Redding Zoning Commission
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Town Hall Hearing Room
100 Hill Road, Redding, Connecticut
Present: Gerry Casiello, Chairman; Amy Atamian, Secretary; Commissioner Ted Ogonek.
PUBLIC HEARING: Application 2016-21Z
Owner: Town of Redding, 100 Hill Road (Redding Green), Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 22 -26; Applicant Redding Boy Scouts, Trevor Furrer representative. In accordance with Section 5.11.2 of The Redding Zoning Regulations, request for a Limited Duration Special Use Permit to hold an event on the Town Green recognizing the Boy Scouts on the occasion of the award of the 100th Redding Eagle Scout. Event proposed for October 1, 2016; rain date October 2, 2016. Application received August 10, 2016.
The Chairman called the hearing to order at 7:30 p.m., noting that the three regular commissioners present represented a quorum.
The Chairman opened the hearing by requesting that the applicant, Mr. Furrer, review the proposed event with the Commission and any public present. Mr. Furrer stated that the scouts are hoping to have an event similar to last year’s Redding Fire Department 100th Anniversary Celebration in that there will be displays on the Redding Green with information regarding the Boy Scout’s history in the town, and also about current activities, including recent Eagle Scout projects. The public aspect of the event will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., which will be followed by a scouts and their families pig roast, camp fire, and camp out overnight.
The Chairman asked about parking for the event. Mr. Furrer stated that the public portion of the event will have street parking similar to the “Concerts on the Green” while the Congregational Church has agreed to allow parking for the families during the camp out portion of the event.
The Chairman asked about sanitary facilities and the Mr. Furrer explained that “port-o-lets” that were rented for the Congregational Church Fair, scheduled for the weekend before this event, will be moved to the site in an agreement between the church and the scouts.
The Chairman read into the record comments from both the Redding Selectmen, approving the event, and also the Redding Health Official, Doug Hartline, noting the arrangement for the “port-o-lets”.
Hearing no further comments, Mr. Ogonek moved that the hearing be closed. Ms. Atamian seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously. The hearing was closed at 7:35 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING:
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7:35 p.m., noting that three regular members of the Commission, Mr. Casiello, Ms. Atamian, and Mr. Ogonek, were again present.
- Approval of Minutes: Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of August 10, 2016.
The Commission reviewed the minutes, in particular in relation to the discussion of proposed amendments to the Redding Zoning Regulations in respect to possible amendments of the regulations relating to accessory apartment regulations. On the motion of Mr. Ogonek, and the second of Ms. Atamian, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the August 10, 2016 meeting.
- Application 2016-21Z
Owner: Town of Redding, 100 Hill Road (Redding Green), Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 22 -26; Applicant Redding Boy Scouts, Trevor Furrer representative. In accordance with Section 5.11.2 of The Redding Zoning Regulations, request for a Limited Duration Special Use Permit to hold an event on the Town Green recognizing the Boy Scouts on the occasion of the award of the 100th Redding Eagle Scout. Event proposed for October 1, 2016; rain date October 2, 2016. Application received August 10, 2016.
The Chairman noted the history of events on the town green as approved by the Selectmen, and also reviewed the applicant’s proposal to address parking and sanitary issued related to the proposed event. The Commission also discussed fees, stating that public hearing and legal notice fees, as well as state fees, should be paid to the Zoning Office.
As all regulatory issues seemed to be addressed, Ms. Atamian moved that the permit be granted; Mr. Ogonek seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
- Application 2016 – 22 Z
Owner: John Wanat, 2 Long Ridge Road, Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 5 – 10; Applicant Rob Hughes Stonebridge Associates. In accordance with Section 5.2 of the Redding Zoning Regulations: request for Site Plan Approval to have a landscaping business in a portion of the property at 2 Long Ridge Road.
The Chairman asked the applicant to review his proposed use of the property.
Mr. Hughes stated that he grew up in Redding, his mother lives here, and his wife is the office manager at New Pond Farm. He said that he is a landscape designer with a 20 year old business that is currently located in Wilton, but he stated that he would like to move the business to Redding. The business would be located at 2 Long Ridge Road and would include the design offices, and also the dispatch of some trucks for installation and maintenance however he noted that all installation occurs on a client’s property. He also said that there might be, in the future, some display of seasonal plants for sale.
This began a discussion with the Commission. The Chairman noted that greenhouses are allowed in the NB zone, as well as professional offices. He asked about trucks, and also asked
about the use of the trucks for general maintenance, noting that the property has residential zone on some sides.
Mr. Hughes discussed the trucks and equipment he uses for his business. He noted that work is done on his client’s properties and that he does not own equipment for earth moving: this is contracted out. He said that he has some pick-up trucks, box trucks, and single-axle dump trucks. Both the Chairman and Mr. Ogonek raised concern regarding noise in the early morning; Mr. Hughes stated that his crews begin work between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. but that some trucks, during work season, go home with workers so that they can be dispatched directly to job sites. Mr. Ogonek asked about larger equipment; Mr. Hughes stated that the company does not own earth moving equipment; for larger jobs, they call in the Nazarro Brothers Company directly to the job site. In some cases, they rent mini-excavators but, again, those are brought directly to the job site. He stated that he will be keeping a “bobcat” type machine at 2 Long Ridge Road. A discussion of the actual count of trucks to be kept at 2 Long Ridge Road followed. Mr. Hughes further noted that there will be minimal storage of mulch and supplies on site, and, therefore, few truck deliveries. He stated that these supplies are generally delivered directly to job sites. Mr. Hughes clarified to The Commission that his company does not do snow removal work so equipment is not used at all during the winter.
A discussion followed regarding lighting. Mr. Hughes stated that, given that he does not use equipment during the winter, lighting is not needed although he may install motion detector lights where the trucks are parked. The Commission directed Mr. Hughes to the Zoning Regulations regarding light intensity and shielding.
The Commission also raised the issue of truck maintenance and whether it would be done on site. Mr. Hughes stated that all equipment maintenance is done off site at the truck sales point in Bethel.
Lastly, The Commission discussed the retail sale component of the business. Mr. Hughes stated that he may have some nursery stock for customers to look at, and also may buy multiple items if a bulk purchase is advantageous; he also may do some sales of seasonal flowers in containers and holiday displays and decorations.
After a further discussion, Mr. Ogonek moved to approve the application with the following conditions:
- All lighting on the site must be approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer and must conform with the Zoning Regulations;
- Parking of trucks on site is limited to 10 vehicles with no vehicles exceeding the size of a ‘low boy” truck;
- On-site storage of construction equipment is limited to “bobcat” type equipment;
- All work on site, including pick-up of equipment, must occur after 7:00 a.m.
Ms. Atamian seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
- Discussion: There was no discussion under this agenda item.
- Future Agenda Items: The Chairman briefly discussed the revision to the Accessory Apartment Regulations discussed during the August Commission meeting, and the report from the Zoning Enforcement Officer that the revised regulations had, informally, met with encouragement from other town agencies.
- Communications: There was no discussion under this agenda item.
- Adjournment: On the motion of Mr. Ogonek, and the second of Ms. Atamian, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Aimee Pardee