11/12/2025 PB Minutes

Planning Board Meeting Minutes
Wednesday November 12, 2025
Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Board Present: Alecia Loveless, Jerry Blanchard, Rob Gilgen, Linda Moore, April Hibberd and Sally
Fitzgerald
Absent: Sean Gawlik
Public Present: Mary Moritz, Cheryl Jensen, Chris Jensen, Veronica Morris
Minutes: September 24 Sean Gawlik made motion to approve as presented, Rob Gilgen
seconded. All in favor. Motion Passed. October 22 Linda Moore made motion to approve as
presented. Sally Fitzgerald seconded. All in favor. Motion passed.
Continued Business: None
Littleton Elks Lodge Sign Permit Application: There was discussion on whether the applicant
needs to come back to the Planning Board or not. Neither the Zoning Ordinance or Site Plan
Regulations have clear language on modifications, alteration or replacement of previously
approved existing signs. The Board agreed that the sign sections in both documents will need to
be amended in the future.
The applicant explained that the original sign was externally lit, and the new sign is internally lit
and slightly larger, although the posts for the sign remain in the same location. They are working
on being compliant with the Variance conditions. They have been in contact with NH DOT and
they have no issue with the sign and doesn’t present a safety concern. A volunteer will be building
the roof structure once the material is available and has time to erect it.
A Board member asked how compliance is followed up on. It was clarified that the Code
Enforcement Officer is responsible for enforcement.
After a short discussion the Board determined the newly installed sign didn’t require any action
from the Planning Board.
Library Presentation: Library Director Laura Clerk presented an overview of the new outdoor
pavilion project at the library. She explained that the idea originated from the need for outdoor
programming during COVID, as the temporary tent used at that time had deteriorated. The
library sought a permanent, accessible structure and successfully secured two grants, $10,000
dedicated to creating an ADA-accessible sidewalk and $15,000 toward pavilion construction.
Additional
cost to taxpayers. Construction is being carried out by Bob LaFleur of Building Professional, Inc.,
with completion required by April 30 to meet grant conditions. The pavilion will support summer
programming and will also be used by the Recreation Department. Board members expressed
appreciation for the project and the fact that it is entirely grant-funded.
Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments: The Board reviewed the proposed Zoning Ordinance
changes but would like to wait until Liz, the contracted planner is present to go further in depth.
One member pointed out the use tables need to be amended and remove the “s” on Accessory
Dwelling Units.
The Board discussed concerns with the current Site Plan Review Regulations and the need for
clearer, more comprehensive guidance within the document. It was noted that the existing
regulations frequently direct applicants to the Zoning Ordinance, which has created confusion
regarding responsibilities, board oversight, and enforcement. Liz, the Town’s planning consultant,
has recommended that the Site Plan Review Regulations be updated so that requirements
relevant to site plan review, including commercial noise standards and certain sign provisions are
contained directly within the regulations rather than referenced externally.
Board members acknowledged that some requirements appropriately belong in the Zoning
Ordinance (such as night sky/lighting standards that affect both residential and commercial
districts), while others, particularly commercial/industrial performance standards are more
suitably regulated through the site plan process.
A resident volunteer, Cheryl, expressed frustration with conflicting guidance and the difficulty of
navigating between documents after extensive work was previously conducted with consultant
Tara Bamford to eliminate redundancies. She noted that she has repeatedly sought clear direction
and is concerned about adopting regulations that may be unenforceable without legal review.
She emphasized her desire for an ordinance that is functional, enforceable, and legally compliant.
Board members reiterated that proposed amendments must be reviewed by legal counsel prior
to adoption and that Liz’s recommendations are advisory; the Planning Board will ultimately
determine how requirements are divided between the Ordinance and the Site Plan Regulations.
Board members agreed that the discussion should continue when Liz is present, as she can
provide additional explanation and respond to technical questions which may include clarification
on where specific regulations should be located. The Board plans to place the Commercial &
Industrial Noise Ordinance and related site plan changes on the next Planning Board agenda
(December 10). Legal review is expected by December 3.
The Board also discussed whether placing noise standards in both the Zoning Ordinance and the
Site Plan Regulations could cause a conflict if voters reject the ordinance at Town Meeting.
Members requested that legal counsel clarify whether including such standards in the site plan
regulations remains lawful even if the standalone ordinance fails. The Board also discussed the
differing enforcement tools available under ordinances (including civil penalties) versus site plan
regulations, which generally apply at the time of review rather than through routine code
enforcement.
Lahout Park – Site Plan Extension Request: The Board reviewed a letter from Mr. Lahout
requesting a four-year extension on the approved site plan for five additional multifamily
buildings at Lahout Park. Mr. Lahout noted that only one building has been constructed to date
and that rising construction costs have delayed further development. After a short discussion.
Motion: Linda Moore made motion to grant the four-year extension, Rob Gilgen seconded. All in
favor. Motion passed.
Budget Discussion: The Board reviewed the proposed Planning Board budget. Discussion focused
largely on staffing, consulting services, and transitioning from the current consultant (Liz) to a
future part-time employee.
The draft budget included 26 weeks of part-time staffing at 20 hours per week at $25/hour.
Consultant costs were calculated assuming 26 weeks at 15 hours per week at $85/hour.
Even at the higher consulting rate, the Town would save money overall due to not paying benefits,
retirement, or health insurance. If a qualified permanent employee is hired, funds can be
reallocated from the consultant line to the salary line as needed.
The Board discussed increasing the consultant services budget to cover up to one year of
consulting time in the event that a permanent hire is not immediately secured. It was noted that
major applications would be billed directly to applicants under the existing fee structure.
Motion: Linda Moore made a motion to increase the consulting services line item to $66,300
Alecia Loveless seconded. All in favor. Motion carried.
The Board agreed to reduce the clerk line item to maintain the category but free additional funds
for the consulting/salary lines. Staff will adjust the internal allocation accordingly.
Motion: Alecia Loveless made motion to approve the amended budget, JerryBlanchard seconded.
All in favor. Motion carried.
Board and Administrative Communications
The Board requested when receiving files via email to have Minutes in the title.
Motion: Jerry Blanchard made motion to adjourn at 7:08 PM. Rob Gilgen seconded, motion
carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Liz Emerson
Interim Planning & Zoning Clerk