Zoning Commission Minutes 03/02/2015

ZONING COMMISSION - REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 PM

MINUTES – SUBJECT TO VOTE OF APPROVAL
MARCH 2, 2015

I.  CALL TO ORDER
 

Commissioner Robert Pomeroy called the regular meeting for the Zoning Commission to order at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, March 2, 2015 in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices located at 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT. The following members were present: Kevin Gray, Derek Peterson and Jackie Battos. Others in attendance included Hiram Peck, Director of Planning and other interested parties.

II. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES

Commissioner Pomeroy appointed Commissioner Battos for Commissioner Post.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Approval of minutes from February 23, 2015 was deferred until next regularly scheduled meeting. The minutes were not distributed to the Commissioners.

IV. PUBLIC HEARING

1.  Application #15-04 of James Eder, Agent; Folly Farm Associates, Owner; for a Special Exception pursuant to Article Ten, Section H, of the Town of Simsbury Zoning Regulations for a temporary liquor permit for a one-day event on the property located at 75 Hartford Road (Assessor’s Map G15, Block 110, Lot 012). Zone R-40. (received 02/02/2015; public hearing must open by 04/08/2015.)

Ms. Barbara Foley of 1000 Farmington Avenue, Suite 108 A, West Hartford is requesting a liquor permit for the seventh annual Kentucky Derby fundraiser held at Foley Farm. The fundraiser is a one-day event to benefit pancreatic cancer.

Commissioner Peterson moved to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gray and was unanimously approved.

2.  Application #15-05 of David Ryan, President of Simsbury Performing Arts Center, Inc., Agent; Town of Simsbury, Owner; for a Special Exception pursuant to Article Ten, Section H, of the Town of Simsbury Zoning Regulations for a temporary liquor permit for a series of events on the property located at 22 Iron Horse Boulevard (Assessor’s Map H09, Block 226, Lots 003A and 004). Zones SC-3 and SC-4. (received 03/02/2015; public hearing must open by 05/06/2015.)

Mr. Ferg Jansen of 3 Fox Den is requesting permission to serve beer and wine by tips-trained employees for concerts held at the Meadows. The season runs from May 1 through October 31.  A public outing license has already been obtained from the police and fire marshal.

Mr. Jansen answered Commissioner Pomeroy’s questions indicating that the request for the liquor permit includes the Talcott Mountain Music Festival.  He added that BYOB is still permitted except at promoter sponsored events.  

Commissioner Peterson moved to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gray and was unanimously approved.

V. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ANY AGENDA ITEM:

1. Commissioner Gray moved to approve Application #15-04 of James Eder, Agent; Folly Farm Associates, Owner; for a Special Exception pursuant to Article Ten, Section H, of the Town of Simsbury Zoning Regulations for a temporary liquor permit for a one-day event on the property located at 75 Hartford Road (Assessor’s Map G15, Block 110, Lot 012). Zone R-40. (received 02/02/2015; public hearing must open by 04/08/2015.) The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pomeroy and was unanimously approved.

2. Commissioner Gray moved to approve Application #15-05 of David Ryan, President of Simsbury Performing Arts Center, Inc., Agent; Town of Simsbury, Owner; for a Special Exception pursuant to Article Ten, Section H, of the Town of Simsbury Zoning Regulations for a temporary liquor permit for a series of events on the property located at 22 Iron Horse Boulevard (Assessor’s Map H09, Block 226, Lots 003A and 004). Zones SC-3 and SC-4. (received 03/02/2015; public hearing must open by 05/06/2015.) The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peterson and was unanimously approved. Commissioner Pomeroy added to the motion that BYOB is permitted at the Talcott Mountain Music Festival but not for promoter sponsored events. Beer and wine will be sold at promoter sponsored events.

VI.    INFORMAL DISCUSSION

1. 80 Wolcott Road Redevelopment by Girard Brothers Corporation.

Mr. Michael Gerard, President of Girard Brothers Corporation and Simscroft-Echo Farms located on Farms Village Road in Simsbury is proposing a zone change from Industrial-1 to an Industrial-2 at 80 Wolcott Road. He would like to move his business and office from Iron Horse Boulevard to the proposed location.

Mr. Ed Lally of Ed Lally & Associates in Windsor described the landscaping, buildings and parking on the property.  The plan includes additional parking for the neighboring property. There is a possibility the neighboring property owners will purchase the proposed parking spaces.

Commissioner Peterson commented that their current location is well blocked by trees unlike the proposed location.  He added that dust and dirt could cause a problem with Simsbury Airport and neighboring businesses.  Commissioner Pomeroy suggested the applicant to discuss plans with the neighboring businesses prior to a public hearing.

Mr. Peck answered the question from the Commissioners regarding the difference between I-1 and I-2 zones.  He said that I-1 is primarily office buildings with a minimum of 10 acres. An I-2 zone allows the addition of contractor yards.

VII. DISCUSSION OF NEW AND ONGOING PROJECTS

Budget for FY 2015/2016:

One item proposed in the budget is completing the Weatogue study; the rest of the budget is standard.

2. Status of Agreement for Zoning Regulation revisions:

The agreement has been signed by the First Selectman and meetings will begin soon with the Commission and consultant. Mr. Peck suggested having the agreement written in plain language so that attorneys aren’t needed to interpret the regulations.

3. Others:

690 Hopmeadow Street (former Webster Bank building): Due to financing purposes, the applicant wants to begin the process of renovating the original building immediately prior to starting construction on new buildings.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Peterson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 P.M.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pomeroy and was unanimously approved.

Respectfully Submitted,

Irene Muench, Commissions Clerk