Planning Commission Minutes 11/12/2013 ADOPTED
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 12, 2013
REGULAR MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
The following members were present: Ferg Jansen, William Rice, Robert Kulakowski, Kevin Prell, and Mark Drake. The Commissioners voted to appoint Ferg Jansen Acting Chairman. Chairman Jansen called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Also in attendance were Janis Prifti, Commission Clerk, and other interested parties.
II. SEATING OF ALTERNATES AS NECESSARY
Chairman Jansen appointed Commissioner Kulakowski to serve for Michael R. Paine.
III. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion of Proposed Meeting Schedule for 2014
Commissioner Rice made a motion to approve the Proposed Regular Meeting Dates for 2014 as indicated on the handout.
Commissioner Kulakowski seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
b. Discussion on proposed policy for Route 10 light post banners
The Commissioners discussed both the 10/7/13 letter provided by Public Works to the 1st Selectman, and the Town Draft Policy. The discussion was primarily about light post banners on Rte. 10 and issues for the Town of scheduling and fees for installing/removing the banners. The length of time banners are allowed to be up could be shortened to 20-90 days with any nonprofit allowed to use the light poles. The Draft Policy and liability issues for the Town will be considered further by the Selectmen prior to Policy approval. It was noted the State, under its right of way, controls what goes on the light pole banners on Rte. 10 and does not allow advertising and logos. But the Town controls the light poles and banners placed on Iron Horse.
The Commissioners would like Town Staff to inquire why State approval is required every time for the same type of banner at the same height, as it represents a lot of work for each applicant; could a one-time approval of banner specifics be established by the State and a consistent policy implemented. Topics discussed included: tasteful advertising of various nonprofit events and major events sponsored by entities such as Ensign Bickford, Westminster School, and the upcoming hockey tournament. The gatekeeper could be defined as Town-sponsored events. If the North Village would like to have banners on their light poles, that is another opportunity to be considered; it was proposed the policy should be consistent across the Town. The Commissioners would like further discussion of this topic on next meeting's Agenda.
IV. COMMUNICATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
None.
V. ELECTION OF OFFICERS (1st NOTICE)
It was noted this is the 1st Notice of Elections with elections to be held at the next meeting. Due to new Commissioners being sworn in on 12/4/13, the Commissioners discussed an appropriate 2nd meeting date for electing new leadership. Town Staff was to be contacted to reconfirm the specific requirements for holding a special meeting before 12/4/13 and outside of the Thanksgiving holiday, including by teleconference. It was noted the Chairman and Secretary are to be elected from full-time members by at least 4 Commission members; and alternates and nominees can vote.
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF October 22, 2013
On Line 27, it was reconfirmed that the Town Engineer represented the Town at CCROG sessions for the Capital Region Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Update 2013 -2018, Executive Summary.
On Line 70, the word "Chamber" is revised to "Simsbury Chamber of Commerce".
Although not on the 10/22/13 Meeting Agenda, it was noted Town status updates were provided for the Marketing Study and Hartford Charrette on Lines 104-119.
Commissioner Drake made a motion to approve the October 22, 2013, Meeting Minutes as amended. Commissioner Kulakowski seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Kulakowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m. Commissioner Prell seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
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