BOROUGH OF BOUND BROOK PLANNING BOARD FEBRUARY 13, 2003 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by chairman Robert Fazen at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 230 Hamilton Street. ROLL CALL Present were:  Mr. Gaglia, Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Fazen, Mr. Krauser, Ms. Ackerman and Mrs. Pournaras.  Mr. Thompson arrived at 8:15 p.m. Also present were Mr. Rodgers, board attorney; Mrs. Doyle, planner; and Mrs. Malone, recording secretary. COMPLIANCE STATEMENT This meeting is being held in compliance with the “Open Public Meetings Law.”   The requirements of the Law have been met.  The Annual Meeting Notice has been posted in the Municipal Building, filed with the Municipal Clerk, and forwarded to the Bound Brook Chronicle in January, 2003. SALUTE TO THE FLAG MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING      Motion presented by Mr. Gaglia, seconded by Mrs. Pournaras, to approve the minutes of the January 23, 2003 meeting.  Unanimous. ANNOUNCEMENTS We received a fax from Tom Brodbeck highlighting full time jobs and part-time jobs in the borough.  Job descriptions will be requested for all the listed positions. We received a letter from Somerset County regarding how to apply for Open Space grants. A letter was received from Somerset County regarding Valley National Bank.  In order to access Route 28 they will have to pay $50,245 for that privilege.  Mrs. Doyle's understanding is that they do not have to pay this assessment. February 20 there will be an open public meeting on Route 28 strategic needs assessment.  The county received a grant to improve Route 28 from the Somerville circle through Bound Brook; lights will be synchronized. Letter from Mr. Rodgers regarding VFV Properties (Morano).  Mr. Rodgers explained that the subdivision and variances were properly denied and the appeal was dismissed. Letter from John Cilo regarding Valley National Bank.  Mr. Tobin advised that the exterior east wall will be bricked per the planning board's request. Monday morning Mr. Fazen attended a meeting on storm water drainage regulations.  Mr. Fazen reported a borough of our size should spend approximately $61,000 to implement the regulation. The Big Map was discussed at a meeting.  It is still in planning, but Mr. Fazen noted that “red light” is an area that cannot expect to receive any funding for development.  An increase in density is invited in the green district.  Funding should be investigated “while the iron is hot.” Mr. Sabatino thanked Mr. Rodgers for his work on VFV, and Mr. Fazen congratulated the board. AGENDA Discussion of Master Plan - remember, comments to be brought up at the February 27 meeting should be sent to Mr. Fazen prior to February 20 to be distributed.  These include the Historic Preservation Ordinance.  The ordinance is a stand-alone document that must be approved by the council.  The Master Plan, however, is required to have a historic preservation element.  If the borough approves the ordinance, it will establish a commission with responsibility to conduct a complete inventory and survey of the borough, designate historic sites and districts, and present those recommendations to the council for approval.  At that time, when they have been approved, the commission will review all development applications that apply to these historic sites and districts and issue (or not) a certificate of appropriateness to the planning board.  Painting a house would have to be approved (color) by the commission. #20-02, Morelli #01-03, Atlantis Travel OPEN TO PUBLIC          NON-AGENDA No comments. PUBLIC HEARINGS #20-02, Morelli, 418 Talmage Avenue, Use Variance No representative in attendance. #01-03, Atlantis Travel, 207 West Union Avenue Elissa Stoffels appeared before the board.  Mrs. Doyle explained that the property is owned by Hose Company #1, but she did not believe it originally.  The use of this existing structure is the basis for the application. The request is now for a waiver of a site plan.  It is an existing structure and an existing use so Mrs. Doyle feels this is appropriate.  The property is in the OB zone. Mr. Rodgers explained the allowed uses in the B1 zone (retail sales and service).  Mrs. Doyle said a travel agency would be among the permitted uses in this zone.   The applicant was sworn In and explained her intentions for the property.  It is set up like a doctor's office, and she intends to have a travel agency and translation and notary services.  She would like to put an awning on the front of the building.  Her awning would be like the one at the Swerdlow Gallery, dark green with white lettering.  Mr. Rodgers said if the awning does not conform to the ordinance it would require a variance.  The code official will advise her about the awning as to conformance. No changes are planned to the exterior or parking.  The previous use was as a doctors' office (three doctors).  There are six rooms and two bathrooms.  There are about 30 parking spaces, many more than they anticipate using.   Mr. Gaglia made a motion to approve the site plan waiver, seconded by Mr. Sabatino and carried unanimously.  The resolution should be available at the next board meeting, at which time they can start doing business there.  A temporary C/O would be needed to do so before the resolution is voted on. . FUTURE APPLICATION SCHEDULE February 27:     Holubowicz (deemed incomplete so far) Mr. Fazen talked to the superintendent of schools and recommended that they appear before the board in March. COMPLIANCE REVIEW BOARD Mrs. Pournaras has some resolutions.  She asked if she should report to the board or make a phone call.  Mr. Fazen explained that it has to be presented officially to the planning board.  Mr. Rodgers reminded the board that the original concept involved violations of the ordinance or resolutions.  The feeling at that time was that the Building Inspector did not do anything about these violations.  The committee was to provide a form letter to the Building Inspector after discussion by the Planning Board.  Mrs. Pournaras asked if she could approach the Building Inspector directly since she has confidence that he would address the issues.   Mrs. Pournaras will e-mail her list of concerns to Mr. Fazen.  She noted that most of the resolutions have been complied with.  Ms. Ackerman asked about the former Lilaine's; the sign was taken down.   The telephone store on Route 28 (formerly Girasole) never had a resolution, so it could not be in violation.  An excavating office just opened on Maiden Lane in a storefront, and Mrs. Pournaras has a problem with that.  Mr. Fazen explained that if there is a change in use they must submit a site plan.  They can request a waiver before the board if they so desire.  The Zoning Officer is responsible for telling them they are in violation.  One problem has been inconsistency, Mr. Rodgers explained.  Mrs. Pournaras said it is a matter of interpretation of “change in use,” and the Zoning Officer is the only person who can make that determination. Mr. Rodgers asked if the Texaco Station across from the post office is on the list.   SITE PLAN REVIEW BOARD No report. EDGENTON COMPLETENESS Mrs. Doyle provided the board with previous resolutions on this property.  She recommended that the application be deemed incomplete, and she suggested checking the resolutions to make sure they are in compliance before the board hears the application.  The Zoning Officer or the committee will check.  Mrs. Doyle will let the applicant know Motion by Mrs. Pournaras, seconded by Mr. Gaglia, to deem the application incomplete.  Unanimous. RESOLUTIONS Mr. Rodgers owes the board a resolution on SpringKey; he will bring it to the next meeting. APPLICATION FORMS Mr. Thompson had revised the application forms, but they were never adopted.  Mr. Krauser will get a copy by e-mail from Mr. Thompson.   ADJOURNMENT:           Ms. Ackerman made a motion, seconded by Mr. Sabatino, to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.  Carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Barbara A. Malone Recording Secretary.