Planning Commission Minutes 10/22/2013 ADOPTED

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
OCTOBER 22, 2013
REGULAR MEETING

I. CALL TO ORDER

Michael R. Paine, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices.  The following members were present:  Ferg Jansen, Richard Cortes, William Rice, Robert Kulakowski, and Mark Drake.  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 appointed Commissioner Kulakowski to serve for Tina Hallenbeck and Commissioner Cortes to serve for Kevin Prell.

III. FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE VOTE TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL:

a. Capitol Region Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Update 2013 - 2018, Executive Summary

The Town Engineer represented the Town at the CCROG sessions on this Plan Update.  Some parts pertain to land use and others to emergency services and public works items.  The primary focus for land use consideration are Mitigation Actions, specifically Objective 1 on Page 9, recommending improving storm water management and groundwater recharge through the region to prevent increased flooding and lessen the effects of drought.  While these are not regulations or binding laws, specific foundational actions are recommended.  First, to encourage all municipalities in the region to adopt regulations that incorporate UFERTA ?recommended practices, storm water quality, and LID techniques.  The LID Study done a couple of years ago continues to get good reviews in and out-of-state substantiating regional efforts and scope.  Second, to encourage development that is in harmony with natural drainage systems, which includes subdivisions or larger developments in Town.  Third, to foster improved understanding of the importance of stream management, which is primarily handled by the Wetlands Agency.  Fourth, to continue participation with other regional agencies in-State, and with Massachusetts and New York.  While a 2008 version of this document did not have Commission support, this Plan Update now includes LID and a statement of Commission general support is requested.  When a developer meets with the Town, Zoning and Subdivision Regulations are reviewed and the LID storm water plan and checklist for other areas of Town are provided in order to be more encompassing and potentially prevent storm water site runoff.  It may be desirable to put more emphasis on this area in the 2016-17 POCD.

Commissioner Rice made a motion to express general support for the Capitol Region Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Update 2013 - 2018 with primary emphasis on "Objective 1" on Page 9, regarding storm water management and ground water recharge.

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

IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS

a. Discussion on Planning Commission Rules and Procedures

A copy of Rules and Procedures in Section I.C. calls for election of officers to be noticed on 2 successive agendas prior to a vote at the 2nd meeting.  A Commissioner can participate by phone in the meeting as long as they are able to hear/speak.  The Commissioners were provided a copy of the Official List of members from the Town with Term Expiration dates.

b. Discussion on proposed policy for Route 10 light post banners

The Commissioners were provided copies of a letter to the First Selectmen dated 10/7/13 and a draft policy regarding Rte. 10 light post banners.  There is intense competition for light post banners and significant Staff time is expended in the permitting process and to put the banners up.  Currently, requests for light pole banners on Hopmeadow are about a year out.  The banners on Hopmeadow are in the State right of way and DOT primarily determines what is allowed on the banners.  The 19 light pole banners were originally donated by the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of allowing advertising of Parks and Rec, Simsbury Celebrates, etc.  Over time competition from other entities has increased and a policy is being developed to be fair and clear, to define what organizations can use them, when, for how long, and what kind of advertising will be approved by DOT.  Eligible organizations may be not-for-profit and based in Simsbury, but more thought is needed about what is a Town-sponsored event.  Comments were requested from the Commissioners to facilitate more discussion and definition.  It was noted the over-the-road banner general policy is 2 weeks providing 52 opportunities.  A suggestion was to limit pole banners from First Night's location, remove 10 and put them on Hopmeadow with PAC control, rather than the Town having this expense; however, too much clutter is not desirable.  The income producing alternative of Iron Horse pole sponsorships was suggested. 

The Commissioners agreed that having banners up for 12 weeks is too long, and rotation of signs on a one or two-month basis could be better and help maintain the public's interest.   It was suggested that all 19 banners do not need to be used by one entity and could be broken up for use by different entities with varied timeframes.  It was also commented that some sidewalk pole banners are low enough to be a potential safety hazard to bicyclists.  It is believed the banners benefit the Town economically.   The draft banner policy will be on the next meeting's Agenda for further discussion.

V. COMMUNICATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS

An advisory copy of Petition No. 1077 for a cell phone tower modification was received from the Connecticut Siting Council.  No action is required.

VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF October 8, 2013

On Line 30, the word "Richmand" is corrected to "Richman".

Commissioner Rice made a motion to approve the October 8, 2013, Meeting Minutes as amended.  Commissioner Kulakowski seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

The Marketing Study was presented on 10/16/13 with a focus on smaller, high-quality firms and is available on the Town website.

Regarding the Hartford Charrette, the Town continues working with the consultant and CBRE to develop a Zoning framework, a draft of which should be available in 7 days.  The Hartford is very happy with the process and is working to find purchasers.  The parcel would be eligible for PAD and the form-based code should provide some ideas and guidance with more detail defined when a firm is identified.  Within certain parameters, it is proposed that zoning could be adjusted to fit the site.  They want to make sure what goes there is good for the Town and are working closely with The Hartford to benefit everyone.  As an example, a letter was sent by the Town to the Department of Economic Community Development (DECD) suggesting using The Hartford project to create a certified sites program for the State.   This would create the opportunity to get DEEP, DOT, and DECD permitting agencies on board at the beginning to move the project forward and promote economic development; they have also requested a point person be appointed from DECD to assure rapid response as issues arise.  A response has not been received from DECD to date.

VI. ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Jansen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m.  Commissioner Cortes seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

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