TOWN OF SUTTON

Pillsbury Memorial Hall

93 Main Street

Sutton Mills, NH 03221

ZONING BOARD of ADJUSTMENT

DRAFT Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Call to Order: Derek Lick (Chair), called the meeting to order at. 7:03pm and took roll.

Roll Call: Betsy Forsham, Katy Beauchemin, Marc Beauchemin (alternate), Sam Gordon

Also in attendance: Peter Stanley (Planning and Zoning Administrator), Kristy Heath (Recording Secretary), Edward A. and Cynthia A. Canane and two interested members of the public.

Absent: Joe Eisenberg, Zachary Brock

It was noted that alternate, Marc Beauchemin, would sit in for Zachary Brock, who was absent.

Public Hearing:

Case 2021-06 concerning a request by Edward A. and Cynthia A. Canane, PO Box 358, North Sutton, NH 03260, dba Cascade Brook Farm, Map/Lot 07-080-513, 96 Baker Road, for a Special Exception, as permitted by Article V, B, 6 of the Sutton Zoning and Building Ordinance, to permit a commercial use in the Rural/Agricultural Zone District.

Ed Canane said that he and his wife raise cattle and they would like to also sell cattle handling systems on their farm. He would keep inventory at the farm but does not expect many people to come to the premises; typically, those purchasing the equipment are seasoned cattlemen and know exactly what they want. They will, however, be able to demonstrate how the equipment works because they have cattle. Ed said that they will be considered a dealer. The main company is out of Australia and they have their North America headquarters in Manitoba. Ed said that they use all North American Steel in their products.

Ed said nothing would be shipped direct to the buyer, but would be shipped to him. He would inventory certain types of products, such as sweeps and waste stations. He will likely deliver the product as they have the equipment and the permits to do so.

Betsy complimented the Cananes on their application which was nicely done and complete.

Sam asked if this kind of equipment could only be purchased through a dealer. Ed answered in the affirmative. He added that they will be the only dealer in New England.

Katy asked how many deliveries they’d get per month. The application said they would get quarterly deliveries until the demand grows and then go to bi-monthly. Ed noted that this is high-end equipment; it isn’t like Tractor Supply. He had to drive six hours to get the equipment for himself and then found out they were looking for a dealer in New England.

Sam asked about visibility of the area where the equipment would be kept. Ed said that it would be visible from their home, but not from the road.

Peter said he received a phone call from someone who lives across the street from the property, on Kearsarge Valley Road. They said it was fine with them. He said there were no other calls or letters.

Ed said an abutter on Baker Road called and said he had some questions. Once he found out about the plans, he said he was fine with it.

Ed said they would still be selling beef. They have orders for 64 sides of beef in 2022. He also noted that they are now certified organic in both Sutton and New London. He encouraged people to visit their property along Baker Road where they graze their cattle and grow grass. They get their cows from Virginia, which are the product of good breeding. They are yearlings when they purchase them and then they live for 24-28 months on their property.

There were no questions from the audience or the Board.

The public session was closed by Chair Lick.

Betsy said she had no issues at all. The Cananes have been an asset to the community, and she thinks it is an interesting endeavor.

Sam, Katy and Marc had no issues.

It was moved by Sam Gordon and seconded by Betsy Forsham to deem the application approved for a special exception based on the answers provided by the applicants.
The motion was approved unanimously.

 

Meeting Minutes: Review and approve minutes of the June 16, 2021 Public Hearing and Meeting

It was moved by Derek Lick and seconded by Katy Beauchemin to approve the minutes of June 16, 2021 as circulated.
The motion was approved unanimously

 

It was moved by Derek Lick and seconded by Sam Gordon to adjourn.
The motion was approved unanimously.

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:34pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kristy Heath, Recording Secretary

Town of Sutton