MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING

TOWN OF SOMERS

Zoning Board of Appeals

Regular Meeting Minutes/Public Hearing

Thursday, April 10, 2003

Call To Order

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Torres at 7:33 PM.

Members Present

Ed Mack, John Torres, Pamela Lloyd, Jim Beaulieu, Jim Meagher, Jr.; absent - Dan Scully and Ken Young.

Public Hearing - Joseph and Laura Driscoll

Chairman Torres called the public hearing to order at 7:34 PM. Secretary, Pamela Lloyd read the legal notice. Joseph and Laura Driscoll approached the Board to request a variance for a side yard setback to allow for a second garage bay. They presented sketches providing approximate measurements which indicated a very large rock ledge located at the front of the property. Commissioner Mack asked who the abutters were. One abutter was present, Mr. James Harland. Chairman Torres inquired about the rock wall as to whether it is a boundary line. Applicants both stated it was not and that they owned the property beyond that point. The abutter, Mr. Harland stated he believed the rock wall was the boundary line. The property has not been surveyed; the Commission recommended that if the variance is approved, the property should be surveyed by the applicant to establish the boundary line before construction. Commissioner Meagher, Jr. stated a variance would be needed due to the location of the rock ledge. Motion made by Commissioner Mack to close the public hearing; second by Commissioner Meagher, Jr. With no further discussion, the Board unanimously approved closing the public hearing at 7:57 PM.

Chairman Torres explained to the audience how the process would work and invited members to remain.

Minutes Approval - February 13, 2003

Motion made by Commissioner Beaulieu to approve the ZBA Regular Meeting/Public Hearing Minutes for February 13, 2003 as presented; second by Commissioner Meagher, Jr. Motion was approved unanimously.

Public Hearing Discussion/Decision - Joseph and Laura Driscoll

The Board discussed the rock wall as a possible boundary line, the large rock ledge and the location of the proposed garage addition. Commissioner Meagher, Jr. asked if the property line should be established before a decision was made. Commissioner Lloyd asked if the variance could be conditional once a survey established the property boundaries. Chairman Torres stated the Board is only authorized to approve or reject a variance application. Motion made by

MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING.

Somers ZBA Minutes for 4/10/03 Contd. -

Page 2

Commissioner Mack to end discussion; second by Commissioner Meagher, Jr. Motion was approved unanimously. Motion made by Commissioner Mack to approve a variance for a 10' side yard setback within 15' of the boundary line to allow for the location of a second bay garage addition; second by Commissioner Beaulieu. Motion approved unanimously.

Old Business

1. Review status of video camera addition for ZBA use.

Chairman Torres stated the Land Use Dept. is not interested in sharing the cost for this item. Chairman Torres suggested that the Board review purchasing the camera & monitor when the new budget becomes available on 7/1/03.

2. Review status of identification badges for ZBA use.

Chairman Torres suggested the Board set a date & time for the group to have pictures taken and have the Selectman’s office arrange the photographer. The Board agreed to schedule picture taking for the June ZBA meeting.

New Business

Chairman Torres notified the Board that the Town Attorney has informed him that the Gavlak case will be reviewed by the ZBA next month.

Correspondence

None.

Bills

Motion made by Commissioner Mack to approve all bills including $110.18 to the Journal Inquirer; second by Commissioner Lloyd. Motion approved unanimously.

Adjourn

Motion made by Commissioner Beaulieu to adjourn the meeting; second by Commissioner Meagher, Jr. Motion approved unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Candida M. Daigle

ZBA Administrative Clerk