TOWN OF SOMERS

ZONING COMMISSION

P. O. Box 308

Somers, Connecticut 06071

ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES

4/5/04; 7:30 p.m.

Town Hall

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Peter Klein called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. Members present were Lise Wood, Marie Burnette, A.J. Calder, Alternate Roy Slater seated for Robert Martin and Alternate Jill Conklin.

II. MINUTES APPROVAL: March 15, 2004

MOVED (WOOD) SECONDED (SLATER) AND APPROVED THE MARCH 15, 2004 MINUTES AS AMENDED CHANGING PARAGRAPH THREE ON PAGE TWO REGARDING WHERE THE PLANTING OF 16 TREES WOULD BE LOCATED ON 34 EGYPT ROAD.

Patrice Carson requested from the commission that an item be added to the agenda, under New Business - b. other, for a site plan approval for sales and installation of truck and auto parts at 16 Egypt Road, Building 2, Unit A for Group O, LLC.

MOVED (WOOD) SECONDED (SLATER) TO ADD SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR 16 EGYPT ROAD, BUILDING 2, UNIT A FOR GROUP O, LLC TO THE AGENDA UNDER NEW BUSINESS b. OTHER.

III. AUDIENCE COMMENTS: None.

IV. OLD BUSINESS:

a. Other: None.

V. NEW BUSINESS:

a. Special Use Permit Application for Home Occupation, 22 Kibbe Grove Road, Blouin

Michael and Eileen Blouin came forward to discuss their application. They told the commission that they intend to purchase the house located at 22 Kibbe Road, and would like to operate a small home business. The business would consist of running and operating their small store on the internet. There will be no customers coming to the house and no customer parking will be required.

The commission inquired about home deliveries to 22 Kibbe Road. Patrice Carson noted to the commission that the Blouin's have prepared a delivery schedule showing home deliveries to be only once or twice per week. Patrice also stated that there will be no sign on the premises. She mentioned that the barn on the property will be used for storage of any over stock items.

Peter Klein inquired about what percentage of the house will be used as an office. A floor plan was presented showing that the office will occupy less than 25% of the house. Patrice stated that the Blouin's will require a Special Use Permit and will be required to go before the Planning Commission. She recommended that a Public Hearing date be set for the next Zoning Commission meeting.

MOVED (WOOD) SECONDED (SLATER) AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY TO ACCEPT THE BLOUIN'S APPLICATION, REFER IT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND SET A PUBLIC HEARING FOR APRIL 19, 2004 AT 7:00 PM.

b. Other: Site Plan Application for Sales and Installation of Truck and Auto Parts, 16 Egypt Road, Building 2, Unit A, for Group O, LLC, Gordon Mello.

Steve Barnes and Gordon Mello came forward to discuss the application. Patrice Carson handed out copies of a statement of purpose to the commission.

Mr. Mello told the commission that he would like to move his existing business from its current location to 16 Egypt Road, Building 2, Unit A. He stated to the commission that his business involves installing truck and automobile parts, such as hoods, fender flares, specialty items and detailing to cars and trucks.

MOVED (WOOD) SECONDED (BURNETTE) AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY TO ACCEPT THE GORDON MELLO'S APPLICATION AND REFER IT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION

VI. STAFF/COMMISSIONER REPORTS:

Patrice Carson stated that both she and Jim Taylor, Zoning Enforcement Officer had discussed changing the Zoning Regulations to allow vehicle sales in an industrial zone. Presently vehicle sales are only allowed in a business zone. Painting of vehicles will still be allowed only in an industrial zone. The Zoning Regulations change will not include painting of vehicles in a business zone.

Peter Klein asked Patrice if Jim Taylor has put together the other proposed change in the Zoning Regulations regarding junk and abandoned vehicles. She indicated that they will get both of the proposed changes in writing for the Zoning Regulations so that both amendments can be taken care of at the same time. Peter indicated that he would like to see them in writing by the next Zoning meeting.

VII. AUDIENCE COMMENTS:

Erik Laakso, 4 Somerset Lane came forward to address the commission. He asked how long it would be before the amendments regarding vehicle sales in an Industrial Zone take effect. Patrice Carson indicated that it would be at least a month and a half and told him not to expect the final amendments to the Zoning Regulations until approximately the middle May or the first of June.

VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND BILLS:

MOVED (WOOD) SECONDED (BURNETTE) AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE $55.09 - JOURNAL INQUIRER LEGAL NOTICE FOR THE MARCH 1, 2004 PUBLIC HEARING.

Patrice Carson handed out to the commission copies of a letter submitted by Marion Richards, 372 Mountain Road, regarding Worthington Pond Farm, LLC.

The commission discussed an educational seminar in May regarding site plan review.

MOVED (WOOD) SECONDED (SLATER) AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY TO RESERVE FUNDING FOR 5 ZONING COMMISSION MEMBERS TO ATTEND THE LAND USE EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP SEMINAR ON MAY 6, IN COLUMBIA, CT FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW.

IX. ADJOURNMENT:

MOVED (WOOD) SECONDED (BURNETTE) AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:57 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Janet Bennett

Recording Secretary

Town of Somers Zoning Enforcement Officer

For the Zoning Commission Meeting of April 5, 2004

Covering the Weeks of 3/14/04 thru 3/28/04

Activities listed by Address

Zoning Permits issued ------15 Certificates of Occupancy issued----3

Enforcement activity:

1. 34 Egypt Rd. D Birkenshaw, Placement of sign with out a permit and placement of sign on property not related to subject

businesses. Has been denied a variance for this sign. Waiting for sign to be removed. Issued C&D Order 3/9/04. Violation eliminated.

2. 237 Mountain View Rd. D. Butler II. Placement of non-permitted trailer in violation of section 214-92.C. Has not complied. Issued C&D Order. Violation Eliminated.

3. 180 Battle St. K, Lloyd. Placement of non-permitted trailer in violation of section 214-92.C. Requested compliance. Waiting for weather conditions to allow removal.

4, 663 Main St. P. Smith. Section 214-60 (Unregistered Vehicles) Requested Compliance.

5. 70 Suncrest Dr. K. Reid. Section 214-60 (unregistered vehicles). Issued C&D Order. Violation Eliminated.

6. 112 Main St. F. Vono. Section 214-56.C (Restaurant sign for non-existing business. Requested compliance. Compliance pending...

NOTE:: Attached to the chairman’s copy of this report are copies of the 15 signed zoning permits and 3 C.O.’s

Respectfully submitted:

Jim Taylor, ZEO