Planning and Zoning Commission
40 Old Farms Road ~~~~Willington, CT 06279
January 16, 2007 ~- ~7:30 P.M
Meeting Minutes
M. Ellis called to order the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting at 7:30 PM
Roll Call:
Present
M. Ellis- Chairman
R. Tulis- Vice-Chair
A. Marco- Secretary
N. Gray
T. Murphy
P. Latincsics- arrived at 7:47 pm
Absent:
P. Nevers
Public Hearing:
File #2006-62 – Application for a Zone Change from R80 to DI on property at 76 Turnpike Road (Map 45, Lots 24 & 25, Zone R80) Owner: ~Irene Klei; Applicant: Herb Klei (Received 11/21/06, Public Hearing on 1/16/07, Decision by 2/20/07)
Dan Delaney the applicants engineer was present to discuss the application. He stated that the application consists of three lots along Turnpike Road that are currently zoned R-80 and would like them changed to DI. He stated that currently there are no site plans for the property but would like to go through the process of changing the zoning for a future sale. Mr. Delaney stated that this zone change has been approved by IWWC.
N. Gray asked if the zone change should cut through the middle of an existing lot or if the applicant should go ahead and change the property lines. The commission and the applicant discussed the benefits of changing the boundary lines now opposed to later.
The applicant stated that he does not plan to sell the property that his house is on or the barn, and back field.
John Patton stated that making a zone change makes this parcel of land more desirable for someone to purchase it. He stated that the conservation commission requested that a distribution center be built in the area opposed to a sub-division.
Jim Poole- economic growth committee- stated that he feels that the zone change fits into the economic growth plan.
R. Tulis stated that he would like to keep the public hearing open so the commission can have a site walk again, as the first one was not in the proper location.
Mr. Klei stated that he does not have a problem with keeping the public hearing open.
A site walk was set for 2/3/07 at 9:00 A.M.
R. Tulis made a motion to extend the public hearing the next meeting. N. Gray second the motion. All members voted in favor, thus the motion carries.
File #2006-63 – Application for a 2 lot Subdivision on property at 57 Parker Road (Map 16, Lot 15B, Zone R80) Owner/Applicant: Norman A. Wilson (Received 11/21/06; Site Walk 1/13/07 9:30 am, Rain/Snow date 1/14/07 9:30 am; Public Hearing on 1/16/07, Decision by 2/20/07)
T. Murphy requesed himself from the application as he lives across the street from the proposed subdivision.
Ed Pelletier the applicant’s engineer was present to discuss the application. He turned in all green cards from the mailing to all abutters. He stated that he has received approval from Eastern Highlands Health District. Mr. Pelletier stated that he has also received a letter from Windham Water Works and the state archeologist.
Mr. Pelletier told the commission that he is proposing a two lot subdivision on Parker Road. He stated that lot two has an existing house on it, in addition to a paved driveway, septic and well. On lot one the proposed lot has no house but already has an existing well and septic. He stated that the town engineer has reviewed the application and all of his comments and suggestions have been incorporated into the site plan.
N. Gray asked what a rain garden is. Mr. Pelletier said that it is a depression in the lawn with plantings that is placed where the gutters can empty into it. The town engineer explained that it keeps water from running into the road.
M. Ellis asked if there were any objections to keeping the public hearing open so the commission could do a site walk, as it was rained out last weekend.
Kristen Stetson- 45 Parker Road- asked where the construction will take place. Mr. Pelletier pointed out the building area on the site plan. Ms. Stetson asked if the tree line between her property and the proposed property will remain. Mr. Pelletier said that about half of the trees will be removed.
R. Tulis asked for a parcel history to be included on the site plan.
N. Gray made a motion to continue the public hearing to 2/6/07. A. Marco seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, thus the motion carries.
Regular Meeting:
New Business – Renewal of Sand & Gravel Permits
Ruby Associates, Route 320, Ruby Road (Map 42, Lot 48)
S. Yorgensen stated that Ruby Associates did not need to be discussed at this meeting.
Becker Const. Co., Route 74 South (180 Tolland Tpke) (Map 23, Lots 62 & 66, Map 18, Lot 19)
John and Diane Patton were present to discuss the quarry. They stated that the quarry continues to grow north. They pointed out the boundaries on the topographical map. Mrs. Patton stated that currently the quarry is 142 acres. She stated that they are finding it difficult to follow the regulations for sand and gravel pits as a quarry is different. The Patton’s explained to the commission the expected growth of the quarry as well as their eventual plan for the land. Mr. Patton stated that it will take years and years to finish mining the quarry, but when they are complete they foresee the land being used for an industrial park.
Mr. Patton pointed out that this quarry is an asset to the town as the town does not need to have gravel trucked in.
Mr. Patton told the commission that the company needs approximately six months to complete its plan due to the need for continued mapping.
S. Yorgensen stated that she would like a final plan submitted to the commission by the end of the year.
Becker Construction Co., Route 74 North (171 Tolland Tpke) (Map 23, Lot 3)
John and Diane Patton were present to discuss the renewal of this sand and gravel permit. Ms. Patton stated that this operation has been around for forty to fifty years. She stated that the slopes are steep in some of the areas that they have completed using but they are stabilized and have vegetation growing on them.
The Patton’s showed the commission a map of the sand and gravel pit and discussed how future growth will occur. Mr. Patton pointed out where resources still exist as well as where top soil has been brought in to bring the hills and slopes up to grade upon completion.
Becker Construction Co., Route 32 Plant (9 George Dr) (Map 30, Lots 1 & 2)
John and Diane Patton were present to discuss this permit. Ms. Patton stated that this property is not a mining operation, but material is processed and stock pilled. Mr. Patton added that raw material is stock piled there as well. He stated that the area is a residential zone.
Wayne Williams, Skyline Quarry, Navratil Road (Map 14, Lot 16)
No one present to discuss permit
DeSiato Sand & Gravel Corp, Route 32 (River Rd) Map 25, Lot 2)
No one present to discuss permit
Mihaliak Trucking, LLC, Route 320, Ruby Rd (Map 42, Lot 49A)
Mihaliak Trucking requested an extension until 2/6/07
Town of Willington, Route 320, Ruby Rd (Map 42, Lot 49)
Karl Acimovic was present to discuss the renewal of the sand and gravel permit. He stated that the sand and gravel pit is currently inactive, but he would like to keep it active incase the town should need it in the future. He stated that small amounts of sand are taken out in emergencies such as the October floods.
N. Gray asked if a certain amount of sand needs to be taken out each year for it to remain active. The commission was not sure.
S. Yorgensen asked when the town would have a plan. Mr. Acimovic said that he would have a plan completed by December of 2007.
The commission stated that applicants will have to give up their right to a permit if their plans are not complete by December of 2007.
The commission discussed various uses for the property once the town sand and gravel operation is complete.
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~New Business – Renewal of Special Permits
Drake Petroleum Co., Inc (gas station and convenience store) 467 River Road, issued January 5, 1999.
The commission asked if there have been any complaints regarding this permit. The only thing in the file was a letter from G. Jones asking them to remove items that were located outside of the store.
M. Ellis made a motion to re-new the special permit with all the currant and existing conditions. R. Tulis seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, thus the motion passes.
Jim Poole asked if there are test holes or monitoring wells at the gas station. The commission stated that the DEP does testing there and the owners get the results. Mr. Poole stated that the commission should also get the reports. The commission agreed and stated that they will request the reports as part of the condition of the special permit.
M. Ellis modified the original motion to include requiring test results from the monitoring wells from hear on. R. Tulis second the motion, all members voted in favor.
Frank Demao (tattoo and piercing shop) 15 River Road, issued February 7, 2006. New Business
T. Murphy made a motion to renew the special permit with all currant and existing conditions. N. Gray seconded the motion, all members voted in favor, thus the motion passes.
File #2007-01 – Application for a 1 lot Subdivision on property at 167 Lohse Rd. (Map 52, Lot 28, Zone R80) Owner: Darlene & Richard Jenkins; Applicant: Mike Marino (Received 1/16/07; Public Hearing by 3/20/07)~~~~~ ~~~
A public hearing was set for 2/20/07 with a site walk scheduled for 2/17/07 with a rain date of 2/18/07 at 9:00am.
Application Received after agenda filing:
File #2007-02- Application for Special Permit for Rear Lot on 35 Fisher Hill Road (Map 19, Lot 41, Zone R80) Owner: Diane Parisen; Applicant: Steven Dionne (Received 1/16/07; Public Hearing by 3/20/07)
Mr. Dionne was present and asked to make a comment. The commission said that would be fine. Mr. Dionne stated that as this is the second time he is coming to the commission with a proposal on this lot he request a quick hearing. The commission said they will try their best.
A public hearing was set for 2/20/07
Old Business
File #20067-62 – Application for a Zone Change from R80 to DI on property at 76 Turnpike Road (Map 45, Lots 24 & 25, Zone R80) Owner: ~Irene Klei; Applicant: Herb Klei (Received 11/21/06, Public Hearing on 1/16/07, Decision by 2/20/07)
Public hearing still open, so application can not be discussed.
File #2006-63 – Application for a 2 lot Subdivision on property at 57 Parker Road (Map 16, Lot 15B, Zone R80) Owner/Applicant: Norman A. Wilson (Received 11/21/06; Site Walk 1/13/07 9:30 am, Rain/Snow date 1/14/07 9:30 am; Public Hearing on 1/16/07, Decision by 2/20/07)
Public hearing still open, so application can not be discussed.
Public Comment
None
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N. Gray made a motion to except the minutes as amended, T. Murphy seconded the motion.
N. Gray, T. Murphy, R. Tulis voted in favor of the motion.
M. Ellis abstained
The motion passed
Correspondence
1. Notice of violation to Attilio R. Diloreto
2. Capitol Region Council of Governments, Planning and Zoning of Ellington referral
3. Town of Windham Water Works- notification of a proposed project, applicant Mike Marino
4. 2006 CT Sitting Council’s review of the year forecast of CT Electric loads and resources.
5. State of CT DEP- Notice of tentative determination.
Sub-Committee Reports ~~~~~~
None
Pre-application – Doug Ellis of Buck & Buck LLC Engineers presenting a discussion regarding proposed 5-lot subdivision on Lustig Rd and Tinkerville Rd.
Doug Ellis was present to discuss a proposal of a 5-lot subdivision. He explained to the commission that he originally went to IWWC with a proposal for a 13-lot subdivision and was not meet with a positive response so he cut back the number of houses and would like to propose it again, but would like some feed back first. Mr. Ellis explained that there will be two rear lots, which he is proposing the use of a common driveway to reduce the amount of cuts into the land.
Mr. Ellis also discussed giving several acres of land to Fenton Ruby Park as a conservation easement.
The commission discussed the common driveways. R. Tulis stated that he was concerned with the amount of dirt that would need to be moved in order to complete this project. He asked why they don’t just build two lots instead of five. Mr. Ellis stated that the client has forty acres and she would like to get back some of the money that she has been paying in taxes all these years and only building two lots would not be economically feasible for her.
The commission discussed the importance of having all information written into the deed regarding the common driveway and a homeowners association would need to be established to control the driveway.
M. Ellis stated that it is not in the character of the town to have so many driveways so close together in a short distance.
The commission members explained to Mr. Ellis that the lots all need to have the option for each lot to have their own driveway that meets the town’s regulations.
The commission asked if any borings have been dug yet. Mr. Ellis said that they have not. M. Ellis asked Mr. Ellis how he knows if there is ledge in the area that he wants to build in.
Staff Report and Discussion
S. Yorgensen reported that 36 people applied for the land use secretary position and interviewing will begin this week.
P. Latincsics reported that a team who had wanted to use the River Road ball field was unable to due to it still not being approved. He asked why it is not approved. S. Yorgensen said that they are still waiting for modified plans and has not received them. She suggested encouraging those who want to use it to speak with John Sahi the recreation director to have him complete the plans.
Adjournment
A. Marco made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:37 PM, R. Tulis seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, thus the motion carries.
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