APPROVED 03-25-2010

TOWN OF ENFIELD

ENFIELD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2009 

TOWN HALL / ENFIELD ROOM

________________________________________________________________________

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS

Members Present:    

Darrin LaMore, Chairman

Tophie Nowak, Vice Chair

Ken Carlson

Ken Edgar

Pam Leiteo

Jack Lopes

Catharine McKinnon

John Miller      

Jeanne Smith

Bill Watson

Bill Lee, Town Council Liaison

Staff Members:         

Peter Bryanton, OCD

Call to Order:

Chairman LaMore opened the meeting at 7:15 p.m.

Approval of Minutes:

A motion was made by Mr. Edgar to approve the minutes of October 22, 2009, December 3, 2009 and January 28, 2010.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Smith and passed with one abstention from Ms. Nowak.

Public Comment:

There were no comments from the public.

NEW BUSINESS

SPR #1489 / Change of Use / 54 Pearl Street:

The Committee reviewed an application for Change of Use at 54 Pearl Street from a dress shop to a tattoo business.  The storefront address is actually located at 40 High Street.  The applicant, Mr. Douglas Fuller of Enfield, was present for the meeting.  The applicant proposes a 4 station tattoo parlor and will hire 2 fulltime employees.  He currently has a similar business in Holyoke, MA.  There will be no changes to the exterior of the storefront except for a new sign for the business.  Mr. Fuller indicated that he had spoken with the Town Planner about the sign code, and that his proposed sign will comply with the regulations.  He provided sign drawings for the Committee to review.  In regard to a question from Mr. Watson, Mr. Fuller indicated that the hours of operation for the business would be from 12 to 8 p.m., and that no loitering will be permitted outside of the store.  After a brief discussion about the business operations, Mr. Edgar made a motion to recommend approval of the Change of Use application to the PZC.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Watson, and passed.  A letter of recommendation will be forwarded to the PZC. 

OLD BUSINESS

Rezoning of Thompsonville: 

Mr. Bryanton gave an update on the plan to extend the TVC into the Windsor Street neighborhood.  The purpose of the extension is to allow for redevelopment of parcels which do not meet the zoning requirements for the R-33 zone.  Mr. Bryanton explained that most of the lots in Thompsonville cannot meet the requirements for R-33 which is the predominate zoning designation within the village.  Mr. Thomas Froment was in attendance and provided a brief explanation about is proposed project, and how the zoning change will allow him to redevelop the site for two owner-occupied duplexes.  Mr. Bryanton stated that he does support this small extension of the TVC onto Windsor & Church Street, but would ultimately like to see a more comprehensive study of the area done by an outside consultant to insure that any zoning changes are appropriate to the village and will encourage further reinvestment going forward. 

Creation of Committee Bylaws: 

The Committee discussed the idea of creating formal bylaws or operating procedures for all committee business.  Mr. LaMore believes that such rules are necessary in order to keep the committee focused on its mission, and to address membership issues.  Mr. Lee said that he would try to obtain the Town Council's rules and procedures document for the Committee to use as a model.  He will also inquire about the Committee's stated charge at the Town Clerks office.  After the members have had a change to review those documents, a subcommittee may be created to lead the bylaw effort. 

COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS:

Sex Offender Ordinance: 

Mr. Watson inquired on the status of the proposed ordinance.  Mr. Lee thought that it may still be under review by the Director of Public Safety.  He will contact the Town Manager office in the morning for an update on the proposed ordinance.

ECDC: 

Mr. Bryanton gave a brief update on the progress to reinstitute the corporation.  He said that the Program Income Reuse Plan must be adopted by the Town Council and approved by the State before the funds can be spent.  Mr. Lee asked if the plan had been forwarded to the Town Council.  Mr. Bryanton stated it had not.  Mr. Lee asked that the documents be forward the to the Town Manager's office in the morning so that the Town Council can review it prior to the March 15th meeting.  Mr. Bryanton stated that he would do that.

Plan of C&D: 

Mr. Lopes stated that the Town is planning a hearing to solicit comments from the public.  Prior to that, a meeting of the Council of Chair is to take place to discuss potential issues with the plan as well as topics which may come up at the public hearing.  Mr. LaMore noted that formal changes to the plan may only occur after the public hearing.

Transit Oriented Development Subcommittee:

Mr. Lopes stated that the group is currently focused on the development of the ECDC at this point in time.  Mr. Bryanton said that an RFP for appraisal services to acquire the casket building was advertised last week, and that an RFQ would be released on March 1st for the construction designs for the TTC.  

Hazardville Sign:

Mr. Lee stated that the signs for the Hazardville Historic District had been designed and are awaiting production.  He will ask the Town Council to utilize CIP funds to pay for the signs.  He will keep the committee posted as to when they will be erected.  

South Maple Street Bridge: 

Ms. Nowak inquired about the progress on the long awaited bridge project.  Mr. Lee said that it had been held up by problems between various State agencies.  He is hopeful that the project will be started in the spring, but the Town does not yet have a specific start date. 

Adjournment:

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Edgar, seconded by Ms. Smith, and passed unanimously.  The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Submitted by:  

Peter Bryanton, Director of Community Development

Approved By:

Darrin LaMore, ERSC Chairman

Signature: _______________________________________  Date: __________________