TOWN OF SOMERS
ZONING BOARD OF
APPEALS
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES/PUBLIC HEARING
THURSDAY, JANUARY
16, 2003
THESE MINUTES ARE NOT
OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman John Torres at 7:32 p.m.
Present were: Chairman John Torres and regular members Edward Mack, Pamela Lloyd, Daniel Scully, and James Beaulieu. Alternate members James Meagher, Jr. and Kenneth Young were also present.
The Secretary read the legal notice for the Goodnights’ request for a variance from Section 214-98 requirement of 25 feet for side yard setback for the location of a driveway at Lot #11, Mulberry Lane.
Mr. Torres verbally corrected the Legal Notice, stating that the setback requirement is only 10’ for a driveway.
Mr. and Mrs. Goodnight and their contractor, Steven Barnes, explained their request for the variance. The existing gravel drive installed by Mr. Barnes is only 4’ from lot #12, owned by Deb and Richard Stone. Mr. Barnes explained that moving the driveway to conform with Zoning requirements and the original plans could create serious drainage problems for the Greens, at lot #10.
During public participation, Mr. & Mrs. Stone, and their contractor, Mr. Ric Leno, spoke against the variance.
After further discussion and review of digital still photos provided by Board Member Ken Young, a motion was made by Mr. Scully and seconded by Mr. Beaulieu to continue this public hearing at the regular meeting of February 13, 2003. Patrice Carson, Town Planner, will ask the Town’s engineer, Merv Strauss for input regarding a possible drainage problem if the variance is not granted. Vote was unanimously in favor of continuation of the public hearing to the regular meeting of February 13, 2003 . The public hearing portion of the meeting was suspended at 8:36 p.m.
The business portion of the Special Meeting was opened by Chairman John Torres at 8:41 p.m.
This item was tabled until the next regular meeting.
January 16, 2003
Page 2
Public hearing remained open. Further discussion tabled until meeting of February 13, 2003.
1. Review Status of video camera addition for ZBA use.
Members discussed the benefits of having digital still photographs available for the Goodnight variance request.
It was the consensus of the members that the Zoning Board of Appeals should have their own camera and monitor, with one member designated to keep the camera in their possession and take appropriate photographs of the sites of variance requests for use at public hearings. The monitor could be kept at town hall.
The total cost would be approximately $200 for a camera and $100 for a video monitor. This is far below the $2,000 CIP funding requirements.
Patrice Carson suggested that Mr. Young prepare a purchase proposal, in the form of a letter, to be presented as part of the Board’s 2003-2004 budget request, if funding cannot be found within their budget in the current fiscal year.
The Board would then have the opportunity to archive the photos, which would be especially helpful if a decision made by the Board was challenged in Court.
2. Review Status of identification badges for ZBA use.
Mr. Torres is waiting for further information regarding scheduling a time to have the photos taken for identification badges. It is anticipated that more information will be available by the Board’s next meeting.
There was no new business brought up for discussion.
There was no correspondence presented for discussion.
A motion was made by Mr. Mack and seconded by Mrs. Lloyd to approve payment of all outstanding bills, including the Journal Inquirer for advertising in the amount of $291.19. Vote was unanimously approved.
January 16, 2003
A motion was made by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mrs. Lloyd, and unanimously voted to adjourn the Special Meeting at 8:54 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Pamela Lloyd, Secretary
Susan Swiatek, Recording Secretary
THESE MINUTES ARE NOT
OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING.