Planning & Zoning Meeting Minutes

01/16/2018
Meeting date: 
Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Planning and Zoning

40 Old Farms Road Willington, CT 06279

January 16, 2018

7:30 PM

Meeting Minutes

 

 

Roll Call

 

Members Present:

Walter Parsell – Chairman

Doug Roberts – Vice-Chairman

Edward Standish

Randy Belair

Joe Lucia

Joe Hall

Donald Courtois, alternate

Members Absent:

Andy Marco - Secretary

Brittany Skorupski-Williams, alternate

Also Present:

Susan Yorgensen

Public Hearing

W. Parsell called the Public Hearing to order at 7:30.

PZC2017-29 Request for regulation change for allowed uses in a designed industrial zone.  Applicant FedEx Ground Package Systems (Received December 5, 2017 Public Hearing January 16, 2018 decision within 65 days after close of P.H.)

Attorney Dorian Famiglietti was present and read through the application to allow Fed Ex to sell gas to the drivers at the HUB.  She said due to the reclassification, they now have to get approval and added that the sale component changes everything.   She said the other option would be to change all of the driver’s contracts which Fed Ex does not want to do.  She asked the Commission to review the application and build it in with controls. 

Atty. Famiglietti said the sale of gas is exclusive to trucks and local delivery trucks and has been happening since 2006.  S. Yorgensen added that there are a few people that most of the drivers are contracted.  Atty. Famiglietti explained the safety controls at the pump; they need a valid Fed Ex card and a T-Check which is given by Fed Ex.  She said there is no way the public can use the dispensers.  She added that she has worked with S. Yorgensen and Attorney Mark Branse on the application and a letter from Atty. Branse was submitted for the record. 

S. Yorgensen said the application is for a text amendment and if approved, Fed Ex will be back before the Commission for a Special Permit. 

The proposed addendum was reviewed and the Commission agreed gasoline sales should be changed to fuel sales and the amendment added to Personal Services, after “Warehousing & Storage. 

Discussion was held on the uses this change would fall under.  D. Roberts read the letter from CRCOG dated 1/2/2018 into the record which stated they found no apparent conflicts. 

W. Parsell motioned to close the Public Hearing.  D. Roberts seconded the motion.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Regular Meeting

W. Parsell called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:55.

Pre-Application:  A non-binding discussion on the use and proposed amendments with Evan Aguirre regarding:  Distillery accessary to farms.

Mr. Aguirre gave an overview of his proposal and is looking to see if the Commission would embrace the idea.  He said he is looking into purchasing land in town for a winery/distillery and eventually branch out if it takes off.  He said he would like to grow both grapes and corn on the property.  A discussion was held on the acreage needed and Mr. Aguirre said at least 15 acres. 

The Commission reacted positively toward the pre-application.  

New Business

PZC2018-3 Application for Exterior light on 7 existing poles and 7 wall packs at 60 Old Farms Road (Senior Housing) Owner: Access Senior Housing Applicant: Dennis Ring with Earthlight solar & energy solutions

The Commission reviewed the document submitted.  A discussion was held on dark skies lighting.  The applicant states the lighting is night time friendly.   The Commission said they have no issues with the wall packs but would like other fully dark skies options presented for the poles. S. Yorgensen will notify the applicant.

Old Business

PZC2017-24 Update the Plan of Conservation and Development for 2018-2028 Applicant:  Willington Planning & Zoning Commission

J. Lucia motioned to approve PZC2017-24, the update of the Plan of Conservation and Development for 2018-2028 with the modifications made (as approved January 2nd and shown in the handouts).  Effective February 3rd, 2018.  D. Roberts seconded the motion.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

PZC2017-29 Request for regulation change for allowed uses in a designed industrial zone.  Applicant FedEx Ground Package Systems (Received December 5, 2017 Public Hearing January 16, 2018 decision within 65 days after close of P.H.)

A discussion was held on the application and Chairman Parcel said that the amendment was in concert with the Towns Plan of Conservation and Development.   E. Standish motioned to approve PZC2017-29, Request for regulation change for allowed uses in a designed industrial zone.  W. Parsell seconded the motion.    All in favor.  Motion carried.

PZC2018-3 Application for Exterior light on 7 existing poles and 7 wall packs at 60 Old Farms Road (Senior Housing) Owner: Access Senior Housing Applicant: Dennis Ring with Earthlight solar & energy solutions

E. Standish motioned to approve the wall packs in application PZC2018-3 but not the existing poles at this time.  The Commission agreed they need more information on the existing poles.  J. Lucia seconded the motion.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Minutes

W. Parsell motioned to approve the minutes of January2, 2018.  D. Roberts seconded the motion.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Correspondence

Letter from BL Companies regarding the Site Lighting Study at Fed Ex. 

Copy of the Notice of Violation from IWWC to Hull Forest Products. 

Copy of a letter from Douglas & Sherry Strickland to Michael Gandza regarding a wooden built tree stand

Staff Report and Discussion

W. Parsell expressed his concerns on single family homes being rented out and college parties at the rental properties in town and a discussion was held.  S. Yorgensen said Ashford is looking at adopting an ordinance similar to Mansfield is now requiring conditions on rental properties. Discussion was held on enforcement.  S. Yorgensen said she sees this as an issue that will get bigger for the Town. She would need a formal complaint on file to start the process. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:35.

Respectfully Submitted,

Michele Manas

Michele Manas

Recording Clerk