Planning Commission Minutes 11/26/2013 ADOPTED
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 26, 2013
REGULAR MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
Michael R. Paine, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. The following members were present: Ferg Jansen, Richard Cortes, Gary Lungarini, William Rice, Tina E. Hallenbeck, Kevin Prell, and Mark Drake. Also in attendance were Hiram Peck, Director of Planning, Janis Prifti, Commission Clerk, and other interested parties.
II. SEATING OF ALTERNATES
A quorum was present and no alternates were seated.
III. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DECISION:
a. Application of #13-05 of Attorney Thomas W. Fahey, Agent for Dorset Crossing, LLC, Owner, requesting reapproval of the re-subdivision of the property located at 1507 Hopmeadow Street (Map H04, Block 403, Lot 013A), 1515 Hopmeadow Street (Map I04, Block 403, Lot 013), and 1519 Hopmeadow Street (Map H04, Block 403, Lot 13B) as shown on the plan titled "Resubdivision Plan prepared for Dorset Crossing, LLC, Dorset Crossing Drive, Simsbury, Connecticut," dated 4-11-2012, revised 10-03-2013, for Lots A thru G, the roadways Dorset Crossing Drive and Casterbridge Crossing, and the reconfigured parcel resulting from the conveyances to CL&P from the Town of Simsbury and the Applicant. Zone PAD.
Application #13-05 was read into the record. The Applicant's Attorney provided a Certificate of Posting of the sign to the Town Planner. It was reviewed that a copy of this map was approved 4/11/2013 with Application #13-01, but the map was inadvertently not filed within 90 days; this hearing is to request reapproval of the map with no changes. All of the conditions imposed by the subdivision, including roads, utilities, etc. have been completed and signed off by Town Staff; deeds for the roads are being held in escrow by the Town Attorney. Following reapproval this evening, the Mylar will be provided for signature by Town Staff by Monday and recorded, as will the deeds for the roads. The Applicant will then move forward with the required utility and conservation easements and the contract buyers. They have some work left to do with the Zoning Commission at their 12/15/13 meeting to file the Master Plan. The DOT process extended over a year and is now completed, but the filing of the map unfortunately slipped by. Town Staff added that the Applicant has been very cooperative in working out the land swap and confirmed that there has been no change to the map and it needs to be reapproved and put on the land records. Town Staff reconfirmed that Application #13-05 is the same as the original Application #13-01. The published legal notice specifically stated Lots A-G, as well as the roads and the open space are included in the reapproval in order to meet loan requirements.
Commissioner Rice made a motion to reapprove the re-subdivision Application #13-05 with the same conditions set forth in the approval that was originally granted to the first Application for this re-subdivision, #13-01, making note of the last revision of the drawing being considered dated 10-03-2013, which is exactly the same in content as the original drawing signed 4-11-2012, for Lots A through G.
Commissioner Drake seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion of proposed policy for Route 10 light post banners
Town Staff reviewed that discussion centers around how long the light post banners should be up, how they should be designed, and who should pay the fees to put up and remove the banners. Putting the large banners over Hopmeadow is challenging and they are now scheduled a year out; the DOT process must be complied with each time, including insurance. The $250 fee applies to all of the 19 light posts on Hopmeadow. DOT primarily controls what the banners look like and what they say. The Commissioners discussed the need for users to be connected to groups in Town and limited to Town-sponsored events. It was believed the BOS last night accepted the draft policy as written. Regarding the Applications for banners over Hopmeadow, it is anticipated Planning will continue to coordinate those, while Parks and Rec will handle Iron Horse banners.
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
There were some additions to cell towers in Town that were received administratively.
Commissioner Jansen made a motion to amend the Agenda to take up the Meeting Minutes next.
Commissioner Rice seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of November 12, 2013
Commissioner Hallenbeck made a motion to approve the Planning Commission Minutes for November 12, 2013, as written.
Commissioner Rice seconded the motion, and it was passed with Commissioners Hallenbeck and Paine abstaining.
The Commissioners took a 5-minute recess to caucus at 7:23 p.m. and reconvened at 7:28 p.m.
VI. ELECTION OF OFFICERS (2nd NOTICE)
Commissioner Hallenbeck nominated Ferg Jansen as Chairman of the Planning Commission and Mark Drake as Secretary of the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Rice seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The Town Planner thanked the Commission for their work and expressed his pleasure in working with the members. On behalf of the full Commission, Commissioner Rice thanked Chairman Paine and Secretary Hallenbeck for their leadership over the past term and expressed that it was enjoyable working with all members of the Commission, and anticipated it will be similar with newly elected Chairman Jansen and Secretary Drake. Appreciation was expressed for the assistance and guidance of Town Staff. Chairman Paine thanked everyone and expressed his appreciation of discussions which focused on the best for the Town. Secretary Hallenbeck thanked everyone and expressed that it was a learning experience and pleasure working with the group.
Commissioner Jansen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Commissioner Prell seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
_____________________________
Mark Drake, Secretary