TOWN OF SOMERS

PLANNING COMMISSION

P. O. Box 308

Somers, Connecticut 06071

 

Planning Commission Minutes

1/8/04; 7:00 p.m.

Town Hall

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER:

 

            Chairman Karl Walton called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.  Members present were:  Karl Walton; Brad Pellissier; Michelle Hayward; Cliff Bordeaux and Alternates Greg Genlot; Georgeanne Kuzman, Joe Iadarola.  Greg Genlot was seated for Michael Collins.  Also present was:  Patrice Carson, Town Planner.

 

Chairman Karl Walton welcomed the three new alternates to the Commission and explained the basic functions of the Planning Commission.

 

II.            AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:

 

            First Selectman David Pinney said the selectmen are exploring some type of development for the Somersville Mill.  They are trying to discuss specific alternative proposals for restoration and useful future use of this property.  The Planning Commission would be favorable to any type of future development of the Mill.

 

Patrice Carson said there are questions on the telephone survey for the Plan of Conservation and Development that apply to the Mill.  Also, the last of the lawsuits the Mill owners had against the Town was withdrawn last month.

 

III.       OLD BUSINESS:            There was none.

 

IV.       NEW BUSINESS:

            a.            Reconfiguration of Lots, 11 & 15 Shaker Road, Kennedy

 

            This is two pieces of property on the corner of Shaker Road and Main Street.  The owners wish to move the lot line in order to give one piece of property a larger back yard.  Both the Sanitarian and Consulting Engineer have approved this reconfiguration.   Both properties are on public water and sewer.

 

Greg Genlot made a motion to approve the reconfiguration of property of Ellen B. Kennedy and Patrick C. & Christi L. Kennedy at 11 & 15 Shaker Road, as shown on map entitled, "Lot Reconfiguration, Zoning Location Survey Prepared For Patrick C. & Christi L. Kennedy, 11 & 15 Shaker Road, Somers, Connecticut".  This reconfiguration does not constitute a subdivision because no new lot is created.  Brad Pellissier seconded the motion which was unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

            b.            Reconfiguration of Lots, 204 & 216 Mountain View Road, Filippini & Genua

 

            This is the same type of application; no new lot is created.  Area "A" is being transferred from Parcel (1) to Parcel (2).  These are both lots of record.  When this is done, both lots will be approximately the same size.  Both lots have wells and septic systems.  The Sanitarian and Consulting Engineer have approved this reconfiguration.

 

Michelle Hayward made a motion to approve the reconfiguration of property of Paul & Eileen Filippini & Tony Genua at 204 and 216 Mountain View Road, as shown on map entitled, "Prepared For Paul F. Filippini, Mountain View Road, Somers, Connecticut, " sheet 1 of 1 dated 10-03-03 with no revisions.  This reconfiguration does not constitute a subdivision because no new lot is created.  This motion was seconded by Brad Pellissier and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

Brad Pellissier made a motion to take the agenda out of order and defer item (c) until the business owner arrives; seconded by Greg Genlot and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

             d.            Zoning Referral:  Proposed Zoning Regulation Amendment:  $10.00 Fee Increase on All Zoning Applications to Cover Cost Required by the DEP

 

            Anytime the Zoning Commission has an amendment to their regulations, they must refer it to the Planning Commission for their recommendation.

 

The DEP added another $10.00 fee to all zoning permits, ZBA permits, and other land use permits.  Therefore the fee regulation must be updated.  Also, the Town Attorney requested that ZBA permit fees be included in the Zoning Regulations. In Planning, subdivision fees will have to go up $10.00.

 

Brad Pellissier made a motion to recommend to the Zoning Commission approval of the amendment to Zoning Regulations 214-107 that increases the fees charged to comply with the DEP increase; seconded by Michelle Hayward and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

             e.            Release of Performance Bond/Acceptance of Maintenance Bond & Road, Bittersweet Hill, Bittersweet Hill Subdivision, Leaska

 

            This is an old subdivision site where the road which was never accepted by the Town was in serious disrepair.  The developer went from (5) lots down to (3) and reconstructed the road properly.  Merv Strauss did a final review of the road with the Public Works Department and feels that it meets quality standards.  A $30,500 maintenance bond needs to replace the existing performance bond.  An as-built of the road from Engineer Guy Hesketh has been received.

 

Brad Pellissier made a motion to approve the release of Annemarie Leaska's performance bond of $43,920.00, and acceptance of a maintenance bond in the amount of $30,500.00 and the acceptance of Bittersweet Hill, the road in the Subdivision known as "Bittersweet Hill", and recommend the same to the Board of Selectmen for their approval and Town Meeting, in accordance with the recommendations of the Town Attorney, Town Engineer and Public Works Department that all work in the subdivision has been completed according to plan.  This release is contingent upon the presentation of a maintenance bond in the amount of $30,500.00 in a form acceptable to the Town Attorney.  This motion was seconded by Michelle Hayward and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

            f.            Appoint Representative to CRCOG Regional Planning Commission

 

            Brad Pellissier has been an Alternate on the CRCOG Regional Planning Commission for the past year and feels that it is a worthwhile group to continue membership.  They meet in the West Hartford Town Hall the third Thursday of each month; commission consists of (29) members - one from each area town.  This meeting is in conflict with the Plan of Conservation and Development meetings which also occur the third Thursday of every month.  However, Michael Collins is the Somers representative and between the two members, attendance would be possible at both meetings.

 

Michelle Hayward made a motion to appoint Michael Collins as representative to CRCOG Regional Planning Commission and Brad Pellissier as Alternate.  This motion was seconded by Greg Genlot and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

            g.            Review & Adopt Bylaws

 

            The Town Attorney has recommended revisions to the Bylaws due to FOI requirements.  Patrice passed out these revisions to the Commissioners and said she would e-mail the Bylaws and revision to the new members of the Commission.

 

Brad Pellissier made a motion to approve the proposed amendments to the Bylaws, as written.  Michelle Hayward seconded this motion which was unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

            h.            Election of Officers

 

                        Cliff Bordeaux made a motion to nominate Karl Walton as Chairman; seconded by Michelle Hayward and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

Karl Walton made a motion to nominate Cliff Bordeaux as Vice-Chairman; seconded by Greg Genlot and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

Cliff Bordeaux made a motion to nominate Brad Pellissier as Secretary; seconded by Michelle Hayward and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

            i.            2004/2005 Budget

 

            Patrice Carson reviewed each budget item individually with the Commission.  She said the budget amounts are relative to subdivision activity which is nil at this time.  However, two ARH developments are expected to be submitted within the next few months.  Patrice suggested that the Commissioners review the budget draft and be ready with their comments at the January 22, 2004 Planning meeting.

 

            j.            Discussion:  Potential Land Acquisition from Northeast Utilities

 

            Northeast Utilities has done an inventory of their many properties in order to sell some of them.  There are only two properties in Somers.  One is on Ninth District Road and Billings Road - approximately six acres.  The question is should these properties remain in a protected state because they have some value for open space - such as trails for the handicapped.  There is a pond on the property and it is flat terrain.  It abuts Wetherall's property and Ford Road (which is one of the roads to be discontinued).

 

The other piece is on Durkee Road under the power lines in a large wetland area and abuts Land Trust property.

 

After a discussion, Michelle Hayward made a motion that the Commission recommend that both pieces of property are kept on the conservation list.  This motion was seconded by Greg Genlot and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

The Commission returned to Item (c) under New Business:

 

             c.            Zoning Referral:  Site Plan Application for Installation & Service of Batteries, 16 Egypt Road, Power Resources Group

 

            This is Steve Barnes new industrial building on the corner of Billings and Egypt Road.  Basically, this company installs industrial batteries and removes the burnt-out batteries from the site.  The company deals mostly with car-size batteries with gel cells.  This is not a hazardous business and the owner complies with all the rules and regulations.  The old batteries are recycled.  Both the Fire Marshal and the Building Official will review this Site Plan Application.

 

Brad Pellissier made a motion to recommend to the Zoning Commission approval of the Site Plan Application for installation and service of industrial batteries which appears to be an appropriate industrial use in an industrial zone.  This motion was seconded by Michelle Hayward and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

V.            STAFF/COMMISSIONER REPORTS:

 

            Patrice Carson reported she has been working on the Land Use budgets.  She attended a meeting with YWCA, Dan Roulier and Planimetrics about forming a partnership in helping the YWCA keep their property in Somers and to keep Camp Ayapo open and functioning.

 

She has also been working on development ideas for the Somersville Mill and meeting with developers that may be interested in taking over this property.

 

She has met with the State about the possible State purchase of the 276 acre Whitaker property that abuts State land.  If this happens, the trail system from north to south would be continuous without crossing a road.  The State would actually own the property.  The Town would buy it and sell off a couple of lots to compensate for the cost.  Current asking price is 1.99 million dollars.

 

VI.            AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:    There was none.

 

VII.            CORRESPONDENCE AND BILLS:

 

             Bill from Planimetrics (pd. in December)             $7,500.00

             Dues - Planning Association             $298.00

             Szewczak Association             $340.00

             Quarterly Bill - Merv Strauss             $3,672.75

             Planimetrics (through December)             $5,198.20

 

            Cliff Bordeaux made a motion to approve payment of the bills; seconded by Brad Pellissier and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

The Commissioners took a few minutes to explain to the new commissioners the process of updating the Plan of Conservation and Development and the use of Planimetrics as a consulting firm.

 

Patrice Carson reported that the American Planning Association National Conference will be held in Washington, DC this April.  She passed out the class listing that will be offered.  In addition to appropriate planning topics, the Conference centers on a four day series of GIS training seminars which would give Patrice continuing education credits as well as training in GIS with an emphasis on how to use GIS in the Planning & Development office for less cost than the two-day seminar ESRI offers.

 

The cut-off date for registration is 2/6/04.  The cost of four days is $495.00.  Patrice will pay for room and board herself.

 

She asked the Commission to consider supporting her attendance at these seminars.

 

VIII.            MINUTES APPROVAL:            November 20, 2003

 

            Cliff Bordeaux made a motion to approve the 11/20/03 minutes, as written.  This motion was seconded by Michelle Hayward and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

IX.            ADJOURNMENT:

 

            Motion to adjourn was made by Cliff Bordeaux; seconded by Michelle Hayward and unanimously approved by the Commission.  The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                            Brad Pellissier, Secretary

 

                                                            Connie Carenzo, Recording Secretary

 

 

MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVAL AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING.