PLANNING
COMMISSION
P.O. BOX 308
Thursday, October 27,
2005
7:00 p.m. Town
Hall
Chairman Karl
Walton called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members Cliff Bordeaux, Mike Collins,
Michelle Hayward, Brad Pellissier, and Karl Walton as well as Alternates Joe
Iadarola and Georgeanne Kuzman were present and constituted a quorum. Town Planner Patrice Carson was also
present.
II.
OLD BUSINESS
a.
Request for Bond Reduction, Bridle Path Ridge,
McCullough
Mrs. Carson explained that the Bridle
Path Ridge Subdivision road work is close to completion and regulations allow
for a bond reduction of up to 70%.
Town Engineer Merv Strauss has been out to visit the site and has sent a
letter regarding his findings. Mrs.
Carson forwarded copies of this letter to the Commissioners for review. The only remaining concern is with the
catch basins and this will be addressed.
A motion was made by Cliff Bordeaux,
seconded by Brad Pellissier, and unanimously voted to approve the reduction of the Richard A. McCullough, Inc.’s
performance bond of $185,011.00 by $129,508.00 as permitted by the
subdivision regulations to the amount of $55,503.00, for the subdivision known
as “Bridle Path Ridge” on Bridle Path Drive. The Town Engineer has reviewed the
construction and agrees with the reduction requested. The reduction of the bond is subject to
the presentation of a performance bond to the Planning Office for the reduced
amount in the form of Surety, Irrevocable Letter of Credit, or Passbook
acceptable to the Town Attorney.
b.
Other - No
other Old Business was presented.
a.
Subdivision Application #390:
6-Lots, Lacabana Road (off Mountain View Road),
Jalbert
Robert Jalbert
presented revised plans which have been prepared in accordance with Mr. Strauss’
comments, although Mr. Strauss has not yet had the opportunity to review the
changes.
The applicant
explained that 3 of the 6 lots are situated on the left side of Lacabana Road
and each of these lots is approximately 1 acre in size. The lots towards the back of the
subdivision, which is a cul-de-sac, are about 4 acres each. Since the land is quite steep, the
larger sites are necessary in order to accommodate adequate buildable
areas.
The Planning
Staff has suggested that perhaps it be recommended that the Zoning Board of
Appeals approve a common driveway for at least 2 of these rear lots. Such approval should be sought to cut
back on the grading necessary and to allow for more adequate emergency vehicle
access.
Joe Iadarola
asked about water runoff and whether or not plans have been made so that
potential problems can be avoided.
Mrs. Carson explained that Merv Strauss addressed this issue in his
letter and the water will be directed toward a detention pond. Mr. Jalbert has submitted his drainage
calculations for review.
Because this is
a 6-lot subdivision, a public hearing is appropriate under the Commission’s
policy.
The Open Space
Committee has discussed the site and while initially there was some discussion
about a 25-foot trail strip along the east side of the parcel, it was
recommended that a fee in lieu of open space be collected instead. The applicant offered the fee in lieu of
open space and it was the consensus of the Commission to accept the fee in lieu
of open space, requesting the Planner to refer the application to Stewart
Appraisals.
It was also the
consensus of the Commission to hold a public hearing on the application once Mr.
Strauss has had the opportunity to review the plans. The Commission will decide when to
schedule the public hearing when it sees that the plans are more suited to the
staff’s comments.
Data has been
collected regarding any potential wetlands and David Askew has conferred that
there are no wetlands or watercourses on the property.
b.
Release of Maintenance Bond, Mountain View Estates, Miller Drive and
Orchard View, Gingras
This item was
tabled so Merv Strauss can be consulted further.
c. Other – No other New Business was presented.
The next POCD
meeting will be held on Monday, November 14, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. and the Economic
Development Commission has been invited to attend.
At this time
(7:30p.m.), Joe Iadarola was seated for Michelle Hayward, who left the
meeting.
Joe Iadarola
updated everyone on the Design Review Committee he and Greg Genlot have been
serving on. Both Linda Farmer from
Tolland and Patrice Carson attended their last meeting to discuss what Tolland
is doing currently about design review.
It has become evident that towns approach design review very differently
from one another. Mr. Iadarola
reported that David Reed is leading the Committee and has quite a bit of
experience in Town Development, which is proving helpful. The meetings are very informative and
interesting.
A public hearing
may be scheduled in November to get the further input and ideas from residents
on design review.
A letter was
received from the Connecticut Federation of Planning and Zoning Agencies
regarding services they provide to Planning and Zoning Commissions throughout
the state. They are offering a
yearly membership, which at this time would require payment for just a half
year. A membership provides
discounts and workshops, and answers to any questions regarding planning and
zoning are given free of charge over the phone. The cost would be $45.00 for the 6-month
membership, which would take us through until the end of the year. After reviewing the information, it was
felt that the service was probably more Zoning oriented. Patrice will talk with the Zoning
Commission as well as finding out if any of the other type of memberships
(Agency versus Individual) would be more suitable.
A motion was
made by Joe Iadarola, seconded by Mike Collins and unanimously voted to approve
the minutes of the September 8, 2005 meeting as written.
A motion was
made by Cliff Bordeaux, seconded by Mike Collins and unanimously voted to
approve the minutes of the October 13, 2005 meeting as
written.
A motion was
made by Cliff Bordeaux, seconded by Mike Collins, and unanimously voted to
adjourn the October 27, 2005 Planning Commission meeting at 7:50
p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Brad Pellissier,
Secretary
Robin Timmons, Recording Secretary
MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVAL
AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING