2018-08-09Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes — August 9, 2018
Call to Order
The Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission held a Regular Meeting on August 9, 2018 in the
Berlin Town Council Chambers, Berlin To�vn Hall, 240 Kensington Road, Berlin; CT.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. �
In attendance
Chairman Bruce Moore
Commissioners Curtis Holtman; Brian Rogan
Alternate Commissioner Steven Biella Jr. (seated)
To�vn Planner Marek Koziko�vski
E�cused
Commissioners Jon-Michael O'Brien, Kevin Murphy; Joan Veley; Steve Wollman
Alternate Commissioners Diane Jorsey, Lyle Menard
• Schedule Public Hearing
a. Proposal of Marek Kozikows�i. AICP. To�vn Planner. for a zonin� te�t
amendment to Berlin Zonin� Re�ulations Section XVI to set an effective
date of zonin� amendments Suggested Date: September 13, 2018
Commissioner Holtman moved to schedule the public hearing for September 13; 2018.
Commissioner Rogan seconded the motion �vhich carried unanimously.
II Approval of Minutes
a. Julv 26. 2018
Commissioner Holtman moved to approve the minutes, as presented.
Commissioner Rogan seconded the motion �vhich carried unanimously.
III Commission Business
a. Request of Jeffre�r Russo. J. Russo Custom Homebuilders. LLC. for a side�valk
waiver at 244 and 246 Percival Avenue (Tabled to the Atrgtrst 23. 2018 »reetin,�
at the r�eqarest of the a�plicant)
No discussion or action.
Berlin Planning an�l Zoning Commission Meeting Alinartes — August 9, 2018
IV New Business
a. Special Event Application of Paul Miano for St. Paul Church for its Annual
Picnic and Mass at 462 Allin� Street
Mr. Miano �vas present.
Mr. Koziko�vski stated the proposal includes a 40' a60' tent �vhich �vill be located near the
e�:isting gazebo for the event; on September 81h, a Saturday Mass �vill be held at 4:00 p.m. to
�:00 p.m. and the picnic will be held til 9 p.m. that day; on September 9`h; a Mass will be held at
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; and the event �vill end. The applicant �vill coordinate a"block party"
permit �vith the Police Department; the Fire Marshal will revie�v the plan for the tent at the time
of the building permit issuance; and there �vere no zoning concerns from the last similar event
held by St. Paul Church last year.
Commissioner Holtman moved to approve the application.
Commissioner Rogan seconded the motion �vhich carried unanimously.
b. Revised List of 2018 Events. Berlin Lions A�ricultural Fair. Inc., addition of
Craft Beer Festival (Approlimate Date of September 22. 2018�
Mr. Fritz Schmalber�er. President of the 2018 Berlin Lions, stated the Chili Cook-Off and Fun
Run �vill not take place this year. There �vill be one food booth at the Craft Beer Festival and the
proper permitting �vill be obtained from the Health District. The event will also have a police
presence.
Mr. Koziko�vski stated the event �vas also held last year; less than 500 attendees are anticipated;
and traffic is not eypected to be a concern.
Commissioner Holtman moved to approve the application.
Commissioner RoQan seconded the motion �vhich carried unanimously.
V Public Hearing
Chairman [l�Ioore read the C�tll of the Hearing.
a. Special Permit Use and Site Plan Applications of Krvs Santora for an auto repair
business and car wash at �02 & �22 Berlin Turnpike. Zoned BT-1
Mr. Michael Lambert, Harry E. Cole & Son, Plantsville; CT., stated the site has rivo vacant
Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission A�Ieeting Mint.rtes —Augarst 9, 2018
buildings and the site had formerly been used for temporary sales of fire�vorks. Existing curb
cuts will be reduced to a single curb cut proposed on the north side; the building �vill have 3 bays
�vith a car �vash in back with a drive-thru e�iting on the Berlin Turnpike. The building will be
just under 3,�00 s.£ T«�elve parking spaces are required; seventeen spaces are proposed.
Portions of the building and parking �vill be located �vith the floodplain. The floor of the
building will be appro�imately 2 feet above the floodplain elevation. A �vater quality basin �vill
be installed to provide storage volume adjustment and to assist in providing water quality for the
runof£ Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission approval has been received and the
plan has been revie�ved by the Town Engineer. Zoning Board of Appeals' approvals have also
been received. The rivo parcels have a total just less than four acres. An encroachment permit
from the State Department of Transportation was submitted in July and is pending. He stated he
has revie�ved Mr. Koziko�vski's comments �vith him.
Mr. Kozikowski asked Mr. Lambert to discuss traffic stacking concerning the car wash.
Mr. Lambert stated a�vaiver for four stacking spaces is requested as t�vo �vay traffic could be
impeded. Revisions to the plan could allow for one way traffic.
Chairman Moore stated public safety is al�vays a concern of the commission.
Mrs. Chris Santora, stated no major events are anticipated at the location.
Mr. Lambert stated the plan's island could be re-adjusted and one �vay traffic could be
established instead of the proposed t�vo-way. He agreed �vith Chairman Moore's concern that
the safer scenario �vould be the option.
Chairman Moore stated should the application be approved, he asked if the applicant �vill �vork
with staff regarding site plan revisions.
Mr. Lambert agreed.
Mr. Kozikowski stated the pylon sign �vill be required to meet the Berlin Turnpike Design
Guidelines. He asked �vhat colors �vill be selected.
Ms. Santora stated their business colors for the sign �vill be red and black (the background is still
beina planned) and she agreed to �vork �vith staff concerning the details of the sian. In response
to Mr. Koziko�vski's question; Mrs. Santora responded no convenience items would be sold.
Mr. Kozi�o���ski stated the proposed buildina elevations have room for improvement. He asked
if the plan �vill be re-configured to provide a better looking fa�ade or possibly include a pitched
roof.
Mrs. Santora stated the building is still in the design staQes.
In response to Mr. Kozikowski's inquiry, Mr. Lambert stated the plan meets the requirement of
3
Berlin Plcrnning and Zoning Cornmission A�Ieeting Minutes — Aargzrst 9, 2018
proposed landscaping; Mr. Lambert stated it does and agreed to work �vith staff.
Regarding the requirement of the planting of a tree on each island, Mr. Lambert stated there is
not enouah space on the front island which has a light. He agreed with Mr. Kozikowski's stating
a photometric plan to verify compliance �vill be submitted.
Mrs. Santora stated the hours of operation are Monday until 6:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. til
2:00 p.m.; and closed on Sunday.
Durin� discussion; Mr. Lambert stated he �vill �vork with staff regarding the location of the t�vo
coin operated vacuum cleaners and selection of materials enclosing the dumpster. He stated the
storaae container for e�cess storage of used tires will be moved ne�t to the building. An anti-
tracking pad �vill be installed during construction. A berm with plantings �vill be installed to
reduce headliaht glare and the buildin� �vill still be visible. He had spoken �vith Berlin Water
Control and the plan �vill be revised to have the se�ver connection tie into the e�isting
connection. He is reviewing the oil/�vater separation subject �vith the Mattabassett District. The
proper permit for the Discharge of Vehicle Maintenance Waste�vater Permit from the CT DEEP
�vill be obtained. If the application is approved; a merger of the t�vo lots will be filed before
permits are sought.
Mr. Koziko�vski stated Zonina Board of Appeals approval for the 30' setback of the building and
a location approval for the auto repair facility had been obtained on June 26, 2018. On June �;
2018, the Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission approved a Wetlands/Flood Hazard
permit. The Police Department has indicated there �vill be no traffic impact from the proposed
business' location.
Mr. Chris Edae; Director of Economic Development; Town of Berlin, spoke in support of the
application. He noted the business has a successfiil location in Middletown, as well.
Commissioner Roaan moved to close the hearing.
Commissioner Holtman seconded the motion �vhich carried unanimously.
VI Old Business
a. �ecial Permit Use and Site Plan Applications of Kr��s Santora for an auto repair
business and car �vash at �02 & �22 Berlin Turnpike. Zoned BT-1
Chairman Moore stated the applicant has indicated a cooperative outlook in �vorking �vith staff.
He stated approval �vill provide Berlin �vith a positive and attractive business.
Commissioner Holtman moved to approve the application, subject to the applicant's �vorking
�vith staff regarding details of the final plan.
Commissioner Rogan seconded the motion �vhich carried unanimously.
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Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes — August 9, 2018
VII Commissioners Comments
VIII Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Frances M. Semnoski
Recording Secretary
RECF1yEt� FpF RECORO
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