Board Members Present: Robert Hiscox, Gil Graveline, Alan Havican, Donald Pomeroy, Thomas Galvin
Alternates Present: Alexander Delelle
Others Present: Bill Donovan, Land Use Inspector
Members Absent: Francis Carpentier (Alt.), Anthony Parrella (Alt.)
Robert Hiscox called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The meeting was taped.
Approval of Minutes: Motion by T. Galvin, seconded by A. Havican to approve the minutes of the May 12, 2004 meeting as amended. In favor, R. Hiscox, A. Havican, D. Pomeroy, T. Galvin. G. Graveline abstained. Motion Carried. Motion by A. Havican, seconded by T. Galvin to approve the minutes of the May 26, 2004 meeting as presented. In favor, R. Hiscox, A. Havican, T. Galvin. G. Graveline, D. Pomeroy abstained. Motion Carried. Motion by D. Pomeroy, seconded by G. Graveline to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2004 meeting as presented. In favor, R. Hiscox, G. Graveline, D. Pomeroy. A. Havican, T. Galvin abstained. Motion Carried.
Correspondence: None
Public Participation: None
Old Business:
a. Comprehensive Revision to Zoning Regulations. The public hearing on the Zoning Regulations was closed on May 26, 2004. The Commissioners reviewed the Draft Resolution for Comprehensive Revisions to the Prospect Zoning Regulations as presented by Bill Donovan. Motion by A. Havican, seconded by T. Galvin to approve the Draft Resolution for Comprehensive Revisions to the Prospect Zoning Regulations with modifications by consensus of the Commissioners and set an effective date of July 1, 2004. Under discussion, Bill Donovan explained that the Commissioners were approving the proposed zoning regulations contained in the complete draft document dated September 16, 2003 prepared by HMA, Inc. and the document entitled “Summary of Changes made to the September 16, 2003 Draft of Prospect Zoning Regulations” developed in response to comments received at the public hearings. Bill also stated that the “buildable area” is being replaced with the “minimum buildable area”. A “minimum square” will now only apply to development within a commerce park zone. Chairman Hiscox noted that the final document is to include a page listing the Planning & Zoning Commission members, the adoption date and dates of the public hearings. The Commissioners agreed that a modification should be made to allow “Elderly Housing” and “Congregate Elderly Housing” by special permit in a commerce park zone. The definition of “Storage” would also be modified to specifically state that a commercial vehicle couldn’t be parked in a residential area unless it is servicing a particular lot. No change will be made to allow for more than one home occupation per household. The minimum size requirements for a minimum square within the commerce park zone will remain as proposed.
b. Comprehensive Revision to Subdivision Regulations. The public hearing was closed on May 26, 2004. The Commissioners reviewed a Draft Resolution for Comprehensive Revisions to the Prospect Subdivision Regulations and Road Ordinance as presented by Bill Donovan. Motion by T. Galvin, seconded by D. Pomeroy to approve the Draft Resolution for Comprehensive Revisions to the Prospect Subdivision Regulations and Road Ordinance with modifications by consensus of the Commissioners and set an effective date of July 1, 2004. Bill Donovan asked the Commissioners to consider changing the maximum grade of a driveway from the proposed 10% to a 12% grade. The Commissioners agreed to make a modification to a 12% driveway grade. Discussion was held on the proposed 500-foot maximum driveway length. The 500-foot maximum would remain. T. Galvin suggested that the proposed change to Section IV, (11) General Regulations requiring a minimum of one (1) acre for open space was excessive. The Commissioners agreed to remove “and shall be a minimum of one (1) acre”. The Commissioners reviewed and approved the modifications noted on a memo from HMA, Inc. dated May 11, 2004, as well as revisions cited in a letter dated May 3, 2004 from Carmody & Torrance. Bill Donovan highlighted that the Town Attorney’s recommendations included a change that would remove the requirement for obtaining three (3) bids for engineering reviews. There was no further discussion. A roll call vote was taken. The vote was Unanimous in favor of the motion.
Motion by G. Graveline, seconded by A. Havican to amend the effective date previously set for the Revised Zoning District Map and set a new effective date of July 1, 2004 to coincide with the effective date of the Revised Zoning Regulations and Revised Subdivision Regulations. A roll call vote was taken. The vote was Unanimous in favor of the motion.
Motion by T. Galvin, seconded by D. Pomeroy to lift the moratorium on subdivision applications effective July 1, 2004. Unanimous.
New Business:
a. Town of Prospect, 36 Center Street. Request for Approval to Fill Area Behind Prospect Senior Center to Expand the Parking Area – 6 Center Street. A letter dated June 16, 2004 was submitted including a site map from Mayor Robert Chatfield requesting permission to fill an area behind the senior center for the purpose of expanding the parking area. The Mayor’s request indicated that a grant is being applied for to expand the Senior Center and if a grant is approved, the Mayor will present an amended site plan under Section 8-24 to the Commission. An application will be submitted to the Inland Wetlands Commission at their next regular meeting. D Pomeroy questioned whether the driveway grade was less than 12%. Bill Donovan will follow up with the Mayor regarding the driveway grade. There were no other concerns stated. Motion by T. Galvin, seconded by A. Havican to approve the request for filling the property behind the Senior Center for the purpose of expanding the parking area contingent upon Inland Wetlands approval and assuring that the driveway grade is 12% or less. Unanimous.
Land Use Inspector’s Report: Bill Donovan indicated that he submitted a copy of the most recent zoning violations log to the Town Council. Bill also reported to the Commissioners a recent court case decided in the Town’s favor regarding enforcement actions to remove a commercial vehicle in a residential area. Motion by A. Havican, seconded by D. Pomeroy to accept the Land Use Inspector’s Report. Unanimous.
Public Participation: None
Motion by A. Havican, seconded by D. Pomeroy to adjourn at 8:27 p.m. Unanimous.
Robert Hiscox
Robert Hiscox, Chairman