TOWN OF WILLINGTON
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
OCTOBER 3, 2000
R. TULIS CALLED A MEETING OF THE WILLINGTON PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M. OCTOBER 3, 2000 AT THE TOWN OFFICE BUILDING, 40 OLD FARMS ROAD, WILLINGTON.
PRESENT: ABSENT:
R. Tulis S. Kneeland
L. Dion D. Cushman
A. St. Louis W. Goodale, alt.
E. Kalbac D. Lytwynn, alt.
B. Begansky
S. Trueb, alt.
S. Yorgensen, zoning agent
L. Decker, recording clerk
Public Hearings:
1. File #2000-36-Application for the modification of an existing site plan to include extension of fueling canopy, additional 10,000 gallon tank, and an additional dispenser for Travel Centers of America, 327 Ruby Road in a DC zone. Travel Centers of America/Adapt Engineering, applicants. (Received on 08/15/00, Hearing on 10/03/00, Decision by 12/05/00).
R. Tulis and S. Trueb recused themselves from this file.
Thomas Gimartino of Adapt Engineering, Construction Consultants for Truckstops of America (TA), from Westlake, Ohio, spoke on behalf of the applicants.
T. Gimartino said the proposal consists of installation of a new, double-wall 10,000-gallon fuel storage tank with a dispenser, and extension of the canopy.
L. Dion said the commission has a site plan dated 02/08/00.
T. Gimartino said that is the correct plan. There had been concern over location of the wells in comparison to the water tanks, and the plans have been revised to show the distances.
S. Yorgensen said the plans with those revisions went to the IWWC.
T. Gimartino said the new tank will go next to the two existing ones and it will be a blended site with just one hose. It is one hose per side of the dispenser, which matches the existing layout. They are adding an extra 26’ x 28’ on the pad. He reviewed the paving, grade and storm water connection, which will intersect with the existing pipe and vent for the tank. They will tap into the existing storm line. They have contacted the state health department and the DEP, and gotten approval. They were concerned about adding additional storm water runoff, but determined none would be added.
E. Kalbac asked about the tank itself.
T. Gimartino said it is fiberglass, double-wall, and is equipped with a monitoring system to maintain inventory and status of the tank. In the center is a sensor to monitor the area for any breach. It is monitored at the fuel desk, and they have software to monitor the tanks within .2 gallons per month.
T. Gimartino reviewed the conduit plan and said on the original drawings, there was provision for future extension, so the conduits are ready to go.
L. Dion asked if the canopy extension was to be added just on the facial part, or if it would be completely replaced all around.
T. Gimartino said they work in cooperation with Shell, Conaco, etc., and they need to get with them to find out about re-imaging. As of now, they are not submitting any imaging of what it will look like, and it will match what is there and be blended in. As of today there is no plan for re-imaging and they haven’t even contacted Shell.
A. St. Louis asked about fire protection.
T. Gimartino said there are fire suppression systems, which are there by law. It is an industry standard and it cannot be put up without it. It is not shown on the construction drawings. As you look at the site, it will be the exact same as what is there now. They have a company called Steel Tech, which specializes in putting up the canopy, and that is a separate contract.
B. Begansky asked if they would be the ones extending the fire protection.
T. Gimartino said the company that does the canopy has it written into their contract, and whatever exists out there will be graded in. He reviewed the details on the map and also showed the vapor protection.
B. Beganksy asked about protection and equipment testing.
T. Gimartino said the system is “real time,” and they can pull a report at any time. They are required to do it once a month and the info is stored in an environmental log.
B. Beganksy asked if there was a way to monitor censor failure.
T. Gimartino said the censor looks for resistance and any changes are monitored & the info is interpreted. He reviewed the system.
T. Gimartino reviewed the canopy and lighting plan and its tie-ins. There are six more lights. He showed the tank details and said they are standard Xerxes. He showed censor details.
A. St. Louis said there seems to be a lot of weight on the concrete slab support over the tanks. It is not a designated parking area.
T. Gimartino said maybe striping could be implemented to help that. Now, when there is a delivery, they put cones up. Cars still drive in between them. However, structurally there is nothing to worry about. It is more of an operational problem.
John Patton said it is basically the state cops who park there. He has seen 15-20 cars on top of the covers.
T. Gimartino said there is plenty of parking, but people want to park where they can & run in and run out.
B. Begansky said they need to figure out what weight the structure is designed to hold.
T. Gimartino said he has not calculated it, but it is more than just asphalt. It is reinforced concrete at industry standards. As far as cars on the pad, there is really no control, but it can be discussed with the manager.
S. Yorgensen said it might help if there was some striping. Generally people won’t park where there is an “X.”
B. Begansky said a lot of people have no idea where parking is at all.
E. Kalbac asked about excavation near the existing tanks.
T. Gimartino said the basic installation would be done in one day. They want zero danger of the tank floating. They will add fill and balance it. It will be a field-determined operation based on the years of experience of the contractor, and he may need to back it up 5 feet - he will know best, and there is really no danger. Decision will be made at the time of excavation. Mr. Gimartino said he has spoken to the excavator about it, and he feels there will be no problems. It should happen in one day with the dropping of the tank and filing with gravel. The tank will not be exposed.
E. Kalbac asked about footings and anchor supports.
T. Gimartino said he was assured there was no problem with that.
L. Dion said it would be exposed for some period of time.
T. Gimartino said it would be done with the same technique as the others. They are securely fastened to a base.
B. Begansky asked if it would be filled with stone.
T. Gimartino said washed P-gravel is standard. The P-gravel and a mix of soil will be put back in.
B. Begansky said the pad would not, then, be suspended in the air.
T. Gimartino said it is resting on solid ground.
B. Begansky asked how it is pumped out if a leak develops and the leak is contained in the outer envelope.
T. Gimartino said there are contractors who have equipment to pump it out. A lot of times water gets in there and trucks with hoses have to pump it out. He showed the tank gauge details and said it monitors up to 1/10 of one gallon per hour.
E. Kalbac said regarding the traffic pattern, there are no signs or arrows to direct people to the tanks.
Richard Lawrence, Real Estate Manager for TA, said he looked at the site today and there are signs for “cars” with a fairly large presence. It is basically a straight shot into the lanes. The only way to delineate it further would be markings on the pavement.
L. Dion said they have those markings at rest stops in Massachusetts.
S. Yorgensen agreed.
L. Dion said there have been many traffic flow problems there.
B. Begansky said you couldn't assume everyone going in is going to the pumps. Also, people go to the pumps from all sides.
R. Lawrence said he is not sure how it can be prevented.
First Selectman John Patton said the biggest confusion is you go in there and it’s a free-for-all with people heading for Burger King, Dunkin Donuts and the motel.
S. Yorgensen said she knows many people who avoid going there because of the traffic problems.
J. Patton said he thinks the only way to solve it is to make the entrance farther down.
R. Lawrence said the problem is people coming in and out of the same curb cut. Normal layout at a typical TA site would include a directional sign.
S. Yorgensen said that was originally submitted, as part of the sign package but it was not installed. They were cutting corners.
B. Beganksy said the problem is if you get behind a truck, you cannot see the signs.
R. Lawrence said he thinks the sign there now does some good, but another one may be needed.
Michael Hunt of TA said an additional sign was put up saying the entrance is 300 feet ahead.
S. Yorgensen said that sign is really high up and you almost need to be in a truck to see it. The sign has probably helped some, but it may be better if the other sign that says “trucks” says “trucks only” and install a "car entrance" with arrow sign at the car entrance. Previously there was talk about pushing back the control booth.
T. Gimartino said they need to look at the truck traffic going in and out.
Ralph Tulis (speaking as a member of the public) said there is still the problem of trucks being backed up past the exit ramp.
L. Dion said this discussion is not necessarily part of this proposal.
S. Yorgensen said it is a condition on the truck wash and may be reviewed soon.
The commission discussed existing striping of the lot.
A. St. Louis said he is not sure additional striping will correct the problems.
S. Yorgensen said she thinks new additional markings are a condition on the CO for Burger King.
The condition discussed methods of striping that may help.
L. Dion asked Mr. Lawrence if TA thinks this is a problem.
R. Lawrence said they have gotten no indication at home office of the problem. There are certainly problems elsewhere. They are aware it is a busy location and they want to accommodate those people with the additional pump.
L. Dion asked where the home office is.
R. Lawrence said it is in Cleveland, Ohio. They are aware of truck traffic problems, but this is the first notification of auto traffic issues. It is in TA’s own best interest to correct it, because many people caught behind those trucks are customers. The goals of the commission and TA are in line in this regard. They do not want unhappy customers, or accidents. It would affect TA negatively.
L. Dion asked if there were any comments from the public.
R. Tulis said regarding the entire parking area, gas setup, and drive-through's, it is the poorest setup he has ever seen, and TA should get their act together because people are crossing each other and crossing lanes leaving the restaurant, and they must cross with the gas line. People drive in and stop dead because they see the hotel, but where’s Burger King? Everyone gets backed up behind them. It needs to be dealt with. Also, regarding litter pickup, isn’t there a condition on the special permit governing that?
S. Yorgensen said there is just not supposed to be trash.
R. Tulis said you could find where Dunkin Donuts and Burger King are located in Willington by following the paper trail on the road. Granted, TA can’t be responsible for idiots who throw their trash out the window, but it reflects on the place anyway. There is trash all over and four garbage bags can be filled on his property, which is adjacent.
R. Lawrence said he agrees that it affects TA negatively.
R. Tulis said last weekend people left trash right in his driveway. He knows that cannot be prevented, but the commission should look at the impact a 33% increase in fuel capacity is going to have. If TA can’t manage what they have now and meet the conditions of their special permit, why should the commission allow this expansion? As for the traffic flow, it stinks. He said he thinks TA ought to look at it before they go and spend all this money. He said he frequents this place and knows what it is like. People are brain-dead when they come off the highway.
B. Begasnky said he lives 1.5 miles away and gets truck traffic because they turn the wrong way going off the bridge. Recently he had one truck driver walking around in the middle of the street looking for TA.
R. Tulis said a truck got wedged in his driveway and couldn’t get out. He has pictures of it and he wrote to that trucking company. The state did a very bad traffic review of this whole project. Most people who live in the area are not happy with this. TA certainly has a right to have the business there, but they need to be more neighborly. He asked if there would be a new apron.
T. Gimartino reviewed the plan.
R. Tulis said the P-stone will run down and they could get a weak spot in the slab. Speaking as an engineer, he feels they will not be successful with the apron, but they can pay now or pay later.
L. Dion asked if there were any further comments from the public.
There were none.
A. St. Louis suggested eliminating the drive-up entrance (page AP1) and making an entrance in front of the travel center, and they can direct the drive-thru between the center and the canopy.
R. Lawrence said he feels better bringing it across the back due to pedestrian traffic.
A. St. Louis said they need something to direct cars to the parking area.
B. Begansky said he thinks the commission should not redesign the traffic flow, but TA needs to. The commission does not know the legal ramifications. He sees these problems everyday, and it’s upsetting because it is a big operation and it is going to get worse. Someone at TA needs to look at these issues and come back with a plan and presentation.
A. St. Louis said with respect to TA, this commission approved the way they now exist. The opportunity was there to discuss this a long time ago. The commission did not anticipate this volume. If they are going to grow, something must be done.
S. Yorgensen said in the original plans approved by the commission, the motel was in a different section of the main building. The fuel islands were on the right where the auto parking is. When Petro left, TA came in, and they changed the pattern and the commission took them at their word. They said this whole setup was what they typically had; it was reviewed by their engineers and was not a problem. We talked about doing a study because of the changes, but we figured they knew what they were talking about and what they wanted to do, and no one wanted to hold them up. The changes were at the end of the project from our perspective, not from theirs.
Scott Trueb (speaking as a member of the public) said he frequents TA, and the main problem is 15 people come in and want the parking spaces in front. If those are eliminated, they won’t be trying to head to the front. He is not sure if eliminating them would affect the required number of spaces, but it may help. Those spaces create a nightmare with pedestrian traffic from the pumps.
A. St. Louis said there is landscaping under the canopy, and there is no canopy over the pedestrian sidewalk.
J. Patton said that became painfully obvious one day when he was walking in the rain and the plants under the canopy were being watered.
L. Dion asked Sue if staff had any more comments.
S. Yorgensen said she looked at it thoroughly when it was before wetlands.
L. Dion said the IWWC has approved this.
B. Begansky said he does not necessarily see problems with the plan, and engineering-wise it makes sense. But if he were TA, he would be thinking “Do I want to do this now and have to dig it all up later if things get worse?”
L. Dion said he thinks the added 33% will increase traffic flow and he thinks that needs to be looked at.
R. Lawrence said regardless of the decision, this site is obviously busier than TA anticipated. To have built the site with only 3 pumps to start is kind of odd. That speaks to the volume they thought they would have.
S. Yorgensen said the first plan had 4 pumps, and then they cut corners. They took out signs, the tire storage area, and a lot of the original plans. It appears to have been a money issue.
R. Lawrence said if it were being built today they would be asking for 4 pumps, not a future four. That is what is standard. Putting in the extra pump will allow people to move through quicker. They obviously need to do a bit more business for this investment to pay off. Maybe someone having dinner at the diner will also fuel up, because it is easier. TA would be happy if business increased 1/3, but that will not happen. But they want to make it a bit more inviting. It is not just that 1/3 expansion means 1/3 more traffic.
L. Dion said that point is valid and the commission does not look at it as a 33% increase in traffic. But it is a 33% increase in fuel storage and there is an anticipated increase at the pumps. It may also invite additional traffic frustration with motorists trying to utilize the facility. This really needs to be thought out from a traffic flow point of view.
R. Lawrence said no plan will meet everyone’s expectations, but it is in the company’s best interest to improve this.
L. Dion said they are facing a real challenge with the layout. People who were here 5-6 years ago would not be saying it is perfect. The commission is unfortunately a Monday morning quarterback. They see it does not work and it needs to be addressed. He asked if the public hearing needed to be kept open based on the traffic issues.
S. Yorgensen said it could be a condition.
L. Dion asked if there were more comments from the public.
S. Trueb said the lack of signage is a problem. People walk right past the front entrance looking for Burger King even though you must go through the front door to get there.
R. Lawrence said there is also a balancing act whereas too many signs will not look good.
S. Yorgensen said the signage was reduced a lot from the original plan.
R. Lawrence said his underlying point is that the commission’s concerns should be TA’s concerns.
S. Yorgensen said that is right, and it is also true that the auto traffic problems were not communicated to TA headquarters.
R. Tulis said he would urge all voting members of the commission to think carefully about permitting a 1/3 increase in capacity without definite plans to work on traffic flow. It is not necessarily within the purview of this commission, but it does reflect on the town. But it is important to look back on the special permit conditions and enforce them if they choose to make improvements, especially with regard to the litter. With traffic, there may not be much that can be done with brain-dead travelers.
L. Dion thanked Mr. Lawrence for traveling so far and noted his input had been very helpful. He has heard a lot of things, which will likely be valuable to TA.
A. ST. LOUIS MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR FILE #2000-36-APPLICATION FOR THE MODIFICATION OF AN EXISTING SITE PLAN TO INCLUDE EXTENSION OF FUELING CANOPY, ADDITIONAL 10,000 GALLON TANK, AND AN ADDITIONAL DISPENSER FOR TRAVEL CENTERS OF AMERICA, 327 RUBY ROAD IN A DC ZONE. TRAVEL CENTERS OF AMERICA/ADAPT ENGINEERING, APPLICANTS. (RECEIVED ON 08/15/00, HEARING ON 10/03/00, DECISION BY 12/05/00).
SECONDED BY E. KALBAC.
YES: L. Dion, A. St. Louis, E. Kalbac, B. Begansky
RECUSED: R. Tulis, S. Trueb
R. Tulis was re-seated at 8:52 p.m.
The commission seated S. Trueb for S. Kneeland.
2. File #2000-43-Application for a special permit for a gravel excavation located off Trask Road and Route 32 on 5.62 acres (Map 29, Lot 4, 31 acres). Joseph Mihaliak owner/applicant. (Received on 09/05/00, hearing on 10/03/00, decision by 12/05/00).
S. Yorgensen said this public hearing would have to be opened on a different date since the applicant did not send out the required abutter notices and the signs were not posted.
R. Tulis asked if it was staff’s obligation to get that information out.
S. Yorgensen said it is the applicant’s obligation to do notices to the abutters and post signs. Applicants are given a checklist so they are aware of what needs to be done.
L. DION MOVED TO RESCHEDULE TO NOVEMBER 21, 2000 THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR FILE #2000-43-APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL PERMIT FOR A GRAVEL EXCAVATION LOCATED OFF TRASK ROAD AND ROUTE 32 ON 5.62 ACRES (MAP 29, LOT 4, 31 ACRES). JOSEPH MIHALIAK OWNER/APPLICANT. (RECEIVED ON 09/05/00, HEARING ON 10/03/00, DECISION BY 12/05/00).
SECONDED BY A. ST. LOUIS. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
3. File #2000-37-Application for a zoning regulation change to include Municipal Services by special permit in all zones under Government Service in Use Regulations-table 5.04. Town of Willington, applicant. (received on 08/15/00, hearing on 10/03/00, decision by 12/05/00).
First Selectman John Patton spoke on behalf of the town.
J. Patton said clarifications have been made to the application in an effort to simplify the change. Sue researched this and determined this should really go under transportation, school bus, garage & related facilities. They tried with the modification to meet all the various zones and are asking to allow it in each zone with a special permit. Sue feels this is not under education.
S. Yorgensen said it is under education nowhere in the book, but is under transportation.
J. Patton said the town needs a place for the busses to park. We are trying to limit this so school busses can park, without ending up with a Greyhound terminal. Again, it must meet special permit regulations.
L. Dion said “related facilities” may mean fuel dispensers.
J. Patton said that is probably correct, but he had actually been thinking more about a dispatch area.
A. St. Louis said he feels this is all cumbersome because this should already fit in the regulations under “public agencies” or “quasi public agencies,” and the busses can be parked on town land.
J. Patton said he is only trying to meet the regulations. Right now the town can’t park the busses, and it seems perfectly reasonable to park the school busses on town property.
R. Tulis said in either case, the results are the same because they still need to apply for a special permit.
A. St. Louis said the “reserve land” covers the whole scope. He read from the regulations.
The commission reviewed 5.10.01.01.01.
S. Yorgensen said state statutes allow the town to exempt itself from zoning, but this town has chosen not to do that in the past, so that is why this issue is here now.
A. St. Louis said he opposed this process because of the way the regulations are written now.
R. Tulis said the commission has an application, the application is specific, and the commission needs to have a public hearing on it.
J. Patton said he has started down this road and wants to continue. Once this is done there is still the special permit process, but it will be worth it in the end. He handed out a list of regulations sections and the commission reviewed how and where these provisions could be added.
S. Yorgensen read the 9/6/00 letter from Windham Regional Council of Governments Regional Planning Commission into the record.
The commission discussed wording of the regulations.
A. St. Louis said if this is approved, he thinks it is wrong to allow garages in the DNC if no one else can. How can we justify the town being allowed to do it if no one else can?
S. Yorgensen said she could not debate that, but this would be in relation to a principle use, and you can have a garage in relation to a house.
The commission discussed possible scenarios of having the busses and/or a garage in the various zones.
J. Patton said he is willing to do whatever the commission thinks is best. He just wants to park the busses.
The commission discussed concerns of having the bus garage.
S. Yorgensen said what about the suggestion of eliminating that from the proposal?
A. St. Louis said he would feel more comfortable if the word “garages” was not in the proposal.
The commission discussed wording regarding garages and related facilities.
S. Yorgensen said they would need a special permit no matter what the related facility is.
L. Dion said the recommendation is to modify the application and strike “garages” from the latest clarification modification.
The commission discussed possible wording of the regulations.
No one was present to speak from the public.
A. ST. LOUIS MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR FILE #2000-37-APPLICATION FOR A ZONING REGULATION CHANGE TO INCLUDE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BY SPECIAL PERMIT IN ALL ZONES UNDER GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN USE REGULATIONS-TABLE 5.04. TOWN OF WILLINGTON, APPLICANT. (RECEIVED ON 08/15/00, HEARING ON 10/03/00, DECISION BY 12/05/00).
SECONDED BY L. DION. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
R. Tulis called the regular meeting to order at 10:08 p.m.
Same members seated as above.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. File #2000-49-Application for a 5-Lot subdivision located off Michalec Road (Map 55, Lot 1C, 28.37 acres). Joseph Mihaliak owner/applicant. (Received on 10/03/00, public hearing by 12/05/00, decision by 02/15/01).
R. Tulis said the commission needs to set a public hearing date and perhaps a site walk.
L. DION MOVED TO SET A DECEMBER 5, 2000 PUBLIC HEARING FOR FILE #2000-49-APPLICATION FOR A 5-LOT SUBDIVISION LOCATED OFF MICHALEC ROAD (MAP 55, LOT 1C, 28.37 ACRES). JOSEPH MIHALIAK OWNER/APPLICANT. (RECEIVED ON 10/03/00, PUBLIC HEARING BY 12/05/00, DECISION BY 02/15/01).
SECONDED BY A. ST. LOUIS. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
The commission set a 9 a.m. 12/02/00 site walk for File #2000-49, with a rain date of 9 a.m. 12/03/00.
2. File #2000-38-Application for modification of existing special permit including a modification of existing site plan for an addition and a water storage tank located at 136 Pinney Hill Road, Village Springs Corp. in a DCR zone. Village Springs Corp. owners/applicants. (Received on 08/15/00, Hearing on 10/11/00, Decision by 12/05/00).
Public hearing is scheduled for 10/11/00.
3. File #2000-46-Application for a special permit at Phelps Plaza in a DC zone for an Environmental Consulting Office. C&S Willington L.P. owners/ENSR Corp., applicants. (Received on 09/19/00, hearing on 10/17/00, decision by 12/05/00).
Public hearing is scheduled for 10/17/00.
4. File #2000-39-Application for a zoning regulation change to include Daycare Centers in an R-80 zone with a special permit. Kids Express Learning & Daycare, LLC, applicants/Cheryl York & Barbara Merideth, owners. (Received on 08/15/00, Hearing on 10/17/00, decision by 12/05/00).
Public hearing is scheduled for 10/17/00.
5. File #2000-47-Application for a special permit for a daycare center at 215 River Road in an R-80 zone. Kids express Learning & Daycare, LLC, applicants/Cheryl York & Barbara Merideth, owners. (Received on 09/19/00, hearing on 11/21/00, decision by 01/16/01).
Public hearing is scheduled for 11/21/00.
6. Amendments to the Zoning Regulations.
Public hearing is scheduled for 1/16/01).
OLD BUSINESS:
L. DION MOVED TO ADD TO THE AGENDA UNDER OLD BUSINESS FILE #2000-37-APPLICATION FOR A ZONING REGULATION CHANGE TO INCLUDE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BY SPECIAL PERMIT IN ALL ZONES UNDER GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN USE REGULATIONS-TABLE 5.04. TOWN OF WILLINGTON, APPLICANT. (RECEIVED ON 08/15/00, HEARING ON 10/03/00, DECISION BY 12/05/00).
SECONDED BY A. ST. LOUIS. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
1. File #2000-36-Application for the modification of an existing site plan to include extension of fueling canopy, additional 10,000 gallon tank, and an additional dispenser for Travel Centers of America, 327 Ruby Road in a DC zone. Travel Centers of America/Adapt Engineering, applicants. (Received on 08/15/00, Hearing on 10/03/00, Decision by 12/05/00).
R. Tulis and S. Trueb are recused from this file.
L. Dion said he does not have a problem with the intended expansion or additional tank, but there are concerns with the traffic flow. TA may perhaps, after tonight’s discussion, decide it is better to not put the tank in. But that should not stop the commission from making draft motions with conditions.
The commission discussed possible conditions.
L. Dion said we need to be sure any revisions to the plans are properly executed, filed and controlled.
S. Yorgensen said she would work on drafting motions.
2. File #2000-37-Application for a zoning regulation change to include Municipal Services by special permit in all zones under Government Service in Use Regulations-table 5.04. Town of Willington, applicant. (received on 08/15/00, hearing on 10/03/00, decision by 12/05/00).
The commission discussed wording of the regulations.
R. TULIS MOVED TO APPROVE FILE #2000-37, AS MODIFIED TO INCLUDE THE USE SCHOOL BUS PARKING AND RELATED FACILITIES ACCESSORY/SPECIAL PERMIT IN R-80, DNC, DC & DI ZONES UNDER TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION & UTILITIES IN THE USE REGULATIONS TABLE 5.04, AS WELL AS SECTIONS 5.02.01.02.17; 5.03.01.02.26; 5.04.01.02.34; 5.05.01.02.27 SCHOOL BUS PARKING AND RELATED FACILITIES, SUBJECT TO SECTION 13.
SECONDED BY L. DION. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
MINUTES:
L. DION MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2000 AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY S. TRUEB.
YES: R. Tulis, L. Dion, E. Kalbac, B. Begansky, S. Trueb
ABSTAIN: A. St. Louis
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. 09/19/00 letter from R. Hisey, re: complaint regarding wooden fence
2. CC 09/27/00 letter to R. Hisey, re: unsubstantiated complaints in letters dated 9/14 & 9/19
3. 10/02/00 fax from S. Trueb, re: cell towers
4. 09/06/00 letter from WRCG, re: Daycare Centers in an R-80 zone
DISCUSSION:
First Selectman John Patton informed the commission that the zoning meetings would soon be filmed and used as an educational tool.
S. Yorgensen said she would soon have documents for review on public hearing procedures, which are being provided by counsel.
The commission discussed the legalities of recused commission members speaking as members of the public at hearings.
R. Tulis said “Curves” still has their temporary banner up and has not gotten their permanent sign. They need to be reminded their signage must be consistent with the others in the plaza as per the regulations.
B. Begansky said Tolland Bank also has a temporary mortgage sale sign up, and it has been there over a month.
STAFF REPORT:
S. Yorgensen stated she has responded in writing to Mr. Hisey’s various complaints and reviewed the response letter with the commission.
Sue said she has had trouble getting complete plans from the Rivers Edge condo project since the previous developer dropped the ball and the new one has to pick it up. She showed the existing plans to the commission and asked for input.
Sue said the guy with the bike shop is also using space upstairs and therefore needs to come before the commission.
Sue said George Giguere has had trouble with the truck wash due to financing and may apply for a car wash there. Also at the truck stop, a call has been received asking about requirements for a mobile house of ministry. However, they want to put it where the truck wash is supposed to go.
Three proposals have been received for the plan of development. L. Dion said the plan of development should be put on an upcoming agenda to so the commission can review them.
L. DION MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 11:23 P.M.
SECONDED BY R. TULIS. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
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