Zoning Commission Minutes 05/04/2015

ZONING COMMISSION - REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 PM

MINUTES – SUBJECT TO VOTE OF APPROVAL
MAY 4, 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, May 4, 2015 in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices located at 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT. The following members were present: Mike Doyle, Kevin Gray, Derek Peterson, Ed Cosgrove and Dave Ryan. Others in attendance included Hiram Peck, Director of Planning and other interested parties.

II. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES

Commissioner Pomeroy appointed Commissioner Cosgrove for Commissioner Post and Commissioner Doyle for Commissioner Marecki.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes from April 20, 2015 Regular Meeting were approved with the following change:

Line 47 should read:  The Ashmore sign will be placed in the rear of the building.

IV. PUBLIC HEARING:

1. Application #15-09 of Marshall Epstein, 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 25 East Weatogue Street (Assessor’s Map H14, Block 108, Lot 003). Zone R-40. (received 04/06/2015; decision must be rendered by 07/08/2015). 

Mr. Peck stated that an error was made by staff in the notice of the application. Instead of listing the entire event series, only one date was listed.  The entire event series will be noted in the next meeting agenda.

Mr. Marshall Epstein of 25 East Weatogue Street said that 2015 Max “Chef to Farm” dinner series and the “Farm Fest” series consist of 12 – 15 dates. The first event is held June 21.  He has been holding these events for the past seven years.

Commissioner Pomeroy asked Mr. Peck to look into having the process to obtain temporary liquor permits for local events to be made easier for the applicants.

1. Commissioner Gray moved to close the public hearing for Application #15-09 of Marshall Epstein, Owner.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pomeroy and was unanimously approved.  

Commissioner Pomeroy moved to amend the agenda. The Commission approved the motion.

1. Commissioner Gray moved to approve Application #15-09 of Marshall Epstein, 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 25 East Weatogue Street (Assessor’s Map H14, Block 108, Lot 003). Zone R-40. (received 04/06/2015; decision must be rendered by 07/08/2015).  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peterson and was unanimously approved.

2. Application #15-10 of Michael M. Palmer, Agent; Metacon Gun Club, Inc., Owner; for a Special Exception pursuant to Article Seven, Section M.4b, of the Town of Simsbury Zoning Regulations for re-grading and construction of safety barriers within a flood plain zone on the property located at 106 Nod Road (Assessor’s Map G17, Block 110, Lot 005). Zone R-80. (received 04/02/215; decision must be rendered by 07/05/2015).

Ms. Martha Dean spoke on behalf of Metacon and introduced the professionals on the team. Ms. Dean stated for the record that she provided the CV’s of the team to Mr. Peck.  

Mr. Michael Palmer, Owner of Metacon Gun Club, summarized the three purposes for the Special Exception:  to eliminate the ricochet hazards, increase the parking area, and construct safety barriers.   

Mr. Thomas Grimaldi, Principal Engineer of RR Hiltbrand Engineers and Surveyors, LLC described the process of moving topsoil from the field to the range. He added the overflow parking area will be covered with processed aggregate.  

Mr. Mark Reynolds of Reynolds Engineering Services said that the center of the range will be increased by two feet. He added that the safety wall will not impede the flow of water. It will be installed on the south side of the range at 8 ft. high.

Mr. Grimaldi added that his analysis has been evaluated by the DEP and Army Corp of Engineers.

Mr. Peck read the Flood Regulations Article 8, M3a and M3b.  He is asking for the applicant to put on the record that there isn’t an increase in the base flood elevation as a result of this work.

Ms. Dean responded that Article 87 M3a doesn’t apply in this instance because the footprint of the structure is not increased. She also added that Section 4B item 4 of Permitted Uses that the flood storage of this project has increased.  

Mr. Peck stated for the record that the applicant has had every opportunity to address this issue in event questions arise in the future.

 2. Commissioner Ryan moved to close the public hearing for Application #15-10 of Michael M. Palmer, Agent. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cosgrove and was unanimously approved.

2. Commissioner Ryan moved to approve Application #15-10 of Michael M. Palmer, Agent; Metacon Gun Club, Inc., Owner; for a Special Exception pursuant to Article Seven, Section M.4b, of the Town of Simsbury Zoning Regulations for re-grading and construction of safety barriers within a flood plain zone on the property located at 106 Nod Road (Assessor’s Map G17, Block 110, Lot 005). Zone R-80. (received 04/02/215; decision must be rendered by 07/05/2015). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peterson and was unanimously approved.

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

1. Application #15-11 of Christopher Milliard, Phase Zero Design, Agent: Grove Property Fund – Drake Hill LLC, Owner; for a site plan amendment for a sign permit on the property located at 720 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map G10, Block 227, Lot 001-2). Zones SC-1 and SC-3. (received 05/04/2015; decision must be rendered by 07/08/2015).

Mr. Christopher Milliard of Phase Zero Design described the proposed changes to the property as a result of a new tenant.  A wrought iron black railing will be added to the patio area as well as 3 awnings (one over each window and door).

Mr. Bill Selig of Bill Selig Jewelers said he is moving his store to the property and plans to include a new design studio, sell antiques and gifts, and have a demonstration area.  He wants to set up tables and chairs on the patio during special events or a weekend show.  Sculpture, art and stained glass will also be displayed on the patio.

1. Commissioner Ryan moved to accept Application #15-11 of Christopher Milliard, Phase Zero Design, Agent: Grove Property Fund – Drake Hill LLC, Owner; for a site plan amendment for a sign permit on the property located a 720 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map G10, Block 227, Lot 001-2). Zones SC-1 and SC-3. (received 05/04/2015; decision must be rendered by 07/08/2015). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Doyle and was unanimously approved.

VI. DISCUSSION OF NEW AND ONGOING PROJECTS

Commissioner Pomeroy asked Mr. Peck to look into streamlining the process and lower the cost for a temporary liquor permit. Mr. Peck replied that he will discuss the process with the Town Attorney.

Mr. Peck said that St. Mary’s School should provide new information by the end of summer.  He added that the Pool Barn had a pre-construction meeting this week.

VII. ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Ryan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 P.M.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pomeroy and was unanimously approved.

Respectfully Submitted,

Irene Muench, Commissions Clerk