Friday, July 14, 2017


MINUTES OF THE BETHANY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF WEDNESD
The regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall, 40 Peck Road, Bethany, Connecticut.
 
The following Commission Members were present:
            Kimberly McClure Brinton, Chair
            Michael Calhoun, Member and Secretary
            Donna Shea, Member
            Bob Harrison, Member
            Alex Hutchinson, Member
            Brad Buchta. Alternate Member
Carol Lambiase, Alternate Member
 
The following Commission Member was absent:
            Eric McDonald, Alternate Member
 
Also present were:
             Hiram Peck, Planning Consultant
             Isabel Kearns, Zoning Enforcement Officer
             Kevin McSherry, Town Attorney
 
 
Members introduced themselves to the new members and then the new members (Harrison and Hutchinson) introduced themselves.
 
 
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
 
It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Harrison to accept and approve the nomination of Kimberly McClure Brinton as Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the term of July 2017 to June 2018.
Voting for:  Calhoun, Shea, Harrison, Hutchinson.
Unanimous approval.
 
It was moved by Shea and seconded by Harrison to accept and approve the nomination of Michael Calhoun as Vice-Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the term of July 2017 to June 2018.
Voting for:  Brinton, Shea, Harrison, Hutchinson.
Unanimous approval.
 
It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Harrison to accept and approve the nomination of Donna Shea as Secretary of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the term of July 2017 to June 2018.
Voting for:  Brinton, Calhoun, Harrison, Hutchinson.
Unanimous approval.
 
 
It was moved by Hutchinson and seconded by Shea to accept and approve the nomination of Michael Calhoun as Representative to the South Central Regional Planning Commission for the term of July 2017 to June 2018.
Voting for:  Brinton, Shea, Harrison, Hutchinson.
Unanimous approval.
 
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES                
            
  1. It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Harrison to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the June 7, 2017, Regular Meeting.
    Voting for:  Brinton, Calhoun, Shea, Harrison, Hutchinson.
      Unanimous approval.
 
 
 
BILLS
 
  1. It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Shea to approve the payment of $1,200.00 (monthly pro rata basis), for services rendered for June 2017, by Hiram W. Peck III, AICP, Planning Consultant.
Voting for:  Brinton, Calhoun, Shea, Harrison, Hutchinson.
Unanimous approval.
 
  1. It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Harrison to approve the payment of a bill for $125.00, dated for July 5, 2017, from Anne Sohon for recording services for the public hearing (300 Bear Hill Road).
    Voting for:  Brinton, Calhoun, Shea, Harrison, Hutchinson.
Unanimous approval.
 
 
 
GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
 
  1. Email from John Paul Garcia, P.E./L.S. dated June 9, 2017, Re:  667 Amity Road, pole height and pictures of netting.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUATION
 
  • 300 BEAR HILL ROAD, Application #2017-007 submitted by Pyramid Network Services to install a 110-foot monopole radio antenna for public safety
     
At 7:20 p.m., Chair Brinton called the public hearing to order.   Roll call was taken.  Chair Brinton read the legal notice for the public hearing. 
 
Present to speak on behalf of the application was Former Fire Chief Bob McSherry.
 
Mr. McSherry noted in discussion:
  • The application read 100-foot antenna.  Mr. McSherry amended application to read 110-foot antenna.
  • This is a residential area where antenna will be located but monopole is a lot less conspicuous.
  • Area where antenna will be mounted will be fenced in and shrubs will be planted around the fenced area.
  • Do not have to go to Siting Council because this is a municipality project.
  • Current radio coverage for the BVFD will be doubled for the public radio system for Bethany.
  • A lot of trees surrounding abutting property owners.
 
Isabel Kearns, ZEO, read Section 22.7.A. of the Zoning Regulations which states no tower may be approved which exceeds 100 feet in height.
 
Kevin McSherry, Town Attorney, stated the tower being proposed is 110 feet and the Zoning Regulations only allows a 100-foot tower, therefore, the applicant will have to obtain a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
 
Chair Brinton asked if anyone from the public would like to speak in favor of the application or against the application.  
 
Clark Hurlburt, Board of Selectmen, stated the Board of Selectmen support the BVFD 100% on this project for public safety.
 
At 7:55 p.m., it was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Shea to continue the public hearing to the next regular meeting on Wednesday, August 2, 2017, at 7:15 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall.
Unanimous approval.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NEW BUSINESS
 
  1. 667 AMITY ROAD, Application #2017-008 submitted by Matt Micros/667 Amity Road, LLC for a Special Exception Permit to allow crushing and screening onsite
 
The Commission formally received the application.  Present to speak on behalf of the application was John Paul Garcia, P.E./L.S., representing the applicant.
 
Mr. Garcia noted in discussion:
  • Would like to crush ledge; approximately 2,500 cubic yards of ledge.
  • We have notified the Inland Wetlands Commission and the SCC Regional Water Authority.
 
Hiram Peck, Planning Consultant, mentioned the applicant obtain a letter from QVHD and submit specifications on the rock crusher.
 
It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Shea to schedule a public hearing date of Wednesday, August 2, 2017, at 7:15 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall.  Unanimous approval.
 
 
OLD BUSINESS
 
  1. 300 BEAR HILL ROAD (BVFD Hinman Station), Application #2017-007 submitted by Pyramid Network Services to install a 100-foot monopole radio antenna for public safety – Public hearing continued to August 2, 2017.  Tabled.
     
     
  2. Proposed amendment to Section 7 – Signs and Parking & Loading Regulations – to add Subsection 7.3.1 – Special Exception for lighted signs in the B&I Zone - Public hearing scheduled for December 7, 2016
 
Hiram Peck, Planning Consultant distributed two handouts as follows:
  • Revised draft dated July 5, 2017, Sign Regulations.
  • Examples of Acceptable/Unacceptable Lighting Fixtures.
 
Mr. Peck reviewed each and asked members to look at and make any revisions for next meeting.
Tabled.
 
 
  1. Discussion regarding accessory apartmentsTabled. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER’S REPORT
Isabel Kearns, ZEO, stated she would email her report to Commission members.
 
 
ADJOURNMENT
 
It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Hutchinson to adjourn the regular meeting at        8:47 p.m.
Voting for:  Brinton, Calhoun, Shea, Harrison, Hutchinson.
Unanimous approval.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
 
Antonia R. Marek, Clerk
for the Planning and Zoning Commission
 
 
AY, JULY 5, 2017                                                        Page 1 of 5

BOARD OF FINANCE
JUNE 13, 2017
Page 1 of 2

 
DRAFT
Attendance:  Chairman John Grabowski, John Ford IV, Sharon Huxley, Sally Huyser, Robert Brinton Jr. Melissa Spear was absent from the meeting
Visitors:  First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Fran Doba, Selectman Clark Hurlburt, Thomas Broesler
Chairman Grabowski called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Bethany Town Hall, Selectmen’s Conference Room.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Grabowski called for approval of the minutes of the previous meeting of April 24, 2017.  The motion of approval was moved by Robert Brinton Jr. and seconded by John Ford IV.  The minutes were approved on a unanimous vote without change.
Chairman Grabowski called for approval of the minutes of the previous meeting of May 22, 2017 as listed on the agenda.  Sharon Huxley noted that the agenda had listed approval of minutes of May 22, 2017 instead of May 2, 2017.  The typo was noted.  The motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of May 2, 2017 was moved by Robert Brinton Jr. and seconded by John Ford IV.  The minutes were approved on a unanimous vote without change.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Grabowski gave a report on the Amity Finance Committee meeting.  John reports that the $1,200,000 surplus in the Amity budget may not be returned back to the three towns.  The committee is planning to set aside $200,000 of the surplus for the air handler repair.  They have discussed keeping money for bonding costs for a four year period possibly to do the artificial turf on the football field.  There will be three or four new members on the Finance Committee at the next meeting, so depending on how they vote, will determine if any of the surplus will be returned to the towns or used for other purposes. In the meantime Bethany should not depend on a refund to balance the budget.
FIRST SELECTWOMAN GORSKI’S REPORT
First Selectwoman Gorski reported that the State wide mil rate of 32 mils, for motor vehicle taxes for fiscal year 2017-18 set by the State for all towns and cities, has been approved by the Legislature.   Bethany will therefore have to compensate for the loss of revenue in the mill rate difference for motor vehicles. 
SCRCOG ASSESSMENT
Selectwoman Gorski spoke to the Board of Finance regarding the assessment to Bethany by SCRCOG of $4,821 for the writing of an emergency plan for the Region.  Without this plan the Town of Bethany would not be able to apply for Federal grants as in the past for storm damage.  Following discussion Sharon Huxley moved a motion to pay the assessment to SCRCOG of $4,821 from the Contingency Fund.  Sally Huyser seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.
SETTING OF MIL RATE
Sharon Huxley indicated under Roberts Rules that a Point of Order should be sent out in an email to correct amount of the Fund Balance as of June 30, 2016.  The Fund Balance should have been listed on the Call of the Annual Town Meeting notice of May 15, 2017 as $3,193,549 instead of $2,835,783.  The correct information is as follows:
 
 
 
Unassigned Fund Balance 6/30/2016                         $3,193,549                         13.74%
Fund Balance available to balance budget               $    880,482
                                                                                                                               
Unassigned Fund Balance                                            $2,313,067                          10.00%
The error was in picking up the wrong Fund Balance from the previous year’s audit.
The Board discussed various ways to balance the budget and set the mil rate using money from the Fund Balance.  Without knowing exactly what the Town will receive in grant money from the State it was determined that $650,000 would be taken from the Fund Balance to balance this budget.  If more money is received than expected from the State of Connecticut, then the money would be put in the General Fund to reduce taxes next year.  A motion was moved by Sally Huyser to set the mil rate at 36.9 mils.  Robert Brinton Jr. seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous. 
FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Tom Broesler reported that he had spoken to the Actuary reviewing the Firemen’s Pension account.  The Actuary indicated that the plan should be funded by $35,500 each year to maintain it.  Since the budget is final this would have to be a consideration for next year.
TAX COLLECTOR’S SUSPENSE LIST
David Forman presented to the Board of Finance a Tax Suspense list to be approved by the Board of Finance.  The Board reviewed it.  A motion was then moved by John Ford IV to accept the list as presented.  The motion was seconded by Sharon Huxley.  The vote taken was unanimous.
OTHER
Sharon Huxley wanted it noted that the Board of Finance is not following and addressing the Control Issues as recommended by the Auditor.   Sharon suggested adding this as an agenda item to every meeting to begin the procedure of correcting them. 
The Board thanked Robert Brinton for his years of service to the Town in serving on the Board of Finance. 
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 8:55 p.m. after a motion was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by Robert Brinton.  The vote taken was unanimous.
                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,
 
                                                                                                June G. Riley
                                                                                                Clerk, Board of Finance



MINUTES OF THE BETHANY INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF MONDAY, JU
 
The regular meeting of the Inland Wetlands Commission was called to order at 7:31 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall, 40 Peck Road, Bethany, Connecticut.
 
The following members of the Commission were present:
         Kristine Sullivan, Vice-Chair, Acting as Chair
         Roger Hathaway, Member
         Brian Smith, Member
         Nancy Scanlon, Member
         Rob Huxley, Alternate Member, seated as voting member
 
 
NEW BUSINESS 
 
  1. A moment of silence to honor Sandy Breslin – There was a brief moment of silence to honor the passing of Inland Wetlands Chairman, Sandy Breslin.
 
  1. Carrington Road, Application #1283 submitted by Peter Lesmerises – Connwood
    Foresters for an IW Permit for two seasonal stream crossings (timber harvest)
 
The Commission formally received the application.  No one was present to speak on behalf of this application.
 
The Commission would like to visit the site to inspect the proposed stream crossings.
 
Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting adjourned to Monday, July 24, 2017.  Tabled.
 
  1. 5 Pleasant Drive, Application #1284 submitted by Cedar Properties, LLC/Mary Ellen Faroni, Manager, for an IW Permit for a residential site development
 
The Commission formally received the application.  Present to speak on behalf of this application was Mary Ellen Faroni, applicant and Russ Faroni, builder.
 
Mr. Faroni reviewed the proposed project and noted in discussion:
  • Contacted Department of Transportation because the property borders Route 63 and was told there is nothing required by the State.
  • Have not received approval from Quinnipiack Valley Health District.
  • Will develop this lot first.
 
In discussion, Commission members noted:
  • There will be no clearing until permit is issued.
  • Commission would like to visit the site.
  • For site visit, Commission would like staked the center line of driveway, corners of house, end of septic and locations of level spreaders.
 
Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting adjourned to Monday, July 24, 2017.  Tabled.
 
 
  1. 11 Pleasant Drive, Application #1285 submitted by Cedar Properties, LLC/Mary Ellen Faroni, Manager, for an IW Permit for a residential site development
 
The Commission formally received the application.  Present to speak on behalf of this application was Mary Ellen Faroni, applicant and Russ Faroni, builder.
 
Mr. Faroni reviewed the proposed project and noted in discussion:
  • Contacted Department of Transportation because the property borders Route 63 and was told there is nothing required by the State.
  • Have not received approval from Quinnipiack Valley Health District.
  • Will develop this lot second.
 
In discussion, Commission members noted:
  • There will be no clearing until permit is issued.
  • Commission would like to visit the site.
  • For site visit, Commission would like staked the center line of driveway, corners of house, end of septic and locations of level spreaders.
 
Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting adjourned to Monday, July 24, 2017.  Tabled.
 
OLD BUSINESS
 
  1. 81 Humiston Drive, Application #1281 submitted by James Mooney for an IW Permit for an inground swimming pool
 
Present to speak on behalf of this application was James Mooney, applicant and owner of record.
 
Commission members visited the site on June 3, 2017, discussed their findings and proceeded to deliberate.
 
It was moved by Smith and seconded by Hathaway to approve Application #1281 submitted by James Mooney for an Inland Wetlands Permit to install an inground pool located at        81 Humiston Drive as presented in the application, testimony and in accordance with the submitted plan entitled, “Septic System Design” dated September 11, 1986, with a revision date of June 26, 2017, with hand drawn markings by the applicant showing the location of silt fence to be installed prior to construction, including the standard conditions found on the Land Records, Volume 93, Page 802 and Page 803.
 
This approval is based on the fact that all the material excavated will be removed from the site by wheel barrow; therefore, there will be no adverse impact to the wetlands.  Filter type information shall be submitted to the Commission that will be required for the pool.
Vote 5 to 0.
Voting for:  Sullivan, Hathaway, Smith, Scanlon, Huxley.
Unanimous approval.
 
 
 
  1. 94 Downs Road, Application #1282 submitted by Gary Martin for a modification to previous approval for a residential site development
 
No one was present to speak on behalf of this application.
 
Revised plans were submitted but the Commission noted that they had asked for the roof drains and footing drains to go to basin and revised plans only show roof drains going to basin. 
 
Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting adjourned to Monday, July 24, 2017.  Tabled.
 
  1. 74 MUNSON ROAD, Harold, Thomas and Dina Durley, Updated on Cease and Desist Order issued December 7, 2016 – Looks well vegetated but some obvious tracks noticeable.  Tabled.
     
  2. Discussion regarding Raccio Drive – Proposal from Diversified Technology ConsultantsTabled.
     
  3. Discussion regarding Bethany West clearing.  (Letter from Roman Mrozinski of the
    Southwest Conservation District) Tabled.
 
  1. 185 Beacon Road, Discussion with Daniel Cusano regarding non-permitted barn
Tabled.
 
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
 
  1. It was moved by Scanlon and seconded by Smith to approve, as amended, the minutes of the March 27, 2017, Regular Meeting.
Voting for:  Sullivan, Hathaway, Smith, Scanlon, Huxley.
Unanimous approval.
 
  1. It was moved by Scanlon and seconded by Smith to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the May 20, 2017, Special Meeting/Site Visit.
Voting for:  Sullivan, Hathaway, Smith, Scanlon, Huxley.
Unanimous approval.
 
  1. It was moved by Scanlon and seconded by Smith to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the May 22, 2017, Regular Meeting.
Voting for:  Sullivan, Hathaway, Smith, Scanlon, Huxley.
Unanimous approval.
 
  1. It was moved by Hathaway and seconded by Scanlon to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the June 3, 2017, Special Meeting/Site Visit.
Voting for:  Sullivan, Hathaway, Smith, Scanlon, Huxley.
Unanimous approval.
 
 
 
 
CORRESPONDENCE
 
  1. Letter from Isabel Kearns, IWEO, to Robert Knudsen owner of 629 Bethmour Road, dated June 20, 2017, Re:  Stop Work Order, clear cutting of trees at 629 Bethmour Road.
  2. Email from Vin Franco of 9 Deerfield Lane, dated May 26, 2017, Re:  Area south of garage has been prepared and seeded at 9 Deerfield Lane.
  3. Letter from Isabel Kearns, IWEO, to Laura Torrence owner of 48 Amity Road, dated May 23, 2017, Re:  Response to Notice of Violation at 48 Amity Road.
 
PUBLICATIONS
  1. Connecticut Wildlife, March/April 2017.
  2. The Habitat Newsletter, Spring 2017.
     
     
SCHEDULE SITE VISIT
 
The Commission scheduled a site visit for Thursday, July 6, 2017, at 5:00 p.m.  Commission members to meet at Lacey Road and visit the following sites:
  • Carrington Road, stream crossings
  • 5 Pleasant Drive, residential site development
  • 11 Pleasant Drive, residential site development
 
 
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Scanlon and seconded by Huxley to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Voting for:  Sullivan, Hathaway, Smith, Scanlon, Huxley.
Unanimous approval.
 
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
 
Antonia R. Marek, Clerk
For Inland Wetlands Commission
 
 
 
 
NE 26, 2017                                                       
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