Zoning Board of Appeals
Regular MeetingNorwich, CT · February 11, 2025
Minutes
CITY OF NORWICH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
February 11, 2025
7:00 PM
Regular Meeting Minutes
Hybrid Meeting
ZOOM & Lower Level Conference Room
23 Union Street, Norwich, CT
The regular meeting of the City of Norwich Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order
at 7:07 p.m. Roll call was taken.
PRESENT: Chairman Marc Benjamin
David Martin
Edward Aberbach
Robert Phoenix
Dorothy Travers (ZOOM)
ABSENT: None
OTHERS: Richard Shuck, Zoning Enforcement Officer; and Katherine Rose,
Recording Secretary
Chairman Marc Benjamin called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Chairman Marc
Benjamin stated all members would be voting on all matters.
A. COMMUNICATIONS: None.
B. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Robert Phoenix made a motion to accept the
December 10, 2024 regular meeting minute as amended. David Martin
seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously.
C. OLD BUSINESS: None.
D. NEW BUSINESS:
1. V# 24-12: 105 Oneco Street: Request a use variance to ZR section 2.3
(Neighborhood Commercial Zone Standards) for the purpose of the
construction of a single family home, where a single family home is not a
permitted use in the zone, subject to subdivision approval. Property of
Gillermo Sarria, Application of Gillermo Sarria, Assessors Map # 084,
Block # 002 Lots # 070, NC Zone
Richard Shuck read Exhibits A - K into the record.
Members reviewed the minutes of the January 28, 2025 Commission on
City Plan meeting, where a positive vote was made to refer the variance
back to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Discussion ensued. Marc Benjamin
read City Zoning Regulations 7.10.2 into the record, which discussed the
considerations for approving use variances. Robert Phoenix asked for
clarification on if the variance was to facilitate building a residential
property on the right side of the subdivision. Richard Shuck stated that
was correct. Robert Phoenix asked if approved, would the property
maintain its commercial zoning. Richard Shuck responded that it would as
it is still within the commercial zone. Richard Shuck explained that even if
the applicant were to subdivide the parcel to have conforming lots they
would still be restricted to the commercial use of the property, so it was his
recommendation the applicant proceed with this variance request prior to
getting survey work done. Robert Phoenix asked if the lots were
subdivided would the proposed new home be conforming, aside from its
non-commercial use. Richard Shuck responded that was what was put in
the application. Discussion ensued.
Gillermo Sarria stated that when he initially purchased the properties they
combined the lots to save on taxes, but there was now a need to build a
second house on his property to support family. Gillermo Sarria stated he
was not looking to build anything extravagant and was only seeking to
keep his family together. David Martin asked if the surrounding properties
in the commercial zone contained houses. Edward Aberbach stated he
drove through the area and it seemed there were quite a few houses.
Discussion ensued. Edward Aberbach asked if the applicant would be
looking to put in a driveway and garage for the new proposed home.
Gillermo Sarrai stated he was envisioning those things, but was flexible on
what needed to be done. Robert Phoenix asked staff what the maximum
coverage would be for the proposed new lot. Richard Shuck responded
that lot coverage in the neighborhood commercial zone can be up to 60%.
Robert Phoenix asked if the property abutted any residential zones, to
which Richard Shuck responded there was one multi-family. David Martin
stated he was uncertain of the hardship associated with the application.
Chairman Marc Benjamin agreed.
Robert Phoenix made a motion to close the public hearing at 7:36 PM.
David Martin seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed
unanimously.
2. V# 25-01: 155 Baltic Road: Request relief from ZR section 4.14.1 to
reduce the side yard setback from 10 ft. to 5 ft. for the construction of a 22
x 20 carport Property of Norman and Renee G. Bibeault, Application of
Norman and Renee Bibeault, Assessors Map # 006, Block # 001 Lots
#022, R-40 Zone
Richard Shuck read into the record Exhibits A - I.
Renee Bibeault stated they were seeking to replace their existing carport
and found that their desired placement would infringe upon a small portion
of the 10 foot setback. Renee and Norman Bibeault stated that the
proposed location would be the best spot for the new carport and that
otherwise it would be in the driveway. Marc Benjamin asked if the existing
carport was already infringing on the setback. Renee Bibeault stated the
existing carport was somewhat in the same area but it was a tent structure
and the new carport would be more permanent. David Martin asked if
there was any spot the carport could go where a variance would not be
required. Norman Bibeault explained they were trying to avoid blocking
their view of the river as well as the septic line. Discussion ensued.
Chairman Marc Benjamin asked to clarify if five feet was needed for the
variance, as the sketch only showed 58 inches needed. Norman Bibeault
stated they could adhere to the five feet.
Robert Phoenix made a motion to close the public hearing at 7:47 PM.
Edward Aberbach seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed
unanimously.
E. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DECISIONS:
1. V# 24-12: 105 Oneco Street: Request a use variance to ZR section 2.3
(Neighborhood Commercial Zone Standards) for the purpose of the
construction of a single family home, where a single family home is not a
permitted use in the zone, subject to subdivision approval. Property of
Gillermo Sarria, Application of Gillermo Sarria, Assessors Map # 084,
Block # 002 Lots # 070, NC Zone
Robert Phoenix made a motion to approve the variance as written and
presented. David Martin seconded. Robert Phoenix noted that although it
was not stated, denying the application would create a hardship for the
applicant as the property was currently residential, so of itself the
occupancy of the property was non-conforming. Robert Phoenix stated
that if the application was not approved it would deny the owner the best
use of the property. Edward Aberbach stated he understood the plight of
the applicant and felt the request was appropriate for the property.
Dorothy Travers stated that she agreed that without approval the applicant
would not be able to use the property the way that he would be able to.
David Martin stated he agreed the applicant should be able to do as he
wished, but he did not believe there was a hardship in that the property
had no value without the approval of the variance. Chairman Marc
Benjamin stated there was reasonable use of the property as it currently
was and the applicant was seeking to create a second residential lot in a
commercial zone. Chairman Marc Benjamin stated that while he too
agreed with the plight of the applicant, the request did not follow
regulations. Chairman Marc Benjamin stated the applicant could seek a
subdivision for a mixed commercial purpose, but he did not feel the
variance could be approved based on the hardship presented. Discussion
ensued. All voted in opposition. The motion failed unanimously.
2. V# 25-01: 155 Baltic Road: Request relief from ZR section 4.14.1 to
reduce the side yard setback from 10 ft. to 5 ft. for the construction of a 22
x 20 carport Property of Norman and Renee G. Bibeault, Application of
Norman and Renee Bibeault, Assessors Map # 006, Block # 001 Lots
#022, R-40 Zone
Robert Phoenix made a motion to approve the application as written and
presented due to the hardship presented by the topography and
outstanding features on the property. Marc Benjamin seconded and noted
that the driveway and septic line were the outstanding features. David
Martin stated he felt there were other locations to place the carport so he
did not feel those were adequate hardships. David Martin stated he
understood the applicant’s desire not to impede their view but that was not
a hardship the board was able to consider. Marc Benjamin asked David
Martin if we would be open to an 8 foot carport versus a 10 foot carport.
David Martin stated he did not think an 8 foot carport would be practical for
the applicant. Edward Aberbach stated he could understand why the
applicants were requesting the proposed location. Dorothy Travers agreed
and stated he understood the concern with avoiding the septic pipe.
Chairman Marc Benjamin stated he could understand the considerations
for the proposed location and felt the proposed size was reasonable for a
carport or garage. Chairman Marc Benjamin asked that the motion be
amended to limit the approval to a single-story structure with maximum
height of the structure to its peak of 18 feet. Robert Phoenix amended his
motion. Robert Phoenix, Chairman Marc Benjamin, Edward Aberbach and
Dorothy Travers voted in favor. David Martin voted in opposition. The
motion passed.
F. STAFF UPDATES: Robert Phoenix distributed miscellaneous training handouts
to members.
G. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Robert Phoenix to adjourn at 8:19 PM.
Edward Aberbach seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Katherine Rose
Recording Secretary
Agenda
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Agenda
Monday, November 18th, 2024–1:00PM
Government Center Room 270
Microsoft Teams Virtual Link
Meeting ID: 215 265 411 815 Passcode: VLsZu4
Dial-in option: +1 872-242-8028 ID: 704 420 289#
MISSION STATEMENT:“The Superior Tourism Commission will develop, market, and promote Superior as a
destination for visitors to stay and enjoy our natural landscape, culture, arts, parks, and
businesses.”
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Lindsey Graskey (Chair), Pattie Soliday, Ruth Ludwig (Vice-Chair), Trisha
Hecimovich, Marquise Slay, Natalie Chin
1 ROLL CALL
2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2.1 Approval of minutes (meeting held August 20th, 2024)
3 NEW BUSINESS
3.1 Placer.AI
3.2 Marketing Update – Research Report - Summer 2024
3.3 Douglas County Funding with SWIM Creative Proposal
4 OLD BUSINESS
4.1 Banners
4.2 Mission Statement
5 RECURRING BUSINESS
5.1 Report from Chair
5.2 Financials
5.3 Confirm Next Meeting Time
6 ADJOURNMENT
Notice is hereby given that a majority of the members of the Common Council may be present
at the meeting, and although this may constitute a quorum of the Common Council, the
Council will not take any action at this meeting.
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Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you are in need of an accommodation to participate in
the public meeting process, please call (715) 395-7200 by 4:30 p.m. on the day prior to the scheduled meeting date
(OR dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service). The City will attempt to accommodate any request
depending on the amount of notice received.
*********************************************************************************************
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION –11/18/24 Mtg Page 1 of 2
In compliance with Wisconsin Open Meetings Law, this agenda was posted on 11/13/2024 at the following locations: Superior Government
Center, Douglas County Courthouse, Superior Public Library, and online at https://www.ci.superior.wi.us/agendacenter. It was also emailed the
Superior Telegram.
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION –11/18/24 Mtg Page 2 of 2
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Minutes
August 20th, 2024 Meeting
The meeting was called to order by Chair Lindsey Graskey at 10:01AM on August 20th, 2024 in
Government Center Room 204.
1 ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Lindsey Graskey, Pattie Soliday, Ruth Ludwig
VIRTUAL: Trisha Hecimovich
ABSENT: Marquise Slay
CITY STAFF PRESENT: COS Rebecca Scherf
OTHERS PRESENT: John Ramos, Shelley Nelson, Bill Nelson SWIM Creative
(Virtual)(left at 11:08AM), Paul Haga Star Tribine (Virtual)(left at 11:08AM), Sheerah
Krug SWIM Creative (Virtual)(left at 11:08AM)
2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Soliday, second by Graskey to approve June 25th , 2024 minutes. Minutes
filed.
3 NEW BUSINESS
3.1 Discussion whether common council has the authority to review Tourism Development
Commission decisions
Update from Mayor Paine. No action taken.
3.2 Update from Richard I Bong Veterans & Historical Center – Director John Gidley
Presentation given. No action taken.
3.3 Marketing Update
Presentation from Star Tribune Paul Haga. No action taken.
4 OLD BUSINESS
4.1 Final Approval of SWIM Contract
MOTION by Graskey, second by Ludwig. Contract extension with SWIM Creative
approved for years 2025-2027.
4.2 Banners
No action taken.
5 RECURRING BUSINESS
5.1 Report from Chair
Report given by Chair Graskey. Discussed financials. No action taken.
5.2 Confirm next meeting time.
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – 8/20/24 Mtg Page 1 of 2
COS Scherf to send Doodle Poll to commission. No action taken.
PUBLIC COMMENT GIVEN WITH APPROVAL BY COMMISSION BY JOHN RAMOS.
6 ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned by Chair Graskey at 12:14PM.
Respectfully submitted by Rebecca Scherf.
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – 8/20/24 Mtg Page 2 of 2
Budget Breakdown
Gotta Be Superior
Douglas County Grant Usage Breakdown
September 17, 2024
Background: This document provides a detailed budget breakdown for the $15,000 grant awarded to
Gotta Be Superior by Douglas County. This allocation is supplementary to the existing tourism campaign
budget and any additional Swim marketing budgets that have been sanctioned by the commission.
In the application submitted to Douglas County, Swim included a list of eligible services for which the
awarded funds could be utilized. The table below details the allocation for the two services from this list
that Swim recommends most strongly.
Cost Table: This breakdown is for agency services listed in this table only.
Dedicated Web Section for Douglas County: Swim will develop a special section on the $7,500
gottabesuperior.com website exclusively for highlighting Douglas County landmarks,
enriching the user experience, and drawing attention to lesser-known but equally
fascinating spots.
Lodging Improvements: $7,500
Swim will highlight lodging options on the website within the county to boost overnight
stays.
TOTAL $15,000
TERMS: An invoice for a 50% installment of Agency will be issued at the time of signing of this document. This installment is
non-refundable beginning ten (10) business days after the installment payment receipt date. The cost of services will be billed at the
beginning of the month. Payment is due within 21 business days and is subject to a 1.5% interest charge starting at 30 days past due.
This estimate/proposal is for agency services that are listed in this estimate/proposal only. If you are interested in services beyond
what is included in this estimate/proposal, an estimate for additional services will be provided and work will begin following client
approval of the additional services estimate. Client agrees to a variance of +10% applied to the total amount of this estimate that will
act as a contingency fund for unforeseen expenses. Any outside costs that are processed by Swim Creative are subject to a 15%
markup. Media is subject to a 15% commission. If production is necessary, the production total can vary by 10% depending on final
production details. This proposal and its recommendations are the property of Swim Creative, are valid for 60 days, and do not include
any sales tax where applicable. For all steps that require client approval, this estimate includes two (2) rounds of revisions. Additional
rounds of revisions will incur additional costs to the client. Swim Creative is not responsible for trademark or copyright research and is
not liable for infringement on any existing copyrights or trademarks. Final, approved, and paid-for names/taglines/logos/artwork are
the sole property of the client. Swim Creative recommends copyright and/or trademark research by an outside legal firm. Swim
Creative retains rights to use names/taglines/logos/artwork for promotional uses.
Please note that the estimate provided is based on the initial scope of the project as discussed and agreed upon. Any changes or
additions to this scope may result in additional charges. This includes but is not limited to, requests for extra features, modifications to
the original design, unforeseen complexities, and any work that requires extended hours or specialized resources. We will communicate
any potential additional costs as soon as they are identified, ensuring transparency and allowing for your approval before proceeding.
Our goal is to deliver high-quality work while maintaining clear and open communication throughout the project. __________
(initials)
SIGNATURE________________________________________DATE_________________
The above signatory agrees to project scope, terms, disclaimer and total price, and is authorized to do so.
CONFIDENTIAL The contents of this estimate are the property of Swim Creative, LLC and are not to be shared with any outside entity
including, but not limited to, other marketing or advertising agencies or any third-party vendors, consultants or competitors of Swim
Creative in any way, shape or form including, but not limited to, spoken, digital or hard copy form, without the written permission of
Patrice Bradley, CEO. Thank you.
a 3 West Superior Street p 218-722-1404
Duluth, Minnesota 55802 w SwimCreative.com
1
Adopted xx/xx/2024 City of Superior
2025 Tourism Development Commission Revenue Budget - Fund 823
2021 2022 2023 2024 2024 Actual as 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Account Number/Name Actual Actual Actual Budget of 11/1/2024 Projection Proposed Projected Projected Projected Projected
823-0000-412.10-00 SALES AND USE / PUBLIC ACCOM. TAXES - (798,103) (896,581) (798,103) (750,903) (936,000) (900,000) (900,000) (900,000) (900,000) (900,000)
823-0000-418.10-00 INTEREST & PEN. ON TAXES / INTEREST & PEN/TAXES/SP A - - - - - - - - - - -
823-0000-437.64-00 REVENUE FROM LOCAL GOV'TS / REV FROM LOC GOVT/PD GRAN - - - - - - - - - - -
823-0000-485.10-00 DONATIONS/CONT-PRIVATE / DONATIONS/CONT-PRIVATE - - - - - - - - - - -
823-0000-487.10-00 OTHER MISC REVENUE / OTHER MISC REVENUE - (106,177) - - - - - - - - -
823-0000-487.11-00 OTHER MISC REVENUE / OTHER MISC REVENUE-MERCHANDISE SALES - - (1,104) - - - (1,000) (1,000) (1,000) (1,000) (1,000)
823-0000-492.10-00 TRANSFERS FROM OTHER FNDS / TRANSFERS FROM GENL FUND - - - - - - - - - - -
Total Revenue $ - $ (904,280) $ (897,685) $ (798,103) $ (750,903) $ (936,000) $ (901,000) $ (901,000) $ (901,000) $ (901,000) $ (901,000)
Attachment A
Adopted xx/xx/2024 City of Superior
2025 Tourism Development Commission Revenue Budget - Fund 823
2021 2022 2023 2024 2024 Actual of 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Account Number/Name Actual Actual Actual Budget of 11/1/2024 Projection Proposed Projected Projected Projected Projected
823-5970-597.29-90 OTHER CONTRACTUAL SVCS / OTHER CONTRAC SVCS-MISC - 250,000 328,066 327,493 188 226 300 300 300 300 300
823-5970-597.29-91 OTHER CONTRACTUAL SVCS / OTHER CONTRAC SVCS-MARKETING - - 29,279 29,279 95,038 114,045 327,500 327,500 327,500 327,500 327,500
823-5970-597.29-92 OTHER CONTRACTUAL SVCS / OTHER CONTRAC SVCS-CAMPAIGNS - - 121,666 110,703 137,643 165,171 56,201 56,201 56,201 56,201 56,201
823-5970-597.29-93 OTHER CONTRACTUAL SVCS / OTHER CONTRAC SVCS-VISITOR CENTER - - 23,559 23,559 118,690 142,428 23,559 23,559 23,559 23,559 23,559
823-5970-597-29.94 OTHER CONTRACTUAL SVCS / OTHER CONTRAC SVCS-MEDIA BUYS - - 5,247 5,247 51,250 61,500 52,000 52,000 52,000 52,000 52,000
823-5970-597-29.95 OTHER CONTRACTUAL SVCS / OTHER CONTRAC SVCS-MERCH EXP - - - - 23 28 - - - - -
823-5970-597.32-10 PUBLICATION, SUBS, DUES / PUBS, SUBS, DUES - 108 - - - - - - - - -
823-5970-597.39-10 OTHER SUPPLIES & EXPENSE / OTHER SUPPLIES & EXPENSE - - 98 98 886 1,063 98 98 98 98 98
823-5970-597.72-11 GRANTS & DONATIONS/TRAVEL SUPERIOR - - - - - - - - - - -
823-5970-597.72-16 GRANTS, DNTNS-OTHER ORGAN / BONG MUSEUM - 149,012 143,592 143,592 142,818 171,381 143,592 143,592 143,592 143,592 143,592
823-5970-597.72-22 GRANTS, DNTNS-OTHER ORGAN / TOURISM GRANTS - - 980 980 1,650 1,980 980 980 980 980 980
823-5970-597.72-23 GRANTS, DNTNS-OTHER ORGAN / UNALLOCATED - - - - - - - - - - -
823-5970-597.72-24 GRANTS, DNTNS-OTHER ORGAN / FILM - - - - - - - - - - -
Total Expense $ - $ 399,120 $ 652,485 $ 640,950 $ 548,186 $ 657,823 $ 604,229 $ 604,229 $ 604,229 $ 604,229 $ 604,229
Attachment B
Adopted xx/xx/2024 City of Superior - Tourism Development Commission Fund 823
Cash Flow Projection
Actual Actual Actual Estimated Projected Projected Projected Projected
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
Beginning Cash Balance $ - $ - $ 507,395 $ 655,480 $ 948,432 $ 1,245,203 $ 1,541,973 $ 1,838,744
Revenues $ - $ 904,280 $ 897,685 $ 936,000 $ 901,000 $ 901,000 $ 901,000 $ 901,000
Expenses $ - $ (399,120) $ (652,485) $ (657,823) $ (604,229) $ (604,229) $ (604,229) $ (604,229)
Total Net Income $ - $ 505,160 $ 245,200 $ 278,177 $ 296,771 $ 296,771 $ 296,771 $ 296,771
Change in AR / AP $ - $ 2,235 $ (97,115) $ 14,774 $ - $ - $ - $ -
Change in Cash Balance $ - $ 507,395 $ 148,085 $ 292,952 $ 296,771 $ 296,771 $ 296,771 $ 296,771
Reserve For Bong $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Ending Cash Balance $ - $ 507,395 $ 655,480 $ 948,432 $ 1,245,203 $ 1,541,973 $ 1,838,744 $ 2,135,515
Attachment C
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