MINUTES
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
8:00 p.m. - Old Town House
Present: Diane Taylor, Chairman; Robert Dean; Nancy King; Donald Stroetzel; Thomas Flagg, Alt., seated for G. Meyer; Toby Welles, Alt.
Absent: Greg Meyer; Michael Bakanas, Alt.
Also present: Jo-an Brooks, Land Use Coordinator
John Hayes, Town Planning Consultant
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:03 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Meeting of 3/27/07
On the motion of R. Dean and the second of D. Stroetzel, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 3/27/07 Meeting Minutes.
II. PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED
Subdivision Application #513, Barry Finch, "Laurel Acres", 52 Mountain Road. Proposed subdivision of 5.63 acres into two lots. Received 11/28/06. Presentation 12/12/06. Site Walk 1/13/07. Public Hearing opened 1/23/07. Continued 2/27/07; 3/13/07. Deadline to close 4/24/07 per maximum extension.
M. Mazzucco was present along with Barry Finch. Mr. Mazzucco addressed items noted in N. Burnham's report. J. Hayes noted his concerns.
Discussion will continue at the next meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING TO CLOSE
Subdivision Application #512, Frank Marini, "Lillian Estates", 417 Rock House Road. Proposed subdivision of 17.76 acres into three lots. Received 11/28/06. Presentation 12/12/06. Site Walk on individual basis. Public Hearing opened 1/9/07. Continued 2/27/07. Deadline to close 4/10/07 per maximum extension.
D. Taylor noted that this application has been withdrawn. Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheimer were present with additional concerns which will be referred to Commission counsel for action.
III. ADMINISTRATIVE
1. Restoration of Umpawaug Road. T. Welles, M. Bakanas; R. Dean. Update. N. Burnham's recommendation re road drainage and widening.
N. Burnham's report is forthcoming and will be discussed at the 4/24/07 meeting. R. Dean reported on his meeting with Georgina Scholl and Bruce Sanford re: tree placement on the island.
On the motion of R. Dean and the second of D. Stroetzel, the Commission voted unanimously to affirm the need for the Town to abide by the previously approved plan on the road widths, planting plan and island size for the intersection of Umpawaug Road and Diamond Hill Road.
2. Town Plan of Conservation & Development. John Hayes' schedule. Discussion.
J. Hayes' suggestions re: schedule were reviewed.
3. Accessory Apartment Legislation. D. Stroetzel. Action for legislative session?
Proposed HB 7149 died at the Committee and no further action will be taken. D. Stroetzel reported that N. Ketcham is in contact with Sen. Freedman regarding content of further action.
4. Proposed Amendments to Subdivision Regulations Section 4.1. Public Hearing closed:
-Proposed amendment to add to the end of Subsection 4.1.1. Vote to withdraw on advice of counsel.
-Proposed amendment to delete Subsection 4.1.1(a) and re-letter present Subsections (b) through (d) as (a), (b) and (c). The purpose of this amendment is to remove a provision not enforceable under Subdivision Regulations. To Vote.
-Proposed amendment to add to the end of Subsection 4.1.9a. Vote to withdraw and clarify application form instead.
On the motion of R. Dean and the second of D. Stroetzel, the Commission voted unanimously to withdraw proposed amendment to the end of Subsection 4.1.1.
On the motion of D. Stroetzel and the second of N. King, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the amendment to Subsection 4.1.1(a).
On the motion of R. Dean and the second of D. Stroetzel, the Commission voted unanimously to clarify the application form and withdraw proposed amendment 4.1.9a.
5. Referral from Bethel for zone change on Trowbridge Drive-Terra Haute. Public Hearing 4/24/07. To Vote.
Gene Connolly, representing the Redding Land Trust, requested careful monitoring of this proposal due to the potential impact on three neighboring properties. J. Hayes read his report. R. Dean noted his concern that an access around the bridge could negatively affect traffic.
Potential impacts on aquifer recharge and surface water were noted. Pastor Ken Brooks, Calvary Baptist Church, urged the Commission to comment negatively on this referral due to the potential for impacts on water.
State Representative Jason Bartlett was present. He noted his commitment to open space and will investigate this issue further.
On the motion of D. Taylor and the second of T. Flagg, the Commission voted unanimously to send R. Dean's letter of concerns to Bethel.
6. Scenic Road Alteration. Request for alteration of Mark Twain Lane by Highway Superintendent to improve sight line.
Residents of Mark Twain Lane were present. D. Taylor noted receipt of and read letters from the Highway Department and N. Burnham.
N. Almgren, speaking on behalf of S. Walden, urged improvements due to the ongoing safety issues. Residents expressed frustration at waiting two years for action, however, D. Taylor reported that this Commission has just received this application and it will be addressed.
On the motion of R. Dean and the second of T. Flagg, the Commission voted unanimously to request Bruce Sanford and directly Nicolle Burnham to come up with a set of plans, given the severity of this problem and the urgency of
this problem, to meet and refine the present proposal into something more fully engineered in plan and in section such that we can review and approve construction at the earliest possible date.
IV. PENDING. NO DISCUSSION.
1. Reports from Commissions on Scenic Road monitoring including signs. Highway Department reports installation completed.
2. Historic Preservation. R. Dean, T. Flagg. Recommendations for future action.
R. Dean will suggest that John Hayes meet with the Ad Hoc Committee to discuss his experience and ideas for a possible architectural review subcommittee.
V. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Danbury League Meeting, Wed., 4/11/07
Site Inspection Minutes 6/5/06 missing from Town Clerk's office.
J. Ross will monitor Pine Tree Road.
Open space dedication on Guardhouse Road noted in reference to P. Valieri/Ryder Farm.
Zoning Commission meeting 4/11/07. Proposed zoning change from R2 to RV, Reeda Harsche. Commissioners urged to attend.
Mrs. Sherman re: Sunnyview Road, Lot #9. Individual site walks to review ongoing concerns. Submitted material to be reviewed and discussed at next meeting.
On the motion of D. Stroetzel and the second of T. Flagg, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 p.m.
Submitted by:Kristi Reilly
| 
