PHOTO: LR: Selectmen: Rich Zacher; Planning Board members: Gus Stratton; Marshal Goldberg; Ed Ingalls; Mark Lofgren; Steve Berry; Admin. Assistant/Member: Leah Gage;

Summary of Planning Board Meeting Transcript (04/14/2025) The Planning Board meeting, held on April 14, 2025, at 4:00 PM, was attended by Marshall Goldberg, Ed Ingalls, Mark Lofgren, Gus Stratton, Steve Berry, Leah Gage, and Selectmen liaison Rich Zacher. Key actions and discussions included: Approval of Minutes: The board approved the March 10th meeting minutes with a motion by Goldberg, seconded by Ingalls. Members absent from the March meeting (Berry, Lofgren) abstained.

Board Reorganization: Post-election, Ed Ingalls was unanimously elected Chairman, and Marshall Goldberg was unanimously elected Vice Chairman, both via motions by Gage, seconded by Berry.

Training: The board discussed upcoming training opportunities, including a Zoom session and a May 10th virtual planning/zoning conference, encouraging participation and budget use. No vote was taken.

Rules of Procedure Updates: Leah Gage will circulate a draft by May 1st to update outdated rules (e.g., removing “Stoneham Corners” references). Marshall’s proposed flowcharts for process guidance will be reviewed on May 12th. No vote was taken.

Home Occupation Permits: Clarified that selectmen handle these permits; no permit is needed for non-visible activities. Zoning language may need future tightening. No vote was taken.

Zoning Ordinance: Noted a 2023 clerical error removing sign size limits (2x3 or 3x3 feet), to be addressed via a 2026 warrant article. No vote was taken.

Flowcharts: Marshall’s proposed flowcharts to guide board and resident processes will be reviewed on May 12th. No vote was taken.

Moose Mountain Recreation: The board reviewed selectmen’s approval of a youth soccer field leveling as a permitted “club” use, with the approval letter to be filed. No vote was taken.

Gravel Pit Inspections: Inspections for Moose Mountain Properties LLC and Thomas Smith’s gravel pits were scheduled, requiring owner permission. A new inspection report form will be discussed next meeting. No vote was taken.

Solar Smart Program: Discussed participation in a free DOE consultant program (April-June) to review the town’s solar ordinance. No commitment to solar installation. No vote was taken.

Master Plan Revision: The board plans Ascended plans to update the 2006 master plan without a formal subcommittee, with Leah sending prior drafts for review. Members may be assigned chapters, aiming for 2025 completion with a public hearing. No vote was taken.

State Legislation: Discussed state bills reducing local zoning control (e.g., lot size mandates). Members were encouraged to monitor updates and email committee members, emphasizing master plan updates to preserve rural character. No vote was taken.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM, with the next meeting scheduled for May 12, 2025.