The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Vice Chairman Lisa McSwain. Members present were Bruce Cameron, Lisa McSwain, Amanda Russell, and Stuart Smith and Alternate Dave Boucher. Erin Cooperrider and Alternate Brian Bolduc were absent.

1. Review Minutes of December 6, 2004:

   Stuart Smith moved, Amanda Russell seconded to accept the minutes. The motion carried.

2. Michael Blake - Preliminary discussion on Resource-based Subdivision on River Road

   Mr. Blake is in the process of purchasing 35 acres on River Road contingent upon the land being suitable for a Resource-based Subdivision. He plans five one-acre lots with the houses in the back corners of the lots. There are natural buffers and a pond on the property. He has contacted MDOT and has its permission for a subdivision in that location with a driveway in its present location. He will be applying to the MDOT to move the driveway so that there can be lots on both side of the driveway. The parcel abuts the Schmid Preserve but has not been surveyed. The dedicated open space would be next to the preserve. He asked whether the pond could be used for fire protection and he was advised to contact Barry Johnston, the Fire Chief. He may also build his own house on the property which might then require an underground water tank for the subdivision. He may add another phase in the future and was advised that any dedicated land would not be available for development. The board saw no objection to his plans.

3. Jeff Corbin, Edgecomb Development - Preliminary Site Plan Review Discussion

   Jeff Corbin introduced Doug Britton, attorney, and Jim Leslie, engineer. Doug Britton submitted concept plans for an 18-unit mixed use condominium on the nine-acre parcel now housing the Sheepscot River Inn and Restaurant. The cottages would constitute 15 units and the inn, lodge and restaurant one unit each. The plan would be to condominiumize the existing buildings first which would increase the value of the development and therefore the taxes. The board had received correspondence from both Mr. Britton and Bob Faunce, Lincoln County Planner, concluding that this could be done without Planning Board approval inasmuch as there will be no physical change to the property and no change in use. This would allow the sale of the cottages in their present condition i.e. without kitchens. The board will require language in the deed and in the condominium documents that the cottages will never be "dwelling units" as defined in the ordinance. Mr. Britton submitted sample language to be included as a restrictive covenant in these documents and this will be reviewed by Edgecomb's town attorney.

   Jeff Corbin said that future plans would include three single-family houses, the division of the restaurant into a restaurant and three dwelling units, and a reduction of three dwelling units in the lodge. The buildings in the condominium will be tied together architecturally. The same uses will be preserved.

   The inn has ten bedrooms and a manager's apartment which will be sold as a single condominium unit to be operated as a bed and breakfast. The inn will be the hub of activities for the association. The lodge currently has 16 dwelling units and plans are to consolidate some of the smaller units and sell 10 condominium units with ocean views. These could also be put into the rental pool. The restaurant which is too large will be divided in half with three condominium units occupying the one-half of the building. Of the six units removed from the lodge, three would be put into the restaurant building and three would be created as single-family houses. Owners of separate condominium units will be able to rent out their units with 60% of the rental fees going to the condo association for maintenance, utilities, etc. and 40% to the owner.

   Lisa McSwain said that the exchange of three units from the lodge to single-family houses will have to be investigated under the ordinances. Jeff Corbin said that Rich Baker of the DEP had said that the plans as described were possible in Shoreland. All buildings are in 6.6 acres in Shoreland. Lot coverage is approximately 22%; the Shoreland Ordinance limits coverage to 20%.

   Lisa said that the board would meet with the applicant on January 20th after consulting with MMA, Bob Faunce and the Town Attorney. Jeff Corbin said that sale of the cottages represents 40% of the target income and he would like to get approval to start on that phase. Lisa will contact Bob Faunce, Armanda Russell will call MMA, Stuart Smith will contact Rich Baker and Bruce Cameron will contact David Soule.

4. Other Business:

   Lisa McSwain said that Grace Goldberg had contacted Erin Cooperrider regarding the boundary of the resource protection zone on the co-housing property and was referred to the State. She added that, according to Bob Faunce, although the board does not have to determine the legality of an issue pertaining to a deed, if a problem is brought to its attention, it will have to address the issue in its review of an application.

   Dabney Lewis will check on the Bertin sign. Dabney said that Edgecomb Potters did have a permit for the parking lot and although it was not in the file, he will locate it.

   Lisa McSwain said that the lot where a barn on River Road had been torn down had been taken by tax lien and acquired by Eddie Hall. Because the neighbors will not give him access to his land, he has threatened to go through the cranberry bog. When a survey is done and the property assessed, the presence of the cranberry bog will be noted.