TOWN OF SOMERS

PLANNING COMMISSION

P.O. BOX 308

SOMERS, CONNECTICUT 06071

 

PLANNING MINUTES

SPECIAL MEETING

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

Chairman Karl Walton called the Special Meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.  Members Cliff Bordeaux (arrived at 7:40), Michael Collins, Brad Pellessier (arrived at 7:30) and Karl Walton, and Alternates Greg Genlot (seated for Michelle Hayward) and Joe Iadarola (seated for Brad Pellessier) were present and constituted a quorum.  Town Planner, Patrice Carson was also in attendance.

 

II.        OLD BUSINESS

 

a.            Subdivision Application #382: 11-Lots, Isabella Drive Extension, Leno – Set Public Hearing Date (01/27)

 

The services of F.A. Hesketh & Associates have been retained to do an engineering study for the Town exploring the traffic impact of an intersection versus a cul-de-sac at the end of Isabella Drive.  The study will also include a look at the Stebbins Road intersection.

 

A motion was made by Joe Iadarola, seconded by Greg Genlot, and unanimously voted to hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 27, 2005 beginning at 7:00pm..

 

b.            Resubdivision Application #383:  8-Lots, Stafford & Rocky Dundee Roads, CGS Development – Set Public Hearing Date (01/27)

 

Town Engineer Merv Strauss had many comments on this application and Mrs. Carson has received revised plans addressing many of those issues.  A motion was made by Joe Iadarola, seconded by Greg Genlot, and unanimously voted to hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 27, 2005 beginning at 7:00pm.

 

III.       NEW BUSINESS

 

a.         Zoning Referral:  Special Use Permit Application for Home Occupation for Alterations Business, 8 Meadow Lane, Morin

 

Applicant Mrs. Morin was unable to attend the meeting.  Mrs. Carson presented the plot plan and floor plan of the applicant’s home -- the proposed place of business.  She explained that the plot plan did not include the current driveway but there was plenty of parking, and assured the Commission that well under the 25% maximum of the house would be used for the business.  The applicant expects not to have any employees nor a sign at this time.  If she should change her mind, Mrs. Morin is aware that she needs to contact Zoning Enforcement Officer Jim Taylor.

 

The question arose as to whether or not there would be any byproducts resulting from the business, such as cleaning solutions or hazardous waste products.  Mrs. Carson stated that none were expected.

 

A motion was made by Greg Genlot, seconded by Michael Collins, and unanimously voted to recommend to the Zoning Commission approval of this application, noting that the application is in conformance with the POCD’s intention to encourage home businesses where appropriate.

 

b.         Zoning Referral:  Modification:  Site Plan Application, 60 Sunshine Farms Drive, Birkenshaw

 

Patrice Carson presented the applicant’s plans showing that outdoor lighting will be installed but not on the side of the buildings facing the neighborhood.  The building Inspector has determined that the proposed outdoor lighting meets the new requirements.

 

A motion was made by Joe Iadarola, seconded by Michael Collins, and unanimously voted to recommend to the Zoning Commission approval of the modification to the site plan for 60 Sunshine Farms Drive, with the comment that the Planning Commission is pleased to see that the applicant is enhancing the safety of the people renting as well as installing lighting that meets the current code for outdoor lighting.

 

c.            Discussion:  POCD Meeting

 

Patrice Carson reminded the Commission Members to attend the POCD meeting scheduled for tomorrow evening immediately following the 7:00 p.m. public hearing.  The Planning Commission has suggested the formation of a Steering Committee to meet every 4 months or so to keep track of POCD progress.  At tomorrow evening’s meeting Mr. Pinney may also wish to create a list of POCD top priority items.

 

d.            Review and Adopt Bylaws

 

Mrs. Carson presented copies of her notes regarding the Planning Commission By-Laws.  She suggested the removal of the following language from Article IV:  Meetings, Section C:  Location and Public Access to Meetings:

 

            (Members of the audience will be provided one opportunity before the handling of general business to request inclusion during discussion of agenda items or to comment on topics of other planning issues to the Commission.)

 

Also, the removal of the word “second” in the subsequent sentence.  She also recommended that in the final sentence the phrase “In either case” be removed.

 

Under Section D, where the Order of Business is listed, Item 3, Audience Participation (and request to address agenda items) will be removed as well.  Also, under Sub-Section 5:  The Public Record, Item b) Transcript, the following language is to be added:

 

            The transcript is only created when a matter is appealed and is required by the Court.  The Commission cannot be otherwise compelled to provide a transcript but for a nominal fee to cover costs, will provide a copy of the tape recording of the hearing.

 

A motion was made by Michael Collins, seconded by Joe Iadarola and unanimously voted to adopt the changes as presented and to approve the By-laws of the Planning Commission as amended.

 

e.            Election of Officers

 

A motion was made by Joe Iadarola, seconded by Greg Genlot and unanimously voted to nominate and appoint the current slate of officers for a second term.  Officers of the Planning Commission were thereby reconfirmed as follows:

 

            President                     Karl Walton

            Vice President                      Cliff Bordeaux

            Secretary                     Brad Pellessier

 

f.            2005/2006 Budget

 

Mrs. Carson presented copies to Commission Members of the proposed Planning Commission budget for the calendar year 2005-2006.  She asked that Commission Members review this draft so that any revisions may be discussed at the next meeting.

 

IV.            STAFF/COMMISSIONER REPORTS

No report was presented but a brief discussion followed regarding the GIS system and it was determined that input and further discussion is needed.  The Assessor’s maps need updating.  The Board of Selectmen need to determine an appropriate amount for budget purposes to keep the GIS system and the Assessor’s maps up-to-date.

 

V.            CORRESPONDENCE AND BILLS

 

None were presented.

 


VI.            ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by Greg Genlot, seconded by Cliff Bordeaux and unanimously voted to adjourn the Special Planning Commission meeting of January 11, 2005 at 7:40pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Brad Pellissier, Secretary                                              Robin Timmons, Recording Secretary

 

MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVAL AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING.