***** UNAPPROVED MINUTES *****

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES

January 15,2003

7:30 PM

Jamestown Library

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. and the following members were present:

Gary Girard
Betty Hubbard
Victor Calabretta
Jean MacGregor-Brown
Andrew Kallfelz
Sue Barker

Also present:

Lisa Bryer, AICP – Town Planner

Cinthia Reppe – Recording Clerk

Barry Holland

Bill Munger

Richard Allphin

  1. Reading and Approval of Minutes from December 18, 2002

    2. A motion was made by Commissioner Hubbard and seconded by Commissioner Calabretta

    to accept the minutes as written. So unanimously voted.

  2. Correspondence
  1. CRMC–January 2003 Calendar. Received
  2. CRMC – Postponement Notice for Jamestown ROW – High Street- postponed until January 28,2003 Received
  3. CRMC – Assent – Town of Jamestown Conservation Commission PO Box 377, Jamestown, RI 02835; to construct a 450 foot extension to existing nature trails and construct a wooden wildlife viewing platform. A special Exception is required to establish trails and construct the viewing platform in coastal wetlands pursuant to the RICRMP Section 130. located at Great Creek-Round Swamp. Received
  4. CRMC – Assent – Elizabeth Perik, 170 Westfield Dr., East Greenwich, RI 02818; construct a residential boating facility to consist of a 5’x30’ (terminal) float. The proposed dock will extend to 45’ +/- beyond mean low water; located at Plat 9 Lot 380, 10 High Street, Jamestown, RI. Received
  5. FYI – Memo to Town Council Re: Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment regarding parking submitted by Jamestown Chamber of Commerce Received
  1. Citizen’s Non Agenda Item – nothing at this time
  2. Reports
    1. Town Planner’s Report
    2. Town Committees
    3. Sub Committees

Commissioner Barker reported that the Tree Committee has asked the Town Council to reconsider the height requirement for tree trimming to 18 feet.

Commissioner Girard welcomed the new member Commissioner Barry Holland who was sitting in the audience for the evening since he was not sworn in yet.

  1. Old Business
  1. Downtown Parking

The Town Planner discussed options with the Planning Commission regarding reviewing Section 1203 of the Zoning Ordinance and the policies and actions listed in the Comprehensive Plan related to parking. The Planning Commission then discussed what, if any, kind of a further parking analysis is necessary and what kind of information they need in order to review Section 1203. The Planning Commission did not feel that further parking analysis needed to be conducted at this time.

Bill Munger a representative from the Chamber of Commerce informed the Planning Commission that the Chamber is doing an internal parking survey and it should be completed within the next month. Commissioner Hubbard asked if the private parking lots are fully utilized during peak times. Commissioner Kallfelz asked if there is a map informing us of what streets are used for parking. Town Planner Lisa Bryer stated that there is not a map and that parking is allowed on every residential street. A discussion ensued and the general consensus of the Commissioners was that parking needs to be addressed in the following zones; CW, CD, CL. Commissioner Kallfelz asked if the burden to the businesses downtown that the chamber keeps referring to is caused by the lack of parking or the zoning requirements? Mr. Munger stated that the biggest problem is the waterfront areas both east and west ferry and that if you solve where boaters are to park then you solve the parking problem. This issue will be discussed again at the February 19th meeting after some information is collected from the Chamber and from other towns. A joint meeting with the Harbor Commission and the Chamber will be scheduled for March 19, 2003.

VI. New Business

  1. 2003 Planning Commission Action Agenda

    2. A discussion ensued regarding prioritizing these actions. The Planning Commission will let the different groups know what actions they are responsible for, for example the Town Council, Historical Society, etc. The following list is the order in which the Planning Commission will address these issues;

    Commissioner Brown stated that the Planning Commission should get together with the PTO to give a training course to the children of Jamestown in bicycle safety. Commissioner Brown will look into this.

    1. Review of January 17, 2003 meeting – Charter Changes

      2. The Planning Commission would like to defer this issue until the Town Solicitor will be present at the meeting.

    2. Election of Officers

    Commissioner Barker made a motion that was seconded by Commissioner Hubbard to appoint Commissioner Girard as chairperson. So unanimously voted.

    A motion was made by Commissioner Girard and seconded by Commissioner Barker to appoint Commissioner Kallfelz as vice chair. So unanimously voted.

    A motion was made by Commissioner Girard and seconded by Commissioner Hubbard to appoint Commissioner Barker as Secretary. So unanimously voted. A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Kallfelz and seconded by Commissioner Calabretta at 9:03 p.m. So unanimously voted.

    Attest:

    Cinthia Reppe