MEMBERS PRESENT: Patrick Kennedy, Bart Pacekonis, Elizabeth Kuehnel, Viney Wilson, Kevin Foley, William Carroll
ALTERNATES PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Michele Lipe, Town Planner
CONSULTANT: Heidi Samokar
CALL TO ORDER:
NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion regarding the following:
- South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission invitation to provide input on the Plan of Conservation and Development to the following Commissions/Committees (10 minute maximum):
Gary Bazzano, Town Council spoke for Tom Delnicki and voiced some of the concerns that were expressed through the recent survey.
- The Town Council is concerned about a community message board and would like to know the status of that.
- Other concerns centered on side walks, fields and open space and the Town Council has already set up a subcommittee to address those issues. A fire house plan was approved to dedicate much of the land from the old fire house as open space.
- The Senior Center and the needs of the seniors is a concern that the council is addressing as well.
- It is the goal of the Council to work with the Town Manager to minimize the number of vacant shopping plazas in town.
- The development of the Rte. 5 area and minimizing the number of used car dealers to make room for other businesses.
- The Council would like to work towards making South Windsor a destination Town with a recognizable name, helping to make it an active community.
- A side walk subcommittee was created by the Council in order to update the side walk regulations to make it so that residents are not held responsible for maintaining them.
- Buckland Road signalization was a concern. Some residents were also concerned about the widening of Avery Street and whether or not that would increase traffic.
Was not present
- Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission
Barbara Kelly, Wetlands Chair discussed the need for preservation of the natural ecosystems in Town.
The concerns centered on preserving wetlands resources, preserving habitat, water quality or reducing pollution by controlling post construction stormwater runoff. Other concerns were open space sustainability and adopting programs to encourage citizens to help maintain the Town trails. Access management and wetlands impacts were also a concern. (See Attachment 1)
Heidi Samokar, Planimetrics asked the Wetlands Chair if the Wetlands Agency and the Conservation Commission were combined and if it was more of a regulatory board versus being geared more towards preservation.
Ms. Kelly responded that they are two separate Commissions and are separately appointed. The official meeting time goes more towards regulatory issues however the conservation commission is also active outside of the meeting time to address different conservation items and provide input. In the past the Commission has discussed possibly combining the two and the members felt that it was not needed.
Pat Botteron, Open Space Task Force, Chair reviewed the purpose of the OSTF. The Open Space Task Force is an appointed advisory committee to the Town Council. The goals of the committee are as follows.
The task force will continue public education.
The goal of the State of Connecticut is to preserve 21% of the land within the State. The Town needs to acquire 2,000 more acres.
The committee’s immediate goal is for the town to acquire 200 acres or more of open space over the next ten years.
We would like to see clearly defined boundaries between subdivision open space and private properties. We are experiencing intrusion upon subdivision open space by property owners.
There is a need to address misuse on Town owned properties such as, unleashed dogs, unauthorized recreational vehicles and hunting.
There should be a continuation of the model programs and projects identified in the Forestry and Wildlife Management Plan, and see the continuation of the Strategic Plan for Natural Resource Management.
Another goal is to have the Town appropriate, on an annual basis, a minimum of $25,000 to be used for expansion and maintenance of passive improvements such as trails, viewing blinds and signage.
The Task Force will explore grant monies available for various projects. We will continue to research other strategies to preserve open space such as transfer of development rights and conservation easements.
- Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Committee
Elizabeth Warren, SWALPAC Chair discussed the need for preservation of farmland in Town. In both the public work shop and on line survey citizens expressed appreciation and concern for farm land and open space. Agriculture is a great economic benefit; it provides income while requiring little in the way of public services. It is important that the Plan of Conservation and Development address ways to preserve farmland. The plan should foster working with SWALPAC, Open Space Task Force, IWA/CC and other organizations to provide protection for our precious resources. Development rights programs should be considered in order to provide funding.
- Architectural Design Review Committee
Robert Clapper, ZBA Chair discussed the need for more specific guidelines in the Plan of Conservation and Development about the architectural look of the Town and the goals that need to be reached.
- South Windsor Community Foundation
Not present.
- Historic District Commission
Virginia Macro, Historic District Commission Chair, discussed the recent Historic Resources Survey and the importance of preserving historic structures in Town. The recommendations for the Plan update are as follows; to eliminate rear –lot developments in the Historic District, to explore the application of a Historic Overlay Zone or the Village District Zone to regulate the development of the section of Main Street south of the Historic District and to continue to incorporate historic structures as much as possible in the two Gateway Development Zones. The Historic District Commission would like to become partners with the PZC to add support and advice regarding future development.
- South Windsor Historic Society
Louise Evans discussed some of the activities that the Historic Society has organized to educate residents. Some of these programs include opening the Union District School to elementary students and Heritage Day, which allows residents to enjoy historical craft demonstration, display of animals, games, food and music. Some of the future goals are to make Main Street a cultural center and to complete the upgrades to the Union District School in order to make it handicap accessible. The Historic Society recommends that the Town set up minimal requirements within the two national Historic Districts. All “back-lot” residential construction should be screened from view from the street. In the future the Historic Society will need to engage in temporary commercial activities like weddings or
rentals to raise funds to complete the restoration of the Union District School.
- Parks and Recreation Commission
Al Larson, Park and Recreation discussed the focus and future goals of the commission. The focus is to enhance existing facilities and to appeal to local groups for financial commitment. The plan focuses more on outdoor recreation and presents a reasonable and affordable approach to facility development.
Commissioners asked if there were any discussions with the Council regarding the possibility of synthetic fields.
Larsen mentioned that it has been talked about and it’s a matter of where they should be placed
Commissioner asked about using the corn fields
Gary Bazzano, Town Council responded that a subcommittee was formed to look at the development of fields in Town and the Council will work with Park & Recreation to accomplish that.
Commissioners asked about the possibility of lighting the fields at Nevers Park.
Larcen responded that the Park and Recreation Department is not planning to install lights at Nevers Park at this time.
- Volunteer Fire Department
Not present
Not present
Not present
- Human Relations Commission
Not present
Kevin McCann, Town Council and former Town Planner, addressed the last Town Plan of Conservation and Development and the importance of maintaining a balance between freedom, flexibility and preservation with the new plan.
ADJOURMENT:
Wilson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Carroll seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
The meeting ended at 8:47 PM.
Respectfully Submitted:
Maria Acevedo
Recording Secretary
PZC Approved on 2-28-2012
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