Regular Meeting No. 937
Present: T. Lentz, Chairman C. Jefferson, ZEO
L. Annino Jr.
J. Adametz
E. Hayash
P. Stull
P. McGuinness (seated for S. Morgan)
D. Gross (non-voting alternate)
J. O'Brien (non-voting alternate)
1. Call to Order
T. Lentz called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. Minutes of Regular Meeting No. 935 Held June 3, 2008
Motion by P. Stull, second by L. Annino Jr., to approve the June 3, 2008 Minutes as written. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Visitors
Eric Auer was present representing the Wettish Subcommittee charged with the design implement plan for four recreation fields on the Wettish property. He thanked everyone for coming to the site walk recently. Mr. Auer put forth and reviewed 3 plans. He noted the parking was in the same location on all the plans. The variation of changes will be in the location of the fields. They are proposing 4 multi-purpose fields. Plan 1A – Mr. Auer reviewed the location of the two small multi-purpose fields noting the stone wall would be left as it is. The problem with this design is the farther down the big fields are, they have to move more earth. Plan 1A moves approximately 30,000 yards of material. The restricted area is directly across from Mr. Wettish's home and all the entrances for parking have been moved so they are not directly across from any homes. He reviewed the location of other homes. Mr. Stull noted the cost of this plan was about $1.4 million. Mr. Auer noted this was one of the more expensive plans. There was discussion regarding stone walls. Mr. Auer also noted they prefer a north to south orientation of the fields. They would like to avoid an east to west orientation due to the sun. There would be a processed stone parking lot. The stone walls at both entrances would be rebuilt. Mr. Auer reviewed the location of the detention basin and bio-filtration soils. Plan 1B – Mr. Auer noted parking was the same but the two smaller fields would be behind the stone wall and the two larger fields in the open area. The problem with this plan is that the cuts and fills would be greater here (6 or 8 feet). Plan 1B moves approximately 30,000 to 33,000 yards of material. Mr. Stull asked if the cost would be similar to Plan 1A. Mr. Auer replied Plans 1A and 1B costs are relatively close. Chairman Lentz noted the only stone wall being disturbed on this plan is roughly where field #4 is located. Mr. Auer noted that was correct. Plan 3A – Mr. Auer noted the Subcommittee prefers Plan 3A from both a creative standpoint of moving material and a use standpoint. It puts the two bigger fields on the plateau where the land is more level. The two smaller multi-purpose fields down below where the impact is less on the slope. He noted the entrance walls would still be rebuilt and reviewed the location for two new stone walls. The cost of this Plan would be just under $1 million. Mr. Auer noted the amount of earth to be moved with this Plan was about 10,000 to 12,000 yards. The topsoil would remain on the site. Weston and Sampson is designing this to use all the topsoil on site. Hopefully there would be some irrigation in the future. Mr. Auer reviewed the storm detention area and parking. Mr. Auer noted the original agreement was that 25 percent of the Wettish property would go to active recreation, 50 percent to passive and open space and 25 percent for a land bank for the Town. There was discussion regarding portable toilets and the possible location of a building for permanent facilities. Mr. Auer noted at the present time that is not in the budget. There was more discussion regarding stone walls and the removal of a couple of walls to be used to rebuild other walls. Chairman Lentz asked who would rebuild the stone walls. Mr. Auer noted it would go out to bid with specific criteria. Mr. Annino noted the purpose of the regulations is to preserve the antique stone walls and rebuilding these walls defeats the purpose of that regulation. He stated he wasn't against this but that Commission members should keep this in mind. Mr. Annino noted the Commission should be looking at the entire parcel and that a lot of it was put in reserve as open space. There was much discussion regarding the stone walls and whether they should be saved, repaired or removed and the stone used to rebuild another wall. Chairman Lentz noted he did not like Plan 1A because of the inverted V in the center. Mr. Lentz noted he liked Plan 1B because it preserved the stone wall running parallel to the road. Plan 1B has the least impact on stone walls. Plan 3A has the greatest impact on stone walls but it has the least grading. The cost of the Plan is not the issue for Planning & Zoning. P&Z needs to look at the design and leave the cost to the Town. Chairman Lentz favored Plans 1B or 3A with his preference for 1B because it will preserve the stone walls. There was discussion regarding cost and comparing the cost of rebuilding stone walls versus the cost of grading. Mr. Auer reviewed the impact of grading and rebuilding the stone walls. Mr. Colonia noted the costs projected for these Plans includes the cost of rebuilding the stone walls. Chairman Lentz asked why the 3 plans were being submitted if the subcommittee really favored Plan 3A. Mr. Auer noted someone on the Commission asked to see all the options and these were the 3 options. Mr. Stull reviewed setbacks of the fields on Plans 1A and 1B. Mr. Auer noted the Wetlands Commission also has to review the Plan. It was noted the fields are closer to the road in Plan 3A. Mr. Stull noted he would support Plan 3A which the subcommittee prefers. He pointed out that 2/3's less soil would be moved with Plan 3A. Chairman Lentz noted that was a good point. Mr. Auer noted the subcommittee would prefer to see a dry stacked stone wall and the bid document could contain specific criteria. Mr. Annino noted as much as he does not want to see the walls removed, he does not want things to get bogged down with this as the Town needs the recreational fields. He felt the Commission should support the recommendation of the Wettish Subcommittee even if it means perhaps a field doesn't get sodded in order to take care of the aesthetics. He didn't think that would occur if everyone acts fiscally responsible. Mr. Auer noted the subcommittee will prepare a spec sheet for the stone walls. It was the consensus of Commission members to support Plan 3A subject to review of specifications for the stone walls bid. The new wall should be similar to the old farmer walls. Mr. Auer noted the next step is to go to the Wetlands Commission and eventually this will have to go to Town Meeting to approve the funding. Ms. Jefferson noted there would have to be a Section 8-24 referral from the Planning & Zoning Commission before this goes to Town Meeting.
Mr. Auer briefly reviewed the restricted area.
4. Communications and Bills
(1) Invoice from Howard and McMillan in the amount of $1,362.16 for legal services.
(2) Letter from Connecticut DOT to Michael P. Harken, P.E. Dated June 4, 2008 Re Proposed Commercial Development, Route 81, Killingworth (i.e. By-Pass Lane – Old Church Commons, Route 81).
(3) Letter from Connecticut DEP to Cathie Jefferson dated June 10, 2008 Re Review of Draft Revisions to Floodplain Management Regulations.
(4) Legal Notice Publication for Notice of Decision from May 20, 2008 Meeting.
(5) Original letter from Jacobson & Associates to Planning & Zoning Commission dated May 30, 2008 Re Surrey Ridge Bond Release.
(6) Board of Selectmen Minutes from May 27, 2008.
(7) Board of Selectmen Notice of Vote and Minutes from June 10, 2008.
(8) Memo from First Selectman Richard Cabral to All Department Heads dated June 11, 2008 Re Record Management Survey.
(9) Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission Minutes from June 10, 2008.
5. Old Business
(a) Special Exception Application #242, Lester Bragdon (owner) and Terri Brasile & Michael A. Okoniewski (applicants) - extending industrial zone to include lot #36C (assessor's map 34). Public hearing set for August 5, 2008
Chairman Lentz noted this application has been scheduled for public hearing on August 5, 2008.
6. Zoning Enforcement Officer's Report
(a) C. Jefferson noted nothing has been received yet from the Outback. The owner did come in to pick up the paperwork and has had discussion with C. Jefferson and will also be contacting the landlord.
(b) C. Jefferson noted Ed Coppola informed her the DOT has approved plans for the Reservoir Road Bridge Project and it has now gone to the DEP for approval which will take approximately 6 to 9 months. This will require municipal improvement approval at some point. It was agreed someone from the bridge project committee could come in at the appropriate time to present the municipal improvement.
(c) C. Jefferson noted she has been advised that Killingworth was one of the 50 towns eligible to receive the grant from the Office of Policy and Management regarding the rewrite of the Plan of Conservation & Development. She was informed the Town of Killingworth will be in the second round come January of 2009 and will receive $20,000.
(d) Chairman Lentz noted a question has come up regarding Running Brook Farms and the dirt piles. C. Jefferson noted spoke to them regarding this matter and this was the last bit of topsoil taken from the site where the buildings are going to go. Once this is done, there will be no more screening. This soil did not come from off site. C. Jefferson also noted she will discuss this matter again with the owner and also advise that the sandwich board signs need to go.
7. New Business
(a) Revised Flood Regulations – public hearing to be set for August 19, 2008
Chairman Lentz noted DEP approval was received regarding the floodplain regulations revision and this has been scheduled for public hearing on August 19, 2008.
8. Report of Officer's and Subcommittees
Chairman Lentz noted he and Jere Adametz attended a recent Freedom of Information meeting and distributed a small brochure of highlights.
Chairman Lentz noted he received a Master Plan Matrix from Killingworth Park & Recreation which is a time line for all their improvements. This should also be included in the Town Plan at some point.
J. O'Brien noted he would be attending a Housing Partnership meeting tomorrow evening.
T. Lentz noted he would get back to working on revisions to the regulations. P. Stull noted he would like to see the Outdoor Wood Burning Furnaces regs in place as soon as possible.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:12 PM.
L. Annino Jr.
J. Adametz
E. Hayash
P. Stull
P. McGuinness (seated for S. Morgan)
D. Gross (non-voting alternate)
J. O'Brien (non-voting alternate)
1. Call to Order
T. Lentz called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. Minutes of Regular Meeting No. 935 Held June 3, 2008
Motion by P. Stull, second by L. Annino Jr., to approve the June 3, 2008 Minutes as written. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Visitors
Eric Auer was present representing the Wettish Subcommittee charged with the design implement plan for four recreation fields on the Wettish property. He thanked everyone for coming to the site walk recently. Mr. Auer put forth and reviewed 3 plans. He noted the parking was in the same location on all the plans. The variation of changes will be in the location of the fields. They are proposing 4 multi-purpose fields. Plan 1A – Mr. Auer reviewed the location of the two small multi-purpose fields noting the stone wall would be left as it is. The problem with this design is the farther down the big fields are, they have to move more earth. Plan 1A moves approximately 30,000 yards of material. The restricted area is directly across from Mr. Wettish's home and all the entrances for parking have been moved so they are not directly across from any homes. He reviewed the location of other homes. Mr. Stull noted the cost of this plan was about $1.4 million. Mr. Auer noted this was one of the more expensive plans. There was discussion regarding stone walls. Mr. Auer also noted they prefer a north to south orientation of the fields. They would like to avoid an east to west orientation due to the sun. There would be a processed stone parking lot. The stone walls at both entrances would be rebuilt. Mr. Auer reviewed the location of the detention basin and bio-filtration soils. Plan 1B – Mr. Auer noted parking was the same but the two smaller fields would be behind the stone wall and the two larger fields in the open area. The problem with this plan is that the cuts and fills would be greater here (6 or 8 feet). Plan 1B moves approximately 30,000 to 33,000 yards of material. Mr. Stull asked if the cost would be similar to Plan 1A. Mr. Auer replied Plans 1A and 1B costs are relatively close. Chairman Lentz noted the only stone wall being disturbed on this plan is roughly where field #4 is located. Mr. Auer noted that was correct. Plan 3A – Mr. Auer noted the Subcommittee prefers Plan 3A from both a creative standpoint of moving material and a use standpoint. It puts the two bigger fields on the plateau where the land is more level. The two smaller multi-purpose fields down below where the impact is less on the slope. He noted the entrance walls would still be rebuilt and reviewed the location for two new stone walls. The cost of this Plan would be just under $1 million. Mr. Auer noted the amount of earth to be moved with this Plan was about 10,000 to 12,000 yards. The topsoil would remain on the site. Weston and Sampson is designing this to use all the topsoil on site. Hopefully there would be some irrigation in the future. Mr. Auer reviewed the storm detention area and parking. Mr. Auer noted the original agreement was that 25 percent of the Wettish property would go to active recreation, 50 percent to passive and open space and 25 percent for a land bank for the Town. There was discussion regarding portable toilets and the possible location of a building for permanent facilities. Mr. Auer noted at the present time that is not in the budget. There was more discussion regarding stone walls and the removal of a couple of walls to be used to rebuild other walls. Chairman Lentz asked who would rebuild the stone walls. Mr. Auer noted it would go out to bid with specific criteria. Mr. Annino noted the purpose of the regulations is to preserve the antique stone walls and rebuilding these walls defeats the purpose of that regulation. He stated he wasn't against this but that Commission members should keep this in mind. Mr. Annino noted the Commission should be looking at the entire parcel and that a lot of it was put in reserve as open space. There was much discussion regarding the stone walls and whether they should be saved, repaired or removed and the stone used to rebuild another wall. Chairman Lentz noted he did not like Plan 1A because of the inverted V in the center. Mr. Lentz noted he liked Plan 1B because it preserved the stone wall running parallel to the road. Plan 1B has the least impact on stone walls. Plan 3A has the greatest impact on stone walls but it has the least grading. The cost of the Plan is not the issue for Planning & Zoning. P&Z needs to look at the design and leave the cost to the Town. Chairman Lentz favored Plans 1B or 3A with his preference for 1B because it will preserve the stone walls. There was discussion regarding cost and comparing the cost of rebuilding stone walls versus the cost of grading. Mr. Auer reviewed the impact of grading and rebuilding the stone walls. Mr. Colonia noted the costs projected for these Plans includes the cost of rebuilding the stone walls. Chairman Lentz asked why the 3 plans were being submitted if the subcommittee really favored Plan 3A. Mr. Auer noted someone on the Commission asked to see all the options and these were the 3 options. Mr. Stull reviewed setbacks of the fields on Plans 1A and 1B. Mr. Auer noted the Wetlands Commission also has to review the Plan. It was noted the fields are closer to the road in Plan 3A. Mr. Stull noted he would support Plan 3A which the subcommittee prefers. He pointed out that 2/3's less soil would be moved with Plan 3A. Chairman Lentz noted that was a good point. Mr. Auer noted the subcommittee would prefer to see a dry stacked stone wall and the bid document could contain specific criteria. Mr. Annino noted as much as he does not want to see the walls removed, he does not want things to get bogged down with this as the Town needs the recreational fields. He felt the Commission should support the recommendation of the Wettish Subcommittee even if it means perhaps a field doesn't get sodded in order to take care of the aesthetics. He didn't think that would occur if everyone acts fiscally responsible. Mr. Auer noted the subcommittee will prepare a spec sheet for the stone walls. It was the consensus of Commission members to support Plan 3A subject to review of specifications for the stone walls bid. The new wall should be similar to the old farmer walls. Mr. Auer noted the next step is to go to the Wetlands Commission and eventually this will have to go to Town Meeting to approve the funding. Ms. Jefferson noted there would have to be a Section 8-24 referral from the Planning & Zoning Commission before this goes to Town Meeting.
Mr. Auer briefly reviewed the restricted area.
4. Communications and Bills
(1) Invoice from Howard and McMillan in the amount of $1,362.16 for legal services.
(2) Letter from Connecticut DOT to Michael P. Harken, P.E. Dated June 4, 2008 Re Proposed Commercial Development, Route 81, Killingworth (i.e. By-Pass Lane – Old Church Commons, Route 81).
(3) Letter from Connecticut DEP to Cathie Jefferson dated June 10, 2008 Re Review of Draft Revisions to Floodplain Management Regulations.
(4) Legal Notice Publication for Notice of Decision from May 20, 2008 Meeting.
(5) Original letter from Jacobson & Associates to Planning & Zoning Commission dated May 30, 2008 Re Surrey Ridge Bond Release.
(6) Board of Selectmen Minutes from May 27, 2008.
(7) Board of Selectmen Notice of Vote and Minutes from June 10, 2008.
(8) Memo from First Selectman Richard Cabral to All Department Heads dated June 11, 2008 Re Record Management Survey.
(9) Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission Minutes from June 10, 2008.
5. Old Business
(a) Special Exception Application #242, Lester Bragdon (owner) and Terri Brasile & Michael A. Okoniewski (applicants) - extending industrial zone to include lot #36C (assessor's map 34). Public hearing set for August 5, 2008
Chairman Lentz noted this application has been scheduled for public hearing on August 5, 2008.
6. Zoning Enforcement Officer's Report
(a) C. Jefferson noted nothing has been received yet from the Outback. The owner did come in to pick up the paperwork and has had discussion with C. Jefferson and will also be contacting the landlord.
(b) C. Jefferson noted Ed Coppola informed her the DOT has approved plans for the Reservoir Road Bridge Project and it has now gone to the DEP for approval which will take approximately 6 to 9 months. This will require municipal improvement approval at some point. It was agreed someone from the bridge project committee could come in at the appropriate time to present the municipal improvement.
(c) C. Jefferson noted she has been advised that Killingworth was one of the 50 towns eligible to receive the grant from the Office of Policy and Management regarding the rewrite of the Plan of Conservation & Development. She was informed the Town of Killingworth will be in the second round come January of 2009 and will receive $20,000.
(d) Chairman Lentz noted a question has come up regarding Running Brook Farms and the dirt piles. C. Jefferson noted spoke to them regarding this matter and this was the last bit of topsoil taken from the site where the buildings are going to go. Once this is done, there will be no more screening. This soil did not come from off site. C. Jefferson also noted she will discuss this matter again with the owner and also advise that the sandwich board signs need to go.
7. New Business
(a) Revised Flood Regulations – public hearing to be set for August 19, 2008
Chairman Lentz noted DEP approval was received regarding the floodplain regulations revision and this has been scheduled for public hearing on August 19, 2008.
8. Report of Officer's and Subcommittees
Chairman Lentz noted he and Jere Adametz attended a recent Freedom of Information meeting and distributed a small brochure of highlights.
Chairman Lentz noted he received a Master Plan Matrix from Killingworth Park & Recreation which is a time line for all their improvements. This should also be included in the Town Plan at some point.
J. O'Brien noted he would be attending a Housing Partnership meeting tomorrow evening.
T. Lentz noted he would get back to working on revisions to the regulations. P. Stull noted he would like to see the Outdoor Wood Burning Furnaces regs in place as soon as possible.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:12 PM.
