HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-06-06 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesOFR
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Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
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Community Planning and Development Commission i! AUG -9 A 10: OS
Date: 2016-06-06 Time: 7:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session:
Purpose: General Business Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Nick Safina, John Weston, Dave Tuttle, Karen Goncalves-Dolan
Members - Not Present:
Jeff Hansen
Others Present:
Assistant Town Manager Jean Delios, Community Development Director Julie
Mericer, Sam Cleaves
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By:
Topics of Discussion:
Acting Chair Nick Safina called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Sam Cleaves from MAPC was present on behalf of the Town's Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
effort. He explained that Reading's last Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved by FEMA in
2010, and that this plan update will fulfill FEMA's new requirements. The Plan development
process includes Town coordination with MAPC on identification of critical infrastructure and
mapping of local hazards, as well as two public meetings. Once the plan is written it is sent
to MEMA for approval, then to FEMA for approval, and then it goes to the Reading Board of
Selectmen for a vote. After the plan is voted on, it will go into effect for the next 5 years.
Mr. Tuttle asked if travel/transportation management during an emergency are taken into
consideration.
Mr. Cleaves responded that the Plan focuses on natural hazards, and that moving people in
and out of affected areas during an emergency is usually handled by the Town's Emergency
Management Director.
Mr. Weston asked whether the Town has a separate plan that addresses man-made hazards
(i.e., proximity of the highway to the drinking water supply). Mr. Cleaves responded that
the Community Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) handles non -natural disasters and is
supposed to be updated on a yearly basis.
Mr. Safina inquired about the availability of grants to off -set the costs of infrastructure
improvements identified in the CEMP, or for the purchase of land to create wetlands or
stormwater retention areas. Mr. Cleaves noted that he would look into it.
Public Comment
No one from the public was in attendance.
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Potential Zoning Bvlaw Amendments for 2016
Site Plan Review
Mr. Safina opined that the term "in-kind replacement" probably does not need defining.
Mr. Tuttle opined that lighting technology changes can have negative impacts.
Mr. Weston stated that the edits look fine to him but that it will be interesting to get Town
Counsel's feedback.
Minor Edits
Accessory Structures: The group decided to remove the wording "any pool related buildings
or equipment". They also discussed the time period that someone can have a POD on their
property before needing a special permit, and decided to set the threshold at 30 days so
that the application is not obsolete before it is actually heard by the Commission.
Lot Shape: Ms. Mercier noted that the building inspector only uses it for a subdivision that
creates new lots. Mr. Weston stated that the applicability should be clarified, and questioned
what problem the Commission is trying to solve through this calculation. Ms. Mercier noted
that there are many ways to regulate lot shape and offered to seek the building inspector's
opinion.
Accessory Apartments: Ms. Goncalves-Dolan asked how it was determined that an
accessory apartment should be no greater than 750 square feet, and opined that it seems
small. Ms. Delios replied that 750 SF is commonly used in order to prevent people from
building accessory structures that rival their homes in size.
Special Home Occupation: Mr. Safina stated that a definition for "Contractor's Yard" is
needed.
Minutes
Mr. Tuttle moved that the CPDC approve the May 9`h, 2016 minutes as amended. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 4-0-0 vote.
Discussion of Meeting with BOS on 6/21
Ms. Delios stated that she thinks the biggest item of interest will be downtown zoning as it
relates to economic development. The Commission discussed strategies for presenting the
feedback received at the Downtown Zoning workshop on April 11tH
Mr. Tuttle moved that the CPDC adjourn at 9:35pm. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Weston and approved with a 4-0-0 vote.
Documents reviewed at the meeting:
CPDC Agenda 6/6/16
CPDC Minutes 5/9/16
Memo from Community Development Director to Commission, dated 5/26/16
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update:
a) 2010 Hazard Mitigation Plan
b) Process for 2016 Plan Update
c) FAQ prepared by MAPC
d) Flyer sent to stakeholders in advance of public meeting
Zoning Bylaw Amendments:
a) Site Plan Review, VY and 2nd Drafts
b) Minor Amendments, 15f and 2"d Drafts
c) Sign Bylaw, 2nd Draft and Draft edits from Town Counsel
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