TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK Planning Commission |
302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741 Telephone (860) 395-3131 FAX (860) 395-3125 |
Executive Board Janis L. Esty, Chairman Robert D. Missel, Vice Chairman Cathryn M. Flanagan, Secretary
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Members Donald J. Ranaudo David M. Shearer Alternate Members Kathleen A. Sugland Kenneth W. A. Soudan Michael K. Urban |
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall – 1st Floor Conference Room
302 Main Street
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Janis Esty called the regular meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present
Janis Esty
Robert Missel
Donald Ranaudo
David Shearer
Michael Urban
Kathleen Sugland, Seated for Cathryn Flanagan
Members Absent
Cathryn Flanagan
Kenneth Soudan
Staff Present
Christine Nelson, Town Planner
Meryl Tsagronis, Recording Clerk
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Minutes
The Commission made the following amendment to the minutes of January 2, 2012: p.4 amend to read David Shearer abstained from the “Motion to recommend approval of “Miscellaneous” Petition to Amend the Zoning Regulations.”
MOTION to approve the minutes from January 2, 2013 as amended; MADE by D. Ranaudo; SECONDED by D. Shearer; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, D. Shearer, K. Sugland; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: B. Missel; APPROVED: 4-0-1.
MOTION to pay invoice # 31589 for $115.50 to Branse, Willis & Knapp, LLC dated 1/1/2013 for Professional Services Rendered; MADE by J. Esty; SECONDED by D. Shearer; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, R. Missel, D. Ranaudo, D. Shearer, K. Sugland; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION to pay invoice # 31590 for $1435.50 to Branse, Willis & Knapp, LLC dated 1/1/2013 for Professional Services Rendered; MADE by J. Esty; SECONDED by D. Ranaudo; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, R. Missel, D. Ranaudo, D. Shearer, K. Sugland; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION to continue to next regularly scheduled meeting on February 6, 2013, consideration of payment of invoice # 31591 for $33.00 to Branse, Willis & Knapp, LLC dated 1/1/2013 for Professional Services Rendered; MADE by J. Esty; SECONDED by K. Sugland; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, R. Missel, D. Ranaudo, D. Shearer, K. Sugland; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Regarding the operating budget, Christine Nelson explained rearrangement of clerical functions, described clerk’s role as ‘meeting management’, and the creation of a new part time position of ‘permits clerk,’ to handle, for instance, special exceptions, site plans, and regulated activities. This position is currently filled by Kathy Noyes.
J. Esty mentioned an upcoming Connecticut Bar Association land use seminar.
C. Election of Officers
David Shearer made a motion to keep the Planning Commission officers the same, and to re-elect Janis Esty as Chairman, Robert Missel as Vice Chairman, and Cathryn Flanagan as Secretary.
MOTION to re-elect to the Executive Board of the Planning Commission Janis Esty as Chairman, Robert Missel as Vice Chairman, and Cathryn Flanagan as Secretary ; MADE by D. Ranaudo; SECONDED by D. Shearer; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, R. Missel, D. Ranaudo, D. Shearer, K. Sugland; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
J. Esty made a motion to reappoint the same Committee representatives.
MOTION to re-elect the same Committee representatives; MADE by . Esty; SECONDED by D. Shearer; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, R. Missel, D. Ranaudo, D. Shearer, K. Sugland; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
- Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
C. Nelson updated the Commission members on the Natural Hazard Mitigation plan, explaining that it is with FEMA and DEP. She explained the S.T.A.P.L.E.E Method, seven criteria by which each recommendation is ranked. She also explained ‘Hazus’ maps, that need to be generated by the regional planning agency.
D. Shearer reported on the Route 1 Task Force. They looked at the different zoning along Route 1, specifically in the area of the old custom marine building, which has a mix of commercial road front, mixed use, and residential. They are looking at potential design ideas.
J. Esty reported on the Wetlands Commission: Max’s Place goes to public hearing; Tractor Supply public hearing is scheduled for January 17, 2013.
IV. WORKSHOP
A. Scenic Roads
J. Esty recapped about desire to have boardwalks, across from the vernal peeper pond. C. Nelson clarified that the area in question belongs to Fenwick and is land fill.
C. Nelson asked the Commission members to identify action items to support the four identified policies for Scenic Roads.
J. Esty expressed wish for sidewalks and bike lanes, especially places identified as ‘pedestrian areas’. It would also be desirable to repair the sidewalks that are there (Knollwood to Maple Ave), and construct a sidewalk along lower Hammock area.
J. Esty suggested the members also look at where to locate ‘pull-offs’ for parking.
C. Nelson added that the town has a land acquisition fund; the town puts in $25k per year.
A general discussion ensued regarding cultural and ecological points of interest, including maple trees on Maple Avenue, and a suggestion to add or relocate osprey nesting sites.
C. Nelson shared with Commission members a draft of a ‘work book’, a graphical depiction of resources along the Scenic Road, and asked members to consider where to specifically place each action item.
J. Esty reminded the group about an action item for an audio tour, possibly downloadable to a smartphone.
A discussion ensued about the ‘Town Plan’ and best way to update it and in what format. M. Urban suggested having the Town Plan as an electronic document for added flexibility, and easier to update.
The discussion returned to need for placing action items on the map. C. Nelson also expressed wish for more such action items. She proposed to draft a map showing where these items will occur.
The group discussed process for presenting to, and for soliciting ideas from the public. C. Nelson explained this can be accomplished through surveys, charettes, and informational meetings. She suggested possibly holding three different sessions, representing three sections of scenic roads.
The group agreed to continue the discussion of scenic roads to the next regularly scheduled meeting.
V. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission which will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at 7:30 P.M., Town Hall, 302 Main Street, 1st Floor Conference Room.; MADE by R. Missel; SECONDED by D. Shearer; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel, K. Sugland, D. Shearer; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Meryl Tsagronis
Recording Clerk
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