Minutes 08-27-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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John Roberts: If the additional information is not to be presented at this hearing, it could be submitted as a written comment to the Board prior to either the Planning Board's hearing, or prior to the final hearing on this, which is scheduled for November. Michael Harvey: November 20th is the County Commissioners' reconvening of the public hearing. The October regular meeting is the Planning Board issue. John Roberts: The reason it has to be written comment is that, traditionally and usually when this Board continues or adjourns these public hearings, it adjourns them solely for the purpose of accepting the Planning Board recommendation and written comments. Commissioner Gordon: Is it the case then that there is not an expert or someone from the developer that wishes to testify and therefore it would be a written comment? Michael Harvey: I'll let the applicant speak to that specifically. The subject of geothermal wells only came up as a result of a neighbor concern on the general use of such a system. There is no pump and dump geothermal well proposed for this site, in fact, it doesn't appear anywhere in the narrative of the application that there will be such systems on the project. It is fair to recognize that you've had a citizen that has asked the Board to begin a comprehensive assessment on the installation and use of such systems. The applicant indicated at the neighborhood information meeting that it was not their intent to promote or encourage the installation of geothermal wells with a pump and dump system. I think the issue here is two- fold. You have a concern that transcends this particular project, but the County Commissioners need to give us some direction on it. But you also have a situation where you have an applicant that has not proposed the installation of such systems on the property in the first place. I do not feel qualified to provide any kind of detail of the benefits of the various types of geothermal wells. Commissioner Gordon: Well, if there could be a definitive statement that there would be no geothermal wells on this property, then there would be a more general question and not specific. Jeff Akin: We will consider that to see if that's likely a request from a homeowner, but we were not anticipating the use or installation of geothermal well systems. The comment that was made was directed at water usage and the concern was water usage on an individual lot in an area with wells. We're trying to find an answer to that question, and it would probably be best to submit a written response just so we respond accurately to that person's comment. Commissioner Gordon: Just so it is definitive when we have to make a definitive decision. Jeff Akin: It should be. I don't think it's a major issue, so a resolution should be reached. Chair Pelissier: What is our role vis�-a-vis� the draft of the covenants? I have some questions about that. Michael Harvey: I think it's perfectly appropriate for the County Commissioners to address those comments and concerns to the applicant so that they can begin to take notice of whether they need to modify. These are draft covenants that they are proposing for this project. I think it is perfectly reasonable for you all, if you have concerns or you would like specific answers to specific questions that they can provide that to you. Chair Pelissier: I do have a couple of comments and questions. One is just an inconsistency with the presentation. The covenants say on page 97 that there will be 14 lots served by off-lot septic area and I understand it's only 13.