1993/01/12BERLIN PLANNING C0~ISSION
The January 12, 1993 meeting of the Berlin Planning Commission was called to order at
?:00 P.M. by chairman Cynthia Wilcox Those present were Joan Carey; Dennis Kern;
Timothy Zigmont; Paul Query, alternate seated for Gale Porter; Elleeu Meskill, alternate;
Susan Wiley, alternate; William Voelker, Town Planner; and Sharon Guite, Recording
Secretary. Gale Porter was excused.
Mrs. Wilcox noted for the record that it was permissible for the public to tape this
meeting, however, since this was a regular Commission meeting discussion on agenda
iten~ would only be between and among Commissioners and staff. She requested no
testimony or commentary from the public as the public hearing was already held and
closed on both old business items being considered at this meeting.
1. OLD BUSINESS
a. Speciel permit of ihs Fox Hill Land Company for a 50 uoit Neighborhood
Affordable Houslng Development et Lots 3-1 end 4, Block 14i, ~ilks Pond Road.
Mr. Voelker reviewed the three items which the Commission, at its previous
meeting, felt needed to be addressed. The first was referral of the plans
to I~C, which hae been done sad a letter was received from Inland Wetlands
Commission chairman, James McCarthy, verifying that IW~C has determined that
the plans, as presented, do not involve any regulated activities in wetlands
which require a IWI~C permit. Regarding the length of the cul-de-sac, the
Commissioners felt the plans needed to be referred to the Fire Marshall.
A letter signed by both the Fire Marshall, Steven Wasnia, and Chief of the
Fire Department, James Simons, was received. In this letter it was stated
that the length of the proposed cul-de-sac poses no accessibility problems
for proper fire protection. The question regarding waiver of the application
fee was referred to Corporation Counsel. However, Mr. Voelker reported
that the applicant had paid the $100 per lot application fee. Attorney
Sullivan confirmed that the application fee had been paid in full.
Mr. Kern announced that, although he still maintains he does '~o=~have ~co~lict
of interest in this item, because charges con~inue, he has dec£~d~o d~sq~lify
himself and he requested Mrs. Wilcox appoint someone to replac~
~isc~lon ~nd voting on this item. Ms. Meskill was seated in ~i~la~e.-~
~' w~e~.also.di§gua~i~i~d herself from discussion on this ite~
zne question o~ a~oroanillty anu who will enforce it was rais.~'~r..-~oe~er
stated tha~ ~he HousinS Authority will admiu~ster ~he afforda~si~
in perpetui~v.
A mo~o, was made by Mr. Zlgmon~, ~econded by ~r. Query and ~ed
waive Section 3.06.08 of =he SubdivEs~on Regulations resard~n$ len$~h of the
cul-de-sac, in accordance wi~h Section 44.01 of ~he Subd~vis~on Regulations
and as au~horize~ by Section 8-26 of =he S~a~e S~a~u~es. The Co~Ess~on
fends there w~ll be no significant adverse effect on ad]acen~ proper~y or
on public health and sa~e~y. Co~iss~oners Wilcox~ Query, Z~mont, and
Meskill voted in favor and Co~issioner Carey vo~ed a~a~nst ~he mot~on.
A motion was made by Mr. Query, seco,ded by Ms. Meskill and vo~ed
approve ~he Special Pe~ w~h the fol~owin8 condi~ions:
1. The house locations as sho~ on ~he sire for Lots 3-25,
3-27, 3-28, .3-2T, 3.-~0~ .3-3~, 3-32~ .3-43~ 3-44. 3-4~, 3-46,
3-47, and 3'a8 are to remain f~xed w~=h respect ~o t~e fron~ yard setback
and the proximity of ~he ~rad~n8 ~n the rea~ yard to ~he lEm~s of
conservation easements and wetland boundaries in the rear yard. Th~s
limitation should be noted on the special permit end,subdivision mylars.
2. Provide additional landscaping along the westerly bo~ndaries of Lots 3-19
and 3-20, including a berm and white pines.
3, Provide evergreen screening alon8 the westerly boundary of Lot 3-21 and
the southerly boundaries of revised Lots 3-17 and 3-18.
&. Revise the boundary between Lots 3-17 and 3-18 to accomodate the
required 60 foot buffer from adjacent residentially zoned property.
5. Enlarge the existing detention system as recommended by the Town Engineer.
6. Provide an as-built drawing of the detention system. No building permits
may be issued until said as-built has been approved by the Town Engineer.
7. Show on the site plan the buffer plantings species as recommended by
the applicant's soils consultant.
The reasons for approval of the Special Permit are as follows:
1. The Commission finds that this application does not involve conduct
which has, or which is reasonably likely to have the effect of unreasonably
polluting, impairing, or destroying the public trust in the air, water,
or other natural resources of this State.
2. The Commission finds that the application meets the standards and intent
o£ Section 6.10 of the Berlin Zoning Regulations with respect to
Neighborhood Affordable Housing Development.
Commissioners Wilcox, Query, Heskill and Zlgmont voted in favor and
Commissioner Carey voted aBainst the motion.
543
544 ·
A motion was madeby Mr. Zigmont, seconded by Ms. Meskill and voted &-I to
grant final subdivision approval of Phase I, which includes 9 building lots
(2 affordable). Commissione.rs Wilcox, Zigmont, Meskill and Query voted
in favor and Commissioner Carey voted against the motion.
b. Subdivision of RPM Realty Company for 8 residential building lots at Lot 4,
Block 8, Farmington Avenue. Mr. Zigmont disqualified himself and Ms. Wiley
was seated in his place. The three lots with frontage on Farmington Avenue
were discussed. Mr. Kern felt the homes on these three Lots should face
Farmington Avenue. However, Mr. Voelker pointed out that the cohesiveness
of the new neighborhood would be compromised if those homes were oriented
to Farmington Avenue. Sidewalks along Farmington Avenue were discussed and
it was the consensus of the Cormmission to not require sidewalks along
Farmington Avenue. A motion was made by Mr. Query, seconded by Mrs. Wilcox
and voted 3-2 to grant preliminary subdivision approval with the following
condition:
1. Grading rights be shown before Final Subdivision approval.
Commissioners Wilcox, Query and Wiley ~oted in favor and Commissioners Kern
and Garey voted against the motion. Mr. Kern noted for the record that he
is dissatisfied with making backyarda fronting on Farmington Avenue.
Mr. Zigmont was reseated.
2. NEW BUSINESS
Site plan of E. Aiudi & Sons for a ~BO square foot addition for storage
purposes to the existing industrial building at Lot 83, Block 76, Depot Road.
Mr. Kern disqualified himself from this item and Ms. Wiley was seated in
his place. A motion was made by Mr. Zigmont, seconded by Ma. Wiley and
voted unanimously to grant site plan approval subject to the following:
i. Receipt of a revised site plan showing grading spot elevations around
the foundation.
Mr. Kern was reseated.
b. Site plan of Stephen M. Raccuia for a 14,000 square foot furniture store at
Lot 85, Block 132, Wilbur Cross Highway and Woodruff Circle. Bart Bovee
presented the plans. The site contains 1.3 acres with 190 feet of frontage
on the turnpike. Th~ primary exit and an entrance is proposed on Woodruff
Circle with one entrance only on the turnpike. The building will be used
primarily for showrooms, distribution will be from the main store in Milford.
The plans will be referred to IWWC and the Police Con~nission. A motion was
made by Mrs. Carey, seconded by Mr. Kern and voted unanimously to table
action.
c. Sketch plan review for an eight lot residential subdivision (former Blue Hills
Associates subdivision) on the northerly side of Orchard Road. The site is
zoned R-86 and will be served by on-site wells and septic systems. Staff has
instructed the applicant to clean s~diment out of the detention basinwhich
was constructed by the previous applicant. The plans include 9.5 acres of
open space along Hatchery Brook with pedestrian access. Mr. Voelker noted
that staff will recommend improvements be done to Orchard Road by the applicant
as required on the original plans. It was the consensus of the Commission
that the road layout~ open space~ and Orchard Road improvements are acceptable
as presented.
d. Sketch plan review of a proposed industrial site plan of Thomas Baldyga
located at the intersection of Kensington Road and Camels Back Road. The
question of sidewalks was raised; it was the consensus of the Commission
not to require sidewalks on Kensington Road.
e. Application of Norman and Donald Munson to excavate 6,000 cubic yards of
material from Lots 11 & lID, Block 71, Norton Road. A motion was made by
Mr. Zigmont, seconded by Mrs. Carey and voted unanimously to recommend to
the Zoning Commission approval of the excavation permit with the conditions
as listed on the attached letter. Mr. Kern abstained from the vote.
f. A motion was made by Mr. Ztgmont, seconded by Mr. Query and voted unanimously
to add this item to the agenda. The Commission reviewed revisions to the
subdivision map of Peter Karoll, Lot 8, Block 73, EiCon Road and Orchard Road.
Regradlng is proposed on-site to make lots more conducive for development.
A motion was made by Mr. Zlgmont, seconded by Mr. Query and voted unanimously
to approve the revised subdivision plans of Peter Karoll. Mr. Kern abstained
from the vote.
3. OT~ER CO~IHISSION BUSINESS
a. There was no one present who wished to speak for the Audience of Citizens.
b. Approval of minutes: No action was taken on the November 10, 1992 minutes.
A motion was made by Mr. Kern, seconded by Mrs. Carey and voted unanimously
to approve the November 17, 1992 minutes with the correction that the public
bearing was opened at 7:00 P.M.
BERLIN PLANNING COIttI$SION
12, 1993
A motion was made by Mr. Kern, seconded by Mrs. Carey and voted unanimously
co approve the December 1, 1992 minutes.
A motion was made by Mrs. Carey, seconded by Mr. Kern and voted unanimously
to approve the December 8, 1992 minutes.
A motion was made by Mrs2 Carey, seconded by Mr. Kern and voted unanimously
to approve the December ~2, 1992 minutes.
c. A motion was made by Mrs. Carey, seconded by Hr. Query and voted unanimously
to authorize calling o[ the bond of Richard LaFlarame, Castlewood Drive in
an amount sufficient to complete all remaining public %mprovements.
d. A motion vas made by Mr. Kern, seconded by Mr. Zigmonr and voted unanimously
to authorize payment of an invoice to Rorbal Brothers, Inc. [or work
performed in the Hooreland View subdivision as recommended by
e. A motto~ was made by Hr. Ztgmont, seconded by Hr. Kern'and voted unanimously
to authorize payment to Gerry DiPietro [or work performed in the R&S subdivision
and the Hooreland View subdivision, as recon~ended by
£. Request for bond release, Walter Roazievicz, Division Street. No action was
taken.
g. Request [or bond ~elease, Steven & Barbsra Ritchie, ~est Lane. No action taken.
h. A motion was 'made by Hr. Zigmont, seconded by Hr. Query and voted unanimously
to grant a one year extension from January 24, 1993, for preliminary
subdivision approval for remaining sections of Vineyard Acres, Earl R. ~lcklund.
i. A motion was made by Hr. Zigmont, seconded by Nfs. Carey and voted unanimously
to reduce the bond o[ Boward Asa1, Westview Acres, Section I, from $88,600
to $83,000 (which brings the. bond to the 25% minimum retainage).
J. Staff report on revisions to subdivision regulations conc~rning drainage
improvements and street trees will be discussed at the next meeting.
k. A motion was made by Hrs. Carey, seconded by Hr. Zlgmont and voted unanimously
to authorize payment in the amount o[ $28,~17.OO to Cocchiola Paving, Inc.
for work performed in the Hooreland View subdivision.
A motion vas made by Hr. Query, seconded by Hr. Kern and voted unanimously to adjourn
the meeting ac 9:~0
Respectfully submitted,
Timothy Zigmont, Secretary
Sharon Guite, Recording Secretary
Typed ~anuary 1~, 1993
Mr. Joseph Surannlg Chairman
Berlin Zoning Commission
240 K~nsington Road
Berlin, CT 06037
TOWN OF BERLIN
Planning Commission
TOWN HALL * BERLIN, CT 06037
Sanuary 19, 1993
PAGE
MINUTES ; [(,£,~2 , _ I : ....
BOARD OF FINANCE ~'~
January 12, 1993 :.,JJ1"' !~ Ti' l:?q
A Special Meeting of the Board of Finance was"held o~"~6e~sday,
January 12, 1993 in the Board of Finance Room, Town Hall.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
Dr. John Mclntosh, Chairman
Mrs. ida Ragazzi, Vice Chairman
Mrs. Audrey Bertagna
Mr. Fred Jortner
Mr. Sam Lomaglio
Mr. James O'Connell
Mr. Gary Clinton, Finance Director
Ms. Ellen Burbridge, Senior Center Director
Mr. Jack Ross, Water Control
Mr. Morgan Seeyle, Public Works/Engineering
Mr. Bryan Griswold, Highway Department Supervisor
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M.
AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
No discussion.
BUDGET HEARINGS
SENIOR CENTER
Ms. Ellen Burbridge, Senior Center Director, presented her budget to
the Board of Finance.
The following line items were discussed:
101/0104 - Clerical.
Ms. Burbridge stated that there has been an increase in programs and
also in the level of participation of seniors at the center. She has
relied on volunteers to help out. Ms. Burbridge is asking that the
Board give consideration to making this a full time position.
Mrs. Audrey Bertagna asked why this item was not put in the budget.
Ms. Burbridge said that she was not asked to appear before the Executive
Board when they were scheduled to review her budget.
Mrs. Ida Ragazzi suggested that Ms. Burbridge call the Mayor and
ask to appear before the Executive Board.
101/0ill - Secretary - Commission.
PAGE 2
This item was reduced from $720 to $600. Ms. Burbridge stated
that she was able to accept this reduction because the Commission
for the Aging normally does not meet in the summer months of July
and August.
101-0116 - Bus Driver.
Ms. Burbridge is asking to increase the hours of the part time bus
driver. She stated that because of increase use of the bus by the
Town seniors she feels that an increase of hours would be justified.
Ms. Burbridge noted that on Mondays and Fridays only one bus driver
is available.
121/0201 Supplies/Printing.
Ms. Burbridge is asking for increase to $2400 from the proposed $2100
because she has gone over budget in the two previous years and that
because monthly newletters distributed to seniors in Town has risen
from 500 copies to 600 copies printed monthly.
Ms. Burbridge asked that the Board consider her requests favorably.
WATER CONTROL COMMISSION
Mr. Jack Ross, Manager, presented his budget to the Board of Finance.
Mr. Ross stated that because a 97% rate of collection of revenues
he is hoping to maintain the one (1) mill rate.
0186 - Administration.
Mr. James O'Donnell asked Mr. Ross to explain the department request
of $48,100.
Mr. Ross stated that because insurance costs were not paid in previous
years, it is now catching up with them.
Mr. James 0'Donnell asked if Mr. Ross anticipated any increase in
hours or staff for the next year.
Mr. Ross said No.
Dr. John McIntosh complimented Mr. Ross on presenting a good budget.
HIGHWAY.
Mr. Morgan Seelye, Director of Public Works/Engineering presented
the budget to the Board of Finance. Mr. Bryan Griswold, Highway
Superintendent, was present to answer any questions.
The following line items were discussed:
PAGE 3
101/0105 - Blue Collar.
Mr. Seeyle said that this increase is needed because he would like to
upgrade the three (3) Maintainer III positions to that of three (3)
Crew Chiefs.
Dr. John Mclntosh asked why three (3) Crew Chiefs were needed.
Mr. Seeyle explained that with these positions the Highway Department
would be able to provide direct supervision over the various crews
which are deployed throughout the Town and this should have a very
positive effect on the productivity of the crews.
Mr. Griswold added that that EIighway Department has employed the same
number of employees since 1965.
101/0121 Overtime.
Mr. Seeyle stated that this increase is needed because crews sometimes
work late especially during construction season when contractors work
late or when needed for safety reasons.
121/0208 - Dues and Conferences.
Mr. Seeyle asked that Board look into increasinq the amount proposed.
He said that he believes it is beneficial to the Town to have the
Highway Superintendent and Highway Foreman be able to attend seminars
and courses pertaining to their work.
121/0218 - Tools.
Mr. Seeyle noted that the power tool and hand tool accounts were
combined into one account.
Mr. Seeyle said that the proposed amount of $1000 is not enough
for his department to able to purchase both the necessary hand tools
and the heavy duty power tools needed. Mr. Seeyle noted that power
tools are very expensive.
131/0418 - Snow Plows.
This department request for $10,000 has been transferred to the
Garage account.
131/0441 Backhoe Loader, Replacement.
Mr. Griswold stated the present backhoe is twelve (12) years old.
He said that he would like to buy a new one, a smaller model which
would be more moveable.
131/0444 - Truck Washing Equipment.
Mr. James O'Donnell asked if this item was really needed.
Mr. Griswold replied that the old one hasn't worked for two years,
and that he has to use the one at the Town Garage.
PAGE
PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING
Mr. Morgan Seeyle, Director of Public Works, presented his budget
to the Board of Finance.
The following line items were discussed:
101/0108 - Summer Help.
Mr. Seeyle stated that the department request of $2,625 was cut by
the Executive Board. He asked that the Board of Finance consider
reinstating this request because it is for one employee for the
summer. The employee would be a college student studying for civil
engineering and that person would help out in surveying and related
duties.
121/0208 - Dues and Conferences.
Mr. Seeyle said that some departments with fewer managers have a
larger amount that his department which has five (5) managers.
He asked that the Board look into his department request for $1200
for this item.
121/0263 - Sidewalks.
Mr. Seeyle stated that the Executive Board cut his request of $4000
to $2000. Mr. Seeyle stated that the Town has many older sidewalks
which need to be repaired. Mr. Seeyle stated that the cost of repairing
sidewalks is more that building new sidewalks.
Mr. Seeyle thanked the Board for their consideration of his requests.
BUDGET CHANGES
A Budget Chanqe Form was received from Mayor Robert J. Peters
requesting $37,984 to award the Blue Collar Union their wage increase
per the union contract.
Dr. John P. McIntosh acknowledged receipt of the request.
Mr. Gary Clinton, Finance Director noted that the union contract
has already been approved by the Executive Board and that the labor
contract has been signed by the Town and the Blue Collar Union.
Mr. Clinton also stated that Board would be committing an unfair labor
practice if it did not act on this request.
MOTION was made by Mrs. Audrey Bertagna, seconded by Mr. Sam
Lomaglio and VOTED to TABLE the request to award $37,984 to
Blue Collar Union for their wage increase per the union contract.
ALL VOTED IN FAVOR.
A Budget Change Form was received from Mayor Robert J. Peters
PAGE 5
requesting $4,000 be allocated to the Mid-Managers overtime account
which is almost depleted.
A discussion followed.
MOTION was made by Mrs. Audrey Bertagna, seconded by Mrs,
Ida Ragazzi and VOTED to TABLE the request for $4,000 to
be allocated to the Mid-Managers overtime account.
ALL VOTED IN FAVOR.
A Budget Change Form was received from Mr. Morgan Seeyle, Public
Works, requesting $500 for dues and conferences fees for his
department.
Mr. Seeyle noted that $225 of the request is for his professional
license and the remaining funds are to pay for meetings for the
five (5) managers in his department.
93-020 MOTION was made by Mr. Sam Lomaglio, seconded by Mr. Fred
Jortner and VOTED to transfer $500 from account ~101-2129-
121-0299 (Contingency) to account ~101-2336-12i-0208 (Public
Works).
ALL THOSE VOTING IN FAVOR:
Mrs. Audrey Bertagna, Mr. Fred Jortner,
Mr. Sam Lomaglio, Mr. James O'Donnell,
Mrs. Ida Ragazzi.
OPPOSED: Dr. John P. McIntosh
Vote being 5-1.
CORRESPONDENCE
Berlin School Budget
No Discussion.
Police Computer Dispatch System Study
No Discussion.
MINUTES - January 5, 1993 and January 7, 1993.
MOTION was made by Mrs. Ida Ragazzi, seconded by Dr. John
McIntosh and VOTED to accept the minutes of the January 5, 1993
and the January 7, 1993 meetings as submitted.
ALL VOTED IN FAVOR.
ADJOURMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 P.M.
PAGE 6
Respectfully submitted,
JoAnn Budzinsk~~
Recording Secretary
PAGE 1
BOARD OF FINANCE .... '
January 14, 1993'i~,...I,~*1 lr~ ~[, ~.?p,..
A Special Meeting of the Board of Fina~e.was'h~%d~n
Thursday
January 14, 1993 in the Board of Finance Room,'TdWh Hall.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dr. John McIntosh, Chairman
Mrs. Ida Ragazzi, Vice Chairman
Mrs. Audrey Bertagna
Mr. Fred Jortner
Mr. Sam Lomaglio
Mr. James O'Donnell
OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Gary Clinton, Finance Director
Mr. Eugene Devlin, Librarian
Ms. Cathy Nelson, Children's Librarian
Mr. David Borthwick, Library Board Chairman
Mrs. Joanne Ward, Town Clerk
Mrs. Elizabeth Tedeschi, Republican Registrar
of Voters
Mr. A1 Scapellati, Tax Collector
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M.
AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
No discussion.
BUDGET BEARINGS
LIBRARY
Mr. David Borthwick, Library Board Chairman presented the budget
of the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library to the Board of Finance.
The following line items were discussed:
101/0104 Library Personnel.
Mr. Borthwick stated the department request of $93,071 includes
a request for two (2) new part-time positions, at eleven (11)
hours a week each.
Mr. Borthwick explained that circulation has steadily risen since
the library moved into the new building, but there has been no
increase in circulation staff.
Mr. Borthwick also requested an increase of five (5) hours a week
for the Order Clerk/Bookkeeper.
101-0108 - Library Pages.