Planning & Zoning Commission

Chair Thom Pattavina (’23) Middletown Vice-Chair Vice-Chair Secretary Nicholas Nicholas Fazzino Thom Fazzino (’21) (’25) Secretary ShanayPattavina (’23) Fulton (’25) Planning and Zoning Members Members Richard Pelletier (’23) Richard Pelletier (’23) Catherine Marcus Marcus Fazzino Fazzino (’21) (’23) Catherine Johnson Johnson (’23) (’23) Vacant (’21) Sebastian Giuliano (’25) Commission Alternates Alternates Kellin Kellin Atherton Shanay Atherton (’23) (’23) Fulton (’23) (’25) Hillary Thompkins James O’Connell (’21) Vacant (’23) Ex- Ex- Officio Officio Mayor Mayor Ben Ben Florsheim Florsheim William Russo, Director of Public Works Staff Marek Kozikowski, AICP, Director of Land Use REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2021 Council Chambers & Virtual on WebEx 7:00 P.M. The meeting was held both virtually and in-person. Members of the public had access via https://webex.com, the WebEx application, and via telephone. Start: 7:02 PM End: 7:43 PM 1. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was made. 2. Roll Call Present: Commissioner Thom Pattavina Commissioner Nicholas Fazzino (Via WebEx) Commissioner Shanay Fulton Commissioner Richard Pelletier Commissioner Catherine Johnson Commissioner Marcus Fazzino Commissioner Sebastian Giuliano Commissioner Kellin Atherton (Alternate) Commissioner Hillary Thompkins (Alternate) Absent: None Staff: Marek Kozikowski, Director of Land Use Public: Three members of the public attended into the meeting. 2.1. Election of Officers Motion to nominate T. Pattavina as chair Moved by N. Fazzino, seconded by Johnson Voting in favor: Pattavina, N. Fazzino, Fulton, Pelletier, Johnson, M. Fazzino, Giuliano Passed 7-0 Commissioner Pattavina assumes the role of Chair. Motion to nominate Commissioner Nicholas Fazzino as vice-chair If you require special accommodations for any meeting, please call the ADA Coordinator at (860) 638-4540, (voice) or (860) 638-4812 (TDD/TTY), or the Town Clerk’s Office at (860) 638-4910 at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled meeting. Page 1 of 4 Moved by Giuliano, seconded by Pelletier Motion to close nominations Moved by Giuliano, seconded by Fulton Vote in favor: Pattavina, N. Fazzino, Fulton, Pelletier, Johnson, M. Fazzino, Giuliano Passed 7-0 Voting in favor for N. Fazzino as Vice-Chair: Pattavina, N. Fazzino, Fulton, Pelletier, Johnson, M. Fazzino, Giuliano Passed 7-0 Motion to nominate Commissioner Shanay Fulton as secretary Moved by M. Fazzino, seconded by Giuliano Motion to close nominations Moved by Giuliano, seconded by N. Fazzino Vote in favor: Pattavina, N. Fazzino, Fulton, Pelletier, Johnson, M. Fazzino, Giuliano Passed 7-0 Voting in favor: Pattavina, N. Fazzino, Fulton, Pelletier, Johnson, M. Fazzino, Giuliano Passed 7-0 Motion to nominate Commissioner Catherine Johnson as RiverCog Regional Planning Committee representative Moved by N. Fazzino, seconded by Giuliano Motion to close nominations Moved by Pelletier, seconded by N. Giuliano Vote in favor: Pattavina, N. Fazzino, Fulton, Pelletier, Johnson, M. Fazzino, Giuliano Passed 7-0 Voting in favor: Pattavina, N. Fazzino, Fulton, Pelletier, Johnson, M. Fazzino, Giuliano Passed 7-0 Motion to appoint Commissioner Kellin Atherton as Alternate RiverCog Regional Planning Committee representative Moved by Fulton, seconded by N. Fazzino Motion to close nominations Moved by Pelletier, seconded by N. Giuliano Vote in favor: Pattavina, N. Fazzino, Fulton, Pelletier, Johnson, M. Fazzino, Giuliano Passed 7-0 Voting in favor: Pattavina, N. Fazzino, Fulton, Pelletier, Johnson, M. Fazzino, Giuliano Passed 7-0 3. Items removed from the Agenda Director Kozikowski reported that no items were removed from the agenda. 4. Public comment on items on the agenda which are not currently scheduled for a public hearing Page 2 of 4 Joseph Samolis, Director of Economic and Community Develop attended in support of the G.S. 8-24 application listed on the agenda. 5. Confirmation that all hearing signs have been properly posted Director Kozikowski confirmed that no signs were required. 6. Public Hearings None. 7. Old Business 7.1. Discussion on activity at Map-Lot 03-0229 Country Club Road. Director Kozikowski reported that provided the background of the project on the property for the benefit of new commissioner. Another blasting permit was issued at the end of last week. An inspection was completed that day and topsoil was delivered and to be spread over the next week. 8. New Business 8.1. Adoption of the 2022 Meeting Calendar Director Kozikowski reported that meeting calendar follows the typical schedule of the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month except for November and December. Commissioner N. Fazzino inquired if any of the dates coincide with the motorcycle event or other events, noting that some meetings will need to cancel meetings because of events. Commissioner Giuliano suggested that the schedule be approved as presented because the Commission has the authority to cancel meetings. Motion to adopt the 2022 meeting calendar Moved by Giuliano, seconded by M. Fazzino Voting in favor: Pattavina, N. Fazzino, Pelletier, Johnson, M. Fazzino, Giuliano Voting Against: Fulton Passed 6-1 8.2. Request for an affirmative G.S. 8-24 report a proposed abandonment and transfer of a 0.05ac of land to the owner of 733 Washington Street and acquire a 10 ft wide easement along the eastern property line to the City for the installation and maintenance of sidewalks and utilities at property located at map-lot 14-0007 Boston Road in the MX zone. Applicant/agent City of Middletown/ECD Dept. G.S. 8-24 2021-27 Director Kozikowski reported that the Department of Economic and Community Development has been working with the property owner of 733 Washington Street who is trying to create opportunity to develop the vacant property they own. The transfer would provide lot area and frontage that would be required for development. Commissioner Giuliano inquired if the property has any value to the city assuming that the transfer would increase the value of property, which would grow the grand list. Commissioner Johnson inquired if the owners are interested in acquiring the State of Connecticut property. She noted the importance of maintenance and safety of sidewalks along Washington Street. Page 3 of 4 Joseph Samolis, Director of Economic and Community Development confirmed that the value added to 733 Washington Street is the value added to the city and confirmed that the owner is not looking at the State’s parcel at the time. Motion to approve an affirmative G.S. 8-24 report Moved by Pelletier, seconded by Johnson Voting in favor: Pattavina, N. Fazzino, Fulton, Pelletier, Johnson, M. Fazzino, Giuliano Passed 7-0 9. Public comment on topics which are not or have not been subject of a public hearing None. 10. Minutes, Staff Reports, and Commission Affairs 10.1. Minutes of the October 27, 2021 regular meeting Motion to approve the minutes of the October 27, 2021 Moved by Fulton, seconded by N. Fazzino Voting in favor: Pattavina, N. Fazzino, Fulton, Pelletier, Johnson, M. Fazzino, Giuliano Abstained: Giuliano, M. Fazzino Passed 5-0-2 10.2. RiverCOG Report Commissioner Atherton reported there hasn’t been a meeting since the last report. 10.3. Staff Reports Director Kozikowski reported the administration of the department and the commission, staffing, development, and updates on activity of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Commission on Conservation and Agriculture, the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency, and the Urban Forestry Commission. Commissioner Johnson welcomed the new commission and offered reading materials to the commissioners on the current state of planning, noting Middletown as an ideal model for sustainable development. She looks forward to the Commission holding a workshop for the commission. 10.4. Commission Affairs Chairman Pattavina extended a welcome to new commissioners and officers. 11. Adjournment Motion to adjourn Moved by Pelletier, seconded by Giuliano Voting in favor: Pattavina, N. Fazzino, Fulton, Pelletier, Johnson, M. Fazzino, Giuliano Passed 7-0 Page 4 of 4