MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Hall, 1st Floor Conference Room
302 Main Street, Old Saybrook
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members present: Janis Esty, Cathryn Flanagan, Daniel Walden, Kenneth Soudan, Michael Urban seated for Robert Missel, and Kathleen Sugland seated for David Shearer
Members absent: David Shearer, Robert Missel
Staff: Christine Nelson, Town Planner, Meryl Tsagronis, Recording Clerk
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Minutes
MOTION to approve the minutes from March 18, 2015 as presented; MADE by M. Urban; SECONDED by D. Walden; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Walden, K. Sugland, K. Soudan, M. Urban; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: C. Flanagan; APPROVED: 5-0-1.
B. Correspondence
MOTION to pay invoice #81231 for $96.27 to Nathan Jacobson & Associates, Inc. dated 4/06/2015; MADE by D. Walden; SECONDED by K. Sugland; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Walden, C. Flanagan, K. Sugland, K. Soudan, M. Urban; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
MOTION to pay invoice #37819 for $460.00 to Branse & Willis, LLC. dated 4/02/2015; MADE by C. Flanagan; SECONDED by M. Urban; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, C. Flanagan, D. Walden, K. Sugland, K. Soudan, M. Urban; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
- Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
Michael Urban reported that The Preserve is now officially owned by the Town of Old Saybrook and the Essex Land Trust.
Town Planner Christine Nelson reported that the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Committee is putting together their study. She also reported that the Town has received a grant to do a study of property on Roam Tree Road to determine what it will take to get the property marketable.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. “Community Water Systems”
C. Nelson explained that the subdivision and zoning regulations do not adequately address community water supply. Members agreed that the proposed text changes, submitted by Attorney Mark Branse, seem reasonable and directed the Town Planner to set up a public hearing for this matter.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Tree Trimming and Tree Removal for Utility Maintenance on Scenic Roads
Designated Scenic Ingham Hill and Schoolhouse Roads
Petitioner: Board of Selectmen
Agent: Carl P. Fortuna, Jr., First Selectman
J. Esty opened the public hearing at 7:19 p.m.
Susan Stotts, arborist for Eversource, explained the tree trimming work along Ingham Hill and Schoolhouse Roads. All trees to be trimmed or removed have been tagged and reviewed by the tree warden, and permissions have been obtained from property owners where needed. S. Stotts emphasized that Eversource is sensitive to the fact that these are designated scenic roads. Approximately 20 trees, deemed at risk, will be removed, and trimming is for maintenance.
MOTION to close public hearing for “Tree Trimming and Tree Removal for Utility Maintenance on Scenic Roads”, MADE by C. Flanagan; SECONDED by K. Sugland; VOTED IN FAVOR J. Esty, C. Flanagan, D. Walden, K. Sugland, K. Soudan, M. Urban; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
Members agreed that the tree trimming proposal seems appropriate and limited in scope.
MOTION to recognize the work as maintenance with no objection to the proposed work for “Tree Trimming and Tree Removal for Utility Maintenance on Scenic Roads”, MADE by C. Flanagan; SECONDED by M. Urban; VOTED IN FAVOR J. Esty, C. Flanagan, D. Walden, K. Sugland, K. Soudan, M. Urban; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
The public hearing was closed at 7:36 p.m.
B. “ Main Street Connections Park & Parking Lot (Phase I)” Site Plan – (1.23 ac.) 225 Main Street (Map 30/Lot 58) Central Business B-1 District, CAM Zone & Pedestrian Node Applicant: Town of Old Saybrook Agent: Carl P. Fortuna, Jr., First Selectman
Geoffrey Jacobson of Nathan L. Jacobson & Associates, representing the Town of Old Saybrook, reviewed the site plan for the park and parking lot. He explained that this is a proposed Parks and Recreation facility and that two phases are proposed. Construction may begin mid summer. Some of the proposed aspects for Phase 1 are: a 31-space parking lot, 2 bocce courts, sheltered bench area, concrete game tables, picnic tables, a fenced dumpster enclosure, rain garden, water supply, dog water station, bike rack, and vehicle charging station, to name a few. The Town has received a $500,000 grant to apply toward construction of the park.
K. Soudan and others urged that native plantings be part of the landscaping mix where feasible. C. Flanagan asked if lighting had been considered at the crossing at Main Street. J. Esty suggested a receptacle for dog waste be considered as well.
Resident Tedd Levy addressed the Commission, stating his concerns. He sees Main Street as a destination and believes the proposed park should provide for the needs of multiple generations of people. He questions the amount of parking spaces, notes that parking will take up the majority of space, and would like to see more space given to the park and less to parking. He asked how the number of spaces was determined and if a study had been done. Mr. Levy made several points, including 1) that more consideration be given to biking and the needs of bikers such as a bike shelter, bathrooms, signs suggesting different biking routes; 2) a small playground with benches to attract families; 3) that the rain garden be reconsidered, and 4) that because this is a prime piece of land, the public should be involved with what goes
in to the park.
M. Urban agreed about further study of parking spaces and consideration for a children’s play area; K. Soudan agreed about more diversity of activities. J. Esty asked that native species be considered in the landscaping mix. Members agreed to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission and asked that consideration be given to: inclusion of native species, a provision for a lighted cross walk, dog waste receptacle and bag dispenser, and review of the number of parking spaces.
Mr. Levy asked the Commission if they would consider including requests for anything that may be desired in the park, in part because a second phase of development may not happen.
MOTION to make a favorable recommendation to the Board of Selectmen for “Main Street Connections Park & Parking Lot (Phase I)” Site Plan – (1.23 ac.)
225 Main Street (Map 30/Lot 58) Central Business B-1 District, CAM Zone & Pedestrian Node as it is consistent with the Town Plan of Conservation and Development, and that consideration be given to the inclusion of native species in the landscaping, to a provision for a lighted cross walk, dog waste receptacle and bag dispenser, and to the number of parking spaces. MADE by C. Flanagan; SECONDED by K. Soudan; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, C. Flanagan, K. Sugland, K. Soudan, M. Urban; OPPOSED D. Walden; ABSTAINED none; APPROVED 5-1-0.
C. “Roam Tree Road, LLC” Spec’l Excep. Use for Motor Vehicle Rental/Sales/Repair and Warehousing Use. 360 Boston Post Road, (Map 53/Lot 49), Gateway Business B-4 District Applicant: Roam Tree Road, LLC Agent: Gene Robida, P.E.
Gene Robida, P.E. with Environmental Containment Systems (E.C.S.), explained plans for proposed modifications to the existing building. The site consists of 1.98 acres and a 14,792 sq. ft. building. Its primary use will be for warehousing and storage of electrical and diesel powered air compressors, dust collectors and portable vacuum systems that are part of the rental fleet for the company. G. Robida presented the landscape plan and property improvements, stating they have received a favorable recommendation from the Architectural Review Board. E.C.S. proposes to lease some building space to a tenant, along with 8 parking spaces.
K. Soudan asked that native plantings be included in the landscaping plans.
C. Nelson explained that long range municipal improvements for Mariner’s Way include a bike/pedestrian path and with that in mind asked that the location of some of the trees be moved toward the property and away from the road so as not to interfere with a possible future bike/pedestrian path.
MOTION to make a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for “Roam Tree Road, LLC” Spec’l Excep. Use for Motor Vehicle Rental/Sales/Repair and Warehousing Use” 360 Boston Post Road, (Map 53/Lot 49), Gateway Business B-4 District as it is consistent with the Town Plan of Conservation and Development, and that consideration be given to the inclusion of hardy native species, and to move trees toward the property and away from the road to allow for possible bike/pedestrian path. MADE by J. Esty; SECONDED by D. Walden; VOTED IN FAVOR J. Esty, C. Flanagan, D. Walden, K. Sugland, K. Soudan, M. Urban; OPPOSED none; ABSTAINED none; APPROVED 6-0-0.
D. “Wilcox Residence” Spec’l Except. Use/Coastal Site Plan – 5,485 s.f. gfa (XX ac.)
10 Rivers Ridge Rd. (Map 53/Lot 32-7) Res. AA-2 Dist., CAM & Gateway Conserv. Zones
Applicant: Alfred Wilcox and Marcia Wilcox, owners Agent: Edward M. Cassella, Esq.
Attorney Ed Cassella, representing the Wilcoxes, explained redevelopment plans for this property that lies within the Gateway Conservation District. It requires a special exception use from the Zoning Commission because the house will exceed 3500 sq. ft. He noted however that the proposed structure would be less wide and less tall than the previous house. A 100-ft riparian buffer is required. The Applicant would like to rebuild the house, with pool and patio, which is 89 feet away, encroaching 11 feet into the buffer. Mature trees will remain and as much vegetation and natural features of the land would be preserved.
MOTION to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for “Wilcox Residence” Spec’l Except. Use/Coastal Site Plan – 5,485 s.f. gfa (XX ac.) 10 Rivers Ridge Rd. (Map 53/Lot 32-7) Res. AA-2 Dist., CAM & Gateway Conserv. Zones Applicant: Alfred Wilcox and Marcia Wilcox, owners Agent: Edward M. Cassella, Esq. as it is consistent with the Town Plan of Conservation and Development. MADE by C. Flanagan; SECONDED by K. Sugland; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, C. Flanagan, D. Walden, K. Sugland, K. Soudan, M. Urban; OPPOSED none; ABSTAINED none; APPROVED 6-0-0.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission which will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 20115, at 7:00 P.M., Town Hall, 302 Main Street, 1st Floor Conference Room; MADE by C. Flanagan; SECONDED by K. Sugland; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, C. Flanagan, D. Walden, K. Sugland, K. Soudan, M. Urban; OPPOSED none; ABSTAINED.
Submitted by,
Meryl Tsagronis, Recording Clerk
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