January 16, 2002
Robert Hiscox called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was taped.
Approval of Minutes: Motion by D. Pomeroy, seconded by A. Havican to approve the minutes of the January 2, 2002 meeting as presented. Unanimous.
Correspondence:
Motion by T. Galvin, seconded by G. Graveline to accept the correspondence. Unanimous.
Public Participation: None
Old Business:
a. O & G Industries, Inc., - 112 Wall Street, Torrington, CT. Application for Annual Renewal of Special Permit at Salem & Spring Roads. The public hearing on this application was closed on January 2, 2002. The Commissioners reviewed a Draft Resolution of Approval. Motion by G. Graveline, seconded by D. Pomeroy to approve the Draft Resolution of Approval for a one-year renewal of the Special Permit for O & G Industries, Inc., as presented. Under discussion, B. Donovan stated that one of the items mentioned at the public hearing was the possibility that more dust was being generated this past season. Bill noted that the Resolution of Approval requires O & G Industries provide adequate dust control and that Mr. Faroni had indicated at the public hearing he would follow up on the dust control issue, as well as the issue of security in attempting to try to reduce the dirt bikes and trespassers on the property. The Commissioners discussed the possibility of a biannual renewal of O & G’s Special Permit. It was noted that Section 420.12 of the Regulations states that a permit for excavation cannot be issued for a period exceeding (1) one year. The vote on the Motion was Unanimous.
Public Hearings: None
New Business:
a. 2002-2003 Proposed Budget. The Commissioners discussed the current year’s budget and estimated costs for review of the Regulations by HMA, Inc., for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. B. Donovan will speak with representatives of HMA, Inc., in order to obtain a formal cost estimate for the review. The Commissioners will vote on the proposed budget at the February 6, 2002 meeting.
Plan of Conservation & Development: B. Donovan reported that the Town Council had voted at their January 15, 2002 meeting to endorse the proposed update to the Plan of Conservation and Development. A formal letter is forthcoming. Chairman Hiscox suggested two public hearings on the proposed update, one at the February 6, 2002 P & Z meeting and a second at the March 6, 2002 meeting. Motion by D. Pomeroy, seconded by A. Havican to set a public hearing on February 6, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. and also on March 6, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. for the proposed update to the Plan of Conservation and Development for the Town of Prospect. Unanimous.
Land Use Inspector’s Report: Bill Donovan reported that Joe Commendatore, owner of the proposed car wash at 97 Waterbury Road, has contracted with an environmental company for the purpose of working up a program to provide a series of water quality testing as detailed in the Inland Wetlands Resolution of Approval to establish a base record and history of contaminants potentially introduced with the car wash facility’s operations. Noise will also be monitored when the facility is in full operation. Bill reminded the Commissioners of the current Congregate Elderly Housing zone with a commercial strip at 54A Talmadge Hill Road. The zone change was approved at this parcel for a period of 5 years with the right to extend to 10 years provided that there is some type of site plan or movement forward with plans for congregate elderly housing. Bill stated that it appears the plan will not go forward. The approval extends the current zone to October 2002 and Bill strongly recommended to the Commissioners that, when appropriate, the combined Congregate Elderly Housing Zone and Commercial Zone be reverted back to the original Residential Zone to avoid a problem with a spot zone for commercial use. Discussion was held on the changes made to the parking lot at Caplan Park. B. Donovan was directed to write a letter to the Board of Recreation asking them to explain to the Planning and Zoning Commission the reasons for the changes. B. Donovan discussed with the Commissioners a possible amendment to the Regulations allowing for uses not specifically listed in the regulations if, in the opinion of the Commission, the use is of the same general character as a listed permitted use and not detrimental to the zone. Motion by G. Graveline, seconded by A. Havican to set a public hearing on February 6, 2002 at 7:15 p.m. for a proposed amendment to Section 300, Uses by District, to allow for permitted uses not specifically defined in the Regulations. Unanimous. Chairman Hiscox stated for the record that he has received a complaint from a concerned Platt Drive resident regarding Kathleen Christiano conducting exercise classes on Saturday mornings. Motion by D. Pomeroy, seconded by A. Havican to accept the Land Use Inspector’s Report. Unanimous.
Public Participation: None
Motion by A. Havican, seconded by T. Galvin to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. Unanimous.