MINUTES

PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION REGULATORY REVIEW COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 26, 2006, Conference Room B, Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building

 

Members present:     B. Gardner (Chairman) R. Favretti, K. Holt, P. Plante

Others present:          G. Padick (Director of Planning) J. Jackman (Item #2), D. Dagon (Item #2)

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Gardner at 2:08 p.m.

 

Items of Business

1.       Minutes- Holt MOVED, Favretti seconded to approve the minutes of September 6, 2006.  The motion carried with Favretti, Holt and Plante in favor, and Gardner abstaining.

 

2.       Padick distributed a recent court case involving the Town of Wallingford.  The decision emphasized that Planning and Zoning Commissions must have statutory authority for all regulations. Furthermore, whenever regulations are based on general authority (such as to protect the publics health and safety), the record must clearly document how the regulations will help achieve this objective.

 

Padick, Fire Marshall Jackman, and Fire Chief Dagon discussed with committee members potential regulation revisions for fire protection water supplies.  A 9/13/06 memo from Jackman with proposed amendments to the subdivision regulations were distributed.  The proposed regulations would modify existing driveway provisions and incorporate new provisions for requiring new water supplies through underground storage cisterns or dry hydrants in ponds, etc.  Members discussed the cost and benefits of the proposed new improvements, which would not be required if residential sprinkler systems were installed.  Maintenance and potential exemption provisions for smaller subdivisions also were discussed.  It was determined that no action should be taken until further review with the Town Attorney regarding statutory authority and whether Zoning, Subdivision or ordinance provisions should be utilized for considering the suggested requirements.  Members also asked staff to provide, based on recently approved subdivisions, more information on how many cisterns would be necessary for typical subdivision submissions (assuming home sprinklers would not be installed).

 

  1. Padick related that the previously prepared draft regulations for animals had been presented to the Mansfield Agricultural Committee and that the Committee would be reviewing the proposal and provide feedback.  Padick noted that comments are not expected soon as the Committee meets bi-monthly.  Members asked him to contact the Committee and determine if a special meeting would be held in October so that the draft revisions may be incorporated into the next round of revisions to present for public comment and possible adoption.

 

  1. Padick noted that the PZC had referred the issue of potential buffering/screening requirements for new roads and driveways and it was agreed to ad this to the list of regulations to consider.  This was not considered a short term priority.

 

  1. The balance of the meeting was spent discussing potential revisions to the Zoning Map and Regulations to implement Plan of Conservation and Development recommendations for land south of Pleasant Valley Road now zoned Industrial Park or Professional Office-3.  Padick distributed a September, 26th draft listing of issues to resolve and members began its review of these issues.  Padick was given some feedback and agreed to begin the drafting of new regulations to be associated with a new zone classification.

 

  1. Future Meetings- Members present agreed to schedule the next meeting for Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. (Note: Subsequently revised to Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 2:30 p.m.)

 

  1. Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 3:56 p.m.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Kay Holt, Secretary