HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-16 ad Hoc - Zoning Advisory Committee Minutesf�
Town of Reading
C Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Zoning Advisory Committee
Date: 2014 -04 -16 Time: 7:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
David Traniello
David Tuttle
Eric Bergstrom
Jeff Hansen
George Katsoufis
Erin Calvo -Bacci
Members - Not Present:
Marsie West
Others Present:
PECEIVED
TOWN CLERK
OING. M ;SS.
i4i�Y -8 AI1:42
Location: Selectmen Meeting Room
Session:
Jean Delios- Assistant Town Manager - Community Services
Jessie Wilson - Community Development Administrator
Virginia Adams - Resident
Charlie Adams - Chair CPDC
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jessie Wilson, Community Development
Administrator
Topics of Discussion:
There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM.
Finalize Presentation for Annual Town Meeting
The ZAC reviewed the presentation for annual town meeting and made some minor changes
to the Power Point slides.
The ZAC reviewed the Turning Point Questions. Some minor changes were made including
modifying the bullets to numbers.
Ms. Delios said that it would be ideal to have Charlie Adams, Chair of the Community
Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) lead off with remarks to start the
presentation and to not work off the slides. She felt it was good for him to speak more
broadly of the process and how it was started noting that the CPDC wrote a memo to the
Board of Selectmen, recommending a Comprehensive Update.
Mr. Adams agreed. He felt it would be good to have Town Meeting understand that the
CPDC is behind the process and they support the work of the ZAC. The CPDC also continues
to provide support and expertise when asked by the ZAC. Mr. Traniello added that it would
be good to provide a synopsis of when the project started and how it evolved to the current
status. Ms. West said that he should speak about the background of the project and how the
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Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes
CPDC supports the update project. It was agreed to reorganize the Power Point slides so
that Mr. Adams would take the first three slides and Ms. West would then begin the ZAC
portion of the presentation.
The ZAC reviewed the handout prepared by Mr. Hansen as supplementary information to
Town Meeting. The ZAC made some comments on the format and language.
The ZAC tables the rest of the review of the handout for next meeting.
Update on Table of Uses: CPDC Finalized Review
ZAC agreed to review the finalized versions of the Table of Uses by next meeting. Ms.
Wilson then said she can email back the final recommendations to the Consultant for
review.
Permittina Flow Chart
The ZAC reviewed the draft flow chart prepared by Mr. Katsoufis. He was concerned that the
permitting forms provided at the Building Department do not coincide with the process he is
trying to outline. It is very confusing.
Ms. Delios said that the flow chart does not address the staff consultation that happens
upfront at the counter and at DRTs. Mr. Katsoufis said that the flow chart should be the tool
that minimizes that consultation so that Applicants can understand the process even before
they meet with staff. Ms. Wilson suggested the flow chart be reviewed by the Building
Inspector to get his thoughts on the process. The ZAC agreed that would be a good next
step in review of the chart.
Review Draft Preservation Bvlaw
Ms. West pointed out that the BOS did not want the ZAC to be doing wholesale changes as
part of this work. She recommended that the idea of a preservation bylaw go before the
BOS. Mr. Tuttle added that the current bylaw does not address historic preservation. Ms.
West said that it was not identified in the Zoning Diagnostic and the BOS should decide
whether this should be part of the Comprehensive Update. Mr. Traninello suggested that it
be reviewed by the Consultant who can make a recommendation as to whether it should be
included. The ZAC agreed to give this to the Consultant.
Mr. Katsoufis said the language he provided was based on offering incentives for historic
preservation. For example allowing a light commercial use in a historic home may be
enough to incentivize a property owner to keep the structure. Mr. Traniello said that there is
no definition of "light commercial" in the bylaw. Mr. Tuttle said some other communities do
a modified assessment.
It was agreed to have the Consultant look over this proposal.
Other Business
Ms. Delios said that an after hour reception is being scheduled by the Reading Co -Op and
the Chamber and will be held at the branch downtown to talk more about the zoning update
and hopefully bring out more Town Meeting members. The date we have scheduled is for
May 20th after work hours.
She also reported to the ZAC that the remainder of the revised Zoning Bylaw Sections will
be submitted by the Consultant on May 5th. In addition, she believes the ZAC may have to
consider additional meeting dates to meet the July 15th draft deadline. That date was
selected because it gives the ZAC enough time to work out the details should the BOS have
any major comments on the draft prior to the start of the public hearings.
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Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes
Continue Review of Definitions
Ms. West tabled the review of definitions to the next meeting.
Approval of Minutes
The ZAC reviewed the minutes from the April 2, 2014 meeting and suggested minor edits.
Mr. Tuttle moved the ZAC to approve the ZAC minutes from the April 2, 2014
meeting as amended. Mr. Traniello seconded and the motion carried 7 -0 -0.
Adiou rnment
On a motion by Mr. Traniello, seconded by Mr. Hansen, the ZAC voted to adjourn at
10:OOPM PM by a vote of 7 -0 -0.
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