REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, December 1, 2014 – 7:00 P.M.
Town Hall, 302 Main Street
1st floor conference room
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present:
Robert Friedmann
Madeleine Fish
Geraldine Lewis
J. Colin Heffernan
Deborah Warren
Marc Delmonico
John Talbott
Staff Present:
Christina Costa, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Joanne Kegel. Recording Clerk
Attorney Mark Branse, Branse & Willis, LLC
Attorney Eliza Heins, Branse & Willis, LLC
Five members of the public were present.
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
MOTION: To approve the regular meeting minutes of November 17, 2014 as amended: To correct the motion on page 2 for approval of the Minutes of November 12, 2014, to remove members G. Lewis and M. Fish as Abstained, Approved 4-0-0, and to correct the motion on page 5 regarding 688 Boston Post Road, to remove M. Delmonico as voting Opposed. MADE: G. Lewis; SECONDED: M. Fish; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, G. Lewis, M. Fish, C. Heffernan, M. Delmonico; OPPOSED: None. ABSTAINED: None. APPROVED: 5-0-0
MOTION: To approve the bills from Nathan L. Jacobson & Assoc. LLC: Inv. #80535-$58.65, Inv. #80511-$710.35, Inv. #80510-$109.14, Inv. #80682-$25.76. Total $903.90. MADE: G. Lewis; SECONDED: M. Fish; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, G. Lewis, M. Fish, C. Heffernan, M. Delmonico; OPPOSED: None. ABSTAINED: None. APPROVED: 5-0-0
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A. Discussion:~ Proposed New Connecticut River Gateway Conservation Zone Standards
J. Torrance Downes, Senior Planner of the Connecticut River Gateway Commission, presented drafts of proposed amendments to the Gateway Standards with proposed new text. He presented a Summary of Significant Amendments to Gateway Standards and reviewed main points with the commission. The Commission discussed the provisions of Section 1. Application, and Section 2. Definitions. Clarifications to Definitions included Coastal Jurisdiction Line/High Tide Line, Developed Area, Multi-Family Project, Vegetation, Viewshed Analysis. Section 3. Standards were discussed regarding Land Coverage, Cutting of Timber for Footpaths through the Riparian Buffer, and Modified Requirements for residential structures over 4,000 square feet in total area. ZEO Chris Costa summarized that the changes were minimal.
The Town does not have surveys of all properties in the Gateway for applications and approvals will be case by case.
B. Preliminary Discussion:~ Eastpointe 7 North Main Street (Map 40 /Lots 5 & 6-1 and Map 39 / Lot 9) Shopping Ctr. Bus. B-2 District, Ped. Node, Incentive Hsg. IH Zone (Multi-Family MF Subzone)
Attorney Edward Cassella, Bill Finger and Bryan Robick representing Eastpointe, LLC were present for a preliminary discussion to a possible re-submission of the application, and to review the reasons for denial of the Eastpointe application on November 12, 2014. Attorney Mark Branse and Attorney Eliza Heins were present for clarification of the regulations.
Bill Finger explained that they were here to seek guidance on a number of conditions in the denial. He explained that they have had discussions with Fire Chief J.T. Dunn and have resolved the issues with the size and type of trees that will meet the Fire Chief’s requirements for emergency access.
He also explained that they are working with the engineers to resolve the turning radius on North Main Street, and explained that the storage was addressed in the original plans.
Some of the conditions for denial were reviewed with the Commission:
#1. Tree caliper sizes: Eastpointe thought that they had complied by meeting sizes of street trees and proposing more trees than were required. Mark Branse stated that they should maximize size and number of trees on access ways and frontage.
#2. A type of Pear tree will be proposed to meet the Fire Chief’s emergency access requirements.
#3. Chairman Friedmann explained that the goal was to preserve more existing trees and save as many as possible. A detailed cutting plan is required.
#4. A detailed sign plan is required. Discussion included the number and type of directional and warning signs within the development.
#6. The rear walls of the garages need to be visually broken up. Ron Finger explained that they can do this with alternating sections of trellis or surficial material. Chairman Friedman explained that they do not have to be recesses, but should relate to the building features.
#7. The plans should show the land specifically as it will be by type of groundcover. If left blank, it is presumed to be lawn or green.
#9. Storage: Bill Finger explained that they did show that they are providing utility closets in the units, either interior or exterior on a deck or balcony. The project will also provide bicycle
storage separately in designated, lockable garage units. It will be a provision of the lease agreement to prohibit exterior storage of personal items.
#12. Water Flow Data: The panel met with the Fire Marshall and assured the Commission that all requirements will be satisfied in the new proposed plans.
Other discussion included vehicle access issues, traffic egress for emergency vehicles, and sidewalks. Mark Branse explained that 41 conditions for approval is not unusual for a large project. Bill Finger understands that there will likely be some conditions for approval with a new proposed plan.
~C. Workshop: Discuss ideas for future Zoning Regulation updates.
The Zoning Commission discussed possible topics for future workshops including revisions to Open Space Subdivision, Private Country Club and Golf Course Regulations, Drive Through Windows, Fuel Distribution, Add definition of Coastal Jurisdiction Line,~ Gas Stations, Automotive Uses, Adjacent Property Owner Notification for Petitions to Amend the Zoning Regulations/Map, Definition of Open Space, Review Zoning Map to clean up properties located in two Zoning Districts, Restaurant/Entertainment Venues.~ The Commission discussed a need for regulations for large scale industrial fuel distribution centers and directed Attorney Branse to draft a regulation for a future date.~ The Commission determined that they would continue this discussion to a later date when they had little or no business.~
The Commission discussed possible text amendments to assist in the adoption of Mariner’s Way.~ The members agreed that staff could consult with Branse & Willis for legal advice and guidance with this matter.
V. COMMITTEE, REPRESENTATIVE & STAFF REPORTS
1. Michael Evangelisti, 65 Bokum Road, Map 57, Lot 9: ZEO Chris Costa has received ongoing complaints regarding mulch and other matters dating back to 2006. The Commission has advised the ZEO to continue enforcing matters that are considered high priority and that this matter is not a high priority. The ZEO will send a letter to the homeowner.
2. David Brown Farm, 155 Ingham Hill Road: David Brown is considering sub-leasing land for farming, specifically for the purpose of composting organic materials. The Commission stated that Mr. Brown must present a Statement of Use. Attorney Mark Branse clarified that composting is not generally considered farming.
3. Saybrook Point Inn and Marina, 2 Bridge Street, Map 24, Lot 45. Discussion regarding request for a minor modification to a Special Exception Permit: A letter was received from Franklin Construction, LLC, explaining that Saybrook Point Inn is requesting site alterations for kitchen renovations that include relocation of an existing cooler and addition of a second cooler in the loading area. A screen wall is proposed facing College Street to screen equipment and any untidiness. Also requested are Marina ADA upgrades including replacement of an existing deteriorated retaining wall, the installation of accessible ramps and reconfiguration of parking for Van accessibility.
The Commission agrees that this is a minor modification to a special exception that can be handled administratively, with conditions that the fence for the loading area is no higher than 6 ft., that
there is no change in the square footage of the parking area, and that there is no reduction in the number of parking spaces.
4. Old Saybrook Zoning Commission vs. Bessoni, 22 Denmore Lane: The ZEO advised that she will appear in Superior Court on Wednesday regarding the enforcement of the accessory apartment.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. Town Hall, First Floor Conference Room, 302 Main Street, Old Saybrook. MADE: G. Lewis; SECONDED: R. Friedmann; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, G. Lewis, M. Fish, C. Heffernan, M. Delmonico; OPPOSED: None. ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 5-0-0
Respectfully,
Joanne Kegel
Recording Clerk
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