TOWN OF WILLINGTON
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2002 REGULAR MEETING
A. Call to Order
Ralph Tulis called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. at the Town Office Building, 40 Old Farms Road, Willington, CT.
B. & C. Roll Call/Seat Alternates
Members Present: R. Tulis, Vice-Chairman
S. Trueb, Secretary
N. Gray
P. Nevers
T. Radell
Members Absent: A. St. Louis, Chairman (exc.)
M. Ellis (alt.)
W. Goodale (alt.)
D. Lytwynn
D. Palumbo (alt.)
Also Present: S. Yorgensen, Planning-Zoning Agent
S. Nimerowski, Recording Clerk
No alternates were seated.
Public Hearing
1. File #2002-38 – Application for a Special permit to operate a small engine repair shop on property located at 11 Battey Rd. (Map 9, Lot 5, 1 Acre), Timothy
Norman, Owner/Applicant. (Received on 8/20/02, Site Walk on 9/14/02, Hearing on 9/17/02, Decision by 11/19/02.)
This Public Hearing will take place on October 1.
D. New Business
1. File #2002-42 – Application for a Commercial logging permit located at intersection of I-84 and Route 32, River Road (Northeast Corner behind Mobil Station). (Map 34, Lots 9A and 9C, 150 +/- acres). Applicant: Scotland Hardwoods; Owner: Circle Associates. (Received on 9/17/02, Hearing by 11/19/02, Decision by 1/21/03.)
John O’Donnell of Scotland Hardwoods spoke. He gave his background, including the fact that he has a degree in forestry management. He said he participated in a site walk with Assistant Agent Gary Jones a few months ago. He said there is only one wetland of concern, and they are staying 150 ft. away from it.
Yorgensen noted that Inland Wetlands added the modifications of having an additional water bar and it as well as the logging landing seeded and mulched.
Tulis asked about the proposed workweek, and Mr. O’Donnell replied that work would occur on Monday through Friday, possibly Saturday if necessary. Tulis expressed concern that Scotland Hardwoods stay away from the Mobil Station’s septic system and leach field; he said the leach field is south of the building. Mr. O’Connell replied that the location of the leach field would be apparent since there would be no trees growing there. Tulis asked if there are any power line issues, and Mr. O’Connell replied no, that they stay away from them.
A brief discussion ensued concerning the required vs. proposed height of cut. Five feet is proposed. Trueb asked about brush, and the applicant said that brush would remain where it fell.
Tulis said he shared Assistant Agent Jones’ reservations about the use of bulldozers. Yorgensen asked what kind of equipment would be used—whether forwarders would be used or not. She asked if the water bars would be made of stone, and the applicant replied that they would use whatever was required.
Tulis asked how long the logging would take, and the applicant replied approximately 8 weeks. Tulis asked how much it would cost to redo the skid trail if necessary, saying that a bond may be necessary. He said he is concerned that the hill stays where it is, and that a restoration bond from the top of the first slope to the toe of it should be required.
Trueb asked if large rocks block off the road already, and the applicant replied that if not, they could be moved there.
Yorgensen noted that it would be the property owner’s responsibility to remove an abandoned car on the property.
Tulis suggested that hours of operation be 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Yorgensen made some suggestions concerning conditions of the bond. Tulis said the bond should include the cost of satisfactory restoration such as regrading and revegetation, and permanent erosion control. He said the application of mulch consisting of ground-up branches would constitute a good erosion control device, and that bales of hay would be appropriate also. Yorgensen said the town engineer would be able to provide an appropriate bond amount.
MOTION: To approve File #W2002-42 with the following conditions:
1. Staff-approved bond for the landing area to the top of the hill.
2. Hours of operation Monday-Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
By: Trueb Seconded: Gray
Result: Motion passes unanimously.
2. File #2002-41 – Application for a (2) Lot Subdivision off Kechkes Road (Map 27, Lots 13-A, 6, 13-2; 53.2 Acres), George & Irene Hasapes, Owner/Applicant. (Received 9/17/02, Public Hearing by 11/19/02, Decision by 1/21/03.)
MOTION: To set Public Hearing for File #2002-41 for October 15, 2002
and site walk for October 12, 2002 at 9:00 a.m.
By: Trueb Seconded: Radell
Result: Motion passes unanimously.
3. File #2002-34 – Application for a (2) lot Subdivision off Latham Road (Map 9, Lot 32, 24.6 Acres), Michael Nogas, Owner/Applicant. (Received 8/20/02, Hearing on 10/1`/02, Decision by 12/3/02.)
Ed Pelitier from Datum Engineering spoke. Yorgensen said that requests for waivers need to be put in writing and submitted, and that the waivers would not be decided upon until after the public hearing.. Tulis said a site walk has been scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 9:00 a.m., and a Public Hearing for October 1, 2002.
E. Old Business
1. File #2002-38 – Application for a Special Permit to operate a small engine repair shop on property located at 11 Battey Road (Map 9, Lot 5, 1 Acre), Timothy Norman, Owner/Applicant. (Received 8/20/02, Site Walk on 9/14/02, Hearing on 9/17/02, Decision by 11/19/02.)
Tulis said the Public Hearing on this application scheduled for tonight has been postponed until October 1; a site walk took place on Saturday, September 14. Gray asked if Village Springs Water Company had been noticed of the Public Hearing. Yorgensen replied that they don’t meet the criteria for being noticed since they are not abutters, but we’ll let them know anyway. She said that signs are posted at 11 Battey Road.
2. Scenic Road Ordinance – Tulis said that Atty. Branse has the proposed ordinance for “review and comment” at this time. Mr. Radell suggested that this be Historic Commissions jurisdiction, not PZC. A brief discussion ensued about whether any other commission could deal with this issue. Tulis said that by Statute this is a task for Planning and Zoning and the Selectmen.
F. Minutes
MOTION: To approve September 3, 2002 minutes.
By: Radell Seconded: Nevers
Result: Motion passes unanimously.
G. Correspondence
1. Letter dated September 9, 2002 from John Blessington to Chairman St. Louis
re: Minutes of July 16, 2002 Meeting
2. Letter dated September 6, 2002 from Planning and Zoning to Atty. Bruce Fader
re: Special Permit, File #2002-26.
2. Notice dated September 9, 2002 from the Capitol Region Council of Governments
to Tolland Planning and Zoning Commission
re: Report on Zoning Referral 2002/95.
Correspondence was reviewed.
H. Discussion
John Blessington wanted to point out that the regulations don’t say that a public hearing is required for a subdivision. He sent a letter with attachments to Chairman St. Louis concerning this matter (see “Correspondence”).
Radell asked Yorgensen if the town acreage requirement would rule out keeping a small farm animal for a limited time for a 4-H project. Yorgensen replied that there are no exceptions for 4-H projects. She said the office has never received a complaint about a 4-H project.
There was discussion about cutting of trees and signage at the TA Truck Stop.
There was discussion about buffer zones around historic areas.
I. Staff Report
None.
J. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn at 9:46 p.m.
By: Trueb Seconded: Nevers
Result: Motion passes unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan S. Nimerowski
Recording Clerk
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