AGENCY MEETINGS

Executive Committee Meeting

Wednesday, July 23, 2008, 5:30 PM
Conference Room, GBRPA Office
Bridgeport Train Station – Suite 1
525 Water Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut (203) 366-5405

MEETING AGENDA

  1. Minutes June 25, 2008 Meeting (Attachment A) Communications and Announcements
  2. Financial Report as of June 30, 2008 (Attachment B)
  3. Regional Referrals (Attachment C)

Draft Minutes

Members Present:
Bridgeport: Anne Pappas Phillips, Vice Chairman
Easton: Wallace Williams, Secretary
Fairfield: Karen Hinch, Treasurer
Monroe: J. P. Sredzinski
Stratford: Laurie Goodsell
Trumbull: None present

Staff Present:
Mark Nielsen, Interim Executive Director, Linda Colello, Office Manager

In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman chaired the meeting. She indicated that Attorney Bayonne was present to update the Executive Committee on his negotiations with James Wang. By motion made by Mrs. Pappas Phillips, seconded by Ms. Hinch, the Committee voted to go into Executive Session.

After the discussions during the Executive Session, the Executive Committee continued with its Regular Meeting. By motion made by Mr. Sredzinski, seconded by Ms. Hinch, the Committee agreed to amend the agenda to discuss the selection of a new executive director. Based on the advice of Attorney Bayonne, the Agency decided to move forward with selecting Mr. Wang's replacement and complete the selection process. By motion made by Mr. Sredzinski, seconded by Ms. Hinch, Attorney Bayonne was directed to continue negotiations with Mr. Wang and it was approved to continue payment of Sick Leave until no later than October 1, 2008. Vote was unanimous. To continue the selection process, Mrs. Pappas Phillips suggested bringing in the four (4) candidates who had been interviewed again to resume the selection process. After discussion by the Committee it was the consensus of the majority that the selection process continue from the point at which it had been suspended at the February 27th meeting and that only the two (2) final candidates would be considered for the position. Furthermore, the Chairman was requested to call a special meeting of the full GBRPA Board to meet the finalists and vote on a new executive director.

Minutes

By motion made by Ms. Hinch, seconded by Mrs. Goodsell, the Committee voted to approve the minutes of the June 25, 2008 Regular Meeting.

Vote was unanimous.

Communication and Announcements

Mr. Nielsen informed members of the status of a number of Agency meeting minutes. During the time Mr. John Neary served as the Agency's Secretary, a number of monthly meeting minutes were acted on, but not signed. Also, several months minutes were never acted on. Mr. Nielsen asked for input from the members to bring the minutes in compliance. Mr. Sredzinsky suggested the staff contact the FOI office for guidance in resolving the matter.

Mr. Nielsen also suggested the Committee consider the possibility of the Agency staff working a "5/4 Schedule". This schedule would allow staff to work 5 days one week, then 4 days the following, putting in longer hours each day.

The Committee discussed their concerns with the office not being available to the public five days a week and asked Mr. Nielsen for a detailed summary plan for their review.

Financial Report as of June 30, 2008

Mr. Nielsen presented the Financial Report for the period ending June 30, 2008.

Regional Referrals

Trumbull #173
Proposed Zoning Regulation Amendments
Article II, Section 3.E.3

By motion made by Mr. Sredzinski, seconded by Mrs. Goodsell, the Committee understands that there is only one IL-3 zone in town and that the adoption of the reduced setbacks is likely to affect only a few parcels, it was the consensus of the Committee to express reservations and concerns regarding the proposed changes. The proposed reduction of the setback from a residential boundary could negatively impact adjacent residential homes in terms of noise, light intrusion and aesthetics. In general it was felt that the quality of life could potentially be impacted and that there were not sufficient safeguards to minimize or ameliorate these impacts. Possible mitigating factors that should be considered include architectural reviews to ensure that an extended stay hotel would be in character with a surrounding residential neighborhood and requiring landscaped buffers to reduce light, noise and visual impacts.

Vote was unanimous.

Milford #135
Proposed Zoning Regulation Amendments
Various Text Changes

By motion made by Mr. Sredzinski, seconded by Ms. Hinch, the Committee supported the various text changes and concurs that these changes would clarify regulations, modify regulations and correct printing errors. However, with regards to the proposal to exclude basements from the determination of maximum stories for one family residential districts, the Committee expressed the opinion that basements should continue to be excluded from the calculation and felt that height in feet would be a better measure for specifying maximum building height.

Vote was unanimous.

Newtown #142
Proposed Zoning Regulation Amendment
Article VIII

By motion made by Ms. Hinch, seconded by Mr. Williams, it was the consensus of the Committee that the proposed amendments are minor modifications to the town's zoning regulations and would not negatively impact an adjacent community. Furthermore, it was the consensus of the Committee that there would be sufficient safeguards to prevent light glare and trespass on adjacent properties.

Vote was unanimous.

By motion made by Mrs. Goodsell, seconded by Mr. Sredzinski, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Wallace R. Williams, Secretary

Draft Minutes June

Members Present:

Bridgeport: Patricia Fardy; Anne Pappas Phillips, Vice Chairman; Carolyn Taylor
Easton: Peter Neary, Wallace Williams, Secretary
Fairfield: Karen Hinch, Treasurer; Douglas Jones; Jill Kelly
Monroe: No members present
Stratford: Laurie Goodsell, Edward Ward
Trumbull: Fred Garrity, Charles Poarch, Chairman

Staff Present:

Mark Nielsen, Interim Executive Director, Linda Colello, Office Manager

Invited Guests:

Robert Santy, President and CEO, Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Amey Marrella, Deputy Commissioner, Dept. of Environmental Protection
Mary Ann Nusom Haverstock, Supervising Environmental Analyst, DEP

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:15 PM.

Minutes

By motion made by Ms. Hinch, seconded by Mrs. Fardy, the Agency voted to approve the minutes of the May 28, 2008 Executive Committee Meeting.

Vote was unanimous.

Communication and Announcements

One Coast Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Mr. Robert Santy, President and CEO of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy gave a presentation outlining the status and initiatives of the CEDS focusing on the One Coast, One Future program. Mr. Santy referred to a study conducted by CEDS which concluded that the region's overall economic health and quality of life are excellent and encourages the Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport urban centers to work together to promote economic growth.

Department of Environmental Protection Outreach
DEP Deputy Commissioner Amey Marella addressed Agency members of the department's efforts to work more closely with municipal leaders regarding improved environmental protection. The DEP wants to work with municipalities to promote intelligent land use decisions and provide information and assistance to assure municipalities comply with all environmental regulatory regulations.

Mary Ann Nuson Haverstock, Supervising Environmental Analyst, DEP, also gave a brief presentation of the Department's Watershed Management Overview Program.

Authorizing Resolution: FY 2009 Unified Planning Work Program
By motion made by Mr. Neary, seconded by Ms. Hinch, the Agency voted to enter into the 2008-09 Transportation Planning agreement with the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Vote was unanimous.

Authorizing Resolution: Safe Routes to School
By motion made by Mrs. Kelly, seconded by Mrs. Goodsell, the Agency voted to enter into the Safe Routes to School Supplemental Agreement with the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Vote was unanimous

Annual Operating Budget
By motion made by Ms. Hinch, seconded by Mr. Garrity, the Agency voted to approve the FY2008-09 Annual Operating Budget.

Vote was unanimous.

Mr. Garrity also made a motion that monthly financial statements be available for Agency members. Mrs. Kelly seconded the motion, it was unanimous.

Mr. Jones also added that dialog should begin with member towns regarding the possibility of raising membership dues for FY2010.

Regional Referrals

Fairfield #140
Proposed Zoning Regulation Amendment - Architectural and Community Appearance Standards
By motion made by Mrs. Fardy, seconded by Mrs. Pappas Phillips, it was the consensus of the Board that the proposed amendments would provide the commission discretion in encouraging and promoting building design with distinctive architectural features and ensure that the development would be compatible with the surrounding area. While the guidelines do not specify the exact requirements, guidelines and recommendation are included and the commission would be vested with approving or determining the appropriateness of the design approach of a development based on the information and plans submitted by the developer. The proposed amendments are a reasonable and acceptable addition to the zoning regulations and would allow the town to ensure developments that are aesthetically pleasing and in character with the surrounding land use.

Vote was unanimous.

Fairfield #141
Proposed Zoning Regulation Amendment - Section 10: Design Residence District
By motion made by Mrs. Fardy, seconded by Ms. Hinch, the Board voiced some concern that the proposed amendments, although they are being considered because of site plans for a specific parcel, could potentially have an affect on other areas of town. The decision of the Board was to rely on the judgment of the Fairfield Town Plan and Zoning Commission to address the proposed amendments.

Vote was unanimous.

Newtown #141
Proposed Zoning Regulation Amendments - Article II
Proposed Subdivision Regulation Amendment - Article I and Article II
By motion made by Ms. Hinch seconded by Mr. Williams, it was the consensus of the Board that the proposed amendments are minor modifications to the town's zoning and subdivision regulations and would not negatively impact an adjacent community.

Vote was unanimous.

Respectfully submitted,

Wallace R. Williams, Secretary

April Regular Meeting - April 29, 2008

Members Present:

Bridgeport: Patricia Fardy, Anne Pappas-Phillips, Carolyn Taylor
Easton: Peter Neary, Wallace Williams
Fairfield: Karen Hinch, Jill Kelly
Monroe: Raymond McPadden, J.P, Sredzinski
Stratford: Laurie Goodsell
Trumbull: Frederick Garrity, Charles Poarch, Acting Chairman, Paul Timpanelli

Staff Present:
Linda Colello, Mark Nielesn

Mr. Poarch called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM and appointed Mrs. Fardy to act as Secretary Pro Tem for the meeting.

Draft Minutes
By motion made by Mrs. Fardy, seconded by Mrs. Kelly, to approve the minutes of the March 26, 2008 Regular Agency Meeting. Ms. Taylor questioned the resolution authorizing Mark Nielsen to be a signer on the Bank of America accounts. Mr. Poarch explained that although the Bank of America requires only one signature on a check the Agency requires two (2) signatures. Mr. Poarch is a signer and Mr. Nielsen would be an additional signer. The resolution added Mr. Nielsen as a signer.

Vote was unanimous.

Communication and Announcements
Mark Nielsen presented the Draft Summary of the FY2009 & 2010 Unified Planning Work Program for the Greater Bridgeport Planning Region. A discussion period followed.

Regional Referrals

Stratford #135
Proposed Zoning Regulation Amendment - Delete Section 4.1.6.16

By motion made by Mrs. Fardy, seconded by Mr. McPadden, it was the consensus of the Board that the proposed repeal of the Active Adult Housing Small Development regulation would not adversely affect the supply of housing for older residents and would be a reasonable action to control the proliferation of small scale developments at a higher density that could impact the quality of lie in Stratford. The only concern voiced by the Board was the potential for creating non-conforming uses for those developments that were constructed under the regulations.

Vote was unanimous.

Stratford #136
Zoning Regulations Amendment - Section 16.6.5.1(B) and 16.7.10
Wall Signs and Prohibited Signs

By motion made by Mr. Neary, seconded by Mrs. Kelly, the Board supported the modifications: however, it was the consensus of the Board that the Zoning Commission consider clearly specifying the types of signs that would be allowed. The concern relates to the increased use of changeable or moveable message signs that my distract motorists on I-95. The Board felt it would be reasonable to allow static signs but important to prohibit signs using newer technology, such as LEDs.

Vote was unanimous.

Newtown #138
Zoning Regulations Amendment - Article X
Site Development Plan (Tabled from March Meeting)

No action taken.

By motion made by Mr. Garrity, seconded by Mr. McPadden, the Agency should obtain the current Zoning Regulations from all member and adjacent towns of the Greater Bridgeport Region. Mr. Nielsen explained that staff is already in the process of obtaining the most recent zoning and subdivision regulations, as well as the plans of conservation and development.

Vote was unanimous.

Newtown #139
Zoning Regulations Amendment: Article II Aquifer Protection

By motion made by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Timpanelli, the Board voted to support the proposed Zoning Regulations Amendment.

11 members voted in favor of the motion

1 member abstained - Mr. Peter Neary

Westport #257
Zoning Regulations Amendments: Sections 4, 11, 31, 34, 43, 44, and 54
Miscellaneous Amendments

By motion made by Mrs. Fardy, seconded by Mrs. Phillips, the Board voted to support the proposed Zoning Regulations Amendments.

Vote was unanimous.

Election of Officers

At this time Mr. Poarch turned the meeting over to the Mr. Williams, Chairman of the Nominating Committee.

Mr. Williams announced the candidates for the office of Chairman, Mrs. Anne Pappas-Phillips and Mr. Charles T. Poarch. Each candidate spoke about themselves and their future plans for the Agency. Mr. Poarch was elected Chairman.

Mr. Williams announced the candidates for Vice Chairman, Mr. Wallace Williams and Mr. Frederick Garrity. According to Agency By-Laws, two members from the same town cannot serve as officers. Therefore, Mr. Garrity withdrew his nomination and Mrs. Pappas-Phillips was then nominated by Mrs. Fardy. Each candidate spoke briefly about themselves. Mrs. Pappas-Phillips was elected Vice Chairman.

Mr. Williams announced the candidates for Secretary, Ms. Karen Hinch and Ms. Laurie Goodsell. Ms. Hinch then nominated Wallace Williams. Each candidate spoke briefly about themselves. Mr. Williams was elected Secretary.

Mr. Williams announced the candidates for Treasurer, Ms. Carolyn Taylor and Mr. J.P Sredinski. Being that a Bridgeport member was elected Vice Chairman, Ms. Taylor withdrew her nomination. Mrs. Kelly nominated Ms Karen Hinch. Each candidate spoke briefly about themselves. Ms. Hinch was elected Treasurer.

Also, it was the consensus of the Agency Board to appoint J.P. Sredzinski and Laurie Goodsell to the Executive Committee to represent the towns of Monroe and Stratford.

By motion made by Mr. Timpanelli, seconded by Mrs. Fardy, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Wallace Williams, Secretary

March Regular Meeting - March 26, 2008

GBRPA Conference Room
525 Water Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604

Draft Minutes

Members Present:
Bridgeport: Patricia Fardy, Anne Phillips, Carolyn Taylor
Easton: Wallace Williams
Fairfield: Karen Hinch, Douglas Jones, Jill Kelly
Monroe: None
Stratford: Laurie Goodsell
Trumbull: Fred Garrity, Charles Poarch, Acting Chairman, Paul Timpanelli

Staff Present:
Linda Colello, Mark Nielesn

The Vice Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.
Mr. Poarch appointed Mrs. Fardy to act as Secretary Pro Tem for the meeting.

Mr. Fred Garrity introduced himself as a new member representing the Town of Trumbull. Although he did not provide the Vice Chairman with an appointment letter, he did indicate that he was sworn in on March 26, 2008. Mr. Poarch asked if there were any objections from members in allowing Mr. Garrity to participate and represent the Town of Trumbull at the meeting without his appointment letter on file. There were no objections raised by the members and it was the consensus of the board to allow Mr. Garrity to participate.

Minutes
By motion made by Mrs. Phillips, seconded by Mrs. Taylor, the Agency voted to approve the minutes of the February 27, 2008 Special Meeting

Vote was unanimous.

Communication and Announcements
Mark Nielsen, Interim GBRPA Executive Director, gave members an update on the status of the Design Project for the Housatonic Railroad Trail Project.

Mr. Nielsen also informed members that the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection had contacted the Agency requesting to speak at a future meeting. The purpose of this request is to educate municipalities on land use decisions that are protective of the environment, and provide technical assistance to assure municipal operations comply with environmental regulatory requirements. The RPOs would serve as a forum for contact between the DEP and municipalities.

Election of Officers
By motion made by Mr. Timpanelli, seconded by Mrs. Fardy, the Agency voted to table the election of officers until the next meeting scheduled for April 16, 2008 at 7:00 PM.

Vote was unanimous.

Authorizing Resolution for First Supplemental Agreement
By motion made by Mrs. Kelly, seconded by Mrs. Taylor, the Agency voted to endorse a resolution to enter into the First Supplemental agreement with the Connecticut Department of Transportation for the Regional Transportation Planning Program.

Vote was unanimous.

Authorizing Resolution for Signatories for GBRPA Bank of America Accounts
By motion made by Ms. Hinch, seconded by Mrs. Phillips, the Agency voted to authorize Mark Nielsen as a signatory to the Bank of America accounts.

Vote was unanimous.

Nondiscrimination Certification
By motion made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mrs. Phillips, the Agency voted to endorse the Nondiscrimination Certification between the GBRPA and the Connecticut Department of Transportation for the Agencys Transportation Planning Agreement.

Vote was unanimous.

Authorizing Resolution for Safe Route to School Agreement
By motion made by Mrs. Phillips, seconded by Ms. Hinch, the Agency voted to endorse a resolution to enter into an agreement with the Connecticut Department of Transportation for the Safe Route to School Program.

Vote was unanimous.

Regional Referrals

Fairfield #139 Zoning Regulations Amendment
Sections 27.2.3 and 27.4.6
Certificate of Need
By motion made by Mrs. Fardy, seconded by Mrs. Kelly, the Agency voted to support the proposed zoning regulations amendment. It was the consensus of the Board that the proposed amendments would clarify sections of the regulations relating to the need to obtain a Certificate of Need and made them consistent with current state procedures. The Board also felt that the request to modify the regulations pertaining to the requirement that an application for the Certificate of Need had been made as opposed to actually obtaining it was reasonable and that there would be adequate safeguards for the town that ensure a project could not begin construction until the certificate had actually been obtained.

Newtown #138 Zoning Regulations Amendment
Article X
Site Development Plan
By motion made by Mrs. Fardy, seconded by Mrs. Phillips, the Agency voted that it was not possible to adequately review the proposed amendments because it was not possible to compare the proposed regulations to the existing regulations. The Board requested that a version of the amendments be provided that clearly indicates the changes, additions and deletions to the existing regulations. Once the Agency receives this information, the review of the proposed amendments will be completed.

Vote was unanimous.

By motion made by Ms. Hinch, seconded by Mrs. Fardy, the Agency voted to adjourn.

Vote was unanimous.

Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Fardy, Secretary Pro Tem

Vote was unanimous.