Ann-Marie L. Aubrey

The meeting opened with a roll call and discussion regarding citizen participation procedures, noting that three public comments were received prior to the meeting, which would be addressed during the public hearing section. The primary agenda item involved Application 25847 from Leonard Zidora and Sons LLC, requesting a variance from dimensional requirements in the low density zone. Specifically, the proposer sought relief to allow minimum lot sizes of 3,000 square feet instead of the required 30,000 square feet (or 40,000 square feet for lots with onsite septic). The hardship cited was the town-wide sewer moratorium, preventing connection to sanitary sewer and necessitating the use of onsite well and septic systems for a future subdivision. The proposer detailed that the required 40,000 square feet for onsite septic would result in only six lots, whereas 3,000 square feet lots would yield seven, arguing that the moratorium caused a financial loss rather than gain. The applicant also provided assurances regarding lot access, fire truck turnaround radius, and property owner easements for sewer access. The discussion also touched upon the age of the 40,000 square foot requirement, noting advancements in septic technology since 1987.

The key discussions involved two major applications. The first, Special Program Application 23-1314, concerning a proposed change in zone for a property adjacent to a historic area, was continued to the October 16th meeting after initial objections from a property owner regarding preservation concerns, including building demolition and site disruption. The second, Special Permit Application 23-1317 for Canterbury Holdings at 25 Colonial Drive, involved a Planned Residential Development consisting of two two-family buildings. Proposer representatives detailed revisions addressing commission feedback, including creating a Loop Road, revising unit counts, adding visitor parking spaces, designating common areas (including a playground and common mail area), and addressing snow removal logistics. Significant discussion centered on required sidewalks, lighting compliance for dark sky considerations, and the necessity of central bus stop shelters, noting that the Town Council previously denied an easement request related to this property.

The special Town Council meeting included interviews for several board and commission applicants. The discussion covered Dana Hopkins' reappointment to the Agriculture Commission and Rodney Gilton's reappointment to the Inland Wetlands and Water Course Commission, with details on their attendance records and qualifications discussed. Kevin Thompson's reappointment to the KB Ambulance Board was also interviewed, focusing on recent organizational changes regarding volunteer models, the introduction of transport services, and improving budget transparency. John Ogden interviewed for appointment to the Public Safety Commission, emphasizing a desire to contribute proactively rather than complain, and seeking clarity on the commission's project-based role. Finally, Jared Pichi interviewed for appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals, noting his background as a contractor and interest in protecting property rights while ensuring appellants have a voice.

The meeting included the formal opening with prayer and pledge of allegiance, confirmation of council member attendance, and approval of the minutes from the November 14, 2023, regular meeting. Key actions involved adding a proclamation to recognize December 16, 2023, as Celebrating Wreaths Across America Day, and adding an item for discussion and action regarding the termination of all agreements related to the NTE power plant project, which was deferred pending review by the town attorney. The council also passed proclamations recognizing December 2023 as Driving Impairment Awareness Month, supporting Israel and condemning the actions of Hamas following the October 7th attacks, recognizing David D. Roa and Lisa Anello as Teachers of the Year for their respective schools, and recognizing ble Hanley as Teacher of the Year for St. James parochial school. Additionally, the council presented an appreciation plaque to outgoing council member Ray Wood for his service.

The meeting included initial discussions regarding seating alternates and roll call. A citizen commented on Section 555 regarding multi-family development, specifically emphasizing the need for alternate egress access for emergency response vehicles and the need for snow shelves in parking lots and cul-de-sacs. The primary agenda item involved a special permit application for JPF Rentals LLC to construct 14 new residential rental units with a community building. Proposers presented revised site plans that switched the main and emergency entrances, addressing concerns about headlight glare and traffic flow on Pineville Road. Changes included using processed gravel for the emergency access road, adding rip rap swales and catch basins for runoff control, removing a mobile home, and installing privacy fences for buffering. Architectural plans for ranch-style units were reviewed. Technical details addressed parking sufficiency (47 spaces provided against a requirement of 24), dumpster placement for waste management, utility connections, and ensuring turning radii accommodate large fire trucks and school buses. Erosion control measures, including wood chip berms, and the addition of deer-resistant Green Giant arbites for screening were proposed. Lighting specifications called for dark sky compliant, motion-sensored fixtures. Fire safety provisions included a property-owner-maintained fire cistern with locked access for the fire company, and Fire Marshal compliance was confirmed. Furthermore, the plan included a bus shelter and connected sidewalks, although concerns were raised about pedestrians cutting across parking areas.