TOWN OF WILLINGTON
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF May 3, 2005
A. Call to Order
Chairman Tulis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
B. Roll Call
Members Present: R. Tulis, Chairman
P. Latincsics, Vice Chairman
M. Ellis, Secretary
M. Dinallo
A. St. Louis
P. Nevers N. Gray (alt.)
D. Ridzon (alt.)
Members Excused: D. Lytwyn
Also Present: S. Yorgensen, Planning and Zoning Agent
Public Hearings:
Continuation of Hearing for File #2005-04 – Application for a 14-Lot Subdivision on property at Lohse and Spak Rds (Map 46, Lot 1) Owners: Carol Lynch, Robert Haney and MaryAnn McLees; Applicant: D.W. Fish Builders, LLC. (Received 2/1/2005, Sit e walk 4/4/05, Public Hearing on 4/5/2005, Continued to 5/3/05, Decision by 7/5/05)
Eric Peterson of Gardner and Peterson representing Fish builders presented a letter to the Commission asking for a continuance of the Public Hearing and granting a 35 day extension for completing the hearing. Mr. Peterson said he needed more time to meet with the town’s engineer and highway superintendent regarding road issues he needed to resolve. He said that if anyone had questions or concerns he would be receptive to hear them.
Chairman Tulis asked if anyone from the Public wanted to speak.
Scott Wing said that there are 25 homes on Lohse and the proposed subdivision would increase the number of people using that road by more than 50 %. He submitted a petition to the commission and asked that the Commission consider the safety of the proposed road intersection. He felt that intersection should not be in the location proposed. Mr. Wing said that if improvements are to be made to Lohse they should be at the developer’s expense.
Mr. Poole said that he felt if improvements need to be made they should be at the Towns expense.
J. Phillips said that the proposed road intersection is on a bad curve and that he had concerns about site lines.
Commissioner St. Louis asked what the width of Lohse Road was at the intersection with the proposed Road. Answer 19.6 feet.
Chairman Tulis said that there were many issues of concern that should be addressed.
Mr. Peterson said he would like to address some issues: They now have the final approval from EHHD, a letter from the State Archeologist has been submitted, pesticide levels of water can be tested if the Director of Health finds the nitrite level high, open space subdivision was looked at but would not significantly reduce the length h of the road and that the applicant preferred larger lots.
Chairman Tulis asked about open space. Mr. Peterson said that they have offered fee in lieu of as requested by the Conservation Commission. Mr. Tulis said that the fields in front would offer athletic fields needed in this end of Town and that he preferred land to money.
Commissioner Grey asked if coming out on Spak Road had been explored over the last few weeks. Mr. Peterson said they were in the process of exploring many options.
Public Hearing Continued to June 7.
Public Hearing for File #2005-07 – Application for a regulation change to Section 7.07 of the Town of Willington Zoning Regulations. Applicant: John Blessington (Received 3/15/05, Public Hearing on 5/3/05; Decision by 7/5/05)
John Blessington presented his proposal to the Commission and said that the draft PoCD emphasizes the importance of keeping the rural character of the Town. He spoke about the importance of FFA and 4H. Mr. Blessington said that his proposal or one like it should be adopted/
Commissioner St. Louis asked staff if the Town used to have a provision for allowing 4H on lots less than 5 acres. Answer yes.
A resident said that he did not want Willington to become like West Hartford.
In answer to a question posed by Commissioner Gray, Mr. Blessington said that guinea hens were not deliberately left off.
Chairman Tulis asked the applicant what his proposal for fencing was. Mr. Blessington said people should use common sense.
Chairman Tulis expressed concerns about the handling of manure and pasturing over a leach field. A discussion ensued regarding manure management as well as Public Health Code Requirements.
Another resident said that everyone in Town puts pesticides and fertilizers etc. on their lawns and in and near wells and does not see what the difference would or should be with manure
piles.
J. Castle said that 4 H is not just about raising animals and research it is about raising children to be responsible citizens. She presented information from USDA. Ms. Castle said that she thought perhaps larger animals needed more land but that smaller animals could be kept on less than 2 acres.
Chairman Tulis said that the proposal is not just for 4 H.
A resident said that rules should not be made for people who would not take care of their animals.
L Giguere said that it is important to keep the history and culture of the rural community.
Another resident said that he wanted chickens for manure for his garden and for eggs.
A resident from said he would like chickens and he is not connected with 4 H.
K. Ridzon said she would rather be woken up in the middle of the night by a rooster crowing than a college student blowing donuts. She feels the Commission is denying her children an education. She does not like how enforcement is sometimes done.
The responsibility of the Commission to protect property values was discussed.
Vice Chair Latincsics said that this regulation is important to the rural character of the Town.
Commissioner Dinallo said that he echoed Mr. Latincsics statement.
B. Shabot said that he thought rabbits and chickens were fine on smaller lots but large animals should be kept on larger lots.
Discussion ensued regarding the closing or continuation of the hearing.
Mr. Blessington plans to work with some residents and contact DEP and tweak some of the proposed language.
Hearing continued to June 21st.
Regular Meeting:
The regular meeting was called to order at 9:30. Members in attendance as above.
New Business
Renewal of Special Permit for Wilderness Lake Campground. Owner: KMC, LLC – Ray Crossen.
Chairman Tulis said that on April 30th, the Chair and Commissioners Ellis, Gray and St. Louis attended the site walk.
The conditions of the permit were reviewed and discussed. A resident said that when the Commission approved this permit they promised that if the regulations and conditions were not adhered to that the permit would not be renewed.
Some concerns were, a camp site that was not on the approved plan was in use, the dumpster area was not screened, a horse shelter was built without permits and too close to property lines.
Staff was directed to review the file for compliance with regulations and the conditions of the permit and to send Mr. Crossen a letter requesting that he bring all documentation to the following meeting. The consensus of the Commission was that the permit would not be renewed at this meeting.
File #2005-10 – Application for a regulation change to Section 5.08.03.04, Table 5.03 of the Town of Willington Zoning Regulations. Applicant: Robert Campbell, Pres. of Access Senior Housing of Willington, Inc. (Received 4/5/05, Public Hearing on 5/17/05; Decision by 7/19/2005
File #2005-12 – Application for a 4-Lot Subdivision on property at 120 Willington Hill Road (Vonasek Estates) Owner/Applicant: Irma Vonasek (Received 4/5/2005, Public Hearing on 5/17/05; Decision by 7/19/05)
A site walk will be held on Monday 5/16/05 at 6:30 PM, Rain date of 5/17/05, 6:30 PM.
Minutes
Commissioner Nevers made a motion to approve the previous meeting minutes, seconded by Commissioner Ellis. Unanimous
Chairman Tulis asked that care should be taken in the future as to not confuse the words site (location) and sight (view).
Correspondence
A copy of a letter from DOT regarding the proposed Library site and the site’s sight line.
Staff Report and Discussion
Discussion regarding the table created by the Chairman regarding subdivision activity. Staff will e-mail and distribute.
Discussion regarding Rte 320 pre-application and a meeting they have requested.
Discussion regarding Clover Springs Subdivision. Orders have been sent.
Commissioner Gray said that he be unable to attend meetings on the 16 and 17th of May. He will be excused.
Commissioner Nevers made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Ellis. Unanimous.
Meeting adjourned at 10:44.
Respectfully Submitted,
Matthew Ellis, Secretary, Planning and Zoning Commission
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