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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-17 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2683 Phone: 781- 942 -6612 Fax: 781- 942 -9071 Email: jdelios @ci.reading.ma.us Community Planning and Development Commission CPDC MINUTES Meeting Dated July 17, 2013 Location: Berger Room Time: 7:30 PM CPDC Members Present: Charlie Adams, Chair; John Weston, David Tuttle, Nick Safma, and Jeff Hansen Also Present: George Katsoufis Associate CPDC Member, Jean Delios Town Planner /Community Services Director, Laura Gemme Town Clerk and Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary Others Present: Silvia Peterson, Student Observer There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. CPDC Re- Organization This item was moved to the second item on the agenda. Zoning Bylaw Workshop Session Ms. Delios told the CPDC that the Request for Procurement (RFP) for the consultant services was published and the deadline to respond is August 12, 2013. The Community Services Department will distribute hard copies by request. In regards to comments from other Boards /Committees /Commissions (BCCs), she has only heard back from the Conservation Commission. They replied they have no comments and that they addressed all their concerns with the update of the general bylaw a few years ago. Ms. Delios noted that she is going to follow up with them in regards to the Wetlands Protection District and whether any changes need to be made or whether it needs to be removed from the bylaw entirely. Ms. Delios also noted that the Mixed -Use Overlay is also a district the CPDC should evaluate for removal. The CPDC discussed the consultant's responsibilities including meeting attendance. It was noted that they may not need to attend every meeting as staff may be able to host. Mr. Katsoufis pointed out that some of the meetings with BCCs may be redundant in talking about the same topic, so they may not be needed during those meetings as well. Ms. Gemme noted that the email to all the BCCs did not go out as intended. She will email it out as soon as possible. It was discussed whether additional comment time should be given to respond to the CPDC memo being sent out. Ms. Delios suggested not changing the comment period time as there will be Page 1 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 7/17/2013 several opportunities to comment. The purpose of this memo is to try and decipher the major issues that need immediate attention. She added that there are a lot of sections in the bylaw that are not laid out properly. There are also areas which are lacking completely and provide no guidance to staff for certain zoning requirements, which leads to complications such as those experienced with the ballet studio and St. Agnes Parish. In regards to selecting a consultant, we plan on creating a short list of candidates. Mr. Katsoufis recommended that staff ask the candidate questions during the interview process on how to tackle certain issues with the bylaw. This would help identify their expertise in addressing complex issues with the bylaw. Mr. Adams moved onto the next item — Billboards. Ms. Delios said the easy solution is to delete it. Mr. Tuttle had drafted some language earlier this year when this issue was previously brought to Town Meeting. Ms. Gemme asked about the general process of the Zoning Bylaw update. Ms. Delios replied that the re- codification will set the "structure" of the bylaw which will be done as part of Phase I. Then Phase II, will occur with the assistance of the consultant who will update the entire bylaw. That process will look at each section and make substantial changes. Ms. Gemme replied that she is required to keep a working copy on file and that she must be involved in the process. When the Bylaw Committee did the re- codification of the General Bylaw, they set a template in terms for font, format and styling. The CPDC discussed formatting with Ms. Gemme. The CPDC can have their own numbering format so long as the appearance is the same as the General Bylaw. The CPDC discussed the re- codification and recommended starting with the definitions. It was agreed to bring all the definitions within all the various sections of the bylaw, to the beginning of the bylaw. The CPDC also discussed other structure issues and pointed out that whole hierarchy of the bylaw needs to be addressed. Mr. Adams felt it would be good to get an outline of the Zoning Bylaw. Ms. Gemme said she could prepare that. Ms. Delios said that she and Ms. Wilson will start working on the definitions and compile a new definitions section. It was also agreed to meet on August 7th to review this. Mr. Adams brought the discussion back to Billboards and Ms. Wilson provided copies of the draft warrant article prepared by Mr. Tuttle. The CPDC made some changes including capitalizing "animated sign" and "electronic sign ". In addition, the CPDC decided to add "Off- Premises Signs" into the existing list of "Prohibited Signs" as Section 6.2.5.m. CPDC Re- Oruanization Mr. Adams reminded the CPDC that the time has come to think about assigning CPDC roles for the new year. He noted that he is willing to take the position of Chairman for another year to give Mr. Hansen some more experience as Secretary. Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to re- appoint Mr. Adams for Chairman and Mr. Hansen as Secretary for the upcoming year. Mr. Safina seconded and the motion carried 5 -0 -0. Other Discussion Page 2 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 7/17/2013 Mr. Hansen asked the status of Perfecto's. Ms. Delios replied the owner is waiting on the gas company to cut the utility and they have an 8 -10 week lead time. Ms. Delios also told the CPDC that the MF Charles Building project is moving forward. They were hoping to have their commercial tenants open by the Fall Street Faire, however, they still have a lot of work to do. Reading Pediatrics is moving into Haven Street and will be before the CPDC on the 22 °a under Minor Site Plan Review. Mr. Adams questioned the status of the Post Office, noting he heard they are not going to lease back the space if the building is sold. Ms. Delios replied she does not know the details, however they were before the Board of Selectmen a few weeks ago to discuss the process. Approval of Minutes Mr. Tuttle move the CPDC to approve the minutes for June 24, 2013 as presented. Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried 5 -0 -0. Mr. Adams tabled the approval of the June 10, 2013 to the next meeting. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Weston, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 10:10 PM by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Jessie Wilson Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3