requested that her comment relative to the inclusion of her alternative site plans be
referenced in the minutes and attached.
Robert Peters moved that the Lexington Planning Board approve the minutes of December 18, 2019, as
amended by Ginna Johnson. Ginna Johnson seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor
of the motion 5-0-0. MOTION PASSED
Richard Canale moved that the Lexington Planning Board approve the minutes of January 4, 2020, as
amended. Ginna Johnson seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-
0. MOTION PASSED
4. Board Member and Staff Updates
Richard Canale followed up on his January 8, 2020 Board Member Report relative to the Federal
Highway Administration and the Scenic Byways. Mr. Canale stated that Arlington would be
serving as the primary sponsor of a MAPD grant, which was being submitted for the Battle Road
Scenic Byway. Mr. Canale noted that the process is commencing for public outreach.
Page 4 Minutes for the Meeting of January 15, 2020
Robert Creech provided a review of the recent Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)
meeting that he attended. The TAC expressed concerns about the amount of off-street parking at
1040 Waltham Street and that the MOU language relative to shuttle services was too vague. Mr.
Creech provided a brief review of Lexington’s Manor Terrance MOU, i.e., the MOU requires the
Town to provide transportation service to the Manor Terrace complex located on Woburn St near
the Woburn Town line. He noted that a number of Lexington residents had purchased
condominiums at Mr. Seaver’s 299 Lexington St, Woburn project and that it is a short distance
from Manor Terrace. He also noted that the Transportation Manager, Ms. Barrett, said that,
although a good document, the Transportation Demand Management document is in need of an
update. Ms. Barrett said that the Police department is hoping to hire an additional police officer to
manage traffic.
5. Scheduling
The Planning Board along with staff reviewed a draft schedule for upcoming Planning Board meetings.
The Planning Board discussed and agreed to meet at 6:30pm on Wednesday, January 22, 2020.
The Planning Board developed a schedule for public hearings relative to Town Meeting articles which
includes Site Plan Review, Zoning Technical Corrections, Financial/ATM clarification, and 1040-1050
Waltham Street being held on January 22, 2020; Bedford Streetscape, Hartwell Avenue, and the Solar
Bylaw being held on February 12, 2020; and the Groundwater Bylaw, Short-term Rentals, Wireless
Communication, and the citizen petition being held on February 26, 2020.
Richard Canale requested a status update relative to the Hartwell Avenue zoning efforts and why the
consultant has not been back to the Planning Board since the November meeting. Mr. Canale questioned
why the focus has shifted to zoning efforts, when the Planning Board agreed to focus on the
Comprehensive Plan and transportation.
The Planning Board requested an update for the Comprehensive Plan. Ginna Johnson provided a brief
review of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group and their efforts over the past few months.
Robert Creech requested that the Planning Board think about a potential additional meeting date prior to
Town Meeting. A request was made for staff to book a larger room for several of the Town Meeting
article public hearings.
Adjournment
Richard Canale moved that the Planning Board adjourn the meeting of January 15, 2020. The
Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0. MOTION PASSED
The Planning Board adjourned the meeting of January 15, 2020, at 9:50pm
Robert Peters, Clerk of the Planning Board
The meeting was recorded by LexMedia.
The following documents used at the meeting can be found on the Planning Board website in
Planning Board packets.
2020 Annual Town Meeting Articles:
Minutes for the Meeting of January 15, 2020 Page 5
Draft Short term Rental Bylaw (2 pages).
Short term rental staff memo (2 pages).
Draft Solar Energy Systems Bylaw Language dated January 11, 2020 (2 pages).
Draft Wireless Language (6 page).
Suggested wireless edits by Tim Dunn (20 pages).
Cotting School:
Draft Planning Board letter addressing Cotting School Traffic Study (2 pages).
Robert Peters, Clerk