REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, May 7, 2012 at 7:00 PM
1st floor conference room – Town Hall
302 Main Street
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Friedmann called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Attendant Members Absent Members
Robert C. Friedmann, Chairman Madeleine B. Fish, Vice Chairman
Charles E. Sohl, Regular Member Geraldine M. Lewis, Secretary
John T. Talbott, Regular Member
Thomas C. Farnham, Jr., Alternate Member, seated for M. Fish
Elizabeth D. Steffen, Alternate Member, seated for G. Lewis
Robert E. Richards, Alternate Member
Attendant Staff
Christine Costa, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Susan Graham, Administrative Clerk
There were four members of the audience present.
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. MINUTES
There were two corrections in the minutes. The location was the 1st floor conference room, not the 2nd floor. Chris Costa was present under staff members, not Christine Nelson.
MOTION to approve the minutes from the April 16, 2012 Regular Meeting, as amended; MADE: by E. Steffen; SECONDED: by T. Farnham; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, C. Sohl, J. Talbott, E. Steffen, T. Farnham; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
B. CORRESPONDENCE
MOTION to pay Branse, Willis, and Knapp invoices #30032 ($198.00), #30033 ($66.00), #30037 ($478.50), and #30038 ($99.00) for a total of $841.50; MADE: by E. Steffen; SECONDED: by R. Friedmann; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, C. Sohl, J. Talbott, E. Steffen, T. Farnham; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION to pay Nathan L. Jacobson & Assoc. invoices #75578 ($204.20), #75579 ($792.70), #75580 ($213.94) and #75577 ($183.38) for a total of $1394.22; MADE: by R. Friedmann; SECONDED: by E. Steffen; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, C. Sohl, J. Talbott, E. Steffen, T. Farnham; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
IV. DISCUSSION
Coastline Motor Sports, J.P. Power Sports LLC, to relocate pre-existing business which performs service, sale of parts and sale of jet skis and motorcycles from 309 Boston Post Road to 280 Boston Post Road, Map 53, Lot 44-26, I-1 District, CAM.
Jerry Lamarche was present to discuss plans to move his business to the former Ocean Performance site at 280 Boston Post Road. The I-1 Industrial District allows for retail sales. Mr. Lamarche would be allowed to sell jet skis and ATV's under the current zoning, but would need to apply for a special exception use permit for sales of motorcycles, since a motor vehicle dealer permit is required by the State of CT. He plans to display 4-6 jet skis in front of the building, but would bring them inside at night. The Commission reviewed the landscape plan requirements and felt that the minimum of 25% coverage could be met with some additional plantings.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. “Ethan’s Landing”, Application for Site Plan Review to construct a 15 unit affordable housing development pursuant to C.G.S. 8-30g
120 Spencer Plains Road (Map 46/ Lot 5-2)
Residence AA-1 Zoning District
Owner: George Bessoni, Agent: Attorney Edward Cassella
Atty. Ed Cassella and Joe Wren, engineer for applicant, were at the meeting to discuss the application for the housing plan. They displayed revised architectural plans and discussed the most recent revisions. There was discussion over concerns from business and residential neighbors. Chairman Friedmann clarified that since this is a C.G.S. 8-30g application, the Commission can only concern itself with public health and safety.
Some modifications were made to the plans as a result from Town and public input. The black vinyl-coated fencing around the retention pond was changed from 3' to 4' high and will be heavily landscaped. The "Ethan's Landing" sign will be moved back to the island and placed on a bollard. An as-built utility plan will be supplied showing septic, water lines, and electric and cable to the best of the surveyor's ability. It was agreed that the condo docs and by-laws are to be subject to review and approval by the Commission's attorney before final approval. ADA requirements will be met, as necessary.
Mr. Farnham stated that he had listened to the tape recording of the previous meeting and was adequately prepared to vote on this issue.
MOTION to close public hearing of “Ethan’s Landing”, Application for Site Plan Review to construct a 15 unit affordable housing development pursuant to C.G.S. 8-30g 120 Spencer Plains Road (Map 46/ Lot 5-2) Residence AA-1 Zoning District; MADE: by E. Steffen; SECONDED: by R. Friedmann; No discussion; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, J. Talbott, C. Sohl, E. Steffen, T. Farnham; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
The ZEO provided a copy of Draft Resolutions for Approval and the Commission agreed to review it at the next meeting. The ZEO will email an updated version to the Commission before then.
VI. OUTDOOR SEATING RENEWALS
The ZEO reported on applications for outdoor seating renewals in comparison to the numbers for the previous year. The following businesses requested as follows:
Less seating: Blue Crab, Comfort Café, Dagmar, Fiores, Monkey Farm, Rosemary & Sage, VFW Post 10153.
New seating: Saybrook Soup & Sandwich, T.J.'s Restaurant
Same seating: Café Toscana, Cloud Nine, Cuckoo's Nest, Dairy Queen, Dunkin Donuts (1635 BPR), Foodworks, Fresh Salt/Terra Mar, J.A.M.M.S., Jack Rabbits, Johnny Ad's, Liv's, Mike's Deli, Otter Cove Restaurant, Paperback Café, Penny Lane Pub, Pizza Palace, Pizzaworks, Sal's Pizza & Pasta, Subway, Tissa's Le Souk du Maroc.
More seating: Back Porch, Dunkin Donuts (744 BPR), Rabbit Hole, Rio Café, Saigon City. Requests will be denied if over 25% of the amount of indoor seating.
None requested: Paesan's Pizza, Stella Doro, Tauro/Fogo, Starbuck's, Vanderbrooke, Dock & Dine. The ZEO will be in contact with them to verify. Niko's Café has made no request since it has gone out of business.
VII. COMMITTEE, REPRESENTATIVE AND STAFF REPORTS
Chairman Friedmann received a letter from Healthy Communities / Healthy Youth of Old Saybrook asking for ideas to involve the youth with the Zoning Commission. Suggestions were made, such as inviting them to a meeting when there would be extra time to explain the zoning process.
Mr. Talbott reported that the Natural Hazard Mitigation Committee will be meeting Wed. afternoon and is wrapping up its project.
Chairman Friedmann and Ms. Steffen will be attending a forum at The Lyceum in Hartford on May 15th regarding NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard).
ZEO Costa was given permission to handle the following administratively:
Grossman Chevrolet, 300 Middlesex Turnpike – requesting to build new parapet wall with new corporate logo. Meets regulations for building modification.
45 Ferry Road – Point One Architects requesting to omit rain gardens from back of building. No objection from Geoff Jacobson.
S&S Marine, 128 Essex Road – Owner, Scott Sundholm, has hired Attorney Matthew Hoberman and will be seeking a text change for the Shopping Center Business B-2 District. The Commission still wants the boats removed by June 1, as stated in the cease and desist order.
Dock & Dine, 145 College Street – Renovating bar area, no changes in number of seats.
Former Jack's Saybrook Steak, 286 Main Street – new owner renovating interior, no changes to seats.
Chester's Second Hand Store, 1610 Boston Post Road – The ZEO has visited the new store to advise that they are in violation and need permits.
The ZEO also reported that letters have been sent out to sign companies and merchant associations reminding them of the required permitting.
The Land Use Dept. has received many inquiries about the new FEMA flood maps and is requesting that FEMA provide an informational meeting to the public. The earliest FEMA would be available to do so is August.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Monday, May 21, 2012 at the Old Saybrook Town Hall, 1st floor conference room, 302 Main Street at 7:00 p.m.: MADE: by R. Friedmann; SECONDED: by T. Farnham; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, J. Talbott, C. Sohl, E. Steffen, T. Farnham; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Graham
Administrative Clerk
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