Warren Connecticut

Building Committee Meeting June 15, 2004
Submitted by Toni Richardson*

At its July 15 meeting the building committee took a step toward presenting the town with plans to deal with current needs for updating town buildings and to address future needs.  The committee had two responses to its “Request for Proposals” to evaluate the town needs and building conditions and to present some alternative ways to address those needs.

Architects Shapiro and Harding of Cornwall Bridge presented their proposal at the meeting. They proposed to base their evaluation of needs on information collected by the committee according to a format they would provide.  This would involve members of the committee interviewing employees and organizations.  Once the information was collected, they would work with the committee to sift through the information and develop some ideas for how to address needs.  They would review the buildings and identify building code and Disability Act requirements as well.  To support their concept, they offered drawings that were done for the town of Redding as part of their town planning and drawings of a theater project in New York.

The second proposal was from Clifford Cooper of Litchfield. He responded to the RFP in a timely manner and proposed to complete the project within the $20,000 allocated.  His primary renovation effort would be directed at the library and town hall, with other buildings considered for code upgrades.  He would collect information from employees and town organizations by using a firm, called Plan-O-Metrics, to gather information, based on process that is efficient and objective. Once the information is gathered, it would be presented to the committee and they would work with the committee to design options that address the identified issues.

Both proposals identified the need to gather information at the outset.  The difference was that Cooper would have the work done by the outside firm and Shapiro and Harding would have it done by the committee.  Committee members agreed that using the outside firm gave an important degree of objectivity to the process.

Both responders are local, though Cooper seemed to have more information about projects in this area.  Cooper’s proposal was just under the budget and Shapiro and Harding were just above it.

After much discussion which included hearing from Cindy Witlow about her positive experiences with Cooper, the committee unanimously voted to hire Cooper, subject to reference checks and agreement on the timeline.

The committee expects the process to begin with the gathering of information this summer.  Jack Travers, First Selectman, will be contacting employees and town organizations to alert them to the need to get ready to provide information about their jobs, the hours they work or use facilities, their needs and anything they believe is important to this project.

The committee will meet again on July 27th at 7:30 pm to review progress.  Once the information has been gathered, issues identified and alternatives outlined, the contractor will present his findings and ideas to the building committee and to the town.  The Committee will consider information from that meeting and formulate a proposal for the town’s consideration.  An opportunity to vote at referendum will be provided prior to any final action on the committee’s proposal.

* Toni Richardson co-chairs the Building Committee with Nancy Scofield

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
June 8, 2004

Prior to the regular monthly meeting a public hearing was held on the application by Jack and Ellen Baron for a special exception to operate a bed and breakfast at 187 Kent Road.

Mike Ajello, Zoning Enforcement Officer, noted that the Building Inspector must issue a Certificate of Occupancy before the building can be used as a bed and breakfast.  Chairman Wilson opened the meeting to public comment and hearing none, closed the hearing.

The regular meeting began with a discussion on the Baron’s application and the size of their planned sign. A commission member noted that the requested sign was identical in size to another bed and breakfast sign in town. The application was approved with one dissenting vote.

The application of Jason Debray of Warren Highlands, Anita Way for a revision of a subdivision plan was the second topic of the evening. Two lots abut a third and the owners wish to divide the third between them, each joining a piece to their existing lot. However only one owner is before the Commission and members expressed concern about whether they could act on one request without acting on the other. The applicant produced deeds for both properties indicating the lot had been split and the deeds had been filed.  The Commission indicated they would need a letter from the other owner indicating this split was his intention.  After deciding that no public hearing was required, the Commission decided to ask the applicants to secure the signature of the other owner on an application, and approved the application pending receipt of the paper work.

The commission took up the issue of property on Kent Road, owned by Regina Ash.  The property had been gifted from parents to children and split.  This was reflected in the deed, but no map was filed at the time. Now the map must be filed to bring the property into compliance so that the property can be sold. Wilson suggested the party attempt to find the original deed.  If there was none, it was not split and she should file a map showing the new split and get the input of Torrington Area Health.

The regulation of size of accessory structures continued from previous meetings. Discussion focused on outdoor boilers and generators.  Members pointed out the potential for noise and smoke and noted an increase in their use both in Warren and in nearby towns. The problem with trying to regulate these uses is how to enforce them.  Most that can be done now is to require a structure permit and maintain setback.  Further discussion is planned for future meetings.

Note was taken that homes on Partridge Lane have deeds with restrictions on a variety of activities including size of house, numbers of animals, etc.  These are not enforceable by the Zoning Officer because they are deed restrictions not town regulations.

Permits were issued in May to:
Charles and Joan Geyer, 75 Carter Road for an addition;
John Pecha, 3 Windy Ridge Road for a shed;
Douglas Schloss, 182 Flat Rocks Road for storage;
Northland Custom Homes, 29 Reed Road for a house;
Northland Custom Homes, 8 Cunningham Road for a house;
Antonio DaMota, Partridge Road subdivision;
RMM Consulting, Bobcat Lane, for a house.

New state rules require fee hikes again on land use permits, with funds to be passed on to the state.  All land use fees must be increased by $10.  The Commission voted to increase fees across the board by $10.

The Commission noted there is a new state statute that affects improvements to lots close to certain lakes including Lake Waramaug.  There are questions about this bill and its application.

These are PDF versions of the proposed Warren Town Budget for the fiscal year 2004-2005. This budget will be voted on at the Town Meeting on May 20 at the Town Hall. Click on each to download it to your computer and then print them if you like.

http://www.warrenct.com/pdf/town_budget_04_05_expenses.pdf
http://www.warrenct.com/pdf/town_budget_04_05_revenues.pdf

You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer (Mac or PC) to open and print this file. Almost all computers come with it (so don’t download it unless you need it) but just in case, you can get it here:

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Notes from Selectmen’s Meeting June 1, 2004
Submitted by Marylyn Hendricks

Jack Travers, Marian Smith , Cal Tanner and Linda Kennedy were in attendance.

The minutes of the May 16th meeting were read and approved.

The building inspector’s contract is to be renewed for a duration of 3 years.

Paul Prindle will resign effective July 1st.  Joe Manley will replace Paul.
The library roof leaked last week.  A tarp will be put on until the roof can be repaired. The roof needs replacement and bids for this job are in process.

Jack said the 4 layers of shingles will have to be stripped.  It is estimated that the plywood will cost $5,000 and the job total could be $21,000.
Warren will receive a grant of $23,000 for homeland security.  It is likely this will administered via the state or C.O.G. (Council of Government).  A multitude of paperwork is expected so a task force meeting may be needed to  determine how best to spend these funds.  Jack stated a problem with one town was that they ordered decontamination trailers, but failed to include tractors to pull them!

This reporter had a question concerning the dry hydrants (a pipe connected to a pond for access to water for the fire trucks), asking whose responsibility it is to assure the pipes are not clogged.

Jack told me the fire department periodically checks to see they are operational.

Meeting adjourned at 5:15 pm.

This is a PDF version of the June, 2004 Warren Observer newsletter. Click on it to download it to your computer, then print it and you’ll have the exact same newsletter that was sent out.

Warren Observer 6-04

You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer (Mac or PC) to open and print this file. Almost all computers come with it (so don’t download it unless you need it) but just in case, you can get it here:

Adobe Acrobat Reader