MINUTES
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Hall, 1st Floor Conference Room
302 Main Street, Old Saybrook
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Esty called the regular meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present
Janis Esty, Chairman
Robert Missel, Vice Chairman
Daniel Walden
David Shearer
Kathleen Sugland, seated for Cathryn Flanagan
Michael Urban
Members Absent
Cathryn Flanagan
Kenneth Soudan
Staff Present
Meryl Tsagronis, Recording Clerk
Audience
Five people were present in the audience, including Robert Sorenson, applicant.
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Minutes
MOTION to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 6, 2013; MADE by R. Missel; SECONDED by K. Sugland; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, R. Missel, K. Sugland; D.Walden OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: D. Shearer; APPROVED: 4-0-1.
MOTION to pay invoice #78706 in the amount of $31.20 to Nathan Jacobson & Associates, Inc. dated 11/26/2013; MADE by D. Walden; SECONDED by D. Shearer; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, R. Missel, K. Sugland, D. Walden, D. Shearer; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
C. Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
Michael Urban reported for Scenic Roads that Sandy Prisloe has been working on maps, that he will be meeting with Cathryn Flanagan and plans to have more information early next year.
David Shearer reported that the Route 1 Task Force had completed its nearly 17 month effort and presented “Mariner’s Way” to respective Town commissions, where it was well received.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. “Sorensen” Subdivision of Land – 2 Lots (11.92 ac.)
430 Middlesex Turnpike (Map 57 / Lot 41)
Gateway Business B-4 District, Residence AA-1 District, Coastal Mgmt. Area Zone
Applicant: Robert C. Sorensen, owner. Agent: Joe Wren, P.E.
Joseph Wren, Professional Engineer, representing the applicant Robert Sorensen, addressed the Commission members, reviewing the key points made by Geoffrey Jacobson, P.E. in a letter to Town Planner Christine Nelson dated November 19, 2013. He also reported that the applicant’s attorney met with Town attorney Michael Cronin to draft a legally binding statement in which Robert Sorensen agrees that “Lot 2 will continue to be used for its existing utility purposes”, thus meeting the Commission’s request to provide a statement from Mr. Sorensen to restrict future development of Lot 2.
A discussion followed about open space and the fee in lieu of open space. Members agreed to waive the open space and the fee as no contiguous or viable land is on the property.
J. Wren noted that the changes requested by the Town engineer have been incorporated on the map, dated December 4, 2013, and submitted into the record.
Mathew Sweeney, abutting property, addressed the Commission, stating his concern about open space and asked the Commission to consider acting on behalf of preserving open space, particularly regarding the land behind his property. He noted concern about water quality, and he reminded the Commission that in previous town meetings it was communicated that no structures could be placed within a distance twice the height of the cell phone tower.
J. Wren clarified that there is no proposed construction.
Robert Missel addressed Mr. Sweeney, stating that the Commission is acting today to protect the land by not allowing any structure to be built.
MOTION to approve Sorensen” Subdivision of Land – 2 Lots (11.92 ac.) 430 Middlesex Turnpike (Map 57 / Lot 41) Gateway Business B-4 District, Residence AA-1 District, Coastal Mgmt. Area Zone. Applicant: Robert C. Sorensen, owner; Agent: Joe Wren, P.E.;~on the basis of the November 25, 2013 letter from Robert Sorensen to the Planning Commission restricting Lot 2 be used for its existing utility purposes until such time that it conforms to all applicable town regulations and to waive the requirement for open space and fee .MADE by J. Esty, SECONDED by R. Missel; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, R. Missel, K. Sugland, D. Shearer; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: D. Walden; APPROVED: 4-0-1
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission which will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at 7:00 P.M., Town Hall, 302 Main Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room; MADE D. Shearer; SECONDED by K. Sugland; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, R. Missel, K. Sugland, D. Shearer; D. Walden; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Meryl Tsagronis
Recording Secretary
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