PLANNING
COMMISSION
P.O. BOX 308
Thursday, February 23,
2006
7:00 p.m.
a.
Continuation of Subdivision Application #390: 6-Lots LaCabana Road (off Mountain View
Road), Jalbert
Vice Chairman
Cliff Bordeaux called the public hearing to order at 7:05
p.m.
Sandy Aeschliman
presented revised plans for the applicant and was accompanied by David Jalbert
and Ron Jalbert. Mr. Aeschliman
noted that he had received and reviewed staff comments and given these revised
plans to staff last week. He is
aware of two outstanding issues – the dry hydrant and the abandoned culvert pipe
running beneath Mountain View Road.
Mr. Strauss
noted that he has not received word from Public Works regarding the pipe, but
generally the removal of such items are required in order to avoid having to
deal with them later on. Mr.
Aeschliman noted that the applicant was prepared to work with the Town,
whichever decision was made.
With respect to
the dry hydrant, Mr. Strauss noted that a letter had been received by the Town
from Frank Falcone, Fire Deputy Chief, stating that the Fire Chief wants a dry
hydrant in place. He noted that it
is a safety issue arising from the applicant’s proposed development. While Mr. Strauss believed that while an
insurance benefit would be realized by installing the dry hydrant, and emergency
response time would decrease, he was also unsure of who was legally responsible
to pay for the installation.
He explained
that Patrice Carson had told him that if the pond owner is willing to have the
dry hydrant installed, it is something that the Town should
have.
It was noted
that there is no specific regulation requiring a dry hydrant for a subdivision
and more information is necessary from staff prior to making a decision on this
matter.
David Jalbert
requested an explanation of what would be involved in a dry hydrant installation
and the basic concept of the procedure was explained to him. He asked for an estimated cost and was
told it would be somewhere around $5,000 to $6,000.
Mr. Bordeaux
noted that now that this item has been brought up at the public hearing, it can
be researched and discussed further once the hearing is closed. He asked for comments either for or
against the project from the audience and none were
received.
A motion was
made by Brad Pellissier, seconded by Mike Collins and unanimously voted to close
the public hearing at 7:25 p.m.
Vice Chairman
Cliff Bordeaux called the regular meeting to order at 7:27 p.m. Members Cliff Bordeaux, Michael Collins,
Brad Pellissier, and Alternates Greg Genlot, (seated for Karl Walton) and
Georgeanne Kuzman, (seated for Michelle Hayward) were present and constituted a
quorum. Town Engineer Merv Strauss
was also present.
Cliff Bordeaux
recused himself at this time and Brad Pellissier stepped up as
Chairman.
III. OLD
BUSINESS
a.
Zoning Referral:
Modification of Special Use Permit Application for Gravel Bank, South
Road, Bordeaux Farm
Applicant Cliff
Bordeaux presented plans for his gravel bank, explaining that he is seeking to
add a Phase 11 which would be comprised of a wooded section that remains between
two completed Phases. Granting the
permit would enable him to finish off the area more
uniformly.
Mr. Strauss
noted that the application is very logical and makes good sense. He is agreeable to the proposed project
and noted that no additional bond would be needed.
A motion was
made by Greg Pellissier, seconded by Georgeanne Kuzman and unanimously voted to
recommend to the Zoning Commission approval of Bordeaux’s application for
modification of his gravel bank permit.
b.
Zoning Referral: Site Plan
Application for Outdoor Growing Areas and Gravel Bank, 164 Hampden Road, Grower
Direct Farms
Mr. VanWingerden
presented plans and explained that about 1-1/2 years ago Grower Direct Farms
began leveling out some of the areas at 164 Hampden Road. This involved removing some of the
excess materials. He was notified
by the Zoning Enforcement Officer that due to the scope of the project, he was
required to apply for a permit to run a gravel operation. Currently they are approximately half
way through the project.
Merv Strauss
visited the area with Len VanWingerden and Mike Mocko a few days ago and showed
photos he had taken of the area, relating them to the plans and concurring that
the project was in advanced stages.
He commented
that there should be some protection in place at the area where the access road
will be removed to prevent damage to vehicles moving through the area. He also noted that the road is on two
different parcels of land and Mr. VanWingerden explained that this summer he and
the abutting neighbor are planning to resurvey the area and exchange small
sections of property so as to be certain the access road will be entirely on his
property.
Mr. Strauss
added that he is requesting that details of the erosion control plan be placed
on the maps and he needs to have details of the check dams and whether or not
hay bales will be used. All of the
Conservation Commission’s requirements need to be shown as well. Mr. VanWingerden stated that he has
asked Mike Mocko to do this and once complete, the revised plan will be given to
staff.
A motion was
made by Greg Genlot, seconded by Georgeanne Kuzman and unanimously voted to not
make a recommendation until final plans are received and reviewed by the Town
Engineer.
At this time,
Cliff Bordeaux returned to the meeting and resumed his position as acting
Chairman.
c.
Other - No
other Old Business was presented.
a.
Resubdivision Application #391:
2-Lots, 92 Field Road, Percoski
Richard Percoski
presented a survey done 2 years ago by BSC Group in Glastonbury, who had
originally surveyed the parcel in the 1950’s under the name of Megson and
Hyppa. Mr. Percoski and his sister,
Theresa O’Connor, inherited the approximately 6- acre parcel from their mother’s
estate and are now seeking to divide the parcel, with a 175 foot frontage on one
lot and a 183 foot frontage on the other lot, thus enabling the empty lot to be
designated as a potential building lot.
The wetlands have been flagged and there are no disturbances to be made
to them.
Merv Strauss
explained that he has sent a list of items needing to go on the plans to Ken
Smith at BSC Group. It was noted
that a public well may currently exist within 2,000 feet of the property, and
Mr. Strauss requested that this be shown on the plans.
Mr. Strauss also
noted that the Commission will probably want to consider the open space
issue. He expects that the Open
Space Committee will opt for a fee, so an appraiser will need to be
contacted. Mr. Percoski was advised
to speak to Mrs. Carson about this.
Because this application is a
re-subdivision, a public hearing is required.
Discussion followed about the proposed
driveway shown on the map. Mr.
Percoski explained that there is no formal driveway, but this area was used many
years ago by the farm equipment passing by the home toward the back of the
property. Mr. Strauss explained the
requirements concerning formal driveways and noted that if a formal driveway was
not going to be created, it should be removed from the
plans.
He also explained that the proposed
building lot needs to be more fully described as meeting the qualifications of a
building lot. Proposed grading
should be included behind a designated building location.
Discussion followed about the topography
lines shown on the current survey and Mr. Percoski explained them in greater
detail. Mr. Strauss realized that
Comment No. 11 on his letter would no longer apply and need to be
revised.
A brief discussion followed about the
iron pins shown on the plans as well.
Mr. Strauss requested the use of monuments rather than pins so a more
permanent marker would exist. He
also explained the importance of installing the monuments in a timely manner so
as to avoid the need for a bond.
b.
Other - No
Other New Business was presented.
A reminder was
given that the next meeting is scheduled for March 27,
2006.
VII.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION - There was none.
A correction was
made to the February 9, 2006 minutes on Page 3: Change “Prad Pellessier” to “Brad
Pellissier”.
A motion was
made by Mike Collins, seconded by Brad Pellissier and unanimously voted to
approve the minutes of the February 9, 2006 meeting as
amended.
A motion was
made by Georgeanne Kuzman, seconded by Brad Pellissier and unanimously voted to
adjourn the February 23, 2006 Planning Commission meeting at 8:20
p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Brad Pellissier,
Secretary
Robin Timmons, Recording Secretary
MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVAL
AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING.