Redding Planning Commission
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, Connecticut 06875-1028
MINUTES
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
7:30 p.m. – Old Town House
Present: Toby Welles, Chairman; James Bacon, Alt., Anda Cumings; Steve Gagnon; Chuck Cilo; Nancy King.
Absent: Regina O’Brien, Alt.; Claire Matzke, Alt.
Also present: John Hayes, Town Planning Consultant
Aimee Pardee, ZEO/WEO
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Meeting of 4/24/18
On the motion of N. King and the second of S. Gagnon, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 4/24/18 Meeting Minutes as amended: Page 1, Item II, second paragraph, change to “On the motion of N. King and the second of J. Bacon, the Commission moved to relocate the rock on Wayside Lane subject to approval of the Redding Planning Commission of the location as determined by Mr. Mazzucco. The motion was approved unanimously. On page 2, first paragraph, change “J. Bacon abstained” to “The motion was approved. J. Bacon abstained.”
II. ADMINISTRATIVE
1. Referral from Zoning: Amendment to Zoning Regulations 3.14, 5.1, 5.4, 5.11.2. Public Hearing scheduled for 5/9/18. To discuss. Report from John Hayes due.
John Hayes’ submitted notes were read by T. Welles. A. Pardee provided details re: expanding the proximity for notifications. John Hayes noted his support of the proposed changes.
On the motion of N. King and the second of C. Cilo, the Commission voted unanimously to forward a positive response to Zoning.
2. Reference App. #513, 52 Mountain Road, “Pay Dirt LLC”, Atty. Neil Marcus, agent. Request to amend approved subdivision. Site Walk 2/25/18. Report from J. Hayes.
Mr. Deickler, of “Pay Dirt LLC”, was present. T. Welles reported on the meeting with A. Pardee, J. Brooks and Commission Counsel Peter Olsen. Mr. Welles read a memorandum from Atty. Olsen dated 5/2/18 indicating that a new map is required delineating the altered boundary of the ridgeline. The Land Use Office will determine if approval of such an amendment requires a vote by the town or Board of Selectmen.
Milone & MacBroom will be requested to evaluate the status of work completed re: bond and determine what percentage cost wise is left in remaining improvements. Mr. Deickler stated that he agrees a portion of the bond be returned to the prior owner for the portion of the work he completed. Bonding clarification will be referred to the Commission and applicant’s attorneys. Milone & MacBroom will also be consulted regarding possible impact to the lot drainage from the new portion of the driveway proposed for access to 48 Mountain Road.
Discussion will continue pending resolution of the above items.
3. Ref. App, #504, Mountainside Estates, 40 Mountain Road. Jay Keillor requests permission to move the driveway to the south. Site Walk 2/25/18.
Mr. Keillor was present. He stated that he would like to finish the driveway as originally proposed. Milone & MacBroom will be requested to evaluate the completion status of items that remain bonded.
4A. Susan Green, Redding Garden Club. Landscaping on a Scenic Road.
Susan Green was present on behalf of the Redding Garden Club to propose a project in conjunction with the Redding Historical Society re: landscaping a portion of the Umpawaug School. On the motion of N. King and the second of A. Cumings, the Commission voted unanimously to add this item to the agenda.
Mrs. Green stated that the Highway Dept. will take care of a damaged tree. The proposal is to remove barberry and replace with holly.
Nancy King will forward the list of native plants for use on a Scenic Road.
On the motion of S. Gagnon and the second of N. King, the Commission voted unanimously in favor of the proposal.
4. Town Plan of Conservation & Development 2018
2018 Plan Recommendations to be submitted to the office by email. Planning@townofreddingct.org.
A special meeting will be scheduled to review assigned chapters.
Mr. Bacon will coordinate with John Hayes re: Chapter 10, Georgetown.
Toby Welles reviewed the Town Plan of Conservation & Development at a recent Democratic Town Commission meeting.
5. Scenic Road Monitoring. Reports by Commission monitors.
Bill Hill will continue to monitor John Read Road; there was a discussion as to whether the bridge on the road is scheduled to be replaced; T. Welles will ask Jeff Hanson. T. Welles discussed the maintenance of Old Hattertown Road noting that the addition of more gravel has improved conditions but that there is still a long driveway that drains water on to the road causing significant gullying. The condition and drainage status on Topstone Road were discussed. Dirt road experts previously scheduled from Vermont will be asked to coordinate with Jeff Hanson.
Anda Cumings noted her concerns re: Sherman Turnpike.
6. Subdivision Regulation Revisions: S.R. 4.5. Discussion.
T. Welles expressed an interest in clarifying the regulations regarding minimum rectangles; John Hayes reviewed specifics needed re: minimum rectangle. Draft revisions of S.R. 4.5 and 4.8 to be submitted prior to the next meeting for discussion.
7. Draft Driveway Easement & Maintenance Agreement. Received 7/11/17. Updated version reviewed by Counsel. Discussion of Commission’s review.
Jim Bacon will draft his suggestions regarding the arbitration clause and will copy Commission Counsel for his review.
8. IHZ Status. Discussion for action.
Nancy King will schedule a meeting with the First Selectman and members of the IHZ Subcommittee. J. Hayes stressed the need to move quickly due to the current state of the state economy.
9. Discussion of solution to prevent truck and tour bus traffic on narrow roads, i.e. GPS companies. Seek help from legislators.
Toby Welles reported that he changed the database for Google, MapQuest and TomTom. It was noted that “no thru” notifications may only be available on dedicated GPS systems vs. smartphone systems. The Commission discussed adding signage to the roads but decided that further discussion should be done in consultation with the police.
10. Planning Commission needs schedule for reconstruction of town roads for the season. Giles Hill notice received.
Receipt of the reconstruction schedule is pending.
11. Reference App. #496, Lot 3, 358 Newtown Turnpike. Girish Arora. To discuss complaint.
J. Pemberton, First Selectman, will be arranging a meeting between several parties to discuss Mr. Arora’s concerns.
III. PENDING
1. Reference App. #504, Mountainside Estates. 40 Mountain Road. Jay Keillor requests permission to move the driveway to the south. Site Walk 2/25/18. Report from J. Hayes.
2. Changes to IHZ overlay zone on Old Mill Road.
3. Cul-de-sac Design and Sight Lines, Subdivision Regulations, Section 4.3 and Road Regulations. Meeting of Planning and Zoning designees with Highway Superintendent needed per Meadow Edge problem 3/22/16. Discussion re new dimensions.
4. Establish W. Redding as an attractive Cultural Center.
IV. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
No items.
On the motion of J. Bacon, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Submitted by: Kristi C. Reilly