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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-08 ad Hoc - Zoning Advisory Committee Minutes4 wo To wn of Reading .I Meeting Minutes �000- MA S. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Zoning Advisory Committee 19,p $EP 22 P T Date: 2014 -09 -08 Time: 7:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Session: Attendees: Members - Present: David Tuttle Jeff Hansen Marsie West George Katsoufis Members - Not Present: Erin Calvo -Bacci David Traniello Eric Bergstrom Others Present: Jean Delios - Assistant Town Manager, Community Services Jessie Wilson - Community Development Administrator Tony D'Arezzo Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jessie Wilson, Community Development Administrator Topics of Discussion: There being a quorum Ms. West called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM The ZAC reviewed the upcoming schedule. Ms. Cellos said that Staff will be unable to attend the October 23, 2014 meeting due to a prior commitment. Ms. Delios summarized the Bylaw Committee Meeting she attended for their review of the warrant articles proposed for Special Town Meeting in September. She said that meeting was lengthy and they had a lot of questions. During their review of Registered Medical Marijuana Dispensaries, the Bylaw Committee questioned the Purpose Section and the term "narcotics ". Ms. Delios said that she has conferred with Town Counsel on these questions and he opined that the purpose Section was intentional and should be worded the way it was drafted and as for the question regarding narcotics, Town Counsel said that because there is no federal recognition for medical marijuana the term narcotics is used. They also questioned whether there are any changes to the zoning map. She said that any changes to the zoning map are an amendment and that it would just be updated based on the changes in the text. Ms. Dellos also added that the Bylaw Committee was very meticulous with the language and did not like how certain Items were written. She summarized the remaining concerns from the Bylaw Committee Meeting. The ZAC continued the discussion on the schedule. Ms. Delios added that the warrant is going to print for November Town Meeting on October 23rd. As for the November Town Page I 1 Town Of Reading - Meeting Minutes Meeting preparation, Ms. Delios suggested that a presentation be prepared in advance for the CPDC on October 6, 2014 which could then be reviewed by ZAC on October 15, 2015. Mr. Katsoufis asked how long the presentation will be for November Town Meeting. Ms. Delios said that it will likely be 20 minutes. Ms. West said that we do want to gain some input from September Town Meeting to ensure that we are addressing those areas of concern for Town Meeting Members. In regards to the Bylaw Committee meeting, Ms. Delios said that they approved all the proposed articles, but had still had some minor concerns. The ZAC began review of the revised sign regulations. Ms. Delios suggested that the ZAC review what has been changed by the Working Group and then possibly handing it off to Town Counsel for review. Mr. Tuttle expressed concern over that process and feels that the current language is adequate. It was agreed to allow Town Counsel to review the draft language. It was agreed to eliminate the numerical value in the "limits" column and just include it in the first table. Then Town Counsel will use the table and those constraints and build language around that to make sense. Mr. Tuttle said there is a concern over the proposed height of a menu board. The ZAC agreed to adjust the maximum height for Drive Thru signs to 12 -feet from 20 feet. In regards to the time and temperature signs the ZAC agreed to eliminate reference to it in the Table but it would be allowed as part of other signs. As for directional signs, it is already assumed that there could be an unlimited amount on a particular site so long as they were within that 4 square foot limit. As for Historic signs the ZAC discussed how to categorize this type of sign and how to determine the maximum height. It was agreed to not include a requirement for historic sign height and defer to Counsel on the other constraints. The ZAC continued their review of the proposed sign Tables. They made some additional changes and it was agreed to pass this along to Town Counsel for his review. view Proposed Graohi Ms. Delios pointed out that the 'Lots in Two Districts' graphic should be included in Section 3. It was suggested to have CPDC recommend including the graphic. Mr. Tuttle expressed concern with the final language of Section 3 for'Lots in Two Districts'. The ZAC continued to review the proposed graphics. Height of Building was discussed. Mr. Katsoufis recognized there is a difference in using the parapet as the top as opposed to the requirements under State Building Code. The ZAC reviewed the proposed definition for Height and agreed the graphic meets the definition. The ZAC made some revisions to the graphic pertaining to yards. Some other changes were made to the graphic for lot frontage and it was agreed that a few more graphics should be developed. n Mr. Hansen suggested some changes including moving the procedures for Minor Site Plan Review to the Minor Site Plan Review Section and some other changes relating to administrative rules, regulations and standards. It was agreed to make those changes with the Consultant and then to pass off to Town Counsel for posting on the website. Page 1 2 Town of Reedhp - Meeting Minutes Mr. Katsoufis suggested a graphic for driveways, but It was agreed that driveways are not regulated under zoning. He also suggested having graphics for nonconforming structures /uses. Ms. Wilson suggested to'table'that and add it to the list of items already drafted. Review Draft Lanouace for New Inclusionary Ho ,sine Bylaw Ms. West reported that Staff feels it is better to be put on the list of 'tabled' items. Ms. Delios reported that she has a lot of experience with this topic from her work in Peabody and it should be part of a larger discussion. Ms. Wilson agreed that a larger discussion is needed, especially with the amount of detail that is required. Mr. Tuttle also agreed, suggesting that a public outreach component be started early, when It does become the right time. Mr. Katsoufis agreed, noting his proposed preservation guidelines are similar task. Ms. Delios said that the elderly housing bylaw is forthcoming and we should have a draft from the Consultant soon. If it is not in good form, we will add it to the list of 'tabled' items. Approval of Minutes The ZAC reviewed the ZAC minutes from September 3, 2014 and suggested minor edits. Mr. Tuttle moved the ZAC to approve the minutes from September 3, 2014 as amended. Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. ur-Til r-T—TMI. Ms. West said that for the September Town Meeting there should be a presentation on the entire project and where the schedule stands to date. They also want to develop some Turning Point Questions. Ms. West suggested the ZAC should send a letter to Town Meeting Members that tells them that the process is nearing an end and highly recommend their input at the Special Town Meeting as well as at the CPDC public hearing in October. Mr. Tuttle suggested updating Town Meeting in September after the articles are presented. He suggested asking Town Meeting what they need in order to get it passed in November. Mr. Katsoufis suggested pointing out the big ticket items that are going to be addressed at November Town Meeting and as part of the 'tabled Items'. Ms. Delios asked if the ZAC still wants to have a single article for November Town Meeting for the Zoning Update. The ZAC agreed that it should be an up or down vote with one single article. Mr. D'Arezzo expressed concern with having an issue with only one section of the bylaw and having to vote it up or down. Ms. West said replied she has appreciated Mr. D'Arezzo's participation in the process, but pointed out that others should be doing the same. Mr. Katsoufis suggested that an informational session should be available for Town Meeting members at a sort of "open house" so they could come and go as they please. Mr. Tuttle said that would be a good idea, and suggested it be held after the report on the warrant and before Town Meeting. Mr. Tuttle moved the ZAC to adjourn at 9:50PM. Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. Page 1 3