TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK
Planning Commission
302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741
Telephone (860) 395-3131 FAX (860) 395-3125
MINUTES
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.
Pasbeshauke Pavilion at Saybrook Point Park
155 College Street Extension
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman, Bob McIntyre, called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Attendant Members Absent Members
Robert McIntyre, Chairman Janis Esty, Alternate Member
Judith Gallicchio, Vice Chairman
William Voigt, Alternate Member
Richard Tietjen, Regular Member
Salvatore Aresco, Regular Member
James Conroy, Alternate Member
Julius Castagno, Regular Member
Attendant Staff
Christine Nelson, Town Planner
Katie Beecher, Recording Clerk
Chairman McIntyre seated William Voigt for regular member Sal Aresco.
MOTION to amend the agenda for the February 15, 2006 meeting to add the Proposed Draft Amendments to Automotive Uses and Conversion of Dwellings to Two Families to New Business. MADE by J. Gallicchio SECONDED by W. Voigt VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, W. Voigt, J. Gallicchio, R. Tietjen, J. Castagno OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none APPROVED: 5-0-0.
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Minutes
Amendments to the meeting minutes of February 1, 2006
Judy Gallicchio pointed out that the wrong date appeared on the top of pages 2 – 6 of the minutes of the February 1, 2006 meeting.
MOTION to approve the February 1, 2006 minutes as amended for errors and omissions. MADE by J. Gallicchio. SECONDED by W. Voigt VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, W. Voigt, J. Gallicchio, R. Tietjen, OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: J. Castagno APPROVED: 4-1-0.
Alternate member James Conroy arrived at 7:35.
B. Correspondence
Town Planner Christine Nelson mentioned that the following items were contained in the member’s meeting packets: Bills from Branse, Willis and Knapp, Town Safety Committee newsletter, a letter from John Bennet regarding a possible application for variance with respect to Oceanside Auto, LLC, a letter from Attorney General Richard Blumenthal regarding the Connecticut River Gateway in Chester, a letter from Michael Pace advising that the Conservation Easement regarding the Russell Resubdivision was signed at the February 2, 2006 Board of Selectmen’s meeting, a letter from Branse, Willis and Knapp about the new statute concerning Conservation and Preservation Restrictions, a letter from John Bennet requesting that he be notified with respect to any meeting regarding the Island Cove Marina and the Sound
Outlook DEP newsletter.
MOTION to pay $43.50 for General Counsel & Representation to the firm of Branse, Willis & Knapp, LLC, 148 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury, CT as per their Statement No. 11371 dated 01/01/06 and $29.00 for Statement No. 11369 for the same services MADE by J. Gallicchio. SECONDED by W. Voigt. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, J. Gallicchio, W. Voigt, J. Castagno, R. Tietjen; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Sal Aresco arrived at the meeting at 7:40. He was re-seated in place of William Voigt.
C. Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
Judith Gallicchio had nothing to report from the Land Aquisition Commission.
Robert McIntyre reported that the Inlands, Wetlands & Watercourses
Commission would be continuing deliberations at the February 17, 2006 meeting
regarding the Preserve.
Chairman McIntyre discussed the copy of the Public Act 05-205, Substitute
House Bill No. 6570 for the State of Connecticut contained in the member’s
packets. This Act, concerning Plans of Conservation and Development outlined
changes in Commission procedures. He said that the town did not have to hold a
second public hearing on the Preserve and wanted to be sure that the town is following the correct procedures.
Christine Nelson discussed the notice about the meeting regarding the Roles and Responsibilities of CT Land Use Commissions on Tuesday, February 28, 2006
and suggested that everyone on the commission attend. She also mentioned a
letter from First Selectman Michael Pace to Christine about the landscaping and
sidewalks on the new development at the head of Main Street.
D. Appointment of Representatives
None.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Draft “Sidewalk Plan”
The Commission considered the suggestions mentioned during the February 1, 2006 meeting beginning with the stamped brick patterned sidewalks. Flaking of the surface, salt for removing ice, aesthetics and location of such sidewalks were discussed. The Commission decided to leave the sidewalks as they are and consider other possibilities for future developments.
The Commission decided to add a section in the “Sidewalk Plan” regarding putting hedges a minimum of three feet from the edge of a sidewalk as a policy. It would be added to page 19 as a bullet on the right as suggested by Judy Gallicchio. Christine Nelson will come up with the exact wording.
Jim Conroy suggested adding a bullet to the plan about using caution around trees and considering new technology. Chairman McIntyre told the commission that it was already policy to grade soil down and away from sidewalks for drainage. Members also discussed possible cost effective alternatives to the metal barriers along the Causeway but said that they would remain because the Causeway is part of a State highway, not town property and it is unlikely that the State would pay for new barriers. Judy Gallicchio suggested that alternatives be suggested to the State for barriers along new developments when located on a State highway.
Judy Gallacchio asked about sidewalks on road endings. Chairman McIntyre said he doesn’t see a necessity for sidewalks on dead ends. Jim Conroy stated that the Plan already addresses this.
Judy Gallicchio pointed out a typographical error on page 3, the word “to” is written twice.
The Sidewalk Plan now goes to the Board of Selectmen for approval. Christine will write up all of the suggestions of the Planning Commission.
B. Draft Sections of the Plan of Conservation & Development – Conservation & Open Spaces and Economic Development
Sal Aresco referenced an email from the Town Planner regarding Old Saybrook’s qualifications for federal funds and said that DEP goals should be included in the plan but that the public hearings are already closed.
MOTION to adopt the Conservation and Open Spaces section amended February 1, 2006 of the Plan of Conservation and Development MADE by J. Gallicchio. SECONDED by J. Castagno. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, J. Gallicchio, S. Aresco, J. Castagno, R. Tietjen; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION to change the name of Ferry Point in the Economic Development section of the Plan of Conservation and Development to “Marina District” MADE by J. Gallicchio. SECONDED by J. Castagno. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, J. Gallicchio, S. Aresco, J. Castagno, R. Tietjen; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
The members discussed the need for an Economic Development Coordinator. It was mentioned that this was not a town position and that the person’s salary would be paid by grants that this person would be applying for. No changes were suggested regarding the Coordinator.
MOTION to adopt the Economic Development section of the Plan of Conservation and Development amended on February 1, 2006. MADE by J. Gallicchio. SECONDED by J. Castagno. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, J. Gallicchio, S. Aresco, J. Castagno, R. Tietjen; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. “College Point” Petition to Amend the Zoning Regulations Section 7.2.1 Minimum Area of Buildable Land
Attorney David Royston presented a petition by College Point, LLC to allow building on some of the land delineated as a “Special Flood Hazard Area” if land development is otherwise permitted there under the Flood Plain Management Ordinance of Old Saybrook and under the Connecticut Public Health Code. One concern was that changing these zoning regulations would not affect Old Saybrook’s eligibility for federal flood insurance. Attorney Royston said he would investigate this and report back to the Commission.
MOTION to continue the discussion regarding the “College Point” petition to amend the Zoning Regulations at the March 1, 2006 meeting. MADE by R. Tietjen. SECONDED by J. Gallicchio. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, J. Gallicchio, S. Aresco, J. Castagno, R. Tietjen; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
B. “Four Seasons” Special Exemption for Planned Residential Development
Jeremy Burnich of Summitt Residential represented the developer of the
Four Seasons. He stated that the Homeowner’s Association decided that they didn’t want the Walking Tracks or the Gardens originally approved by the town. They did not want to pay to maintain them.
Four Seasons has been built without the tracks or gardens. The cost of these is held in an escrow account to be given back to the Homeowner’s Association upon approval of the removal of these features by the Planning Commission.
Chairman McIntyre stated that the subdivision was planned the walking tracks and gardens were put in to conform with the Plan of Conservation & Development and for the good of Old Saybrook. The Homeowner’s Association opinion has no bearing on this. The Commission asked Mr. Burnich for copies of the original plans and also plans with alternatives to the gardens and walkways. Commission members plan to visit the Four Seasons site.
MOTION to continue discussion of the Four Seasons requested Special Exemption for Planned Residential Development to the March 1, 2006 meeting. MADE by J. Gallicchio. SECONDED by R. Tietjen. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, J. Gallicchio, S. Aresco, J. Castagno, R. Tietjen; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
C. Proposed Draft Amendments to Automotive Uses and Conversion of Dwellings to Two Families
MOTION to adopt the transfer of Special Exemption reviews from the Zoning Board of Appeals to the Zoning Commission regarding Automotive Uses and Conversion of Dwellings to Two Families MADE by J. Gallicchio. SECONDED by R. McIntyre. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, J. Gallicchio, S. Aresco, J. Castagno, R. Tietjen; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
VII. WORKSHOP
A. Goal Setting 2006-2007
Chairman McIntyre suggested that the Commission work with another Commission on one of their projects such as the Parking Plan.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn meeting at 10:36 until the next regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pasbeshauke Pavilion, Saybrook Point Park, 155 College Street Extension. MADE by R. McIntyre. SECONDED by J. Castagno VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Gallicchio, W. Voigt, R. McIntyre, S. Aresco, R. Tietjen; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Katie Beecher
Recording Clerk
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