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MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD
195
Changebridge Road, Montville Municipal
Building
MINUTES
OF THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012
Chairman Lipari convened
the meeting at 7:30pm and welcomed everyone to the Montville Township Planning
Board hearing and asked everyone to turn off their cell phones.
Ms. Kehoe took the
roll call.
ROLL CALL
Mr. Tim
Braden, Mayor - present
Mr. Gary Lewis, Vice
Chairman - present
Mr. Art
Maggio – present (departed at 8:20pm)
Mr. John Visco - absent
Mr. Larry
Hines – absent
Mr. Ladis Karkowsky -
present
Mr. Don
Kostka, Committeeman - present
Dr. Larry Kornreich -
absent
Mr. Russ Lipari, Chairman –
present
Mr. Tony
Speciale (alt#1) - absent
Mr. Larry
Tobias (alt#2) – present
Also present:
Board Attorney: Michael Carroll, Esq. -
present
Board Engineer: Stan Omland, PE, Omland Engineering
- present
Board Planner: Joseph Burgis, PP, AICP, Burgis
Associates - present
Principal Planner /
Secretary: Meghan Hunscher, PP AICP -
present
Recording Secretary: Kelley Kehoe - present
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - performed
STATEMENT OF
COMPLIANCE – Stated by Ms. Kehoe
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Chairman Lipari asked
the Committee members if they have any reports:
Board of Adjustment –
Vice Chairman Lewis had no report.
Environmental
Commission – Dr. Kornreich was absent.
Water & Sewer –
Mr. Maggio had no report.
Historic Preservation
Commission – Mr. Visco was absent.
Design Review
Committee – Deputy Mayor Kostka had no report.
Site Plan/Subdivision
Committee – Chairman Lipari had no report.
Economic Development
Committee – Mr. Speciale was absent. Ms Hunscher said the EDC held a workshop to discuss goals for the year.
Open Space Committee –
Mr. Karkowsky had no report.
Master Plan – Vice
Chairman Lewis reported that the Master Plan subcommittee met to discuss the
B-6 Zone and they are prepared to make a recommendation later in the meeting.
Cross Acceptance
Committee – No report.
Highlands Legislation Review Committee – Vice Chairman Lewis
had no report
Fire Districts –
Chairman Lipari for Towaco had no report, Tony
Speciale for Pine Brook was absent, and Art Maggio for Montville
had no report.
Board of Health – Mr.
Tobias gave an overview of the Health Department minutes.
SECRETARY’S
REPORT - Ms. Hunscher had no
report.
BOARD DISCUSSION
Mr. Karkowsky inquired
about the house on Jewel Court
that was still under construction. He was concerned with the maintenance of the
berm. Ms. Hunscher indicated that she will speak with the Engineering
Department since there is a bond for the project.
SWEARING IN OF
PROFESSIONALS
Board Attorney Mr. Carroll
swore in professionals: Mr. Omland, Mr. Burgis and Ms. Hunscher.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Chairman Lipari opened the meeting to
public comment. Seeing no one, a motion
was made by Vice Chairman Lewis, seconded by Chairman Lipari to close the
meeting to the public. All in Favor - unanimous.
PLANNING BUSINESS
Master Plan consistency hearing for Ordinance 2012-18
“Historic Preservation Review Commission.”
Mr. Burgis gave an overview
of ordinance. His findings were that is
was consistent with the current Historic Preservation Plan Element. Chairman
Lipari asked for the Planning Board members to vote to accept. Vice Chairman
Lewis asked Mr. Burgis if the final draft of the updated Historic Preservation
Plan Element was ready. Mr. Burgis said
it would be sent to the subcommittee for review within the next couple of days.
Vice Chairman Lewis said that there may be some additional recommended changes
to the ordinance.
A motion was made by Vice
Chairman Lewis, seconded by Mr. Karkowsky regarding the finding that the
ordinance is consistent with the Master Plan and to forward to the Township
Committee with possible changes in the future. Roll Call - Unanimous.
B-6 Business District Rezoning
Chairman Lipari explained
that this ordinance was passed in 2007, but excluded the Planning Board’s
recommendation to include "big box" retail. Mr. Burgis discussed his
memo dated 6/26/2012, adding to Chairman Lipari’s comment, that "big
box" was deleted before the final B-6 zoning ordinance was adopted by the
governing body a number of years ago.
Mr. Burgis discussed the four ordinance changes to accommodate the new
concept proposal submitted to the Planning Board by Mr. Boswell, engineer and
representative of GI Auto, including: the maximum building size, the maximum
building coverage, the maximum impervious coverage, and the minimum parking
requirement.
Mayor Braden asked if they
took into consideration various types of retail. Mr. Burgis explained that the
ordinance took into consideration general standards for “big box” retail. Vice
Chairman Lewis said that the Master Plan Subcommittee met twice to discuss,
once with the the property owner and his representatives. The subcommittee
concluded that the standards were appropriate for this property given the type
of use proposed as permitted. Deputy Mayor Kostka requested clarification as to
the proposed building coverage. Mr.
Burgis indicated that the concept plan presented to the Planning Board included
less than 13% coverage and the ordinance would permit 13.5% coverage, which was
sufficient. Mr. Burgis explained the
process once the recommendation was sent to the Township Committee.
A motion was made by Vice
Chairman Lewis, seconded by Mr. Karkowsky, that the Planning Board would
recommend the B-6 Business Rezoning to the Township Committee for adoption as
an ordinance revision to Chapter 230, specifically the B6 zone. Roll Call -
Unanimous.
WAIVERS
There were no waivers to
come before the board.
INVOICES
Omland Engineering – Trust
for: $135, $157.50, $67.50, $641.25, $33.75
On a motion made by Mr.
Maggio and seconded by Mr. Karkowsky the invoices were approved. Roll Call -
Unanimous.
RESOLUTIONS
HPRC
Application No. 01-12 - Croatian Cultural Club - 164 Boonton Ave (Block 1 Lot 6) - replacement of roof
shingles - Approval
On a motion made by Mr.
Maggio and seconded by Mr. Karkowsky, the resolution was approved. Roll Call of
Eligibles - Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE /
EXTENSIONS / DISMISSALS
PMS 08-13-78 Old Bloomfield Avenue Properties
- B. 178, L. 8
Request was made by Mr.
David Rosania - present and sworn - partner in Old Bloomfield Avenue
Properties, for six month extension to complete remaining improvements in
particular stucco on façade since he is in the process of refinancing. Mr. Rosania agreed to paint the surface the
outside of the building if the stucco took longer than expected.
On a motion made by Mr.
Karkowsky and seconded by Vice Chairman Lewis, the extension was approved. Roll
Call of Eligibles - Unanimous.
MINUTES
Planning
Board minutes - June 14, 2012 Eligible: R. Lipari, L. Hines, G. Lewis, T.
Braden, L. Karkowsky, D. Kostka, L. Kornreich, A. Speciale
On a motion made by Vice
Chairman Lewis and seconded by Deputy Mayor Kostka, the minutes were approved.
Roll Call of Eligibles - Unanimous.
Master
Plan subcommittee minutes - June 14, 2012
Eligible: R. Lipari, G. Lewis, L. Karkowsky
On a motion made by Mr.
Karkowsky and seconded by Vice Chairman Lewis, the minutes were approved. Roll
Call of Eligibles - Unanimous.
Master
Plan subcommittee minutes - June 21,
2012 Eligible: R. Lipari, G. Lewis, L.
Karkowsky
On a motion made by Mr.
Karkowsky and seconded by Vice Chairman Lewis, the minutes were approved. Roll
Call of Eligibles - Unanimous
LOI/DEP NOTIFICATIONS
Mr. Omland discussed DEP
notifications. The board took no action
and had no questions.
LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE
UPDATES
Mr. Carroll discussed
pending bills.
OLD BUSINESS
PSPP/F12-06 – Lake
Valhalla Club – 11 Vista Rd. – B: 11, 20, 20.01; L: 29, 1, 1 – LV Zone
- preliminary/final site plan - Carried with notice from June 14, 2012 ACT BY: 8/5/12
Mr. Maggio excused himself
at 8:20pm. Mr. Steven Schepis, attorney for applicant, appeared. Mr. Egarian
was under oath from previous meeting. He added more to testimony in regards to
the site plan. Further investigation was done into the buffer in regards to the
NJDEP. They confirmed the buffer is fifty (50) feet. There are no proposed
improvements within those fifty (50) feet. That concludes his testimony. There
were no questions for the witness. There was no public discussed on this item.
Witness, Alan Puleo, member
of LVC Board of Trustees, was sworn in. He explained his service with LVC, its
bylaws, history, and existing uses. This concluded his testimony. There was no
public discussion on this item or Planning Board questions.
Mr. Schepis continued his
testimony with Mr. Garrett, still under oath. They discussed Exhibit A-5 (A-100
of the site plan) dated 6-11-12, which was the floor plan of the Cottage Building. A revised version was
submitted with a new roof structure, which would cover the showers.
Chairman Lipari opened the
meeting to the public for questions on the most recent testimony given in
regards to the cottage.
Mr. Bauman of 10 Lake Shore Drive
asked questions. Mr. Garrett said the cottage would house the lockers for the
Yacht Club. Mr. Bauman suggested moving the Yacht Club up the road. He feels it
is a dangerous location with the children running around. He feels they should
look into an alternative location. Vice Chairman Lewis questioned what Mr.
Bauman was stating in regards to the Yacht Club being "in harms way of
what"? Mr. Bauman said "of traffic".
Mrs. Evelyn
Hoops of 14 Dianne
Drive asked how many members are currently part of
the Yacht Club. Mr. Garrett was not sure. He said this testimony was in regards
to the lockers, sitting area, etc. She felt that there was not a necessary need
for the Yacht Club or the platform. She felt that the new outdoor shower
location was inconvenient. Chairman Lipari summarized previous testimony. She
feels the current outdoor showers should not be eliminated. Mayor Braden stated
that it is not the Planning Board’s decision to decide where the outdoor
showers should go. He said with the cottage under going the transformation of
use, he would like to see some concrete testimony in order to restore its use.
Mr. Garret said they will recoat/repair the outside stucco, paint and clean up
that area including the roof. He said the north and south elevations will be
fixed.
Gladys Nemoro of 23 Lenape Drive
discussed the original use of the building.
Al Nemora of 23 Lenape Drive
inquired about the traffic for use of building. Mr. Garrett explained the
pedestrian access. Chairman Lipari asked if the there were “no parking” signs.
He said LVC Board would address. Mr. Nemoro is concerned with safety. Mrs.
Nemoro suggested a different entrance.
Break from 8:55pm to 9:10 pm.
Mr. Karkowsky inquired if
this part of the site plan presented had been done without Board approval or
permits. Mr. Schepis discussed and said in
some cases, yes, but that LVC is trying to rectify with this board application.
Chairman Lipari asked if LVC would be in favor of regular inspections of the
Club. The applicant agreed.
Mr. Garrett gave testimony
as a licensed professional planner. Mr. Schepis asked questions in regards to
waivers and variances. He said they are seeking variances for the trash
enclosure, landscaping, tree removal, discussed parking in the grove waiver and
landscaping. Exhibit B-1, 2 pages, dated 6-27-2012 (Landscape Buffer
Improvement Recommendations by Burgis Associates) was submitted. They are
looking to not do any stripping or curbing in the grove. Mr. Omland stated that
he is not concerned with the paving or curbing. They are looking for a proposed
guard rail to designate each parking spot with a hash and number. Mr. Omland
inquired if the guard rail would extend for all the spots - Yes. There was discussion
of parking by the tennis courts. They are proposing to use as a parking area
similar the grove with no paving or stripping, storm water management, and
guard rail with hash and number. Activities and facilities in that area were discussed.
It is the same with the boat parking area. Bumpers are currently in existence
there. Mr. Schepis said it was approved in the 2007 plan.
Mr. Garrett discussed the
volleyball area. LVC is proposing at 15 foot high fence and to landscape the buffer
area. They said they are willing to comply with the additional landscaping
requests from Mr. Burgis' office. Chairman Lipari inquired about the removal of
the bales of hay. They will come up with a better plan for the winter.
Mr. Garrett discussed the
expansion of the cottage in the front yard and the proposed showers in the rear
of cottage. He said that this was the most appropriate area because of the
existing plumbing. Chairman Lipari asked about the hours of the cottage. He said they would be open during their
recreation activities. He said there are no lights on the ball field/volleyball
court areas, so probably no later than 8:30pm. They would have security during
the high season. Mr. Schepis mentioned the event parking three times per year.
Planning Board is in agreement. There were no Planning Board member comments.
Mr. Burgis said that on the on the north side of the street they would be providing
additional landscaping.
Chairman Lipari opened the
meeting to the public for questions on the most recent testimony given.
Ms. Cornelia DiNunzio of 6
Hathaway described the current buffering, says she picks up balls in her yard,
stated that there are additional cars in the “turnaround” 3 to 4 times per week
by the tennis courts on the south side of Vista Road.
Ms. Karen Jacobs of 14 Vista Road
stated she is mostly affected by noise and headlights. She was concerned with
parking in the grove.
Mr. Michael Coombs of 12 Lake Shore Drive
discussed the grove parking area. He said they are pushing activities further
outside of the club area. He was wondering just how much the landscaping would
help with the noise and lights. Mr. Burgis explained the variety of trees and
shrubs that would be put in. Mr. Coombs still concerned with noise. He also discussed
the proposed dumpster. He had concerns about Vista Road safety. Mr. Tobias inquired about
the emptying of the dumpster’s schedule and asked if there could be an increase
in the frequency of the pick-ups or spray more.
Mr. Bauman of 10 Lake Shore Drive
asked if they still allowed alcohol in the grove. Yes, the LVC activities will
continue to exist as always. There was discussion of expansion of beach and
illegal removal of trees. Mr. Carroll explained the procedures. He explained
that Mr. Bauman should ask questions now and present his case at a later date. The
applicant’s professionals do not believe the beach was expanded. There was
discussion about the parking formula in the grove. Chairman Lipari asked Mr.
Burgis to explain the parking standards. He explained three different formulas.
He asked the neighbor, Mrs. DiNunzio
if they would allow them to make arrangements for a site visit. Yes, she was in
agreement.
The application has
been carried with notice preserved to the next meeting date of July 12, 2012.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business
to come before the board.
CONCEPTS
There were no concepts to
come before the board.
CLOSED SESSION
On a motion made by Mr.
Karkowsky and seconded by Mayor Braden, the meeting went into closed session to
discuss litigation. All in Favor - unanimous.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon return from closed
session, there being no further business to discuss, Chairman Lipari asked for
a motion to adjourn. On a motion made by Chairman and seconded by Vice Chairman
Lipari, the meeting adjourned at 10:15pm. Roll Call - Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelley Kehoe, Recording
Secretary
______________________________
Meghan Hunscher, Sec.
Certified true copy of
minutes adopted at Planning Board meeting of July 12, 2012.
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