Regular Meeting No. 952
Present - T. Lentz, Chairman
S. Morgan
J. Adametz
E. Hayash
P. Stull
D. Gross (seated for L. Annino)
1. Call to Order.
T. Lentz called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. Minutes of Regular Meeting No. 951 Held February 3, 2009
Motion by Morgan, second by Hayash, to approve February 3, 2009 Minutes as written. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Visitors
Michael Harkin, Professional Engineer, introduced himself noting he was representing the Cost Family for Killingworth True Value. He noted there had been previous discussions between the Commission and the Costs regarding the entry way signage shown on sheet SP1. He stated the first design was shown perpendicular to Route 81. It was subsequently revised to be parallel to Route 81. Mr. Harkin reviewed the sign criteria contained in the regulations noting their proposed sign is 12 foot maximum in height and 9 foot maximum in width with a sign face of 20 square feet. Mr. Harken then reviewed each of the individual signs that would be on the "Old Church Commons" complex sign. Business C, D, E and F will be for Building #3. The left side of the sign will be for Killingworth True Value and Just Ask Rental along with Business A and Business B. Chairman Lentz noted he thought the sign was way in excess of what was allowed. There was discussion whether there should be one sign or two signs. Lentz asked what Businesses A and B would be. Mr. Harkin noted that is unknown at this time. It could be another entity of True Value. Lentz noted there was only one True Value. Mr. Cost noted True Value is a co-op of multiple companies and they have to have separate agreements with True Value for those multiple businesses. It was noted the height limitation for signs is 12 feet. Lentz asked if there was limit of how many businesses can be in a building. Jefferson noted there probably should be a regulation for a directory sign. Lentz noted this will be discussed further under New Business. Mr. Harkin noted there was a question as to the way Building #2 looks. Steven Spurell, Neighborhood Builders Construction Management, Project Managers for True Value introduced himself. He noted the conceptual drawing for Building #2 showed the grade line right even with the siding line. There is 35 inches of concrete showing. He has asked the architect to drop the barn doors within 6 inches of the existing grade and they have added 15 to 24 inch plants to hide the concrete showing from the street. The original drawing showed three cupolas, but that has been dropped down to one due to budget constraints. The barn doors will be painted the same as the siding. Lentz noted dropping the doors would require an amendment to the plan. It was suggested using a flat veneer along the concrete. Mr. Spurell noted there has been no deviation from the construction drawings. Lentz noted the three cupolas broke up the long stretch. There was discussion regarding variation from the conceptual drawings and the construction drawings. Lentz noted the original plan did not show the 36 inches of concrete showing. They are now suggesting dropping the doors and planting bushes. There was discussion as to whether the concrete could be painted. It was agreed an amended application should be submitted. The sign issue will be discussed under New Business.
4. Communications and Bills
(1) Copy of Town of Clinton Planning & Zoning Commission Proposed Amendment to the Zoning Regulations dated December 31, 2008.
(2) Legal Notice Publications and Affidavit of Publication for Public Notice Registry and Limmerick Farms.
(3) Board of Selectmen Minutes from January 26, 2009 and February 9, 2009. Also Board of Selectmen Notice of Vote from February 9, 2009.
(4) Two invoices from Howard & McMillan - $435.50 and $46.50.
(5) Letter from R. E. Leighton, Building Official, to Connecticut Department of Public Safety, dated February 2, 2009 Re Hoop Houses, Request for Interpretation/Relief from Code Requirements.
(6) Memo from First Selectman Richard Cabral dated February 6, 2009 Re Freeze on All Non-Essential Spending.
(7) Letter from R. E. Leighton, Agent for Health Director, to Arlene Bouley, dated January 31, 2009 Re Proposed Salon.
5. Old Business
(a) Special Exception #248 - Connecticut Yankee Council, Inc., 101 Paper Mill Road - Map 31, Lot 15 - Improvements to Existing Scout Camp
Bob Tucker, architect, and Phil Katz, engineer, introduced themselves. Mr. Tucker noted he and Mr. Katz were here to answer any questions prior to scheduling the public hearing. Mr. Katz noted the septic and well design need to be submitted to the State and they were questioning whether the Commission would accept the Special Exception application at this time without State approval. They were requesting local approval contingent upon State approval if possible. Lentz noted the Commission is not supposed to make an approval contingent upon other agency approvals. Jefferson noted this has been done in the past, in particular with the school when the State required local approval first. The State indicates they have to have local approval before they will approve it. Mr. Tucker gave just a conceptual presentation of their project as the project will have to be fully explained during the public hearing. The biggest difference would be the addition of a proper dining hall, a new administration building with a training room and a health lodge for a resident camp nurse. Cabins are also being proposed for staff. The only building to be demolished will be the old dining hall. The old barns are being used for maintenance and will continue to be used that way. The numbers of people on the site on any given day will not change. The list of abutting property owners will be supplied to the recording secretary. A public hearing will be scheduled for April 7, 2009.
6. Zoning Enforcement Officer's Report
C. Jefferson noted the Public Notice Registry has been established and a list is being maintained in the zoning office. Stull asked if Mr. Milano was sent a letter of apology. Jefferson will check with the recording secretary to see if a letter was sent to Mr. Milano.
C. Jefferson noted an individual came in about six months ago regarding a gas station next to Dunkin Donuts. It was suggested they do soil testing before submitting an application. Subsequently, soil testing was done and it doesn't comply with State Health Code.
7. New Business
Killingworth True Value signage. Lentz noted he had a concern that this sign could be added on to indefinitely. There was discussion regarding the size of the overall sign and the size of the individual signs. The signage should be part of the application amendment.
8. Report of Officer's and Subcommittees - none.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM
S. Morgan
J. Adametz
E. Hayash
P. Stull
D. Gross (seated for L. Annino)
1. Call to Order.
T. Lentz called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. Minutes of Regular Meeting No. 951 Held February 3, 2009
Motion by Morgan, second by Hayash, to approve February 3, 2009 Minutes as written. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Visitors
Michael Harkin, Professional Engineer, introduced himself noting he was representing the Cost Family for Killingworth True Value. He noted there had been previous discussions between the Commission and the Costs regarding the entry way signage shown on sheet SP1. He stated the first design was shown perpendicular to Route 81. It was subsequently revised to be parallel to Route 81. Mr. Harkin reviewed the sign criteria contained in the regulations noting their proposed sign is 12 foot maximum in height and 9 foot maximum in width with a sign face of 20 square feet. Mr. Harken then reviewed each of the individual signs that would be on the "Old Church Commons" complex sign. Business C, D, E and F will be for Building #3. The left side of the sign will be for Killingworth True Value and Just Ask Rental along with Business A and Business B. Chairman Lentz noted he thought the sign was way in excess of what was allowed. There was discussion whether there should be one sign or two signs. Lentz asked what Businesses A and B would be. Mr. Harkin noted that is unknown at this time. It could be another entity of True Value. Lentz noted there was only one True Value. Mr. Cost noted True Value is a co-op of multiple companies and they have to have separate agreements with True Value for those multiple businesses. It was noted the height limitation for signs is 12 feet. Lentz asked if there was limit of how many businesses can be in a building. Jefferson noted there probably should be a regulation for a directory sign. Lentz noted this will be discussed further under New Business. Mr. Harkin noted there was a question as to the way Building #2 looks. Steven Spurell, Neighborhood Builders Construction Management, Project Managers for True Value introduced himself. He noted the conceptual drawing for Building #2 showed the grade line right even with the siding line. There is 35 inches of concrete showing. He has asked the architect to drop the barn doors within 6 inches of the existing grade and they have added 15 to 24 inch plants to hide the concrete showing from the street. The original drawing showed three cupolas, but that has been dropped down to one due to budget constraints. The barn doors will be painted the same as the siding. Lentz noted dropping the doors would require an amendment to the plan. It was suggested using a flat veneer along the concrete. Mr. Spurell noted there has been no deviation from the construction drawings. Lentz noted the three cupolas broke up the long stretch. There was discussion regarding variation from the conceptual drawings and the construction drawings. Lentz noted the original plan did not show the 36 inches of concrete showing. They are now suggesting dropping the doors and planting bushes. There was discussion as to whether the concrete could be painted. It was agreed an amended application should be submitted. The sign issue will be discussed under New Business.
4. Communications and Bills
(1) Copy of Town of Clinton Planning & Zoning Commission Proposed Amendment to the Zoning Regulations dated December 31, 2008.
(2) Legal Notice Publications and Affidavit of Publication for Public Notice Registry and Limmerick Farms.
(3) Board of Selectmen Minutes from January 26, 2009 and February 9, 2009. Also Board of Selectmen Notice of Vote from February 9, 2009.
(4) Two invoices from Howard & McMillan - $435.50 and $46.50.
(5) Letter from R. E. Leighton, Building Official, to Connecticut Department of Public Safety, dated February 2, 2009 Re Hoop Houses, Request for Interpretation/Relief from Code Requirements.
(6) Memo from First Selectman Richard Cabral dated February 6, 2009 Re Freeze on All Non-Essential Spending.
(7) Letter from R. E. Leighton, Agent for Health Director, to Arlene Bouley, dated January 31, 2009 Re Proposed Salon.
5. Old Business
(a) Special Exception #248 - Connecticut Yankee Council, Inc., 101 Paper Mill Road - Map 31, Lot 15 - Improvements to Existing Scout Camp
Bob Tucker, architect, and Phil Katz, engineer, introduced themselves. Mr. Tucker noted he and Mr. Katz were here to answer any questions prior to scheduling the public hearing. Mr. Katz noted the septic and well design need to be submitted to the State and they were questioning whether the Commission would accept the Special Exception application at this time without State approval. They were requesting local approval contingent upon State approval if possible. Lentz noted the Commission is not supposed to make an approval contingent upon other agency approvals. Jefferson noted this has been done in the past, in particular with the school when the State required local approval first. The State indicates they have to have local approval before they will approve it. Mr. Tucker gave just a conceptual presentation of their project as the project will have to be fully explained during the public hearing. The biggest difference would be the addition of a proper dining hall, a new administration building with a training room and a health lodge for a resident camp nurse. Cabins are also being proposed for staff. The only building to be demolished will be the old dining hall. The old barns are being used for maintenance and will continue to be used that way. The numbers of people on the site on any given day will not change. The list of abutting property owners will be supplied to the recording secretary. A public hearing will be scheduled for April 7, 2009.
6. Zoning Enforcement Officer's Report
C. Jefferson noted the Public Notice Registry has been established and a list is being maintained in the zoning office. Stull asked if Mr. Milano was sent a letter of apology. Jefferson will check with the recording secretary to see if a letter was sent to Mr. Milano.
C. Jefferson noted an individual came in about six months ago regarding a gas station next to Dunkin Donuts. It was suggested they do soil testing before submitting an application. Subsequently, soil testing was done and it doesn't comply with State Health Code.
7. New Business
Killingworth True Value signage. Lentz noted he had a concern that this sign could be added on to indefinitely. There was discussion regarding the size of the overall sign and the size of the individual signs. The signage should be part of the application amendment.
8. Report of Officer's and Subcommittees - none.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM
