Zoning Board of Appeals

REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MIDDLETOWN CONNECTICUT JULY 5, 2018 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL Present: Gary Middleton Jonathan Pulino Judy Pehota Dina Ford Kevin Brignole (seated for Linda Reil) Nick Ficaro Absent: Linda Reil Brandon Chafee Staff: Michelle Ford, Zoning and Wetlands Enforcement Officer 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 1, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes Jonathan Pulino moves to accept the minutes. Dina Ford seconds. The chair calls for the vote. The chair states the matter passes unanimously with 5 affirmative votes. 4. OLD BUSINESS Jonathan Pulino moves to approve the amended agenda to approve the by-laws. Judy Pehota seconds the motion and states that she has changes but will wait until after the New Business. 5. NEW BUSINESS 1. Proposed variance with regard to Section 21.02 to reduce setback from 25’ to 15’ for a proposed building addition to the South Fire District Station at 455 Randolph Road. Applicant/agent Paul Pizzo, Architect ZBA2018-2 (Date of receipt 6/7/18) The Chair reads application into record and the variance criteria for claiming a hardship. Paul Pizzo presents the project and explains the need for expansion. The hardship is the flood plain constraints. A seven (7) foot encroachment into a twenty-five (25) foot setback. Judy Pehota asks for assistance with orientation. Chief Michael Howley speaks as an advocate for the project. Ed Crean, member of the South Fire Building Committee advocates for project and states the need. The Chair asks if anyone from the public is against the proposal. There is no one from the public present. Jonathan Pulino moves to close the public hearing. Dina Ford seconds the motion. The chair calls for the vote. The Chair states the matter carried with 5 affirmative votes. Judy speaks praises of the South Fire Dept. Jonathan Pulino states that the building is undersized and agrees it needs this expansion. He supports the project 100%. Dina Ford states that females need separate quarters. The Chair states the hardship is obvious and can’t see any reason to not approve. Hardship is because of the floodplain constraints and can’t expand to the west. Jonathan Pulino moves for approval of the proposed variance with regard to Section 21.02 to reduce the setback from 25’ to 15’ for a proposed building addition to the South Fire District Station at 455 Randolph Road. Dina Ford seconds the motion. The chair calls for the vote. The Chair states the matter carried with 5 affirmative votes. 2. Bylaws The Chairman had a discussion with Judy Pehota regarding how to change the by-laws. General discussion ensues. Some suggestions are as follows and/or need legal opinions:  Remove the “handicapped” portion because it shouldn’t be there.  Can it be mandated that the each Commissioner visit the sites? Maybe not mandate it, but can push for it. Discussion on the benefits to see sites ensued. Ask City Attorney his opinion.  Staff describes wetlands and will ask General Council about site visits.  Judy Pehota states applications suggests every application should reiterate the hardship verbatim. Dina Ford suggests language may be tricky.  Ask City Attorney if anything can be added to the by-laws for attendance. After three (3) missed meetings, bring to Mayor. Another discussion ensues. 6. PUBLIC HEARING 7. ADJOURNMENT Jonathan Pulino moves for adjournment at 6:19 PM. Dina Ford seconds the motion. The chair calls for the vote. The Chair states the matter carried with 5 affirmative votes. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Ford Zoning and Wetlands Enforcement Officer