MINUTES
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
1st Floor Conference Room
Town Hall, 302 Main Street
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson, Janis Esty, called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present
Janis Esty, Chairperson
Catherine Flanagan, Secretary
Robert Missel, Vice Chairman
David Shearer, Regular Member
Donald Ranaudo, Regular Member
Michael Urban, Alternate
Kathleen Sugland, Alternate
Kenneth Soudan, Alternate
Members Absent
none
Staff Present
Christine Nelson, Town Planner
Joanne Rynecki, Clerk
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
MOTION to approve the minutes from January 4, 2012; MADE by R. Missel; SECONDED by D. Shearer; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, C. Flanagan, R. Missel, D. Shearer, D. Ranaudo; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Legal bill for Branse, Willis & Knapp invoice #29328 for $49.50.
MOTION to pay Branse, Willis & Knapp #29328 for $49.50; MADE by D. Shearer; SECONDED by C. Flanagan; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, C. Flanagan, R. Missel, D. Shearer, D. Ranaudo; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
C. Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
Ms. Nelson reported that the Conservation Commission will be launching a website called sustainablesaybrook.org as an outreach program later this month. The website will provide information to residents about sustainability in Old Sayb rook. The Zoning Commission is working on updating the Sign Regulations to complete the Design Standards section of the Zoning Regulations. The next Planning Commission special Natural Hazard Mitigation meeting will be next Wednesday at 2PM. The
flood maps have been updated by FEMA and draft copies are available in the Land Use Department. It is estimated that an additional 600 properties will be affected by this change to the flood zones requiring more properties to purchase flood insurance.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
- “J.P. Powersports” Special Exception Automotive Use – (14,700 s.f.) – 2.0 ac.
360 Boston Post Road, (Map 53/Lot 49), Gateway Business B-4 District
Applicant: J.P. Powersports, LLC Agent: Matthew White, P.E.
ACTION: Review & report to Zoning Commission for p.h. 1/30/2012
Mr. Jerry LaMarche, owner of J.P. Powersports, LLC was present to explain the relocation of his existing motorsports business from 309 Boston Post Road, across the street, to this location at 360 Boston Post Road. This site was previously an automotive use and the proposed improvements for the site include adding street trees, removing 10 feet of asphalt from beyond the trees and planting grass. The underground oil tanks will be removed and a landscaped island will be added near the right corner of the building. The existing asphalt pavement will be repaired where needed and top coated. This portion of the Boston Post Road is not part of the town’s sidewalk plan, but Mr. David Shearer would like plans for this 1-mile stretch of the Boston Post Road from Middlesex Turnpike to Ferry Road to
be added to the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development. Other members felt that these improvements would enhance the overall curb appeal of the site.
MOTION to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for J.P. Powersports Special Exception Automotive Use at 360 Boston Post Road as it is consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development Goals: Retention of existing business and replacement of those that move on; MADE by R. Missel; SECONDED by J. Esty; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, C. Flanagan, R. Missel, D. Ranaudo; OPPOSED: D. Shearer; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-1-0.
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. State of Connecticut Conservation & Development Policies Plan
ACTION: Review & report to OPM per Cross-Acceptance Agreement.
MOTION to continue until the February 15, 2012 meeting; MADE by J. Esty; SECONDED by D. Shearer; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, C. Flanagan, R. Missel, D. Shearer, D. Ranaudo; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
- Scenic Roads
- ACTION: Implement action plan.
Mr. Urban is working on the article for the next Saybrook Event’s magazine, which will include information about our scenic roads. Mr. Urban will have a draft for members at the next meeting.
MOTION to continue until the February 1, 2012 meeting; MADE by J. Esty; SECONDED by K. Flanagan; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, C. Flanagan, R. Missel, D. Shearer, D. Ranaudo; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
C. Old Saybrook Plan of Conservation & Development
ACTION: Review & discuss status of implementation of action items.
Members discussed with Ms. Nelson information needed to begin working on the Residential Development section of the Town Plan. Ms. Nelson will schedule guest speakers from various agencies, towns as well as previous members that have worked on the Residential Development Plan in the past for the upcoming meetings.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 PM until the next regular meeting scheduled for February 1, 2012 at the Town Hall 1st Floor Conference Room, 302 Main Street Old Saybrook, CT; MADE by R. Missel ; SECONDED by D. Shearer; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Shearer, C. Flanagan, J. Esty, R. Missel, D. Ranaudo; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joanne Rynecki, Planning Clerk
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