Zoning Commission Minutes
Regular Meeting
Monday, May 3, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.
First Floor Conference Room – Town Hall
302 Main Street
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Friedmann called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Attendant Members Absent Members
Robert Friedmann, Chairman David Shearer, Alternate Member
Madeleine Fish, Vice Chairman Carl Garbe, Regular Member
Geraldine Lewis, Regular Member Charles Sohl, Alternate Member
John Talbott, Alternate Member
John Talbott was seated for Carl Garbe
Attendant Staff
Chris Costa, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Joanne Rynecki, Recording Clerk
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
MOTION to approve the minutes of the April 5, 2010 meeting; MADE: by R. Friedmann; SECONDED: by G. Lewis; no discussion on the motion; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, M. Fish, J. Talbott, G. Lewis; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
Chris Costa handed out copies of a letter from the Gateway Commission to the Connecticut State Senate members and another letter from Marilyn Giuliano to Governor Rell regarding their opposition to the reinsertion of Section 19 of Raised Bill No. 5520, An Act Concerning Conveyance of certain Parcels of State Land. The bill, if passed, would allow the state to convey land previously held as conservation or open space to developers. Specifically, 17 acres of property in Haddam overlooking the Connecticut River. Madeline Fish agrees that when land is given to the state or local government it is intended for perpetual protection and not intended to be transferred to a developer.
Chris Costa also handed out a copy of a letter from Attorney Knapp to the owner of the Starbucks Building in Old Saybrook. The letter was addressed to Alexander Walker and cited specific improvements which have not been completed since 2005 when a special exception permit was granted. As a result, the property has not been issued a Certificate of Zoning Compliance or a Certificate of Occupancy. The Commission agreed to give the property owner 60 days to respond to the letter before further action is taken.
Chris Costa received a bill from Anagnostis Associates in the amount of $846.25 for payment of services to transfer the Zoning Regulations to an online compatible format. The total cost does not exceed the maximum amount previously approved by this Commission.
MOTION to pay Anagnostis Associates in the amount of $846.25; MADE: by R. Friedmann; SECONDED: by G. Lewis; DISCUSSION; Madeline Fish received confirmation from Chris Costa that the Zoning Commission will be given a disk and the Regulations will be available on line for public access. VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, M. Fish, J. Talbott, G. Lewis; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
IV. REVIEW OF RECEIPT OF FORMAL REQUESTS OF RESTAURANTS SEEKING ZONING COMMISSION APPROVAL TO SERVE FOOD AND BEVERAGES IN OUTDOOR EATING AREAS.
Chris Costa reported that the Zoning Commission received 35 requests for outdoor seating for a total of 827 seats at the various restaurants in town. The Commission raised concerns regarding Frankie & Giannis/Livs on Main Street and Otter Cove Restaurant on Essex Road for seating that potentially is in excess of what is permitted. The Commission authorized the ZEO to handle Franke & Giannis/Lives and Otter Cove administratively. Paesans Pizza on Boston Post Road never completed a outdoor seating renewal for 2010. The Commission instructed the Zoning Enforcement Officer to approve it administratively if there is no change.
V. COMMITTEE, REPRESENTATIVE & STAFF REPORTS
Chris Costa updated the Commission members on James’ Pharmacy ongoing public hearing with the ZBA and issues with the owner’s place of residence and possible violations of the B & B permit and variance.
The Zoning Enforcement Official reported the following applications anticipated for upcoming Zoning Commission agenda items:
- Riversound, LLC – Petition to amend section 56, Open Space Subdivision.
- Between the Bridges – 8-30G affordable housing application
- Brewers Marina, Essex Road – Boat storage building
- River Landing Marina, 36 Riverside Drive – Boat Storage Facility
- 8 Rivers Edge Road – SPEX in Gateway Conservation Zone
The Zoning Enforcement Officer will continue the Zoning Commissions enforcement campaign to remove A-Frame and other unapproved signs.
Chairman Friedmann discussed the numerous clothing donation boxes placed around town without approval. Some are on state and town owned property. He also spoke of the selling of goods outside at Housewares Thrift Shop on the Boston Post Road. Madeline Fish spoke of the trucks located adjacent to Pat’s Kitchen Restaurant. The Zoning Enforcement Officer reported she is working on removal of Salvation Army donation box by Oyster River Marsh and has been repeatedly visiting Housewares Thrift Shop. The shop owner was advised that tag sales are not allowed in parking lots and that the permit was issued for indoor sales.
Madeline Fish will inquire with the Republican Town Committee for a possible candidate to fill the vacancy for the Zoning Commission.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Friedmann made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Monday, May 17, 2010 at the Old Saybrook Town Hall, First Floor Conference Room, 302 Main at 7:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by G. Lewis and carried unanimously.
Respectively submitted,
Joanne Rynecki
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