Regular Meeting
Pasbeshauke Pavilion @ 7:30 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Robert Friedmann called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Attendant Members Absent Members
Robert Friedmann, Chairman Walter Harris, Secretary
Madeleine Fish, Vice Chairman Carl Garbe, Regular Member
Paula Stuart, Regular Member Geraldine Lewis, Alternate M
Charlie Sohl, Alternate Member John Duhig, Alternate Member
Attendant Staff
Christina Costa, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Maura Farbotka, Recording Clerk
C. Sohl will be seated for W. Harris
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. MINUTES
ZEO Costa informed the commission that there were two versions of the draft Residence Districts regulations in distribution. The correct version permitted in Residence A Districts Section 24 the uses of livestock & poultry and agricultural and greenhouses uses
The correct adopted version will be attached to these minutes.
On item IV, motion should be MADE by R. Friedmann, not P.Stuart.
MOTION to approve the minutes of the August 18, 2008 meeting as corrected; MADE: by P. Stuart; SECONDED: G. Lewis; no discussion on the motion; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, M. Fish, C. Sohl; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: P. Stuart; APPROVED: 3-0-1.
B. CORRESPONDENCE
MOTION to pay Branse and Willis invoice #s19494, 19493, 19490, 19489, and 19488s, for a total of $1348.50 MADE: by P. Stuart; SECONDED: by C. Sohl; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, M. Fish, P. Stuart, C. Sohl; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
IV. DISCUSSION w/ Auto Dealers
Re: Violations of zoning regulations at auto mall and auto dealerships.
Several representatives from auto dealers were present for the discussion including:
Dennis Lajoy of V.W., Hugh Fiore of Harbor Motors, J. Lorenson of Lorenson Toyota, Linda Grossman of Nissan Grossman, Jeff of M and N Motors, and Ted Veccharino of Saybrook Ford.
Discussion was held at length between the commission and the auto dealers concerning violations that have occurred. The original site plan from 1986 and its original permitted uses were discussed. Sign violations, and car display locations were the primary concerns raised by the commission. Chairman Friedmann advised the dealers of the permitting process required for “special events”. A permit may be issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer for a special event running for up to fifteen consecutive days; with no more than 3 special events per calendar year.
At no other time are balloons, banners or other signage allowed.
ZEO Costa reported of the numerous, repeated complaints she received from the public regarding all the signs and displays at the dealerships.
Both the Commission and the ZEO stressed to the auto dealers that this is an effort to reduce un- permitted signage with all businesses in town, not just at the auto malls. This includes signage along Route 1, 154 from all business and realtors signs.
ZEO Costa said she would forward the copies of the permitting process to all of the auto dealers to be used for future special events.
V. RELEASE OF BONDS:
A. Remainder of landscaping bond ($1,000.00) to Stark Properties, LLC.
c/o Attorney Alexander W. Tighe
Re: Site Plan, CZC #99-228 (modified by CZC #08-052)
175-5 Elm Street, Map 39/Lot 8-5
ZEO reported the landscaping at the site has greatly improved, and is currently meeting the regulations.
MOTION to approve the return of the remainder the landscaping bond for $1,000.00 to Stark Properties, LLC; 175-5 Elm Street, Map 39/Lot 8-5 MADE: by R. Friedmann; SECONDED: by P. Stuart; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, M. Fish, P. Stuart, C. Sohl; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
B. Remainder of balance of Savings Book Passbook Bond - $2585.08
to Adagio Corp., c/o Atty David M. Royston
Re: Village Walk Condos, Coulter Street
Original bond: $100,000.00 (10/5/84)
MOTION to approve the return of the remainder of balance of Savings Book Passbook Bond – in the amount of $2585.08 to the Town Treasurer and/or Attorneys of interest to determine how the remainder of funds are to be dispersed; MADE: by R. Friedmann; SECONDED: by P. Stuart; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, M. Fish, P. Stuart, C. Sohl; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
VII. COMMITTEE, REPRESENTATIVE & STAFF REPORTS
- Letter from Louise Tietjen concerning proposed 2nd driveway on residence in North Cove undergoing renovations. Commission forwarding letter to the Selectman’s Office.
-Jeff and Mary Meotti, 103 North Cove Road. Adding a dock with 4 x 12 foot area on the landward side of the property, meets all setbacks. Has approval from Historic District. Okay for ZEO to handle administratively.
-Discussion was held at length about the 175 foot cell/radio tower recently constructed on Spring Brook Road, and the complaints from numerous residents on Drummers Trail and Overlook Rd. Specifically, a letter from Adrienne Hutt of 6 Drummers Trail was discussed. ZEO updated the commission on the State’s Siting Commission and other issues concerning this tower. CT Siting Counsel handling issues at hand.
-Propose Book/Ice Cream and Candy store (Herbies) at Porter Plaza , 210 Main Street in the former Chapman Pools Location. ZEO Costa read the statement of use. After a discussion, the commission felt this would be classified as a restaurant, and an application would have to be filed as a Special Exception.
-Former location of thrift shop on Boston Post Road (across from High School). Potential purchaser interested in opening a furniture store, no outside storage or display. Interested in renovating/updating outside of building located in the Restricted B-3 Business District. Commission felt this was a special exception use to a special exception use, and that the ZEO could handle administratively.
-Burger King, 607 Boston Post Road was a recent application in front of the Commission for a modification to a special exception permit. Since the approval, Burger King corporate has made changes to corporate designs/logos. Plans to be brought to ARB for review for façade changes. ZEO asked the ARB if the Commission wanted to review the modifications as a formal application. The Zoning Commission agreed that the application did not need to come back to the Commission as long as there are no site plan modifications and that the ARB approves the façade renovation changes.
-ZEO Costa discussed the proposed Blight Ordinance and discussion of an Ordinance regarding wood burning furnaces. ZEO Costa advised that she may be one of the designated agents for enforcement of the proposed blight ordinance if passed. Chairman Friedmann expressed concern that this would distract the ZEO from zoning enforcement and other duties. ZEO Costa advised that a proposed ordinance regulating wood burning furnaces not be pursued and that the Zoning Commission may receive inquires to adopt zoning regulations addressing this issue. The Commission discussed the matter and concurred that existing furnaces would be grandfathered if a new regulation was adopted and that the matter would be better handled by the fire marshal and health departments.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Friedman adjourned at 9:05 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Monday, September 22, 2008 at the Old Saybrook Town Hall, First Floor Conference Room, 302 Main Street at 7:30 p.m.
Respectively submitted,
Maura Farbotka
Recording Clerk
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