MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Patrick Kennedy, Timothy Moriarty, Louise Evans, David Sorenson, Bart Pacekonis, Mark Abrahamson, and Michael Sullivan
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Elizabeth Kuehnel
Viney Wilson
Dan VanHorn
STAFF PRESENT: Marcia Banach, Director of Planning
Jeff Doolittle, Town Engineer
REGULAR MEETING – MADDEN ROOM
Chairman Kennedy called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
1. Appl. 09-18P, Scott Leonard, One Buckland Rd—request for zone change to Restricted Commercial for 2.06+/- acres (4 properties) at 1, 9, 15 Buckland Road and 395 Smith St, RR zone –
The above mentioned item was postponed by the applicant until July 14, 2009.
2. 09-25P, Hidden Woods Subdivision – request for a two lot subdivision for property located at 93-99 Dart Hill Road, RR zone
Owner, Steve Eckhouse presented the application. The subdivision was approved in the past and it has expired. The applicant is requesting a renewal of the approval on 93-99 Dart Hill Road.
Banach gave a Planning report as follows.
1. Request for subdivision reapproval for two interior lots on Dart Hill Road, RR zone. These two lots received subdivision and special exception approval in January 1998. The special exception is still in effect but the subdivision approval has expired.
2. The requirements for the interior lot in the RR zone include: 80,000 sf minimum lot size and 263 feet minimum lot width. The proposed interior lots meet these requirements. There is a 175-foot CL&P right-of-way on Lot 1.
3. Access to the lots is proposed via a common driveway within an existing 50’ right-of-way from Dart Hill Road. Fire Marshal approval for this configuration was obtained in 1998; however, the Fire Marshal is requesting that the driveway conform to the current public improvement specifications. Written approval from CL&P for the driveway crossing was obtained in 1998; the applicant will need to meet CL&P’s requirements.
4. All easements are in place and were filed with the original subdivision approval.
5. The interior lot will be serviced by public sewer and wells. WPCA approval was obtained with the former application. The Town Sanitarian has reviewed the well plans and has indicated that the plans meet the Public Health Code requirements.
6. There are no regulated wetlands on the proposed lots. Conservation approval will expire on June 16, 2009.
7. 90’ x 90’ buildable squares are shown on both lots, and the new units are shown inside the buildable squares.
If this application is approved, Planning Department has no additional approval modifications.
Doolittle gave an Engineering report as follows.
1. The driveway details need to be modified to conform to the current Public Improvement Specifications and Fire Marshall requirements (see sections 1.2.4 and 1.7.5). The shared portion of the driveway needs to be paved 18 feet wide.
2. The individual driveways to lots 1 and 2 need to be a minimum 12 feet width and the width labeled. It is not clear if these driveways are to be paved. I recommend they be paved, especially for lot 2 because of the steep slope.
3. The driveway turn arounds near the houses on lot 1 and 2 need to be large enough for fire apparatus.
4. Given the steep slopes and apparently high groundwater table, the driveway detail needs to be modified to show 6 inches of processed aggregate on top and then the two 1-1/2 inch pavement layers.
5. Stormwater runoff from the driveway needs to be collected before it reaches Dart Hill Road. The plan shows a catch basin in the pull-off area and a pipe to the existing catch basin on the road. These should be labeled on the plan. If possible, the new catch basin should be moved up to the uphill side of the pull-off area off the pavement, by the end of the stone swale. This will require an easement across 89 Dart Hill Road to connect to the existing CB. This drainage work including the stone swale, catch basin and pipe needs to be done before any building is stated on these lots so the driveway is stable and dirt, gravel, stone, etc is not washed into the road during construction activities.
6. This plan may need to be submitted to WPCA for re-approval.
Commissioners had questions, replies will be in italics.
• Commissioners wanted to know what was on the plan to stop the water run off from the property.
Doolittle responded that the plan is showing a silt fence.
• Commissioners asked if the runoff would increase after construction starts
Doolittle responded that the runoff may increase after construction.
• Commissioners asked if new drawings were needed to show the driveway changes.
Banach responded that a new site plan was not needed since the changes were minor and would be subject to Town Staff approval.
Sullivan made a motion to approve the above mentioned application with the following conditions.
1. This approval is for 2 lots, numbered 1-2.
2. Drainage and construction for this subdivision is subject to the approval of the Town Engineer.
3. All lots shall be serviced by the Town of South Windsor sanitary sewer system.
4. Water shall be supplied to this subdivision by private wells.
5. This application is subject to the conditions of approval of the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission.
6. Prior to commencement of any site work, a preconstruction meeting must be held with Town Staff.
7. All plans used in the field by the developer must bear the stamp and authorized signature of the Town of South Windsor.
8. All easements for conservation purposes, drainage or utilities, that may be required in connection with the approval of this subdivision, must be submitted on standard Town easement form where appropriate, to this Commission prior to filing the mylars and issuance of building permits. All deeds for open space, public improvements and roadways must be submitted prior to request for Town acceptance; all deeds must be in accordance with the policy for accepting deeds and must be approved by the Engineering Department and Town Attorney.
9. Footing drains are required for each house. Prior to the building of any structure on a lot, a topographic map, drawn to a scale of 1" = 40', shall be submitted for each lot in the subdivision, showing proposed contours, elevations and the location of the footing drains. No building permits will be issued until the proposed contours, floor elevations and location of footing drains have been approved by the Town Engineer.
10. Private well final design must be submitted to and approved by the Environmental Health Officer prior to filing of mylars and issuance of building permits.
11. If, for any reason, finished grading and other individual lot site work is not completed, the Town Engineer shall determine the amount of a cash bond to ensure final grading and site work. This cash bond must be submitted prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
12. Quantity estimates must be submitted to the Town Engineer (on the enclosed form) for the purpose of determining subdivision bonding. All bonds shall conform to the enclosed bond policy and shall be posted prior to filing the final plans in the Town Clerk’s office.
13. If the developer chooses to submit a Letter of Credit for a one year term, said Letter of Credit must be renewed on a yearly basis until completion of the development. If a new Letter of Credit has not been received within 30 days before the expiration date, the Commission may, at its option, call the Letter it is holding.
14. A drainage assessment fee in the amount of $100 ($50 per lot) shall be submitted to this Commission.
15. The Town Engineer’s review comments dated June 2, 2009, must be addressed to the Town Engineer’s satisfaction.
16. No building permits will be issued until all modifications have been complied with, and the final plans have been filed in the Town Clerk's office.
Evans seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
3. CGS8-24 Referral regarding realignment of West Road from Sullivan Avenue.
Jeff Doolittle, Town Engineer presented the proposal as follows. This Commission approved a Fire and Ambulance complex on Sullivan Ave, the road needs to be widened to accommodate the fire trucks. The road has a bend that needs to be straightened out In order to bring it up to today’s standards and to make it safer. Currently the road is 20 to 30 ft wide; it has no organized drainage. There are swales to treat the storm water. The project may be done in phases.
Commissioners had questions.
Commissioner asked if the drainage will accommodate a future business in the corner also.
Doolittle responded that the drainage will potentially benefit the business on the corner but that it should be discussed with State, because the corner property will probably drain to Rt. 194.
Evans made a motion to approve the council’s resolution. Moriarty seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
4. Amendments to Tables 6.5.8A, 6.5.9.A, 6.5.10A of Section 6.5 to allow temporary lawn and sandwich signs in Commercial & Industrial zones for a limited time—PZC discussion
Commissioners discussed the above mentioned amendment.
• Commissioners have not seen enough input from the public to warrant a change in the sign regulations.
• Commissioners mentioned that there is no way to separate signs that are advertising something special versus business identification signs.
• Some Commissioners felt that without the signs advertising sales, customers that drive by certain businesses would not know of the sales. Since the amendment is temporary this would allow the commission to see how it works and then modify it if necessary.
• Other members felt that sign clutter will be an issue if the amendment passes.
Banach sent a notice to the Chamber of Commerce about the amendment.
Kennedy mentioned that some business owners feel that not allowing the temp signs is impairing their ability to do business during difficult economic times.
Moriarty made a motion to approve the amendment and that it is consistent with the Town Plan of Conservation and Development. Sorenson seconded the motion. The motion failed 3 to 4. Kennedy, Sorenson, and Moriarty voted in favor. Sullivan, Pacekonis, Evans and Abrahamson voted against.
5. Amendments to Section 4.4.5.E to allow certain types of outdoor storage and activities to Special Exception approval (I-291 Corridor)—PZC discussion
Commissioners discussed the above mentioned Amendment.
• Some Commissioners did not see how this Amendment would fit with the current zone.
• Other Commissioners liked the idea that the outdoor storage would be by special exception only.
Evans made a motion to approve the above mentioned amendment and that it is consistent with the Town Plan of Conservation and Development. Abrahamson seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous. The Amendment is affective upon publication.
6. Request approval of additional recycling materials for recycling operation on 602 Nutmeg Road North, I zone.
Peter DeMallie, President of Design Professionals Inc, presented the above mentioned request as follows. Sam Lombardo is the owner of the property. On March 27, 1990 the applicant received approval from PZC for recycling of paper, glass, metal containers and scrap metal. On May 14, 1996 the applicant received approval for additional items for recycling. The applicant is now requesting for another list of items to be approved for recycling (see exhibit A). The recycling will be done indoors and the applicant intends to sell the property to another company. There are no residential neighbors. This is a much needed service. Mr. DeMallie noted that indoor recycling of construction materials had been occurring for ten years without any issues or complaints.
Commissioners had questions and comments.
• Commissioners asked if the workers were exposed to any harmful chemicals or asbestos
The applicant responded that all employees are trained and licensed to work with asbestos and they wear protective clothing and eyewear.
• Commissioners asked how often DEP inspected
The applicant responded that he is required to hire someone to do inspections and it is done two times a year.
Doolittle asked the applicant if in the future the company would expand on the items that they recycle for the Town of South Windsor, or would it be open for Town residents to drop off.
The applicant responded that any changes to the items that they currently pick up for the Town would be subject to contract with the Town. Also for safety reasons they only allow automatic dumping vehicles into the site.
Sullivan made a motion to approve the above mentioned request. Pacekonis seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
BONDS:
Pacekonis made a motion to reduce the IWA/CC Bond from $10,000 to $5,000 for Appl. 06-61P, Lots & More. Moriarty seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Evans made a motion to release the landscape bond in the amount of $1,000 for Appl. 08-36P, Camp Bow Wow. Moriarty seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Evans made a motion to release the landscaping bond in the amount of $10,000 for Appl. 06-60P, Aldi’s. Moriarty seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
MINUTES:
The May 26, 2009 minutes were approved by consensus with minor corrections.
OTHER BUSINESS:
ADJOURNMENT:
Pacekonis made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Moriarty seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Respectfully submitted
D. Maria Acevedo
Recording Secretary
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