RECEIVED MAY 14, 2009 @ 2:10 P.M.
Kerry Miserendino, Redding Asst. Town Clerk
Redding Planning Commission
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, Connecticut 06875-1025
MINUTES
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
8:00 p.m. – Town Hall Hearing Room
Present: Diane Taylor, Chairman; Michael Bakanas; Robert Dean; Thomas Flagg; Nancy King; Toby Welles, Alt.
Absent: Jerry Sarnelli, Alt.
Also present: Natalie Ketcham, First Selectman
Jo-an Brooks, Land Use Coordinator
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:08 P.M.
On the motion of R. Dean and the second of N. King, the Commission voted unanimously to move Administrative Item 1. to the first item after Approval of Minutes.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Meeting 4/28/09
On the motion of T. Flagg and the second of N. King, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 4/28/09 Meeting Minutes.
III. ADMINISTRATIVE
1. DOT installation of lights at Routes 107 and 53 and 107 and Glen Road. Public Input.
D. Taylor read a letter dated 5/12/09 from M. Guitar and a letter dated 5/3/09 from Elizabeth Reese, Michael & Pam Reese, Sara Ewud, Stephen & Ruby Mae Kozma and George & Karen Moraitus.
Lawrence Carlson and Sherry Karraker spoke in opposition to the proposed lights. Fred Schroeder noted his concern of potential pollution to the Saugatuck River. He summarized an email response from DOT suggesting that the town has the final decision. Jere Ross stated that the traffic studies used are now out of date due to decreased traffic volume.
Henry Merritt reported that four-way stop signs have been effective in other locations and towns. Ruby Kozma noted that the proposed light location is at the start of a Designated Scenic Road. E. and O. D’Aulaire each noted their concerns that this proposal has come out of the blue and that stop signs were effective when put in place in the 80’s and currently there is no back-up. Sam Callaway performed his own traffic study and reported on the amount of waiting time at the intersection for 42 trips. The longest delay was one minute. He requested the Commission to make a recommendation to suspend the project.
Howard Wagner suggested that the proposal is designed to fix a problem that doesn’t exist. Jane McKee noted her concern for the back-up around the corner if cars are waiting for a light. Nancy Burton suggested that the proposal be denied since it is difficult to get the DOT to reverse something they’ve already done.
George Moraitus questioned who was requesting the installation of lights. R. Dean responded that it was the Police Department. Natalie Ketcham gave a history of the original complaint made four years ago. She affirmed that the DOT will not go forward without the consent of the Town.
Commissioners noted their concerns.
On the motion of R. Dean and the second of T. Flagg, the Commission voted unanimously to take note of the overwhelming negative comments against the scheduled installation of traffic lights at Routes 53 and 107 and recommend to the Selectmen that the project be permanently discontinued. At some time in the future, the Town should study the traffic dynamics of this intersection.
II. PUBLIC HEARING TO OPEN
Subdivision Application #520, 146 Cross Highway. Barrett Cram, Executor (owner), Steven D. Trinkaus (agent), 21.297 acres into three lots. Received 4/14/09. Presentation 4/14/09. Site Walks on individual basis. Public Hearing opened 4/28/09. Deadline to Close 5/26/09.
D. Taylor requested reconstruction of the opening of the public hearing on this application per advice of Commission Counsel due to equipment malfunction at the lasts meeting of 4/28/09.
Minutes of the 4/28/09 meeting were read by D. Taylor. R. Dean, N. King, T. Flagg and T. Welles reported on their site walk findings. The following letters and reports which were read at the last meeting have been received and are part of the record:
-4/9/09 letter from E. Wiegand
-4/16/09 report from D. Hartline
-4/28/09 report from R. Oley
-4/28/09 report from J. Hayes
K. von Jena reported on her 5/12/09 meeting at the site with E. Wiegand. No further studies are needed.
No response has been received from the Highway or Fire Departments. A letter from Aquarion was received. D. Taylor noted receipt of the following new information:
-5/1/09 response from S. Trinkaus
-5/4/09 response to 4/28/09 Land Tech letter from J. Hayes
-5/6/09 letter from J. Hayes read by D. Taylor
-5/7/09 letter from R. Oley
C. Couch provided a history of the existing house and noted that it is going to the Redding Preservation Society. The historical background was submitted for the record.
For the second time, S. Trinkaus presented the proposal accompanied by maps and drawings. Requested adjustments were reviewed.
N. Burton commended the applicant and his team. She noted the absence of easements in the application material. The Public Hearing will continue at the next meeting.
III. ADMINISTRATIVE
2. Reference Application #473, Lot 1, 36 Umpawaug Road, Vladimir and Nikolaeva Koltchine. Request to locate pool in Building Restriction Line. Site Walk 3/28/09. Pending receipt of maps.
Mr. and Mrs. Koltchine will be advised to hire a soil scientist to determine exact wetland perimeters.
3. TPCD Recommendations. Discuss methods to pursue. Subcommittee Recommendations for their Chapters per M. Bakanas’ model.
Commissioners reviewed the status of final edits to the chapters. J. Brooks updated the Commission on the status of the Fuss & O’Neill maps. All information regarding the maps should be forwarded to B. Flanagan.
IV. PENDING
1. Traffic Calming Methods. T. Welles will arrange a meeting with N. Ketcham.
2. Designation of Station Road as a Scenic Road. Approved 3/10/09. Photos of road edges received for review. T. Welles will report. C. Couch submitted additional data.
T. Welles is awaiting the requested photographs. A map with road widths is complete and photos will be incorporated when received.
V. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
D. Taylor is awaiting contact from D. Merriam re: Commission Counsel.
T. Flagg provided an update on the Garavel property.
A letter will be written to the Redding Garden Club reiterating that no trellis is desired.
T. Ciriello will be re-writing the road regulations.
It was decided that a request for a swimming pool permit on Application #456 be presented to the Commission for review.
On the motion of M. Bakanas, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly
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