Planning Commission Minutes 10/27/2014 SPECIAL MEETING

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES

OCTOBER 27, 2014

SPECIAL MEETING

I.          CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Ferg Jansen called the special meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices and thanked SCTV for filiming.  The following members were present:  Alan Needham, William Rice, 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

A quorum was present and no alternates were seated.

III.       DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

a.         CGS 8-24 referral from Board of Selectmen to Planning Commission regarding the purchase of property located at 1 Old Bridge Road

The Commissioners discussed information provided at the last meeting and Staff's 10/23/2014 memorandum, and felt that increasing access to the river would be a plus and expressed appreciation for the comprehensive information provided.  Commissioner Rice noted for the record that while he was not present at the last Planning Commission meeting, he has read the minutes and viewed the video and is up-to-date on the referral.  In addition to reading all the documents, the Chairman also walked the property with the Town Engineer and believed the referral to be an opportunity that should not be passed up.  Town Staff clarified with the Commissioners for the record that everything in the 10/23/2014 memo be included as part of the motion.

Commissioner Needham made a motion to endorse this project as it relates to the POCD and the items cited by Hiram Peck's 10/23/2014 attached memo; it follows the POCD and the Commission supports this opportunity.

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

b.         CGS 8-24 referral from First Selectman to Planning Commission regarding the license agreement for 8 Firetown Road, owned by John P. Salvatore and Anne Marie Grella

Town Staff reviewed this request was made by the property owner in the process of selling a lot.  The lending institution required clarification of the portion of the property where the driveway crosses over the access way to Belden Woods; that has existed as a license agreement since 1971.  However, the new owner and lending institution noted that the Town could revoke that 1917 license at any time and believed that was not a good idea.  With no proposed change to the location or grading, it simply provides the owner access over a short distance to their garage located on their property.  Town Staff indicated there is no damage to the Town and recommended approval by the Commission in order for the sale to go through.  The Commissioners noted this has been a problematic parcel for some time.  Town Staff added that part of the recommendation is normal acceptance by the Town of a drainage easement with final wording approved by the Town Attorney.

Commissioner Rice made a motion for a positive referral to CGS 8-24 related to 8 Firetown Road, subject to final approval by the Town Attorney.

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

The First Selectman thanked the Commissioners for holding this special meeting to expedite the two referrals and indicated that as the Hudson property moves forward, the Commission will continue to be involved, especially regarding FEMA regulations and available grants. 

IV.       ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Kulakowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:10 p.m. 

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

_____________________________

Mark Drake, Secretary