PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, February 6, 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 7:30 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present
Janis Esty
Donald Ranaudo
David Shearer
Kenneth Soudan, seated for Robert D. Missel
Members Absent
Robert Missel
Cathryn Flanagan
Kathleen Sugland
Michael Urban
Staff Present
Christine Nelson, Town Planner
Meryl Tsagronis, Recording Clerk
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Minutes
MOTION to approve the minutes from January 16, 2013; MADE by D. Ranaudo; SECONDED by D. Shearer; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, D. Shearer, K. Sugland; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
MOTION to move discussion of “Correspondence” to after “New Business”; MADE by J. Esty; SECONDED by D. Shearer; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, D. Shearer, K. Sugland; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
B. Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
David Shearer reported that the Route 1 Task Force continues to meet.
Christine Nelson reported that budget reports are in. Regarding the capital budget, requests are in for sidewalks in certain areas of town, and for replacement of some benches and trash cans on Main Street. She reported for Robert Missel, representative for Natural Hazard Mitigation, that hazuz maps are in from the regional planning agency.
None.
V. NEW BUSINESS
Petition to Amend Zoning Regulations Section 53
Section 53 “Special Standards for Specific Uses” to allow pharmacies and banks in the Business B-1 District to have drive through windows
Petitioner: Dawn O’Dell, Trustee, Irving Rochette Trusts; Agent: Attorney John Bennett
ACTION: Consider per Town Plans; Report for ZC 2/19/13 PH
Donald Ranaudo was acting Chairman for Janis Esty, who recused herself from the meeting.
C. Nelson explained to the Commission that it was to consider a referral from the Zoning Commission to review the matter referenced above, the Petition to Amend Zoning Regulations Section 53, and to provide their recommendation to the Zoning Commission.
D. Ranaudo invited Attorney John Bennett, Agent for the Petitioner, to address the Commission.
Attorney Bennett explained that the requested change to the Zoning Regulation, Section 53, would apply to all of the B-1 District. The proposed amendment would allow drive-through windows at financial institutions and pharmacies within the B-1 District. They are suggesting wording to restrict this activity to lots that meet the following criteria: - the parcel has an area of at least 1.5 acres, existing in their present configuration since 1965, and having frontage of at least 200 feet on each of two through streets.
J. Bennett pointed out that few buildings in B-1 would meet these requirements, in addition to other existing requirements. He further explained that he believed the zoning change would have benefit to the community and cited several texts from the Town Plan to support this change in zoning. For example, he believes this amendment would “continue to promote Main Street and the historic village center as the focus for community life in Old Saybrook” (Plan of Conservation and Development); that a retail business selling necessities would be desirable to the community, and promote a pedestrian-friendly area. Referencing page “F” of the Town Plan, he stated it would support the goal of trying to get some retail back on the street, where people would come, park, and walk around.
A brief discussion arose about the vision for the district and the kind of business that might be developed at this location, eligible for drive-through windows. D. Shearer offered that this presents an opportunity to change the footprint of the town and questioned what type of business people might drive here for.
A discussion ensued among Commission members. D. Ranaudo noted that three letters from the public were received in favor of the amendment to the Zoning regulation. D. Shearer observed that the amendment would have limited affect because not many B-1 properties have drive up access.
MOTION to issue a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission, to proactively promote and attract appropriate and diverse commercial and industrial development, and to promote services for residents including employment opportunities;” MADE by D. Ranaudo; SECONDED by D. Shearer; VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Ranaudo, D. Shearer, K. Sugland; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 3-0-0.
Janis Esty returned to the meeting.
VI. CORRESPONDENCE
J. Esty asked the Commission to discuss whether or not to pursue payment of $1,604 (which is one third of the total cost) for transcription fees that were incurred from a public hearing of The Preserve. She noted that doing so may cause the Commission to incur attorney fees. Members agreed to ask the attorney to pursue this payment.
MOTION to recoup the costs from Lorenz & interveners for $1,604.00, which is one-third the cost of transcripts; MADE by J. Esty; SECONDED by D. Ranaudo; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, D. Shearer, K. Sugland; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
VII. WORKSHOP
A. Scenic Roads
ACTION: Discuss resource inventory maps, issues for next decade text, action items for now (signage), and planning for next decade (map and text).
The Commission members discussed next steps and desirability to have public input. C. Nelson stated that this was the time to ask the public what resources do we have that should be preserved or enhanced. It was agreed that at the next meeting on Wednesday, February 20, they would hold a practice planning session. Three tables would represent three scenic roads, on which would be placed resource maps and sticky notes and the public would be encouraged to comment and participate.
It was also suggested to invite other board and commission members to participate in the public discussion.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission which will be held on Wednesday, February 20, 2013, at 7:30 P.M., Town Hall, 302 Main Street, 1st Floor Conference Room.; MADE by D. Shearer; SECONDED by K. Soudan; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, K. Sugland, D. Shearer; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Meryl Tsagronis
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