MINUTES
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
8:00 p.m. - Old Town House
Present: Robert Dean, seated as Chairman; Nancy King; Donald Stroetzel; Michael Bakanas, Alt., seated at 8:12 p.m.; Thomas Flagg, Alt., seated for D. Taylor; Toby Welles, Alt., seated for G. Meyer.
Absent: Diane Taylor, Chairman; Greg Meyer
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:02 p.m.
On the motion of T. Flagg and the second of T. Welles, the Commission voted unanimously to move Administrative Item 7. to be discussed after Item 1.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Meeting of 4/10/07
On the motion of D. Stroetzel and the second of T. Flagg, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 4/10/07 Minutes as corrected: Item "5." under "Administrative", change "Terra" to "Terre."
II. PUBLIC HEARING TO CLOSE
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; 4/10/07. Deadline to close per maximum extension.
M. Mazzucco was present along with Barry Finch. R. Dean read a report dated 4/20/07 from J. Hayes. Mr. Mazzucco addressed the comments made in that report.
On the motion of D. Stroetzel and the second of T. Welles, the Commission voted unanimously to close the Public Hearing on Subdivision Application #513.
III. ADMINISTRATIVE
1. Request to rebuild stone wall at 180 Umpawaug Road. Stuart and Susan Green, owners. Georgina Scholl, agent.
G. Scholl was present for the applicant. She reviewed the proposal. A 15-foot mock-up was requested.
On the motion of D. Stroetzel and the second of T. Welles, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the request to build a stone wall subject to the following conditions: 1) that the height follow the typical 2 ft. 6 in. height, except in an area to adjoin a pre-existing wall 5-6 ft. high with a reasonable length of transition; 2) that the construction of the wall follow the written narrative submitted to the Commission dated 4/12/07; 3) that a requested 15-ft. mock-up be constructed and reviewed by the Commission.
2. Intersection of Marchant and Chestnut Woods, Designated Scenic Roads. Plan by Georgina Scholl for approval.
G. Scholl reviewed the current status of the intersection and presented options for proposed plantings. The plan will be refined to consider the size of plantings, 2)narrowing the easterly leg, now 23-feet wide, to as close to 16 feet as a safe turning radius will allow; 3) the signage and shoulder should be constructed in a way to discourage driving over the bank on the southeast corner.
The plan will be refined and submitted to Milone & MacBroom for their advice. Discussion will continue.
3. Scenic Road Alteration. Request for alteration of Mark Twain Lane by Highway Superintendent to improve sight line. Plan to be submitted for approval.
Residents of Mark Twain Lane were present including Sarah Walden, owner of the corner property. Residents noted their urgent concerns regarding the present sight lines.
Bruce Sanford's proposal was read by R. Dean. The Commission concurred that the achievable sight line utilizing only town-owned property needs to be shown as well as the extent of the excavation on private property needed in order to accomplish the required sight line.
On the motion of D. Stroetzel and the second of T. Flagg, the Commission voted unanimously to endorse the modification to the Scenic Road in a letter to be sent to the First Selectman and to the Highway Superintendent.
4. Reference Application #459. Complaint by Mrs. Sherman, owner of #33 Sunnyview Drive, Lot 8 about #32 Sunnyview Drive, Lot #9. Discussion.
Mrs. Sherman was present. Site Walk findings were reviewed. T. Gormley will be requested to inspect Lot #9, Sunnyview Drive. J. Brooks reported that per Mr. Slattery, requested deciduous trees will be delivered by 4/27/07. Individual site walks will be conducted again to inspect adherence to Commission requirements including filling of holes in the wall intended to hold posts.
5. N. Burnham's report on road drainage and widening.
N. Burnham's report was read by R. Dean. This subject should be included in the Town Plan and discussed with the Selectmen. T. Welles reported that per B. Sanford, the Highway Department has deferred any action pending completion of flood damage repair.
6. Restoration of Umpawaug Road. T. Welles, M. Bakanas, R. Dean. Update.
R. Dean reported on his meeting with B. Sanford and G. Scholl. Restoration schedule is deferred pending completion of flood damage repair. G. Scholl is reviewing boulder remediation options.
7. Poverty Hollow Road, a Designated Scenic Road. T. Welles, M. Bakanas. Highway Department ditch reconstructed. Road to be milled. Discussion.
Bruce Sanford should be reminded that milling is still mandated from the Gregory residence to Meeker Hill.
8. Scenic Road monitoring including signs. Reports due.
T. Flagg reported on Sherman Turnpike and has photos every 100 yards. He feels the whole right of way needs a clean up and better maintenance including guard rails. No activity on any other roads was reported.
9. Town Plan of Conservation & Development. John Hayes' schedule. Discussion.
No new information.
10. Accessory Apartment Legislation. D. Stroetzel. Update.
D. Stroetzel reported on recent activity. He is hopeful for SB 1057.
IV. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
R. Sitkowski, Esq., re: 512 Violations.
J. Brooks reviewed Counsel comments.
Re: Parks & Recreation, stone bench for Topstone Park in honor of Sally Tripp.
A letter will be written to Parks & Recreation stating that although this request doesn't fall under a municipal improvement category, it is a wonderful idea and is supported by the Planning Commission to honor Sally Tripp.
Re: outstanding modifications on Marchant Road and Charlie Hill Road. Progress will be monitored and reminders issued if necessary.
Proposed Terre Haute application was not approved in Bethel.
On the motion of D. Stroetzel and the second of T. Welles, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 11:36 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly
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