Planning Commission Minutes 04/09/2013 ADOPTED

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
APRIL 9, 2013
REGULAR MEETING

I. CALL TO ORDER

Michael R. Paine, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices.  The following members were present:  Ferg Jansen, William Rice, Tina E. Hallenbeck, Mark Drake, and Robert Kulakowski.  Also in attendance were: Hiram Peck, Director of Planning; Janis Prifti, Commission Clerk; and other interested parties.

II. SEATING OF ALTERNATES AS NECESSARY

Chairman Paine requested Commissioner Lungarini step down and seated Commissioner Kulakowski.

III. PUBLIC HEARING(s)

a. Application #13-03 of Andrew Quirk, PE, of Kratzert, Jones & Assoc. Inc., Agent for Joel and Marilyn Sevick, Owners, requesting a re-subdivision of property located at 46 Hildurcrest Drive (Map C17, Block 404, Lot 010) to allow for the creation of 5 lots. Zone R40.

Chairman Paine read the Application into the record and opened the Public Hearing.  However, Mr. Peck explained that under the statutes no statements will be taken at this Public Hearing as the Applicant is working out issues and details regarding the neighbors’ concerns and has requested a continuance to the next meeting on 4/23/13.  He said this does not encroach on the requirement the Hearing be completed within 30 days, and even if it did, the Applicant could request an extension.  Mr. Peck has indicated to public callers that the Commission will grant this continuance and noted the Commission may decide to walk the property before 4/23/13.  He clarified if the Commission decides to walk the property and neighbors decide to walk with them, then the property owner must agree; however, the public cannot talk to Commissioners during that walk, as any questions the Commission take must be in the public record; but questions can be addressed to Town Staff on the walk.  Chairman Paine asked if everyone in the audience understood, as the Commission wants to be respectful of everyone's time; there were no questions.

Commissioner Drake joined the meeting at 7:10 p.m. and Chairman Paine reviewed the proceedings to that point.  Chairman Paine suggested a site walk on Saturday, 4/20/13, at 9 a.m.  Commissioner Jansen was not available at that time.  A representative (Ed Ferrigno?) of the property owner will be available at that time and accompany the group.  Mr. Peck will confirm whether the property owner agrees to that time and date, and if members of the public can be on the walk, and also whether some stakes can be put down indicating the road center line and for some different lots to provide an idea of the scope.

Commissioner Kulakowski made a motion to continue the Public Hearing to April 23, 2013, at 7 p.m. at the same location.

Commissioner Rice seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

A member of public audience asked if documents will be available for review during the day at the Town Hall and was also told to call Mr. Peck to confirm the site walk.  Mr. Peck noted that sometimes, if a property owner declines to allow the public on a site walk, the Commissioners may decline to go, but he anticipated that would not occur.  Due to scheduling conflicts, Commissioners Drake and Jansen will coordinate a separate site walk this week and confirm with Mr. Peck.

IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS

a. Status of Marketing and Village District Studies

Mr. Peck said the Marketing Study is underway, a consultant has been retained, and contract signed for the Marketing and Village Studies.  He said they are interviewing those consultants for the kickoff meeting on April 18th, if Commissioners wish to sit in, although it will mostly be a procedural meeting to discuss the process for each.  He said both studies will be wrapped up by June 30th and will move quickly; the Marketing Study will talk about business improvements to businesses all over Town; the Village District Study will focus on 1 or 2 areas, because of the amount of money available.  He said Weatogue is the primary area and at the meeting will determine if the study can be stretched to any other area. 

Mr. Peck said a study will soon be underway regarding The Hartford property and believes it will be a very public and transparent process for how the 172+ acres can be used in the future.  He said whether the current building remains is a concern; property taxes paid to the Town are over $1 Million.  He said this is a great opportunity, with The Hartford funding the process and the involvement of Town Commissions and the public to completely rethink the use of a Town business area.  He said it is an exciting process and the request for qualifications will probably be out by the end of this week after review by the Town Attorney, with responses received by April 30th in order to move forward in June/July.  Chairman Paine stated that he represented the Planning Commission at the discussion and that care must be taken to not have too many Commission members present or it becomes a noticed meeting.  He said The Hartford has been very gracious and a meeting may be held on their property to give people an idea of the scope; the 170+ acres includes the field across the street from Tennis House up to River Walk.  Commissioner Drake noted the property was subdivided last year; Mr. Peck said that technically it is a separate area that could be handled another way.  The Commissioners noted that a facility in Middletown was demolished.  Mr. Peck said this represents an opportunity for the Town to develop a plan with The Hartford.  The Commissioners noted that The Hartford is trying to be a good neighbor with a lot transpiring in only two weeks and welcomed being part of the process.

V. COMMUNICATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS

Regarding the Big Y project, Mr. Peck said they are still waiting for the State Traffic Commission, which is looking at turning lane radii and a lot of technical aspects.  He said Big Y's original plan was if they began early enough in the Spring, they would be open in October, but that is likely delayed somewhat.  However, he believes they are close to finishing and moving forward.

VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of March 26, 2013

On Line 179, following "7:50 p.m." the words "because Ferg Jansen joined the meeting." were added.

On Line 270, "..." was replaced by the words "Transit Conference".

On Line 285, "they are" is replaced by the words "the Town is".

Commissioner Rice made a motion to approve the March 26, 2013, Meeting Minutes as amended. 

Commissioner Jansen seconded the motion, and it was passed with Commissioner Drake abstaining.

VII. ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Jansen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m.  Commissioner Kulakowski seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

_____________________________
Michael R. Paine, Chairman