MINUTES
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
7:30 p.m. – VIA ZOOM
Present: Toby Welles, Chairman; Dan Barrett; Chuck Cilo, Alt., Anda Cumings; Steve Gagnon; Regina O’Brien; James Bacon, Alt., Phyllis Rhodes, Alt.
Also present: Aimee Pardee, Land Use Director
Julia Pemberton, First Selectwoman
The Chairwoman called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Meeting of May 11, 2021
Mr. Barrett motioned and Ms. O’Brien seconded the motion to approve the 5/11/21 Meeting Minutes. A. Cumings abstained.
Mr. Barrett motioned and Ms. O’Brien seconded the motion to approve the 5/15/21 Site Walk Minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
II. ADMINISTRATIVE
1. Recommendations to the Board of Selectmen regarding suitability for the siting of a Pre-school Playground at the Redding Community Center, 37 Lonetown Road.
Mr. Welles reported on the three locations that were inspected and the preference of the area adjacent to the Community Center building. First Selectwoman Pemberton noted that a committee has been formed. The first three members are Angela Caes, Laura Gibbons and Mary Lou Carlson. The Committee will be comprised of 7 members with another member from the Park & Rec. Commission. The Committee has met once and another meeting is forthcoming. Mrs. Pemberton stated that the Committee is pleased with the location that the Planning Commission has identified.
2. Discussion of Guardrails on Cross Highway, a Designated Scenic Road.
Ms. Pardee reported that the Highway Dept. and Police Dept. have recommended adding new guard rails on the south side of Cross Highway spanning an area opposite the driveways to 91 and 99 Cross Highway. She said that Jeff Hanson, Highway Superintendent, is willing to meet with the Commission on-site if needed to inspect the area. First Selectwoman Pemberton provided a brief history of the site and noted accident and complaints re: safety.
Two styles of guardrail are being proposed. The post and cable style predominant in town is no longer made so Mr. Hanson is proposing either the “Merritt Parkway” style guard rail, or the metal guardrail used on state roads. Chairman Welles noted the style used on the Merritt Parkway is preferred and Ms. Pemberton said that Jeff Hanson has secured a quote for $28,000 for new guardrails in the area. After a discussion, Commissioners decided they will drive by noting the area from the base of the hill going up westerly from Little River Valley to 91 Cross Highway. Discussion will continue at the next meeting.
3. Discussion of Pillars and Gate at 220 Umpawaug Road, a Designated Scenic Road.
Conor Daley, of Tideline Customs LLC, was present via ZOOM to review the proposal to install granite pillars and a gate in association with stone walls that had previously been approved for the front property line. A drawing was screen shared and details were discussed.
The Commission discussed the finish of the gate and the proximity of the pillars and gate to the front property line. Mr. Daley explained that the pillars will be solid granite and the gate will be wood with a matte finish. The light post proposed was also discussed with the commission expressing concern about the hours the light would be on and the intensity of the light.
Mr. Welles motioned, and Mrs. Cumings seconded the motion to approve the gate and pillars. Approval of the light is pending approval from the Zoning Commission.
Ms. Pardee clarified that a home light fixture would be subject to administrative zoning review. Mr. Daley stated that he would provide a cut sheet of the lighting fixture to Ms. Pardee.
Mrs. Cumings motioned and Mr. Barrett seconded the motion to rescind the prior motion and approve the gate and pillars with the condition that lighting must be approved by Land Use Director A. Pardee after interpreting Zoning Regulations.
III. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/DISCUSSION
No items.
Mrs. Cumings motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly