OLD LYME PLANNING COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 9, 2012
PRESENT WERE: Harold Thompson, Chris Kerr, Stephen Martino, and Alternate Todd Machnik seated for Steve Ross. Also present were Attorney Ed Cassella and Tom Metcalf, Consulting Engineer.
Commission Member Robert McCarthy arrived at 6:00 p.m.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO BUILDING ON UACCEPTED ROAD ORDINANCE (Sect. 25-5 of Town Code)
Harold Thompson made a motion to table this item because there is still some dialogue going on between counsels.
Discussion:
Kerr asked if other unaccepted roads in town (Boggy Hole, Short Hills, and a portion of Hatchetts Hill) would be affected by this proposal. Cassella stated they are changing the ordinance that governs unimproved town roads. They are adding the ability for the Board of Selectmen to waive the standards for building on improved roads. Cassella stated that is why the Planning Commission suggested that the Fire Department be involved, make sure conditions can be imposed that would be satisfactory to this commission.
Kerr stated he owns property on Boggy Hole in which improvements have already been made and therefore if he ever wants to construct a house will the town require him to improve the road even though homes are already in existence on that road. Cassella stated it would depend on the circumstances. It was noted that Boggy Hole is a town road and the other roads under discussion were private roads.
Chris Kerr seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
The commission continued to discuss the comments provided in Tom Metcalf’s outline of proposed revisions to the subdivision regulations. Groves agreed to forward the subdivision regulations in a word document to Metcalf to incorporate the changes discussed.
11. Sect. 4.5.3 - Metcalf noted he attended a seminar and noted that the 5 acre may be mandatory under FEMA. He stated he would further research.
12. Sect. 5.5.7 (D) – Groves noted that the same “snow plow” wording was included in the regulations back to 1981. Groves noted that she would continue to research the regulations. It was noted at that time this language has been in the regulations for at least 30 years.
The commission agreed to draft a letter to the Snow Plow Committee stating that this language has been part of the Subdivision Regulations since 1979 and it states specifically that private residential streets are not to be maintained by the town.
The commission discussed the issues around private streets and the direction that the commission may want to consider in revising the regulations with the regard to private road standards.
Chris Kerr made a motion to send a letter to the Board of Selectmen and the Snow Plow Committee reiterating that all of the private road developments were approved subject to the restriction that the town was not going to maintain or plow them and the Planning Commission questions any steps taken to change that and further expressed concerns about the liability issue. Stephen Martino seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Section 5.5.7 E – Metcalf stated that the commission often waives the 1,200 ft road length and therefore wondered if it should be changed. Kerr stated years ago a fire truck could only hold 1,200 feet of hose. Cassella stated he felt it was a good standard to have in the regulations but it gives the commission the ability when public safety is a concern to require a turnaround, etc. Metcalf suggested that if the commission chooses to leave that length they may want to require the applicant to state why they need to exceed the permitted length. Discussion ensued and the commission agreed to lengthen the road length to 2000 ft.
Section 5.5.10 F – Metcalf stated he would incorporate what is referenced in the DOT Design Manua1.
Sect. 5.5.12 – Metcalf stated that a 50 year design storm is very conservative. He agreed to put in a number. The commission also agreed to a 2:1 slope than the current 3:1. Metcalf stated this slope would require less clearing and excavation.
Sect. 5.5.14 – Metcalf stated there will be proposals where street lighting is necessary for safety purposes. Cassella suggested wording “that a lighting plan shall be approved by the commission and if appropriate by the Board of Selectmen”. The commission agreed. Metcalf suggested that the applicant have to provide the Planning Commission with a written statement from the Board of Selectmen for lighting unless it is going to be part of an association.
Sect. 5.5.15 – The commission agreed to make this mandatory rather than when required. The commission also agreed to eliminate item C.
Sect. 5.6 – Metcalf stated there are probably instances where the commission may want sidewalks. Agreed to leave as stated. Cassella suggested that 5.6.1 be changed to “unless other materials are required by the commission”
Sect 5.8 – The commission agreed to leave the current language
Sect. 5.12 Metcalf stated that the standards provide guidelines for monumentation. Metcalf agreed to provide the language for this section.
Discussion ensued about providing a list of changes with a brief summary explaining why the revisions were made to the regulations.
Sect. 5.16 – Landscaping okay…..change caliper of trees 2 ½ to 3” (typo)
Sect. 5.5.2 – The commission agreed to eliminate from “instead” down, keep the buffer zone, except promote common driveways.
Sect. 5.5.3 – 25 Lots – make these two number consistent. Sect. 5.5. 7 e. and Section 5.5.3 to 30 lots.
Any where the DEP is referenced should be changed to the DEEP.
CORRESPONDENCE
Chairman Thompson reviewed correspondence with regard to water usage in the Town of Old Lyme.
READING &APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 12, 2011 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES & FEBRUARY 2, 2012 SPECIAL MEETING/WORKSHOP MINUTES.
Todd Machnik made a motion to waive the reading and approve the minutes as submitted. Stephen Martino seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Groves
Land Use Administrator
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