Mathew Azevedo

The meeting commenced with board elections, resulting in Mr. Clavette being elected Chairman and Ms. Sharpe elected Secretary. The board conducted public hearings for two applications requesting Variances. Application 19-08 concerned a sideyard setback variance for a proposed deck, patio, and garage at 10 MacKenzie Circle due to utility location and topography; this application was unanimously approved based on hardship related to topography, the well, and the gas tank location. Application 19-09 involved a request to permit the continued use of two non-conforming detached apartments at 18-22 Platts Hill Road. Public comment revealed conflicting information regarding the history and legality of the apartments. Due to unresolved questions about potential Town knowledge of the use (indicated by possible permits) constituting a hardship, the Board voted to table the decision for Application 19-09 until the next meeting pending further investigation by Land Use Agency staff.

The primary discussion and action item involved Application 19.07 by Danielle Costa, seeking a Variance for frontage and acreage requirements for a property at 4 Sunnyview Terrace. The basis for the variance request was an oversight by the Town where an illegal subdivision was recorded 57 years prior, leading the current owners to pay taxes assuming it was a buildable lot. The Board acknowledged the Town's error and the subsequent 'upzoning' of the area. Public comment included concerns about the proposed 3,000 square foot house size and the impact of the new well and septic, though the Board clarified its role was limited to granting the Variance to make the lot buildable. The motion to approve the Variance passed unanimously based on the Town's error, subsequent upzoning, and the non-conforming nature of surrounding lots.

The meeting addressed several public concerns, including a request for clarification on mowing costs and the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to open space maintenance on Old Castle Drive. Discussions covered upcoming projects, notably the South Main Street sidewalk project set to commence shortly and initial discussions for the proposed Rt. 302 sidewalk project, for which contract pricing reviews are underway. A request was made and will be investigated regarding the creation of Borough welcoming signage. The Tree Warden provided an extensive list of tree stump removals scheduled across various streets and a tentative tree planting list for upcoming fiscal years. The Tax Collector reported May 2019 collection figures, showing 99.10% collection for current taxes. The Treasurer's Report for May 2019 was presented, alongside several budgetary transfers to the Street and Parks line item. A signed MOU for the Borough Zoning Officer was noted, pending Warden review and signature. Further discussions involved the cleaning and re-installation of a Historic sign at Ram's Pasture and addressing public requests for more detailed agenda item listings.

Key discussions focused on the Conservation Easement and Amended Site Plan for Special Exception #16.10 at 73-75 Church Hill Road, which included moving the building location and adjusting the square footage for tenant fit-out, necessitated partly by requirements from the Army Corps of Engineers. The commission unanimously approved the conservation easement and modified site plan. Other discussions included the Commission planning to review the POCD in the fall, and a request for a Zoning Enforcement Officer to inspect signage and fluorescent lights at Pizza Palace.

Key discussions included sharing the results of ballot questions regarding Charter changes, noting that Question 1 was denied and Question 2 was approved, with the town attorney working on finalizing the document for state submission. The First Selectman provided updates on the Sandy Hook Memorial unveiling and the Hawley School project progress, noting market volatility affecting the pension plan and the commencement of budget season talks. A primary focus was a proposed $11,157 transfer from Contingency to Other Purchased Services for the Lake Authorities; while there was initial concern regarding justification without detailed budget review, the Council ultimately postponed the action to the next meeting to allow time for review, though the First Selectman noted the legal necessity of the assessment payment. Further actions included authorizing the application for the 2022 HVAC/Indoor Air Quality Grant for the Hawley HVAC project and rescinding the Forestry Practices Ordinance previously approved by the Inland Wetlands Commission.