TUFTONBORO PLANNING BOARD

May 3, 2007

Wilson Stewart, Dan derby, Rick friend, Sue Weeks, Joan Theve and Tony Lyon were present.

7:00PM

Rowsell plans were returned for signatures after the Registry of deeds would not accept because the surveyor had not put “Town of Tuftonboro” in the signature block. Plans signed by Chairman. Taylor plans were received. All conditions have been met. Motion made for Chairman to sign.

Rick introduced Mr. Maxson, technical consultant for the cell tower.

Minutes of April 19^th were reviewed. Sue moved to accept with corrections. Joan 2^nd. All in favor.

7:30PM

White Cliff Communications continued from April 19^th.

Steve Grill Attorney from Devine and Millimet introduced himself. He is present tonight instead of Atty. Duprey on behalf of White Cliff.

Rick addressed some concerns that had come up from the public at past hearings and he wanted to answer them. See attached.

Rick introduced David Maxson to the public and reported that they had driven around town and had looked over the situation and the layout of the Town. Mr. grill spoke about the fact that Tuftonboro is no different in what other Towns are going through concerning cell towers and their visibility. He also reported that the propergation studies have been done and that Nextel could go down to 130’ and that should have a positive affect on citizen concerns. The tower on RT 171 would not have the proper coverage. Dan asked if coverage of RT 109 was the pobjective? Yes. Nextel would like to fill the gaps on RT 109 and Rt 109A. RT. 171 is not an option for Nextel at this time. What is the coverage need and can tower be lowered?

Boggini Report. Mr. Grill asked if the board was OK with bringing Mr. Boggini here for him to explain how an appraisal is done. Dan would like facts in addition to Mr. Boggini’s opinion. Rick had talked to 3 or 4 appraisers and they have all said the same. There is no stasticial base of evidence, you either like it or you don’t. Mr. Boggini could come on the 24^th.

Mr Maxson introduced himself from Broadcast Signal Lab. He was in the radio engineering services and now municipal engineering services. He explained the coverage area map and that computer measurements are usually accurate. Our ordinance say “tree height” and that needs to be quantified. A forester can do that if it has not already been done.

Mr Maxson suggested questions, that could be asked of the applicant. How tower integrates into the community. Are tow shorter towers better then one taller one? He said that this does comply with Federal Standards for low power signals. The noise at ground level is less than 50dba. The generator noise vs. emergency need? No generator proposed at this time.Would an existing structure that works be preferable? The balloon test looks right but wind could make a difference of 30’.

The Jeppeson Report is much more detailed than usual.

Joan asked about noise around the pole? Maxson responded that machinery vs. air noise in a wooded area is no different than from trees unless whistling and that can be required as a “fix” after it is built if it is a problem. The carrier structures are orientated so that equipment noise is blocked by each other. Any additional carriers would have to come back to this board.

Wilson asked if the board should have concerns about the applicant’s long term plans? Maxson did say that this site does have good inbuilding context. He will look at other carriers and their coverage. He was asked if the board should look at coverage at 110’ and 120’. Yes. Mr. Sousa said it would be done. They did show tonight at 130’, 140’ and 150’. Mr. Grill said they would look at the Moultonboro neck site. Wilson noted that Moultonboro has just approved another tower for verizon. Maxson will look at that and look at 80’ and 90’.

Tree height. Maxson said the only way to get accurate height is with a laser. Miquel responded that the trees in the surrounding area had been done with a transit and laser, it’s in the minutes and filed.

Mr. willey asked about the Jeppeson Report and that the Hansen airstrip is not listed in the report.Mr. Chaffee also reminded the board about the Blazick airstrip being reactivated. Maxson replied that private airstrips are treated differently and that this tower would not require lighting. Wilson moved to put the airstrip issue “to bed” that the board will go with the jeppeson report. Sue 2^nd. Derby abstained, all others in favor.

Dave eaton asked if Nextel’s obligations were to look at other areas of Town. Existing structures. They have looked at other sites. Abenaki Tower assoc. turned down their location due to White Cliff’s offer. Winner’s Circle Farm site would not work because the site would cast a shadow and there would be no coverage on RT 109 or Rt 109A where it is needed. The Town landfill area would be the same only providing complimentary services. Mr. Chaffee asked about the foundation. Maxson replied that he had a foundation license and that it is a building permit issue. Wilson explained that the Sebago Report answers the question about ledge, soils, etc.. They are professional engineers and have tested the area, if there is no ledge there would be no blasting. Chaffee asked about bonding for removal? That will be addressed at another meeting. Sue asked, if the tower was lowered would there be new plans? Yes. There would also be a new waiver request.

Mr. Wiley asked it lightning would be drawn to the tower? Maxson replied that since it is prominent and conductive it is potentially more of a target. It is grounded so that telephones won’t fail and it sometimes protects surrounding properties. It does go through the ground and is designed to dissipate. He felt it was not a major concern. Sue asked that when the come on the 17^th(last on the agenda) to bring a list of their revisions and current items. The board will have a substantial review on the 24^th. George asked if the board wanted a 100’ buffer down County Rd. and in 35’. He will work on it.

Hearing continued to May 17^th.

Mary heresy was present with her plans. The conditions have been met. Wilson moved to sign the plans. Joan 2^nd. Plans signed.

Meeting Adjourned.

Jackie Rollins