All They Couldn't Do Was Elect A Chair

In an issue that has been pressing for the better part of a year, the Planning and Zoning Commission once again failed to elect a chair. Two Democrats, Deborah Kleckowski (4 votes) and acting chair Richard Pelletier (3 votes) were not elected, again.

Other then that continuing embarrassment, the Board moved briskly through business, tabling a public hearing on a 15 lot subdivision at Flynn Lane due to improper signage announcing the public hearing.

The board approved a change in language to allow a plan by Lori Montazella to open a Bed and Breakfast in her home which is located on Westfield Street and is in an R-15 zone. Montazella will have to appear before the Board with specific plans before she opens the B$B.

The board also approved a three lot subdivision at 42 Middlefield Street. In the approval they recomended planting of buffer trees, required sidewalks, and a turnaround driveway (hammerhead).

The board also extended approval of a industrial park development on land owned by Ted Bysiewicz. They approved a name change for a used car dealer on Johnson Street, and forwarded public hearings for two other subdivisions.

In other business the board agreed to make time in future meetings to consider changes in regulations for Bed and Breakfasts, sidewalks, and several other changes sidelined at other meetings but compiled by board member Catherine Johnson.

Planning and Zoning Commission Still Without A Chair

Again Wednesday night, for the third month in a row, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted on electing a new chair for the commission.

Again, with Democratic candidates Deborah Kleckowski and Barbara Plum nominated, the commission voted, with written ballots. Kleckowski got four votes, Plum three. Neither was elected since five votes are needed.

Commission members continued the parlimentary bickering about whether the Commission actually had a chair. Kleckowski suggested that Plum, who had been the chair, should not be listed on municipal stationery as the chair.

Commissioner Ron Borrelli spoke angrily about the commission's inability to elect a chair.

"If you're gonna vote for some who appointed herself chair, and appointed herself to three other commissions, and hasn't been here for four months to attend meetings," Borrelli said. "Then you're voting, along party lines, for someone who shouldn't be chairman, or a commissioner. Let's elect someone else. Let's move on."

Democrat Barbara Plum, who has served as chair of P&Z for several years, leaves Middletown, and the state, for an annual winter vacation each year.

In other parliamentary matters, the commission passed a mercy rule - a revision to their bylaws, which states that all Planning and Zoning meetings must end by 11 pm, with some exceptions allowing meetings to absolutely end by midnight.