Zoning Commission Minutes 04/07/2014 ADOPTED

ZONING COMMISSION - REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 PM

ADOPTED MINUTES
APRIL 7, 2014

I.  CALL TO ORDER

Commissioner Robert Pomeroy called the regular meeting for the Zoning Commission to order at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, April 7, 2014 in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices located at 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT.  The following members were present: Gerald Post, Kevin Gray, Derek Peterson and Dave Ryan. Others in attendance included Hiram Peck, Director of Planning, and other interested parties.

II. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES

No alternates appointed

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Changes to the minutes from March 17, 2014 are as follows:

Line 50, delete the following text: “Commissioner Gray moved to approve”.

Line 54 and 55, delete the following text: “The motion was seconded by Commissioner Marecki and was unanimously approved.”

Line 129, change “Commissioner Gray” to “Commissioner Post”.

IV. CONSENT ITEMS

A.  Application #14- 16 of Tracy Becker, National Sign Corp., Applicant; Bank of America (FKA Fleet Bank, NA), Owner; for a sign permit for Bank of America on the property located at 740 Hopmeadow Street (Map G10, Block 227, Lot 003). Zone SC-1.

Mr. Peck commented that the sign is exactly the same size, shape and in the same location.

A.  Commissioner Pomeroy approved Application #14- 16 of Tracy Becker, National Sign Corp., Applicant; Bank of America (FKA Fleet Bank, NA), Owner; for a sign permit for Bank of America on the property located at 740 Hopmeadow Street (Map G10, Block 227, Lot 003). Zone SC-1. There were no objections made by The Commission.

V. PUBLIC HEARING(s)

1.  Application #14-07 of John D. Ritson, Applicant: RC Connectors, LLC, Owner, for a special exception pursuant to Article Ten, Section C.3j, of the Zoning Regulations for an additional sign, as well as a sign permit for King’s Ridge, on the property located at 144 Hopmeadow Street (Map F17, Block 154, Lot 008). Zone B-1.

Mr. John Ritson of RC Connectors, stated the purpose for an additional sign is to give the big building in the back of the property its own identity. He has received phone calls from people asking if the King’s Ridge apartments are above the law office. Mr. Ritson added that the sign will also help with marketing the apartments to prospective tenants. Although a temporary sign is currently displayed, the additional sign will be displayed in the location stated on the approved PAD.  Mr. Ritson added that lighting will not be included because he doesn’t like lighting.

1.  Commissioner Ryan moved to close the public hearing for application #14-07 of John D. Ritson. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pomeroy and was unanimously approved.

2.  Application #14-13 of James Eder, Applicant; Robert Patricelli, Folly Farms, Owner; for a special exception pursuant to Article Ten, Section H, of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations for a temporary liquor permit for an event on the property located at 75 Hartford Road (Map G16, Block 110, Lot 002). Zone R-80.

Ms. Barbara Foley, representing the Ron Foley Foundation, stated that Mr. Patricelli has permitted the Ron Foley Foundation to hold its annual fundraiser “Ron’s Run for the Roses” on the Folly Farm property for the past 4 years. The event raises money and awareness for pancreatic cancer. Ms. Foley is asking for a temporary liquor permit for the event.

2.  Commissioner Post moved to close the public hearing for application #14-13 of James Eder. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pomeroy and was unanimously approved.

1. Commissioner Post moved to approve Application #14-07 of John D. Ritson, Applicant; RC Connectors, LLC, Owner; for a special exception pursuant to Article Ten, Section C.3j, of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations for an additional sign, as well as a sign permit for King’s Ridge, on the property located at 144 Hopmeadow Street (Map F17, Block 154, Lot 008). Zone B-1. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gray and was unanimously approved.

2. Commissioner Gray moved to approve Application #14-13 of James Eder, Applicant; Robert Patricelli, Folly Farms, Owner; for a special exception pursuant to Article Ten, Section H, of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations for a temporary liquor permit for an event on the property located at 75 Hartford Road (Map G16, Block 110, Lot 002). Zone R-80. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peterson and was unanimously approved.

VI. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ANY AGENDA ITEM, INCLUDING:

Commissioner Pomeroy amended the agenda to begin with the fourth item.

4. Discussion and approval of final letter from Powder Forest PAD.

Mr. Pomeroy stated that he agrees with the language of the letter. For the record, Mr. Pomeroy added that the Commission accepts the form of the approval letter from the previous meeting.

4. Commissioner Gray moved to approve the final letter for Powder Forest PAD. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peterson and was unanimously approved.

1.  Application #14-11 of Robert Bolduc, Advisor, Pride, Applicant; Pride Limited Partnership, Owner for a Site Plan Amendment for a gas station on the property located at 518 Hopmeadow Street (Map G13, Block 132, Lot 023). Zone B-2.

2.  Application #14-12 of Robert Bolduc, Advisor, Pride, Applicant; Pride Limited Partnership, Owner for a Site Plan Amendment for a gas station on the property located at 1340 Hopmeadow Street (Map 105, Block 439, Lot 004K). Zone B-2.

Mr. Robert Bolduc, Founder of Pride, gave a detailed presentation of the changes to each property, which includes; safety systems technology, location of tanks, interior/exterior building design, lighting and landscaping. Mr. Bolduc described the computer system that will monitor the fluid in and around the tanks. He stated that the system is equipped with sensors and alarms and includes a history log that can never be erased. To prevent contamination, Mr. Bolduc described the design properties of the liner which will be placed around the tanks and piping. The liner will add a third level of protection. In addition, he stated that the pipes are made of fiberglass to prevent corrosion. During the removal of the tanks, Mr. Bolduc stated that the DEP, Fire Chief, and Pride’s own Environmental Compliance Consultant will be at the property. Mr. Bolduc assured the Commission that any contaminated soil will be removed.

Mr. Bolduc described the retaining wall he is adding to the 518 Hopmeadow Street property. Mr. Bolduc will also install a six-foot white fence at the same property as requested by the neighbors.

1.  Commissioner Ryan moved to approve Application #14-11 of Robert Bolduc, Advisor, Pride, Applicant; Pride Limited Partnership, Owner for a Site Plan Amendment for a gas station on the property located at 518 Hopmeadow Street (Map G13, Block 132, Lot 023). Zone B-2. The approval includes the following suggestions from Mr. Peck: Full cut-off lights under the canopy; landscaping to reflect what was shown in Mr. Bolduc’s presentation; The Commission should be aware that pavers may not be accepted by the DOT; drainage and utilities should receive final approval by the Town Engineer; and solid louvers on the HVAC systems. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peterson and was unanimously approved. 

2.  Commissioner Ryan moved to approve Application #14-12 of Robert Bolduc, Advisor, Pride, Applicant; Pride Limited Partnership, Owner for a Site Plan Amendment for a gas station on the property located at 1340 Hopmeadow Street (Map 105, Block 439, Lot 004K). Zone B-2. The approval includes the same provisions as stated in Application #14-11 with the addition of a triple-wall protection liner installed for each fuel tank. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peterson and was unanimously approved.

3. Discuss and possibly set public hearing date on possible revisions to Zoning Regulations regarding accessory dwelling units.

Mr. Peck stated that the public hearing is scheduled for June 2nd due to notification requirements. Commissioner Pomeroy agreed with the date and suggested that everyone on the Commission to look through the information because once the hearing is set, then the Commission has to set the code.

VII. ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Ryan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 P.M.  The motion was unanimously approved by The Commission.

Respectfully Submitted,

Irene Muench, Commissions Clerk