Planning Board

MINUTES PLANNING BOARD OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON REGULAR MEETING APRIL 2, 2013 A regular meeting of the Planning Board of the Borough of Madison was held on the 2nd day of April 2013 at 7:30 P.M., in Room #140, Hartley Dodge Memorial, 50 Kings Road, Madison, NJ. The meeting was called to order by Planning Board Chairman, Steve Tombalakian Mr. Tombalakian requested the reading of the Public Meeting Notice. Ms. Boardman read the following statement in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. “Let the minutes reflect that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided in the following manner: At the reorganization meeting of the Board held on January 15, 2013, the Board by Resolution adopted a schedule of meetings. On January 16, 2013, a copy of the schedule of meetings was posted at the bulletin board at the entrance to the Hartley Dodge Memorial, was sent to the Madison Eagle and the Daily Record, and filed with the Borough Clerk all in accordance with the “Open Public Meetings Act”. The following roll call was recorded: Present: Judy Mullins, Mayor Robert Conley, John Forte, Peter Flemming, Michael Kopas, Astri Baillie, Steve Tombalakian and Jeff Gertler who arrived at 7:47pm. Absent: Excused: Tom Johnson Also Present: Vince Loughlin, Planning Board Attorney Frances Boardman, Board Secretary Frank Russo, Board Engineer Susan Blickstein, Board Planner Approval of Minutes: Copies of the minutes of the March 5, 2013 regular meeting were distributed to all Board members for their review prior to this meeting. Motion to approve the minutes was made by Ms. Baillie, seconded by Mrs. Mullins. A voice vote of “aye” was heard by all eligible voting members and recorded with Mr. Forte and Mr. Flemming abstaining. Comments by the Public: Mr. Tombalakian opened the floor to the public for anyone that wished to be heard on any matter not on this evening’s agenda. There was no public present at the meeting that wished to be heard. Planning Board April 2, 2013 RESOLUTIONS FOR MEMORIALIZATION – CASE NO. P 13-003 Minor Subdivision John De Simone Block 4312, Lot 3 16 Lathrop Avenue Resolution granting the application of John De Simone, for the Minor Subdivision on property located at 16 Lathrop Avenue, Madison commonly known on the Borough of Madison Tax Map as Block 4312, Lot 3. The draft resolution was sent to the applicant’s Attorney, Mr. Jason Rubin, Esq. and the Planning Board members and it’s Professionals for review prior to this evening’s meeting. Mr. Tombalakian asked the Board and its Professionals if they had any further comments or questions concerning the resolution. Seeing none, Mr. Tombalakian asked for a motion to approve the resolution. A motion was made by Mayor Conley, seconded by Astri Baillie; the following roll call was recorded: “Ayes” – Mayor Conley, Ms. Baillie, Mr. Kopas, Mrs. Mullins and Mr. Tombalakian. “Nays” – None “Abstain” –Mr. Forte and Mr. Flemming NEW BUSINESS – CASE NO. P 11-003 Preliminary and Final Site Plan with Variances Michael & Stella Iannaccone Block: 5101 Lot: 29 305 Main Street Mr. Steven Azzolini, Esq. applicant’s attorney gave a brief summary of the application. Mr. Iannaccone proposes to demolish the existing detached garage on the property and replace it with a new structure with two garage spaces, a small office and storage space. He also proposes to convert the existing two-family residence to a first floor office for his electricial business with a one-bedroom apartment above. Mr. Iannaconne, applicant and Mr. Scott Wyssling, Engineer were in attendance to testify this evening. Planning Board April 2, 2013 Mr. Michael Iannaccone, P.O. Box 729, New Vernon was sworn in and accepted as a witness. Mr. Iannaccone has been the owner of record of the above property for over seven years. He is the owner of an electrical contracting business for 42 years. He currently has an office in Chatham which he has been at for 15 years. The garage on site has not been used in years and sustained damage from Hurricane Sandy. Exhibit A-1: Color photo of garage in rear of property and rear of residential structure on property. A color picture taken last spring by Mr. Scott Wyssling, Engineer depicting the garage and the rear of the residential structure was distributed to all Board Members and its Professionals. Mr. Iannaccone stated that he plans on using the garage for storage of his commercial materials and vehicles. The converted first floor will be used for office space for his electrical contracting business. There will be no fabricating or hazardous material on site. He will use building material for the garage that will compliment the residential structure on site. He would like to put up a fence on the property line that is not on the site plan that is before the Board this evening. Mr. Flemming inquired about the traffic flow in and out of the property. Mr. Iannaccone stated that there will only be one vehicle parked in the garage and traffic flow will be at a minimum. Mrs. Mullins asked why he had not considered a bathroom in the garage. Mr. Iannaccone stated that he would but didn’t think the Board would approve. There was no objection from the Board to add a bathroom to the plans. Mr. Russo questioned the intended hours of operation for the office. Mr. Iannaccone stated that there were no specific hours of operation for the office. Each job is unique and depending on when the call comes in for the service work to be performed is when the vehicles and material will be needed from the garage. It may be any hour on any given day. The question of excessive noise and lights was also addressed by Mr. Russo. Mr. Iannaccone stated that there would not be any excessive noise or intrusive lighting on site. Mr. Iannaccone stated that a maximum of two vehicles would be kept on site. The Board asked that Mr. Loughlin include a condition in the resolution as to the maximum number of vehicles on site. Mr. Tombalakian asked the Board and its Professionals if they had any further questions for Mr. Iannaccone, hearing none he opened the floor to questions from the public again hearing none he closed that portion of the inquiry. At this time Mr. Scott Wyssling, 255 Reserve Street, Boonton, New Jersey 07005 was sworn in. Since Mr. Wyssling has testified previously before this Board his qualifications were accepted. During his testimony Mr. Wyssling referred to the site plan presented to the Board prior to the hearing, dated February 2, 2011 with the last revision date being January 29, 2013. Planning Board April 2, 2013 Mr. Wyssling began by reiterating the testimony of Mr. Iannaccone of the purpose of this application. He stated that the applicant will be increasing the parking area along with the number of spaces. One space will be handicap accessible and be ADA compliant. All variances being sought are listed on page one of the site plan. A security light will be placed on the garage. No curbing is intended on the site. Mr. Tombalakian asked if the site had any drainage issues. Mr. Wyssling stated that there were none that he was aware of however; a drywell inlet is proposed for the parking lot for the roof runoff. A discussion followed regarding the fence purposed for the site. The applicant will submit details of the fencing to the Board Engineer for approval. Mr. Wyssling stated that shade trees will be provided; Mrs. Mullins stated that the trees planted in the front should be a White Pear Tree having a 2” to 2 ½” caliber. The trees should not be Bradfords. No trees shall be planted under any hanging overhead wires. Mr. Russo and Mr. Wyssling went over the Omland Engineering report dated February 1, 2013. During the discussion it was stated that the applicant was not sure when they would change the first floor of the apartment over to commercial use. At this point Mr. Loughlin stated that this was not a fair way to present this case and jurisdiction and use now became an issue. After a brief discussion the applicant will pursue the application as is. A grade plan will need to be shown regarding the ADA ramp. Mr. Russo asked that 41/2” of pavement be used on the driveway. Mr. Russo asked that the site work be bonded and inspection fees posted. Since this is not a commercial site the Board does not recommend a bonding fee. Mr. Iannaccone was advised that no material may be stored outside the garage area. At this time Mr. Tombalakian asked if there were any further questions of the Board or its Professionals for Mr. Wyssling. Hearing none he opened the floor to the public for questions. Hearing none he closed that portion of the inquiry. Mr. Tombalakian asked if there were any comments from the public, seeing no one in the audience come forth, he closed that portion of the hearing. Mr. Azzolini made his closing summary. Deliberation of the Board began, Ms. Baillie asked Mr. Loughlin to restate to the Board the conditions that would be placed in the resolution. Mr. Loughlin listed all conditions as discussed during the proceeding. The Board was satisfied with all of the conditions mentioned. A motion to approve this application with conditions as presented by Mr. Loughlin was made by Mr. Gertler, seconded by Mayor Conley. A roll call was requested and recorded as follows: “Ayes” - Mrs. Baillie, Mr. Gertler, Mr. Flemming, Mayor Conley, Mr. Kopas, Mrs. Mullins, Mr. Forte and Mr. Tombalakian “Nays” – None Excused –Mr. Johnson OLD BUSINESS - There was no old business before the Board this evening. Planning Board April 2, 2013 A short recess was taken at 9:08pm. The meeting reconvened at 9:18pm with all members present. PLANNING DISCUSION – AMENDMENTS OF THE MASTER PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE INVENTORY A public hearing was held regarding the updates made to the Environmental Resource Inventory. Mr. James Greene, Environmental Commission member made a presentation to the Board. He informed the Planning Board that once adopted, grant funds would be released from ANJEC Smart Growth Program to the Borough. Mr. Tombalakian opened the floor to public comment, seeing no one that wished to be heard, he closed that portion of the hearing. Mr. Tombalakian asked Ms. Blickstein to give a brief summary of what the Planning Board would be voting on. A motion to approve this amendment to the Borough’s Master Plan was made by Mr. Kopas, seconded by Astri Baillie. A voice vote of “aye” was heard by all members present. LED Sign Ordinance - Ms. Blickstein began the discussion referring back to the previous work session discussions that the Planning Board has already had regarding LED lighting for gas stations. She took those discussion items and presented a memorandum dated, January 25, 2013 with a revision date of March 6, 2013 which was distributed to all Board members prior to this evenings meeting. The Board on motion of Astri Baillie, seconded by Mr. Flemming recommended that Ms. Blickstein prepare the Ordinance to be sent to the Mayor and Council. A voice vote of “aye” was heard by all members. A Master Plan Land Use Element discussion took place. A subcommittee was formed consisting of Planning Board members Judy Mullins, Astri Baillie, Mike Kopas and Jeff Gertler, as an alternate member to work with Ms. Blickstein. Since there was no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Flemming made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:45 P.M.; seconded by Mr. Kopas. A voice vote of “aye” was heard by all members present and carried. Respectfully submitted, Frances Boardman Board Secretary