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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-11 ad Hoc - Zoning Advisory Committee MinutesTown of Reading Meeting Minutes Commission - Council: Zoning Advisory Committee Date: 2014 -09 -11 Time: 7:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: David Tuttle Jeff Hansen Marsie West George Katsoufis David Traniello Eric Bergstrom Members - Not Present: Erin Calvo -Bacci Others Present: RECEIVED [OWN CLERK E „DING. MASS. 1814 SEP 23 A 4 03 Location: Conference Room Session: Jean Dellos - Assistant Town Manager, Community Services Jessie Wilson - Community Development Administrator Tony D'Arezzo - 130 John Street Steve Sadwick - Town Planner for Tewksbury 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. Discussion with Tewksbury Town Planner Mr. Sadwick introduced himself as the Tewksbury Town Planner. He said that Tewksbury did a re- codification back in 2002. He said the goal was clean up the bylaw and most of the changes that would require policy changes were pulled out separately. One in particular was a groundwater protection district. It was set up as a separate article for Town Meeting. He added that It was very helpful to meet with the Town Moderator in advance of the meeting to really control the amount of the debate. There was a discussion regarding Tewksbury Town Meeting format. Mr. Sadwick said that they have an open Town Meeting and they have roughly 100 people attend for non- controversial topics. Mr. Sadwick provided some handouts to the ZAC including a document that had a reference Table showing the new zoning bylaw sections to the old bylaw sections. Page 1 1 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes Ms. West asked if there were any surprises throughout the process. Mr. Sadwick replied there were some individuals may have had an issue with bylaw in the past who spoke at Town Meeting regarding those specific situations. Mr. Hansen asked about the debate process at Town Meeting. Mr. Sadwick said it went smoothly and the moderator really wanted to control the presentation and debate of the articles. Ms. Delios reminded the ZAC that the entire zoning bylaw has to be printed into the warrant that Is provided to Town Meeting members. Ms. Wilson asked Mr. Sadwick how long the final draft was available prior to Town Meeting for Tewksbury. Mr. Sadwick replied about a month or two before, but they were continuously updating it throughout the process. Mr. Katsoufls said that the expectation for receiving information is different than 12 years ago, and that people expect it to be out and readily available. It was discussed on how to get the handouts to Town Meeting members. It was agreed to Include it in the warrant and as handouts at the meeting. Ms. Delios asked if they had any forums or meetings before the Town Meeting. Mr. Sadwick replied no because they are Open Town Meeting and it would be difficult to get everyone to attend. Ms. Dellos felt that would be a good idea for Reading to have a meeting In advance of Town Meeting and that it would be beneficial for some Town Meeting members to express concern before Town Meeting. Mr. Katsoufis suggested having a booth at Town Meeting in September to allow individuals to ask questions. He also suggested having `office hours" before November Town Meeting. Ms. Dellos said it may be worth to have office hours every Tuesday in October. Mr. Hansen asked if Tewksbury has benefited from the changes. Mr. Sadwick said yes, once everyone was used to the new layout and regulations. Review Draft Letter to Town Meetina Members Ms. Delios prepared a draft letter, which will go out to Town Meeting Members. The ZAC also discussed writing a Letter to the Editor that could be published on the Patch, Chronicle, Globe, etc. In regards to a letter to Town Meeting Members, the ZAC discussed when to send out the letter. Ms. Delios recommended sending a letter for November Town Meeting to Inform Members that all the Information and the draft is available on the website. The ZAC agreed that would be a good Idea and to also inform them of the CPDC Public Hearing on October 201h and the Staff Office Hours. It was agreed to get the letter out on October 6`h to Town Meeting Members. The ZAC also agreed to include the "chart of changes" in the letter if it is finished. It was also suggested to have the new outline vs the old outline in large print format In color at the booth along with the zoning map. Review Draft Presentation for the Report to September Town Meetina Ms. Delios went through the draft presentation. The ZAC made some changes to the draft presentation. It was also agreed to have the list of "tabled" Items available at September Town Meeting. It was felt that it Is Important to Inform Town Meeting Members that some of the work will be addressed in the future. Page 1 2 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes Review Revised Draft Language for Nurigino u w Living The ZAC reviewed the draft language. Mr. Hansen had a few questions related to the definitions. In was agreed that the proposed definitions match up to the proposed use. The ZAC reviewed the remaining changes and agreed the draft was acceptable. Ms. West asked if Town Counsel has reviewed the draft sections. Ms. Delios said she would follow -up with him. Mr. Hansen moved to adjourn Mr. Traniello seconded and motion carried 5 -0 -0. 9:30PM (Mr. Katsoufis had left the meeting prior to adjournment) Page 1 3