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933 Hopmeadow Street,
Simsbury, CT 06070

PH: (860) 658-3200
FAX: (860) 658-3206

Hours: Mon. 8:30AM - 7PM
Tues. - Fri., 8:30AM - 4:30PM
 
Zoning Commission Minutes - 04/17/2006
ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 17, 2006

I.      CALL TO ORDER

Acting Chairman, Austin Barney, called the regular meeting of the Simsbury Zoning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. The following members were present: James Gallagher, Garrett Delehanty, Jr., Alexis Popik, Patricia Askham and Alternate Louis Donofrio. Also in attendance were Howard Beach, Zoning Compliance Officer, Richard Sawitzke, Town Engineer, Lois Laczko, Commission Clerk and other interested parties.

Commissioner Askham moved to appoint Commissioner Barney to act as Chairman for this meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Popik and passed unanimously. Commissioner Askham moved to appoint Commissioner Delehanty to act as Secretary for this meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Popik and passed unanimously.

II.     APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES

None

III.    PUBLIC HEARING

a.      Application of James W. Gallagher, Owner, Michael Gallagher, Agent, for a Special Exception for a Change of Use to allow for an auto repair service pursuant to Article Seven, Section J.b of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations on property located at 8 Herman Drive. (continued from April 3, 2006 meeting).

Mr. Gallagher requested in writing that this public hearing be continued to the 5/1/06 meeting.

b.      Application of Thomas E. Vincent, First Selectman, Town of Simsbury – Owner, Dale H. Cutler, Kenyon & Cutler, Agent, for a Special Exception for renovations and additions on property at the Simsbury Library, 725 Hopmeadow Street.

Commissioner Delehanty read the Call.

Richard Sawitzke, Town Engineer, spoke on behalf of this application. He said that a needs assessment was completed in April, 1999. The needs assessment defined the program requirements and floor areas. After the assessment the Board of Finance and the Board of Selectmen approved funding for preliminary and design development plans, as well as a professional cost estimate. These tasks were assigned to the Public Building Committee in early 2005. Mr. Sawitzke said that the proposed schedule for the preparation of contract plans and documents is June – August 2006 and construction beginning in October 2006.

Mr. Sawitzke said that they are planning to do a complete renovation on the existing 20,000 s.f., plus add an addition of 19,600 s.f. that will accommodate a number of programs. The present Library sits on 8.82 acres and is in the Simsbury Center Zone. With the addition, site coverage is 27.20%. He said that any additional drainage on the property will be connected to the existing system, with no new discharge points. Downstream culverts are sized to accept the site runoff.

Mr. Sawitzke said that twenty-three (23) additional parking spaces are being added to provide a total of 103 spaces. The town’s Zoning Regulations do not provide a specific standard for library parking. He said that they looked at similar facilities in other towns and found that the number of spaces for parking is comparable. Mr. Sawitzke said that in addition there are number of spaces available at Scout Hall. He said that an alternate design proposal is included for a pedestrian bridge to that parking.

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APRIL 17, 2006
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Mr. Sawitzke said that the Library is located in an established area with other town owned properties to the south and south west. The site is served by public water, sewer and natural gas and those facilities have adequate capacity to serve both the renovation and proposed expansion. Mr. Sawitzke said the architect and the Library Board have submitted the plans to the Design Review Board and the Planning Commission and both were in favor of the proposal. An Inland Wetlands Permit has been issued for the site work.

Chairman Barney asked the status of the Scout Hall bridge connection. Mr. Sawitzke said this is included in the plan as an alternate. Chairman Barney asked if these spaces at Scout Hall are included in the 103 parking space count. Mr. Sawitzke said no, the 103 parking spaces are on site and they either exist or will be built. Commissioner Askham asked if the bridge connection would be pedestrian only. Mr. Sawitzke said yes. Chairman Barney asked who did the needs assessment. Mr. Sawitzke said that this was done by the Library Board’s consultant.

Charmaine Glew, 21 Billingsgate Drive, spoke for this application on behalf of the Library Board. She said that fellow Library Board members at tonight’s meeting are Carol Bingham, Ann Erickson, Barbara Gardner, and Gail Ryan. Also, Sue Bullock, Library Director, James Miller, Head of Adult Services, Kathy Miller, J. Moody, and Dale Cutler of Kenyon & Cutler Architects.

Ms. Glew said that they have structured their presentation to address specific zoning questions and also some general questions that have been raised about the Library project. She gave an overview of the project. The project, if approved, will add an additional 19,600 square feet to the current Library building and create an additional 23 parking spaces. She said that project aims to cover several objectives. This would alleviate overcrowding resulting for a significant increase in Library usage and services over the past 20 years, create a flexible space to allow for adapting to changing trends in the future, replace furnishings and equipment that are now 20 years old, and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ms. Glew said that the goal of this project is to make the Library, once again, the pride of their town.

Ms. Glew discussed general questions that had been raised by members of this Commission. One question was by expanding their services would the Library take on goals that are not appropriate for the Library, such as computer training and tutoring for children. Ms. Glew said that they do not see the Library as an educational or vocational training center. They see it as an enrichment center for the community. She said that last year the Library hosted over 750 enrichment programs attended by more than 27,000 people. Ms. Glew said that programs are one of the Library’s most valued services and a key part of the Library expansion project is to improve the facility to host these programs. A few of the enrichment programs are the summer reading program for children, teens and adults, the Backyard Theater Production, Great Decisions and American Reading Core (volunteer tutoring program). Another question was whether all these programs have to be held in the Library, why not in other buildings across town such as Eno Hall or the Schools. She said that Eno Hall is a very busy facility with limited availability and the schools are not always open. Ms. Glew said that another question asked was what alternatives were considered for this expansion that would be less costly to the Town and more convenient. Several alternates were considered. Moving to a large exiting building was found to be too expensive. Opening a satellite library would require a larger budget and more staff. This would also be inconvenient to the patrons. They also considered phased enlargements, but a phased budget would not be entitled to state grant funds. Ms. Glew said that the majority of residents surveyed preferred that the Library be kept in the center of town. Another question asked was whether the Library should be located in the center of town and if this is an appropriate building to have in the Simsbury Center Zone. The Library Board feels that this is the most appropriate location for the Library, as it was twenty years ago. The current location is consistent with the intended purpose.

Susan Bullock (Director of Simsbury Library), 23 Country Club Road, Cheshire did a power point presentation on the Library project. She said that one of the questions that they are often asked is why they need more space. She said that more than 800 people a day come into the Library. They also have homebound services for people who cannot get into the Library. One of the reasons that they are out of room is because of the proliferation of books over the past twenty years. They are at a 120% capacity on their shelves. Ms. Bullock said that when they opened this

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Library in 1985 they had 80,000 books, they now have over 140,000. In addition to books they now have DVD’s and CD’s. The collection for non-printed material has increased from 2,500 to over 16,000. They also have increased from 4 computers for public use in 1985 to 29 computers today. Ms. Bullock said that the current Library has worn carpeting that needs to be replaced, leaking windows, overcrowded shelves and the shelves are not handicapped accessible. She said that they also need new boilers, sprinkler system and air conditioning. Ms. Bullock showed a slide of the current and proposed Library addition and where the parking will be located along Eaglewood Lane. The cost of the renovation and addition will be $6.1 million with a state grant of $500,000. The Friends of the Library have pledged to meet the state grant of $500,000. If this passes the referendum they expect the project to go forward with a completion date in June of 2008.

Commissioner Askham asked if there is a maintenance budget for the Library that exists now. Ms. Bullock said that the Town has a centralized maintenance program with a custodial team that works at the Library, Eno Hall and the Town Hall. Ms. Bullock said that the reason that they have not repaired the carpets is because they would have to remove everything and close down the Library. Commissioner Askham asked how they get the count of 800 people per day coming into the Library. Ms. Bullock said that they have an electric eye at both doors (upstairs and downstairs). She said that they take the count every day and divide this by two. Commissioner Askham asked what the parameters are for the $500,000 pledge from the Friends of the Library. Kathleen Miller, 21 Old Barge Road, President of the Friends of the Simsbury Public Library said that they have pledged to match the state grant of $500,000. She said that they have plans for a fund raising campaign and also formed an endowment fund that currently has funds in it. Ms. Miller said that there are over 900 members in the Friends of the Simsbury Public Library.

Commissioner Gallagher said that they now have 800 people a day visiting the Library and are now doubling the size of the Library, how are they not adding to traffic. Ms. Glew said that the largest expansion is in the children’s area. The children come with their parents so they do not expect the traffic to increase much. Commissioner Delehanty asked how satisfied they are with the present use of current parking. Ms. Bullock said that 80% of the time it is satisfactory, but there is a 20% time that they can use more. She said that they can forecast when they are going to need more space because they know what and when programs are going to be held.

Dale Cutler, Kenyon & Cutler Architects, Avon said that one of the reasons they will be adding space to the Library is to meet the requirements for accessibility to the handicapped. At this time the aisles do not meet the requirements. He showed a site plan of the property saying that this is an ideal site for this type of use. Mr. Cutler said that the upper level of the parking area will be resurfaced as there will be underground utility work done in that area. New brick paving will be done at the entrance to the new Library. He showed on the site plan where 10 new parking spaces would be added on Eaglewood Lane. Mr. Cutler said that they are asking this Commission to waive the requirement of landscape islands every ten parking spaces. This was not a feature of the original Plan of Development and feel that the parking they will be adding is not objectionable. Mr. Cutler said that they would prefer not to add the islands. The existing south parking lot will stay as it is. All the walks in the front will be replaced and walk lights will be replaced with antique style fixtures.

Mr. Culter showed a plan of the lower floor with both the existing and proposed areas on it. There will be a restructuring of the lower floor and an improved entranceway will be created for easier access to the upper floor. Mr. Cutler said that there will also be a drive-up book return that will only be available for use when the Library is not open. The children’s room will be doubled in size. A second conference room and two individual study rooms will be added to the lower level. Mr. Cutler showed a plan of the upper floor expansion area. The Community Room will be enlarged with seating available for 149 instead of 99. The young adults’ area will also be expanded. Commissioner Gallagher asked if the Library has an elevator. Mr. Cutler showed where the existing elevator is located on the plan. He also showed the Commissioner’s elevation plans from Hopmeadow Street. Mr. Cutler said that the existing chimneys that now has vinyl siding will be changed to brick. He also said that the areas that they are creating in the Library where large windows are going to be located overlooking Hopmeadow Street, will be public


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reading areas. Mr. Cutler said that are refurbishing the existing air conditioning system and replacing all the existing exterior windows. Commissioner Gallagher asked if this is going to be phased construction. Mr. Cutler said no. A sprinkler system is also being added to the building.

Chairman Barney said that he is concerned from a public policy point of view. This is a major educational and cultural facility being proposed for expansion and no one from the Board of Education is at this meeting. He said that there are millions of dollars of educational facilities in town and hundreds of computers and rooms that are not used after 2:00. The public does not have access to use them for programs similar to what the Library now is taking on. He feels that this is a waste of public resources.

Margaret C. Shanks, 2 Briarwood Drive, asked why a presentation has been done before the Public Hearing. Chairman Barney explained that they will get to the public hearing after the commissioners finish asking their questions. She said that she has attended other meetings for this project and has seen Board of Education people at those meetings who seem to be supporting the project.

Chairman Barney said that he would think that the Library Board and the Board of Education would be hand in glove on this project. His concern is the efficiency of the use of the facilities and he has spoke with Dave Blume on this. There should be school space available for public meetings whose computers should be accessible. Ms. Glew said that she does not feel that the Library Board or Library staff should be posed questions that should be answered by the Board of Education. Chairman Barney asked if she or anyone in your groups approached the Board of Education to coordinate the intended plan with what they have done or are doing. Ms. Glew said that the Library is not part of the Board of Education, but the Board of Education has been present at their meetings.

David Blume, 11 Musket Trail, said that this kind of discussion has taken place. He said that there are programs that are shared together by the Board of Education and the Library Board. The most noted one would be in Tariffville where the Library runs the summer program within the school. Mr. Blume said that Chairman Barney does raise an excellent point and that is for all citizens to look at all our facilities and how they are used. Mr. Blume said that for this particular project the books and materials that the schools have are typically not appropriate for the patrons of the Library as they are not what they would use. He said that he has seen a close working relationship between the Library and the Board of Education.

Chairman Barney asked Ms. Bullock about the needs assessment and if they inventory the materials on the shelf to see how often materials are borrowed. Ms. Bullock said that they have a weeding policy. She said that they try not to have things aged beyond three or five years. It also depends on the type of material on long they are on the shelf. They have guidelines to follow. The staff weeds about 7,000 to 12,000 items per year and they try to replace this with new material. Chairman Barney asked what is done with the material that is weeded out. Ms. Glew said that this goes to the Friends of the Library book sale.

Commissioner Donofrio asked if any traffic studies have been done. Mr. Sawitzke said that there have been a number of studies done on the roadway itself. The project for Rte 167/10 has taken this driveway into account and does not anticipate any problems. Commissioner Delehanty asked if the Library was going to remain open during the course of the renovations. Ms. Bullock said that they will run a Library in Town, but it has not been determined where.

Chairman Barney opened the public hearing to public comment.

John Hampton, 25 Pilfershire Lane, member of the Board of Selectmen. He said how in the early part of our nation’s history people would gather at the town green to meet, etc. The modern town green has become the public Library and it is a community treasure in Simsbury. Mr. Hampton praised Ms. Bullock, the Board of Directors, and the Friends of the Library. He said that we need to prepare ourselves for the future. He said that the current Library has space and safety issues. Mr. Hampton said that he supports the application as a citizen and as a Selectman.

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Margaret C. Shanks, 2 Briarwood Drive, said that she finds it difficult to look at the Library as she was part of building it and this was not the Library she had wanted to build. She said that what excites her about tonight’s presentation is that this proposal brings the Library more into keeping with what she had envisioned for the Center. It is an enhancement for the Simsbury Center over the current façade. She has been amazed by the involvement of the residents in the Library and how much they enjoy it. She hopes this project can be moved forward.

Carol Bingham, 341 West Mountain Road, said that she is a past PTO President at Squadron Line School. She said that the schools are heavily used after school hours with clubs, after school care, boy and girl scouts, etc. Tutoring should be done at the Library. Some functions cannot be done at the school.

Sara Floroski, Wolcott Woods Drive, Executive Director of the Simsbury Main Street Partnership, said that the Library is an invaluable asset. She said that if you look at the Library as a business, it provides more foot traffic and provides more products and services than most of the Main Street businesses combined. People move to Simsbury because of the Library. Ms. Floroski said that the expansion and renovation to the Library is critical to the success of downtown and center. She said that the Main Street Partnership Board supports the renovation and expansion to the Library.

Ann Marie Miller, 2 Davey Street, Attorney, said that the Commission has to hear two things that everyone has said tonight. There are not any sprinklers in the Library full of paper and if there is a fire no one is going to care about thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars worth of the Town’s property. Also, when you do not comply with the ADA you are violating federal law.

Kathy Miller, 21 Old Barge Road, President of the Friends of Simsbury Public Library. She said that she is speaking on behalf of the membership of the Friends. They have over 900 members, have been in operation since 1971 and have a long and consistent record with supporting the Library. She said that she is also a past PTO President. Ms. Miller said that she has seen changes over the years since the Library opened in how the Library is used and how it interacts with the schools. Since early literacy programs and other programs have changed and also under the direction of Ms. Bullock there has been outreach to the Library and outreach from the school libraries to the Library. A lot of what the Library does is education, but it is a different kind of education and is not duplicating what the schools do. The Library and schools are working together to benefit the citizens. The Library should remain in the center of town.

Bill Gardner, 53 High Ridge Road, said that twenty years ago he was Chairman of the Public Building Committee when the Library was built. At that time they did what they did as that was the only money that was available to them. It was a good Library for the Town at that time, but not now. We now need a better Library and he strongly encourages that the proposed Library goes ahead and that it gets done right.

James Miller, 2 Davey Street, Head of Adult Services at the Simsbury Public Library addressed a few of the Libraries mission questions. The Board seems to think that they are taking on some things that are not necessarily in their purview or that constitute an efficient use of Town resources. He said that there is really no difference between a traditional paper Library and an Internet Library. The format that the information comes in is becoming irrelevant. It is more about finding the information that you need, and that is only getting more difficult. With the advent of Amazon.com, the number of books in print in English has gone up (not even counting the Internet) to 75,000,000 – 125,000,000. He said that Google.com estimates that the number of web pages that are searchable and indexed at between 8-10 billion pages. The Internet has not made things any easier. It has given us a great deal of potential, but has actually made things a great deal more difficult. Some of the teachers at the High School and Junior High School say that the students are finding things from the Internet for their papers that is not accurate or reliable. Mr. Miller said that prior to the Internet we had a vale of publication to go through before a book was published. Because someone took a financial risk on it, you could be sure that the information in the book was good. Publishing on the
Internet is very low cost or free and there is a lot of garbage out there. Mr. Miller said that they would like to build a computer lab inside the Library. He said that they are not adding a computer lab to teach people how to use email,

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but it is a skill people need. The main reason they are adding it is because people need to be able to search for all the information that is out there. The Internet is large and when you add that to the large selection of books and information that is already out there it makes their mission not just necessarily about books, but also providing people access to all information that they need. The mission, purpose and execution of the Library has not changed over the years since Libraries were first formed, they just need new tools. They are asking the Commission to provide the tools that they need.

Vinod Gadhia, 24 Tim Clark Circle, said that he is supporting the expansion of the Simsbury Library. He has lived here for 26 years and one of the reasons they moved to Simsbury was the education system. He is proud that his children benefited from it. The Library is a reflection and supplement to the education system. The Library in the center of town is a good location. You cannot do anything less but to expand the Library.

David Blume, 11 Musket Trail, said that to the senior citizens of Simsbury the Library is essential to their daily lives. They will be voting for this Library expansion.

Jerry Lintner, 22 Massaco Street, expressed concern about senior citizens who made Simsbury such a great place, but now cannot afford to live here. This was not a bedroom community back in the 1950’s; people of different ages daily saw each other. People today who still work have that type of interaction contact. The Library today is the civic center where people of all ages are there for a common cause and that is to learn something you did not know before. The Library tries to keep people in touch with people. Your Library reflects and builds your community. It is great that it is in the center.

Gail Ryan, 20 Westledge Road, member of the Library Board. She is a School Librarian and recognizes how important a Library is. It is a key component and very important for a town center. They have worked for over eight years to bring forth a responsible plan to provide for the Library for the next 20 years. A public library cannot be part of a school. People use Libraries very differently than they used to and spend a great deal more time in the Library. They use reference books and the electronic resources. There are databases at the Library that are not in the schools. The Library has become a real town center. She said that its use has changed over the years and the citizens deserve to have a Library that they can be proud of. She asked that the Library expansion go forward.

Chairman Barney said that he feels his points are something worthy of consideration. He understands that the Library of today serves a different function, but there is still room for parents to read to their children at home. We tend to build building on top of building and not look to cooperative use of space. Chairman Barney said that this is a huge problem for both private and public facilities. He asked what the alternatives are, and is there a mutual aid kind of usage. He also urged those working for the Library Board to look at the Board of Education for facilities because the public has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in those facilities.

Chairman Barney closed the Public Hearing.

IV.     PRESENTATION(s)

a.      Application of Thomas E. Vincent, First Selectman, Town of Simsbury – Owner, Dale H. Cutler, Kenyon & Cutler, Agent, for a Site Plan Amendment for renovations and additions on property at the Simsbury Library, 725 Hopmeadow Street.

Presented with the Special Exception (Item IIIb).

b.      Application of Thomas E. Vincent, First selectman, Town of Simsbury – Owner, Gerard G. Toner, Director – Parks & Recreation, Agent, for a Site Plan Amendment for the addition of a soccer kickboard at Curtiss Park, 61 Tariffville Road.


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Gerard Toner, Director Parks & Recreation, spoke on behalf of this application. He said that he is submitting the application of Joseph Amarante, Eagle Scout, as Mr. Amarante is away on vacation. Also, with Mr. Toner was Tom Hayden, Vice President of the Simsbury Soccer Club. Mr. Amarante, as part of his Eagle Scout requirement, would like to construct a soccer kickboard on Field “E” at Curtiss Park. Mr. Hayden showed the Commissioners a picture of where the soccer kickboard would be located.

Tom Hayden, 24 Musket Trail, Vice President Simsbury Soccer Club. He said that Joe Amarante is working on his Eagle Scout project. Joe contacted Mr. Toner to see what might be needed and Gerry suggested a soccer kickboard and decided that it would get its most use at Curtiss Park. It will be on the river side of the road. The kickboard is 8-feet tall and 24-feet wide. Joe Amarante is doing fund raising to get the money for it and the Soccer Club has come up with some seed money so he could get started.

Commissioner Gallagher asked if this was four-feet off of the ground. Mr. Hayden said in ground. Commissioner Donofrio asked how this would be maintained in the future. Mr. Hayden said that the club will take an interest in it.

Chairman Barney asked Mr. Toner and Mr. Hayden to thank the applicant for his civic interest and energies.

V.      DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE

a.      Application of James W. Gallagher, Owner, Michael Gallagher, Agent, for a Special Exception for a Change of Use to allow for an auto repair service pursuant to Article Seven, Section J.b of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations on property located at 8 Herman Drive. (continued from April 3, 2006 meeting).

No motion made.

b.      Application of Thomas E. Vincent, First Selectman, Town of Simsbury – Owner, Dale H. Cutler, Kenyon & Cutler, Agent, for a Special Exception for renovations and additions on property at the Simsbury Library, 725 Hopmeadow Street.

Mr. Beach said that they need two votes (one for Special Exception and one for Site Plan Amendment) for this application. The Special Exception is because in the regulations municipal buildings are approved by Special Exception.

Chairman Barney said that there is nothing in their application materials regarding the removal of plantings in the parking lot. Mr. Cutler said that this is listed in the Simsbury Center Zone requirements.

Commissioner Popik said that as Chairman of the Simsbury Beautification Committee one of the things that they do is supplement to a large extent the work that the Towns people do around public buildings. This includes weeding, pruning, etc. at the Library. She said that there is a huge amount of work to be done at the Library and their volunteers already cannot keep up with the work. If you add those landscaped areas to the upper back parking lot, it will be an eyesore within a year because they do not have enough people to keep up with it.

Commissioner Delehanty noted that there are specific requirements that should be met before granting a Special Exception. They have been met in this case. They are under Article Five, Section J and Article Seven, Section C.10.

        Commissioner Delehanty moved to approve as submitted, with a waiver of the landscape island requirement for every ten parking spaces in the upper parking area, the Application of Thomas E. Vincent, First Selectman, Town of Simsbury – Owner, Dale H. Cutler, Kenyon & Cutler, Agent, for a Special Exception for renovations and additions on property at the Simsbury Library, 725 Hopmeadow Street. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Askham and passed unanimously.


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c.      Application of Thomas E. Vincent, First Selectman, Town of Simsbury – Owner, Dale H. Cutler, Kenyon & Cutler, Agent, for a Site Plan Amendment for renovations and additions on property at the Simsbury Library, 725 Hopmeadow Street.

        Commissioner Askham moved to approve the application of Thomas E. Vincent, First Selectman, Town of Simsbury – Owner, Dale H. Cutler, Kenyon & Cutler, Agent, for a Site Plan Amendment for renovations and additions on property at the Simsbury Library, 725 Hopmeadow Street. The application was seconded by Commissioner Popik and passed unanimously.

d.      Application of Thomas E. Vincent, First selectman, Town of Simsbury – Owner, Gerard G. Toner, Director – Parks & Recreation, Agent, for a Site Plan Amendment for the addition of a soccer kickboard at Curtiss Park, 61 Tariffville Road.

        Commissioner Gallagher moved to approve the application of Thomas E. Vincent, First selectman, Town of Simsbury – Owner, Gerard G. Toner, Director – Parks & Recreation, Agent, for a Site Plan Amendment for the addition of a soccer kickboard at Curtiss Park, 61 Tariffville Road. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Delehanty and passed unanimously.

VI.     APPROVAL OF MINUTES of April 3, 2006

Commissioner Donofrio moved to approve the Minutes of April 3, 2006. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Delehanty and passed unanimously.

VII.    STAFF REPORT(s)

a.      Report from Zoning Enforcement Officer, Howard Beach

Mr. Beach and the Commissioners discussed various items on his report.

VIII.   COMMUNICATION(s)

Chairman Barney read into the record a letter from Michael J. Bradley stating his resignation from the Simsbury Zoning Commission. The letter was addressed to Carolyn Keily, Town Clerk, and dated April 17, 2006. (ATTACHMENT I)

Chairman Barney read into the record a statement from Michael Bradley on resigning from the Zoning Commission dated April 17, 2006. (ATTACHMENT II)

Commissioner Askham said that she is disturbed and saddened by Mike Bradley’s decision. In her fourteen years serving on this Commission with Mike Bradley as Chairman, he was nothing but an upstanding, honest and confident leader with what she thought was truly a vision for this community. She felt that he was a tremendous protector of this Town. This is a very sad day for this community.

Commissioner Askham moved to elect Austin D. Barney as Chairman of the Simsbury Zoning Commission. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gallagher and passed unanimously.

Commissioner Askham moved to elect Garrett Delehanty as Secretary of the Simsbury Zoning Commission. The motion was seconded Commissioner Gallagher and passed unanimously.




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IX.     ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Delehanty moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:02 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gallagher and passed unanimously.









________________________________
Garrett J. Delehanty, Jr., Secretary














 
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