Simsbury, CT - Design Review Board Minutes

DESIGN REVIEW BOARD

1. CALL TO ORDER

Emil Dahlquist, Chairman, called the Regular Meeting of the Design Review Board to order at 5:46 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. The following members were present: Kevin Gray, Charles Stephenson, John Stewart, Matthew Koch and Scott Barnett. Also present were: Leonard Tolisano, Town Planner, David Holden, BOE Business Manager, Richard Sawitzke, Town Engineer, and other interested parties.

2. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES

Chairman Dahlquist appointed Mr. Koch to serve for Ms. Kennedy, and Mr. Barnett to serve for Mr. Gardner.

Mr. Gray moved to amend the agenda and address the application of the Simsbury Board of Education first. The motion was seconded by Mr. Stephenson and carried unanimously.

a. Application of the Simsbury Board of Education for a Site Plan Approval for modular classrooms at Simsbury High School, 34 Farms Village Road

Angela Cahill, Schoenhart Architects, presented the proposal to add 4 modular classrooms to the rear of Simsbury High School. She noted that a walkway will be added and an additional 7 modular classrooms are anticipated in the future.

Chairman Dahlquist questioned whether there are any security issues to be considered. Mr. Holden stated that the plan includes the addition of lighting on the existing building to illuminate the modular classrooms.

Chairman Dahlquist questioned the construction materials for the modular classrooms. Ms. Cahill stated that the exterior of the modular units are comprised of metal composite panel. She confirmed that the roof is flat and the mechanical equipment will be located on the roof. Mr. Holden presented a picture of the proposed units to the board.

Mr. Stephenson questioned how the location of the modulars was determined. Mr. Holden noted that the positioning of the units won’t be in conflict with the permanent additions to the facility.

Chairman Dahlquist questioned whether the colors on the brochure are accurate. Mr. Holden stated that other modular units the Board of Education has are the same color as those in the brochure, but the units will be publicly bid. In response to Mr. Stewart, Mr. Sawitzke stated that the sidewalks are 6 feet wide.

Mr. Gray moved to recommend to the Zoning Commission that the application of the Simsbury Board of Education, for a Site Plan approval for modular classrooms at Simsbury High School, 34 Farms Village Road, be approved.. The motion was seconded by Mr. Koch and carried unanimously.

b. Application of Tim Ryan, Owner, for Site Plan Approval, to put up a sign “The Ryan Family Flower Farm” on property located at 64 Terry’s Plain Road

Katherine Ryan distributed a drawing of her revised sign plan. She stated that the application is for one white painted wood sign with black lettering. She noted that the sign is two-sided and is 32 inches wide x 40 inches high. Ms. Ryan stated that the post is 7 feet 10 inches high and the length of the cross arm is 5 feet. She stated that the sign will be suspended from chain rings and the sign will not be lighted. She noted that a seasonal flower bed will be located at the base of the sign. Ms. Ryan pointed out the location of the post on the Site Plan and stated that it is located 13 feet from the road.

Mr. Stewart expressed concern with the length of the cross arm. He suggested that the sign be located 6 inches from the post and 6 inches from the end of the cross arm.

Mr. Stephenson moved to recommend to the Zoning Commission, with regard to the application of Tim Ryan, owner, for a Site Plan Approval, to put up a sign “The Ryan Family Flower Farm” on property located at 64 Terry’s Plain Road, that the sign and the signpost be accepted as proposed with the following clarifications: (1) the sign is white with black lettering, (2) the board recommends that the horizontal arm holding the sign be reduced from 5 feet to 4 feet to be more proportionate, (3) the single sign be located at the existing sign post, approximately 13 feet off of the pavement, (4) the approval is based on a picture drawing dated 4/24/01, (5) there will be no lighting on the sign, and (6) a seasonal bed will be planted at the base of the sign. The motion was seconded by Mr. Barnett and carried unanimously.

Chairman Dahlquist noted that the Design Review Board restricted their evaluation to the sign and not to the property in general with regard to other activities on the site.

c. Application of Simsbury United Methodist Church, owner, Frank Hawkins, Trustee, agent, for a Site Plan Approval, to put a new church identification sign at 799 Hopmeadow Street

Frank Hawkins, Trustee, presented a drawing of the proposed sign. He noted that the sign will replace the existing sign with a gothic approach which is in keeping with the church. Mr. Hawkins stated that the sign material is a walnut colored composite. He stated that 4 x 4 brown steel posts will be installed into sonnet tubes in the ground. He pointed out the redstone base of the sign. Mr. Hawkins stated that the sign is 7 feet high and 4.5 feet wide. He noted that 3 interchangeable placards will include the pastor names and mass times. He stated that gold carved letters will be used on the sign.

Mr. Hawkins stated that the sign may be located 1 foot off of the existing sign location due to the sonnet tubes. He noted that the new sign is almost identical in size to the existing sign. He stated that the sign has a hooded arch to provide the perception of depth. Mr. Hawkins stated that the redstone base is 18 inches deep and lighting for the sign will be located in the base.

Mr. Stewart expressed concern that the base is not wide enough to provide a proper angle to illuminate the sign. Chairman Dahlquist provided Mr. Hawkins with the Design Guidelines regarding lighting and noted that the color of the lighting is important. The board requested that Mr. Hawkins return with a lighting plan for the sign. Mr. Stephenson requested that a cross-section of the illumination onto the sign be provided.

4. CORRESPONDENCE

Chairman Dahlquist read a letter from the Chamber of Commerce urging all boards and commissions to provide input towards the Plan of Development.

5. STAFF REPORTS

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Of March 27, 2001 and April 10, 2001

Mr. Stephenson moved to approve the minutes of the March 27, 2001 meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Stewart and carried unanimously.

Mr. Gray moved to approve the minutes of the April 10, 2001 meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Stewart and carried unanimously.

Mr. Stewart moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Stephenson and carried unanimously.

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Kevin E. Gray, Secretary