--------- is Tuesday at 7 minutes. We got I I motion to approve the meeting minutes from February 10th I think of These days,
All right. under business discussed dog park for friends of South Dog Park came in as well park and Hudson Drive. It's actually
connect road drive. It's going to be basically the same West Road and you're headed towards Hudson's going to be on the left road connection and then I think on the right as well on the left
I think they are asking us to write them to discuss A letter of recommendation to >> a letter sorry a letter recommendation for state of it
she sent me but either I don't know. >> Yeah, >> I know. That's what they were saying. a lot of particular senior
broken down here. Some of these are government Did she ask for a particular? >> Yeah. Yeah. The only So I don't like that fine treasure.
>> Okay. Yeah. So yeah, that was Yeah, I know we're serving a lot of need development. >> Yeah. Not. So, Second question. realize most of station. Yes.
in our current section of 70 action and four goals in the action and broken down into objectives
and there are action items under each objective. And so what I propose that is to send a letter to all of the responsible parties. So by each of the
actions is a list of who will be responsible for doing this action in the sevenyear plan. 2019. And so anyway, first thing I did is I pulled all of
this out. It's so hard to read in the actual OSR. It's hard to read and the options. So that makes it very diffult because the whole
page. So I put all the text exactly as it is. The only thing I did is I lettered the objectives. So um instead of the so objective one-t
says continue to reduce invasive aquatic populations in the lakes and um so first bullet lakewide alone treatment followed by comprehensive dredging program so that first bullet is a so that action
would be one- two a so that's so I thought it would be easier that So, I pulled that out and then I also I've got so much paper here.
>> It's all Yes. So that you can see it again. um using the agricultural commission as an example. So I pulled out responsible parties and I given you that. So for each of the responsible parties I
went through the action plan and I pulled out what were the numbers of the actions for that particular. So this is sample from the agricultural and they had so many objectives that I
just read. So in the letter it just says you know tells people I'm the secretary for the open space management committee and so on and we need your input to help us revise section of the open space
recreation plan. And then the three questions I asked them, were you able to accomplish any of the action items under objectives blah blah blah within the plan's time frame? If so, can you give us a brief description of your accomplishments? Number two, would you
recommend that we delete any of the action items that we're addition about March and April two months because this will go out at the end of February.
But I did say that if you have any questions or you need extra time, please let me know. And so what Diane said was I would give each of these
to Margaret assistant Margaret would email this to each individual and along with the
file that has the full plan that so they don't have to because you really literally have to have a magnifying glass to see this and again because it's all bulleted. So they would get the letter and they
would get file the action plan and then they respond to me. I might end up >> right
process. >> Well, the responsible person, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine. There are nine of them. And actually, there could be 10. One of the
I think the history um they were listed once under his forests. One of the objectives under mention historical commission and the housing committ but other than this one instance
those that was the only place but everybody else has very well >> yeah I like >> Yeah. Yeah, there's so many letters, right? This is a sample. So
that program actions C. So that rest up each. meeting or whatever. >> No, I was hoping that you guys would say
this template is good. I'm just going, like I said, I'm just going to insert, you know, and say instead of de agriculture commission, you say dear parks committee >> and that second paragraph I would just change these are the objectives you need to fantast.
So I would just do that out again. They can also ask questions. Ask established plan. Oh, look what they're asking us to do.
I plan for survey question last week and so I I sent John email They had someone else. And so I looked at
418. A couple of questions. independent You something like a get a long Yeah, >> yeah, that too. Yeah, it says right the survey was
mailed to 42 bill and also available website link as well every departmentation to the residents they serve
Facebook message board. They had electronic highway message. >> I mean it's not bad still. I didn't look at the exact these property
simple 10 11 questions. >> Yeah, >> they did have Do you have anything to tell us about your thoughts on celebrating open spaces and or recreational opportunities? They did have one opening question.
>> Yes, you're right. Are there any other places? I think the one and I don't have it here. But the one that's as open, but it does take time to sort
and and coordinate, you know, to come up with Yeah. And I mean I guess my personal take on a survey as opposed to the survey and it's quite long. >> Yeah. >> You know, so you kind of have to balance
Yeah, like They have too other people are so we can get going on. But um yeah, that's something else. Yeah. We can get from
ask questions. Yeah. And not to separate too far off. So did you receive also about >> Yes. I I didn't I had another meeting
right I said I I spent a lot of time with it however um so looking at it has proposed that includes them and all that. So if
if this were a path we're going to explore trying to get this grant then instead of us focusing our time I'm sure I'm sure if we're going to get them involved
They said one of the others different I guess. Yeah. We still have we have to apply for it. We're having
better, you know, so Did she say that she would if we thought this would be a good thing that she would help us with this or >> um I I don't think that was volunteered yet. I don't know that she's a resource
for that. I don't know who they doource, >> but it was Diane who got this whole thing started. She had to pull for us and talk. >> Yes.
>> Right. So help you know we had research grants. I think I think a lot of this value is ups. I say I say that question.
She's kind of just wondering They understand, you know, say it doesn't look all that complicated. So why don't we process that? There it is.
Oh, that's right. Um, would you like me to go question is probably >> you know I guess
you I don't think that's what I Yeah, that's Right. Get She decides to most soon as they
I'm trying to figure out a sevenyear is that town. I guess town. So I can add it to my says what?
>> December this year. I was just thinking They did the right thing. Whoever did the right thing as far as Yeah. So the other
AI chat box. science. People be able to read that. understand what the scientists are saying. So read that exercise. Now we can get
What's happening? Nobody. I had no idea that. >> Yes. set of article outdates master. >> Yeah,
that's why I mentioned Keep the same. Stepction. I bet now in order to explain it, I just feel like that's just kind of making up I noticed that
for election still geologist that I think soil soil 88. I didn't
Yeah. >> Right. Right. >> And if we can get to help us. >> Yeah. >> They they probably see example. picked
up on my next Yeah. And what I picked up and one thing that came that stuck with me about those I don't see a map
what activities are available. Maybe restaurant. I don't know where Yeah. Yeah. Yes. Yes. Sounds good. But I am interested.
So, escape. I'll try to be fast. Yeah. The further away I get from something, the heart is I'll I'll see.
I sent that responsible parties to have more than others. Not that that means they have to be on that. I thought that was interesting. I expected to have much
action items just about everything. So there were some other I guess the last thing I discuss it. I do know they have a lot to say about the >> Yeah, I don't know. Maybe
I better follow that. I believe it's called the OSP OS. Yes, >> that's That's what I hope. Thank you. said that they might have seen At that point, you know,
our peace See that? Remember that. >> Yeah. It is now 7:58 that Part: 2
Welcome. This is the Town of Southwick's planning board meeting for Tuesday, February 24, 2026. It's approximately 7 o'clock p.m. We are meeting in person at the South Town Hall at 454 College Highway. We are also open for participation via Zoom. Uh and we will
be recording. If anybody else is recording, that's fine. You just need to let us know. Uh before we go any further, we'll do a roll call with those present. Here at the table we have Renee Huden, secretary, Jessica Thornton, planning
board chair, >> Dave Spina, vice chair, >> Diane Jespa, member, >> Marcus Phelps, member. >> And online with us this evening, >> Alvin Allen, town planner. >> Great. All right, we have a couple members absent this evening, but that's
all right. We will move forward. Uh, first thing on our agenda is the town planner report. Good evening everyone. Um for the town planners report, um I guess it's a it's a light one this evening. Um I'm just
trying to we do have a an upcoming meeting with Pioneer Valley Planning Commission for our um uh working group meeting for the update of our zoning ordinance for the town. That will be on March 5th. Um and again at that point uh we were looking to roll out u
potentially well actually it would be a discussion of whether or not to roll out um public participation uh surveys at the at our March 15th meeting while also um going over additional uh sections of the agenda. So at at our last meeting
working group meeting we went through the first four articles. We uh the PVPC also added a use table that we're um reviewing and so they'll give us additional sections um that they have uh would have updated that we'll review and
continue to pour through the document um to ensure uh you know language is proper. we've added, you know, new language and and all those sort of things. And uh we don't have anything new for our next uh planning board meeting which would be March 10th. So no new no new
items. Uh crepes tea house will be back for that particular item. So I just want to make sure that you guys have a time stamp for that particular matter. But that that's all for uh the town planners report. And I double checked back to the last
meeting and it was continued to 7:05 p.m. for March 10th for grapes. So we will build our agenda around that. Um >> next on the agenda is public comment. This is time for anybody to make a
public comment on something that is not already listed elsewhere on the agenda. Hearing and seeing none, we will move on to the next item. When we get to 7:05,
approximately 30 seconds. Let's see. Cliff Clark is gonna record. >> Yes. >> I'm not touching the >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> All right. At 7:05 p.m., we already have a continued public hearing for 6 South
Lumis Street for a request to modify an estate law and common driveway special permit, site plan approval, and storm water management special permit. We have been in receipt of a letter from the applicant's representative at our Levest Associates requesting a
continuence to the second agenda in March to allow further time for a peer review to take place. So that meeting is March 24th. Do I hear a motion to continue 6 L Street to 7:05
p.m. on March 24th? >> Dave Spina, so moved. >> Diane Jesus second. >> We'll call vote. Jessica Borton. I >> Dave Spina I. >> Dian Ja I. >> Marcus Phelps. Yes. >> Good. And hopefully by then we'll have
some sort of we cannot move on to the next scheduled agenda item until 7:10 p.m. So we're going to skip ahead here real quick to the planning board meeting minutes from February 3rd.
Has everybody had a chance to review and make any suggested edits if needed? >> Yes, >> everybody is okay. Yes. Then do I hear a motion to approve the meeting minutes for Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026? >> Dave Spina, so moved. >> And Jasper second.
>> We will roll call vote. Jessica Thornton. I >> Dave Spina. I >> Jesus. I >> Marcus Phelps. Yes. you. >> Alvin, did you want to talk about the annual report or did you just want everybody to have an opportunity to
review that? >> Yeah, I just want everyone to have an opportunity to review. Um, it was already sent off to U. Margaret and uh um because it it was due on Friday so it's already been sent off but again I just um you know wanted to go
>> there's any glaring errors that we that Alvin and I have failed to to note we can stop it before it gets to the half press but >> looked good to me. >> Y very good. Thank you very much Alvin for putting that together. >> No problem. It was fun writing the uh
one paragraph about all the movement and position for how long a little term >> I was wondering why Alvin was asking me all those questions. >> Yeah. >> Okay.
And then I'm going to skip ahead to uh the planning board review and reevaluation subdivision infrastructure security for Noble Sea Crossing. >> Good evening.
>> Jesse Sal. Um, this is the um, an email went out today from uh, uh, John Gddard and Rich Bozac. Um,
and uh, that these plans are address that um, email letter, >> but they haven't had a chance to review them, right? >> Uh, they're exactly what they asked for. I got because I went up to Terry's office and picked them up,
>> right? >> But yeah, they need to get reviewed. Um, but they are there for you guys. >> Okay. So, we will take those and what we will do is make sure that >> DPW has a chance to look at them and Alvin takes a look at them before our
next meeting and we will be able to handle the modification both at that point in time once those are cleared. >> Yep. Um, but otherwise, I wasn't here at the last meeting, but I watched the reporting. Um, do we have anything on
the conservation restriction? >> Yeah, my brother's signing it tomorrow and I'm bringing it. I'll do I drop it off to somebody because Alvin's not here or do you want me to Oh, >> bring it in. >> All right. What time are you here?
>> 4:30. >> Okay, I'll bring it in. Any other updates for us? >> Oh, there's lots of snow. >> There's lots of snow. Just a little bit. >> Nice and clear and everything.
>> Finding enough places to put it. >> I think I'm going to snow blow the edges. >> We have a snowb blower that goes on skid steer. >> So, I think we'll snowb blow the edges because it looks like we're going to get another big storm >> on Monday.
>> Monday. I heard Monday possibly. >> I'm collecting all the snow days. >> That's a rumor. >> I have this like weather man. >> Is it tomorrow? >> Yeah. >> Oh, yeah.
>> Right. >> I follow Dave Hayes. That's That's my guy. >> All right. So, you will continue meeting with Rich and John and Alvin and we will have these new plans reviewed so that our next meeting on the 10th, we should be able to approve the modification and get that settled for you.
>> Yep. Basically, and yeah, everything was addressed by Terry today in another email response back to John and Rich. >> Okay. >> And is on that. >> Excellent. Right. Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you. Have a good night.
See you then. You too. 7:10 p.m. we have a continued public hearing is a joint meeting with the tree warden for class Anderson tree removal on a scenic growth which >> and just names and addresses for the record. Uh Rich Bick TPW director
Westfield Mass. >> Uh Mike Straer, Ever Arborist, Wingham Mass. >> So we received some information, some maps, outlines, drawings with the tree plan for renewals.
We have a total number of trees above 6 in >> in diameter. Yes. 72 of them. Okay. >> And I do have photos that I apologize. I did the best I could, but here's all the photos on the first page. >> And if you want to look on me, they're all in the field. If you can if you want
>> down the street, looked at them. It's not excessive. >> I figured what I did when I went to go through it with Kevin's because I know I heard because I was on the call last time and I understood that the cover and the scenic road I try and you guys in the past have let us do what we need to
do. So, I kind of put a medium of we didn't go too crazy, but this is the amount that I would like to have removed at least and the rest of it could be trimmed back. It was about there's a few trees that I just let off just because there's some of my bigger oaks and I'm like, we can just trim it back. >> So, >> yeah, I think that, you know, for
usually whenever we have one because we know you guys ever source foods on a regular basis. For us, the scenic road thing is all right, we have to make sure that we're doing our due diligence to make sure it's not over. So to have the number of anticipated removals and then just kind of the areas
on outlined where you'll be potentially trimming back and we've all had the opportunity to drive down there and see just how tight that canopy is up against South Lis >> with all the snow that we've had. Nobody wants to be able if we don't need it. So >> they're spread out pretty far too.
>> Good luck. >> Yeah, majority of the trees were overhanging. So I mean I tried to I >> I didn't give every description of it. just the ones that were dead like that big 36 in the dead oak very small one besides that I mean all of them were >> they weren't dead it was just a lot of the hangover that's that's the main
problem was >> pass these down for those interested to look um were there any other questions from board members on the information received >> yeah the pictures are a little dark I did the best I could circle I mean you can barely see the pink flagging in them
but I try to give a whole idea of what it looked like and then indivisual Marcus, you good? Your area? >> I saw Mr. >> Guy got trees once in a while. >> Also, to answer your question about the wood, if you want wood, just just give
me your address. >> Yeah, he wants wood. A lot of wood. >> Yeah, you offer it to some of the homeowners that are along there. >> Yeah, if uh honestly, it saves the crew where to dump it because sometimes they need to pay it away. So, I would reach out to Rich and he can give me just addresses so I can I can translate that
to uh the work planner for us for Stanley doing this work. >> I'll tell my boyfriend. >> No, it helps them out. >> People sometimes they see it and they'll grab it too if they know it's just there. >> Yeah. >> As long as it's on private property. I know. I've seen that in the past. >> Probably not the best idea to do it
right now with all the snow. But >> well, they got to work for you. >> You got to be really serious. So, there's no questions from board members. Are there any members of the public or town staff online or in person
that have questions? >> None. Okay. Then, do I hear a motion to close the joint hearing for Claus Anderson? >> Dave Spina. So, vote. >> Diane Jesper. Second. Roll
>> call vote. Just I Dave Spina. I Dian I. >> Marcus Phelps. I >> does Rich get a vote. >> Yes, he does. >> Rich does that. I >> Yes. >> I would hope the the Mass State statute runs the tree
warden is as this is a joint meeting, you are part of the vote to open, close, and to also vote on the decision. you have the full decision saying totally new to the game. >> Heavy as the head you know >> heavy as the crown. >> Um all of our board members have had a
chance to review a pre-written decision. Is everybody okay with that at this time? >> Yes. >> I did I did speak sorry to interrupt. I did speak with Sabrina about the um the conservation areas or the wetland areas because we are exempt from it. But I will be meeting I'll be meeting her at
the March 2nd, I believe, just to to see what she wants cuz like Keith told me that even though we are we can cut anything we want, but we can we we can cut what we need, >> but I think we can work something out just to make everyone happy and we are avoiding the wetland areas right now. Well, right now they're in Eastern Mass
clearing out right now, but >> Cape right now >> Rhode Island, >> but they are they're avoiding them right now. So >> Okay. No, I thought you guys did a good job. You know, really you you were very careful about the trees that you selected and you just took what you had
to. >> So is I did the best I could. >> Well done. No. Well done. >> Okay. >> Then do I hear a motion to uh grant and give consent for the removal for the
various public shade trees and trimming within the public right ofway on the scenic road known as Claus Anderson Road. Dispena Sunday. >> Diane Jespa second. Roll call vote. Jessica Borton. I >> Dina I. >> Diane Jespa. I >> Marcus Phelps I fall act I.
>> Okay. >> There you go. >> Do I hear a motion to approve the decision as written? >> Dave Spina. So moved. >> Diane Jespa. Second. >> Vote. Just I. >> Dave Spina I. >> Diane Jes I. >> Marcus Phelps I.
>> Richac I. Right. And then because we don't have you on record, need your signature there in the bottom. >> Yep. Ser >> that copy. All right.
>> So that's all set. >> Thank you. picture. >> Like I said, just any any phone numbers just look. >> Okay. Definitely. He'll >> definitely have an email or whatever. How you guys do that? I might not have you guys as >> that was a one.
Next on our agenda is a new public hearing for 141 Pongaman Road. I'll read the notice of public hearing into the record. Notice is hereby given in accordance with provisions of Mass General Law, Chapter 4A, Section 11, and the town of Southwick bylaws that the
planning board will hold a hybrid public hearing on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. online via Zoom and at the town hall, 45th College byway, Southwick on an application by Kenneth Egleston for a special permit amendment request and site plan approval for property
located at 141 Bangan Road, zoned business and residential R20. The property is shown on assessor's map 149, parcel 001. The applicant proposes to amend an existing special permit, wellhead protection district permit, and site plan approval to request four
additional marina parking slips in accordance with the code of Southwick zoning bylaws, chapter 185, sections 9, 10, 13, 16, 22, 28, and 30. Zoom information is listed. A copy of the application may be inspected by contacting Alvin Allen, the town
planner, at his phone or email. Any person interested or wishing to be heard on the matter should appear at the time and manner designated Jessica Thornton chairperson come on up >> name and address for the record 141 Cong room selfish.
>> So I leave anything out in my description of the matter. >> I saw you accurate. >> I don't have prepared I am for this meeting. I literally just flew in from Florida after all this snow.
>> I was supposed to back Sunday >> able to make it in. >> I believe everybody should have >> I gave them nine copies of the the plans. >> Um as you stated um I'm looking to follow through with um
way back in other planning board meetings, we we talked about parking. We talked about excess spaces that were available. and talked about looking again in the future about adding additional slips depending on how things went. >> Um so we we came to you last uh last
year to talk about moving some slips over to the other side um because of the depth of the water. Um at this time we have two we have 62 parking spaces of which only 60 are needed. There's two
extra parking spaces available. Um, and uh, for each of those parking spaces, I'm looking to add um, two marina rental slips, four in total,
and I'm hoping that u that's not a problem. >> Okay, so we have up on the screen. >> Yes. Oh, and the the red spaces
>> are where the proposed parking is for the marina. Um there are 12 of those now. There used to be 10. Um the the two closest to the exit out onto um each road, two additional ones thought to be used.
That way that entire section becomes Yeah. Planning board members have any questions? Mr. Eston, >> just to please refresh my memory, how many marina slips do we have now? And we want to add 42. >> There are 20 now.
>> 20 now. Go to 24. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> Still leaving um 12 for transient coming into the restaurant. Yeah. And >> which will hopefully open, right? >> Right now there's 16,
>> right? Trans maintaining the Sorry. >> Sorry. >> Maintaining the parking spot to marina slip ratio. >> Yes. >> Yep. That's not changing. >> Y 2 to1. >> That's what I was going to ask.
>> Do slip screens. Any other questions, board members, at this time? Um, we did receive a letter today from Richard Foszac, the director of the
South Department of Public Works. says that the DPW has been provided with a copy of an application to amend the special permit for 141 Pangaman Road focusing on the reallocation of marina slips between transit usage and seasonally leased slips with no
significant change to the impacts toward public ways and infrastructure. DPW has no comments specific to the change requested under this application. However, July 2025 Google Street View images indicate that several waste receptacles located north of the building were situated in the open,
constituting a visible violation of the special permit and site plan approval in effect. Currently, no dumpsters are on site, but a waste cooking oil receptacle remains on site and north of the existing enclosure. DPW suggests that the applicant return the site to the
approved condition or amend plans to accurately reflect the needs of the facility. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact contact me at your earliest convenience. Chief um >> comment >> comment response
>> one. I would have assumed that the tenant who was operating the restaurant would have gotten approval to put that uh waste management grease collection position. Obviously, he did not know there are not any dumpsters there at
this time because we had them removed when the tenant moved out. Um the grease thing, I'll take your word for it that it's still there. Um I could have it removed right away and have the next tenant go through the proper channels to
find a location for it. >> Right. Um I don't know what approval mechanism happens when one installs a grease receptacle outside I know fire or building get involved in that. Um but
whoever that tenant was or whoever is in the future they are operating under your special permit which is in your name and part of that is that all trash receptacles are in an enclosure. Right. >> Right. So if
in the future any other tenant says, "Well, I'm going to probably need an additional dumpster. I'm going to need that sort of grease trap in the it's on you to make sure that the site plan is updated to include a new enclosure location." Okay. >> Okay. Um and then Alvin, did we have a
letter or information from the fire chief? I don't have it here in front of me. No, I >> I did receive an email from the fire chief, but he is online if he wants to speak um in lie of the um uh email. >> I apologize, Chief Fanowitz.
>> Hi, good evening. Uh my only concern was that we maintain some type of uh fire lane access and it would make sense to keep that fire lane um on the approach to the fire department connection for the sprinkler systems. So I don't know
if there was a plan in place or a approved plan that showed an open access fire lane in that area but other than that no other concerns. >> Okay. And just interject, I did speak with Mr. Egleston in regards to that request and
uh he stated last week that he would reach out to um whomever is has designed his plan. Uh the uh I believe Arlo Associates to um install that fire lane somewhere on the plan. I'm not sure if
he's um uh acquired that as of yet. Alvin, did you not receive a letter on February 17th from Arc Associates from Ryan Nelson? >> I did not. >> Do you have it there? Would you like to
>> I'll read it into the record. This is addressed to me. Um, dear Chairperson Thornton and board members, on behalf of the applicant and property owner, Mr. Kenneth Egleston. We are hereby responding to the following comment from town of South Fire Chief. The fire department would like to see a clear
fire lane for this property that would allow for easy access to the fire department connection on the front of the building. Please see the attached photo. The response, the special permit amendment request is for the conversion of two vehicular parking spaces, excuse
me, vehicular parking spaces designation from transient boat slips to rental boat slips to allow for four additional boat rental slips. This amendment pertains to use and parking calculations from the zoning bylaw perspective. No physical
site changes are proposed. The applicant had previously gone through extensive planning board review, including review by fire department on the parking lot arrangement and vehicular access for the site. While we appreciate and respect the fire department's comprehensive awareness of safety, the applicant is
unable to alter the current parking configuration to accommodate a new fire lane. Currently, the FDC is accessible from the truck loading area portion of the parking lot. The applicant should stripe the parking lot surface as such to ensure access is not impeded by
parked vehicles. Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at this email address from Ryan Nelson of Arbec Associates. >> And I thought that it was sent to you. It was it was addressed to you. Uh the
the point that or the place that he's talking about is well labeled. Um on on the map it says truck loading area. That is an area that's only used once or twice a week when food is being delivered or whatever. And that is right
next to >> Yeah, there's a aerial photo on the public hearing packet. see that any >> that's where it Yeah, that's what it
looks like. Can you zoom in? >> So, it's on the Is it right in my series? >> Right here is the um parking for the for the loading. Yeah. >> And it's right next to >> Yeah. It's that area that he wants is right there.
>> It's adjacent. So it's here very >> Can you see that on the screen at home? She shapes the panel. >> Uh yes, I can. And the department would would be fine with uh that truck loading
area to be as as both. So that it would say, you know, truck loading and fire lane that would meet our requirements. >> Okay. >> So right right now it's not labeled on
the ground or anything as a truck loading area. Um and I believe that Ryan recommended exing it out or something like that. Are you asking me instead to put fire lane on there? Something of that nature?
Uh given the fact that the loading would only occur twice a week, I'm fine with it being dual purpose. So it could say fire lane and loading area only. That would be sufficient.
>> But it should say something. >> It should. Yeah, we we just want to keep that area clear because it it's kind of tight. The access coming in off of the road is very limited. I just want to be able to make sure that we have a clear path to the fire
department connection one way or the other. >> Right. And that and that area is also where the key is for you to get into the building. >> That's correct. So on our approach, that would be the area where the fire
apparatus would park. >> Right. Okay. Um, while we are here, take a moment. Are there any other public comments either in person or online
either public or residents? Stand to give me your name and address for the record. >> My name is Kurt Saunders. My address is 120 Kongaban Road. Um, I just want you to know that I own or represent all of the land from the bike trail to Krabby
Joe, the exception of two parts of the city. Little people aren't here. I just came to speak in favor of the project. And also want you to know that Missson did not ask me to come here and speak to them. Came here by my board. She had
numerous notices from their board. And I also want to know he's not a star to make go this project. So whatever you do to help would be a great asset. Thank you for the room. >> Thank you. >> You good for this? No. All right. Um do
board members have any desire to keep this open at this time or would you like to close and >> Yep. >> Yeah. Good with that. Alvin, do you have anything to add before we close?
>> No, nothing to add. >> Then do I hear a motion to close the public hearing for 141? >> Dave Spa second. >> We'll call vote I >> Dave Spina I just I
>> Marcus Phelps. Yes. So, I know you're not new to this, but just as a quick reminder, what we will do is work between this and our next meeting, which is March 10th, on a decision,
which we will then review and vote on at that meeting. >> March 10th. >> March 10th. Unless you have objection to that. Push it out. >> Oh, >> you're planning on flying out again. I don't know. >> Well, I'm going to be out the week
before, actually. But that's okay. >> Hopefully the weather will be better when you come back. >> You're in. >> Great. Thank you very much. >> Thank you all. Thank you. Thanks. >> Right. We've already taken care to succeed.
We've taken care of the decision. >> Mr. Clair, do we have any late ANR submitted? >> No, we do not. >> Then we will move on to the MPIC action items. I'm actually going to skip order and go
to B, which is removal 2.6 under economic development, which was the action to develop and implement a tax incentive program for existing businesses with an aim of creating new well-paying global employment opportunities.
Um, when I was not here last time, you all did the great vote to forward this over to the select board. Um, in between that time and now, I checked in with the
select board chair who agrees that this definitely is not a planning forward action item. >> Excellent. Thank you. Um however she does believe that the uh lead organization should be the board of assessors as they are uh the ones who are in charge of setting the tax rate
and are currently kind of in the process right now of looking at all the tax rate in all that information. So if anybody would be in the position to do that and make that sort of recommendation it would be them with support from the select board.
So, um, with that all in mind to I hear a motion to amend our prior forwarding action of this MPIC item, uh, to the MPIC for approval to change the leave organization to the board of assessors
with the select board as a secondary. >> Dave Spina, so moved. >> Diane Jespa second. Do a roll call vote. Jessica Forman and I. >> Dave Spina I. >> Diane Jespa I. >> Marcus Phelps. Yes. >> Okay, that was the
>> Okay, now the next one is from the same chapter of economic development. Action item number is 2.4 four. And the action was to consider or the planning board to consider limiting new development until
all zoning enhancements request for zoning updates in adherence to uniformly applied design/ aesthetic standards mentioned in the master plan actions have been considered and have planned pathways to implementation.
Um the reason we have in general listed here is the town is already in the process of undertaking a zoning modernization project working with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to rewrite the current zoning bylaws. Therefore, it is too late to consider design/ aesthetic standards as mentioned
in the master plan while the zoning modernization project is already underway. Um I think that was one of our initial rationes but then we kind of said well the action is to consider right so we're going to have this
discussion to consider um obviously everybody can have their throw their input into this um as chair I think that at this point for us to
take our time energy efforts into holding a public hearing to ask this question of the public to consider ourselves to do the research and the analysis to decide are we putting a stop
on all development private, personal, commercial, industrial, to what size? Um, and then also to when right this update of our bylaws is going to take some time. we're going to have to do it
peace meal. And while I agree with the intent of wanting to um kind of get ahead of any new development and put these new master plan considerations ahead of those developments, I don't agree that we should do that in this
economic and business climate. I think if somebody is able looking and willing to build in the town of Southwood, whether for a private residence or for a commercial entity, that we should not stand in that way unless we
really did a deep dive consideration of the impact and effects. And I would rather spend that time and energy researching, reviewing on actually updating our bylaws to protect from whatever ownorous uh or
ill-advised outcomes happen from development in the interim. I would certainly be open to having a conversation on doing it differently. Mr. Spina, >> yeah, I agree completely. Um, yeah, I I
think I understand the rationale behind the action items, but yeah, I think our actions would be or our energy would be much better spent pushing forth with the the zoning work that we're doing um and trying to get that implemented as quickly as can and not spent trying to figure out how to yeah what kind of a
limitation of development which would be right >> in itself a very large project >> and I think we've we've shown as a board um that we're amendable to uh stepping in if necessary specific specifically with the large scale solar and best. We
recognize that this is a particular area that we really do need to have updated first before any more of those developments come in. We were able to have that discussion. It was a one, it was narrow. It wasn't all development within the town of Southwick. um as this
particular action item suggests that we consider. I'd also like to add that I think between the time that perhaps this action item generated support or thought in the MPAC process, we have since
implemented the large um excuse me, the major development bylaw that was spearheaded by select board member Gail prior to her being elected. um that kind of protects the town from any major development and gives us the chance to
really have those reviewed um before they move forward. >> Stress Beth, >> I agree. Um I think that your rationale for why it should be canceled is perfectly appropriate >> or not canate.
>> Yes, consider it. But yes, I'm reading the >> paragraph here. We will make a motion of that we consider this note the work right is that >> yes I think so that we have completed it decided not to do it >> at least work there
>> Mr. Yes. Uh I tried to do some research. Uh challenging to see all the impact meeting recordings. >> You didn't want to spend a 100 plus hours. >> I did watch a couple of them. And on
August 17th of 2023, there was a discussion of these items. Uh and there was no insight into 2.4. There were a couple other items before that that were discussed in detail, but 2.4
didn't get discussed for whatever reason. And uh but I would agree I would agree that uh we don't need to do anything else with it. I think we could uh take credit for it being accomplished because the term the word
is considered and I think we have over the last couple meetings anyway looked at it considered it and your rationale for cancelling could be sort of >> rewritten a little bit to say that uh we we accomplished it.
>> It's a short term and we talk about some of them. >> All right. Uh, Mr. Allen, did you have anything to add to the discussion? >> No. Um, not at all. I'm just taking, you know, every ones together sent to um to
Norm and the team. Um, I'll make sure to get that to them. Okay. >> Um, so then let's just make it quick and official. Do I hear a motion to send a notice of completion of this action item
to the empa second? >> Roll call vote. Just thor I >> D I >> Diane Jba I >> Marcus Phelps I >> excellent. Look at that. Getting credit left and
right for these things. All right. So we have done the meeting minutes. We reviewed the annual report. Next is planning board member and staff member comments. Comments board members. >> We have an Empic meeting in early March. I can't remember the date exactly. One
of the things that we are doing is reviewing the first deletion submitt. Um just kind of going through make sure our process you know we want to try kind of establish a uh example I guess of hey here's here's the information that we want to have in
order to document properly that after it's been completed and then we'll kind of roll that out at least the intent I think is to roll that out as a model if you will >> that's nothing nothing miss >> will there be a section in the town
report on the mic do do you have Uh any kind of a little area >> actually know that >> Norm may be >> working on putting that in
>> I'll have to I I I don't actually recall right now. >> I want to say the answer is I believe the answer is yes. And unfortunately, >> if it's not in as a standalone meeting yet, >> if it's not in as a standalone impact,
maybe we can uh the implementation could be mentioned in our planning board, but whatever. Yeah, >> I think it's it's actually part of the EPIC charge to have the something in the annual report, right? And >> yes,
>> that's then presented at annual town meeting, right? >> Yes. >> I think you guys, you folks on the committee. >> Yeah, that's coming back to me. done a great job >> to speak about that. >> You've done doing a good job keeping it
>> before people and keeping you know people aware of >> what's going on. So 10 >> very transparent. >> Uh anything Mr. Allen online? >> No. again. I don't know if you want to
throw any uh additional details in regards to our working meeting group. Can you hear me? Okay. >> Yeah. Did we send that out to folks? So, what they had given us so
far, >> um we we haven't made it um public as of yet. So, we're going to wait till after our March uh I think it's March 5th meeting before we roll it out to the public. >> Okay. Yeah. So, at our last meeting um
with the working group, we got probably 25 to maybe 40 at max pages of information kind of re reorganized and really just kind of showing you this is all new, but it's all the same
information taken from these other pages, but reworked. And so, um, one of the the coolest things we had was a use chart with all the different uses and showing >> I like that >> what zones those are available in. Um,
we kind of took a look at Springfield zoning code and they actually have it even uh, broken down a little bit more so that like if you're looking at a residential usage, you can kind of see them all together. What's two family, multif family? Is there a different zone for those two? um instead of looking
down a list of three or four pages worth of of uses which of course right now they're listed a lot of agriculturalheavy very specific uses. Um so one of our first tasks will be to beef up our business restricted zone and our allowed
uses for that. So that will be a great kind of visual for us to start on that work of seeing all right what's allowed here so far and what could we add to this list >> like and I so come March 5th that will be more official for us to share with
you guys to start reviewing um so that we're not looking at 180 pages in one shot in May trying to recommend it to town meeting um I wanted to add that I will share this with Alvin and Renee to share with everybody on the board. But
the uh citizens planning training collaborative is holding their annual conference again at Holy Cross in Worcester. It is March 21st. They offer currently over 18 workshops. So, if you
have been there in the past or haven't been in a while, they do have a lot of the original writing reasonable and defenseful decisions which sometimes people need a refresher on. Um, but then also just, you know, stuff in specific
to housing and also energy sighting. So, there's something there that interests you. The town does cover our ability to go to that, not travel and expenses and a hotel or anything like that. >> Yeah, they'll pay for our feeder register.
>> I went to that many years ago and it's it's good. Yeah, I went >> get to talk to planners, >> planning board members from other comm's not a lot of people. >> Um, all right. Anything else? Renee
>> Alvin. >> Nope. >> All right. Then at 7:48, do I hear a motion to adjurnn? >> Dave Spo moved. >> Diane just second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I.
>> All right. Thank you very much, Alvin.