In accordance with notice to members of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council’s Planning and Procedures subcommittee, a meeting of the subcommittee was held on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at Coastal Resources Management Council, Stedman Government Center, 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI.

MEMBERS PRESENT
Michael M. Tikoian, Chair
Paul Lemont, Vice Chair
Bruce Dawson
Don Gomez
Dave Abedon

STAFF PRESENT
Grover J. Fugate, Executive Director
Jeff Willis, Deputy Director
James Boyd, Coastal Policy Analyst
Laura Ricketson Dwyer, Public Ed/Outreach Coord
Janet Freedman, Coastal Geologist
John Longo, Legal Counsel

OTHER ATTENDEES
Wendy Waller, Save the Bay
Ames Colt, Coordination Team

 

Call to Order. Mr. Tikoian called the meeting to order at 8:41 a.m.

The Chair thanked everyone for accommodating the change in venue and time of the meeting and expressed his appreciation for their commitment to the subcommittee.

The Chair opened the meeting and asked for a motion to approve the August 19, 2008 meeting minutes.

Mr. Dawson seconded by Mr. Gomez moved to approve the meeting minutes of August 19, 2008. All voted in favor of the motion to approve.

Item3.A – Management Procedures – Section 5.14 – Withdrawal of Applications. J. Willis explained that this proposed change was in front of the full council for approval in July but a few members suggested it be held for better construction of the proposed language, which is the reason why it was before the subcommittee. J. Longo suggested revisions as follows:

Item3.B – RICRMP – Section 300.4.D.9 Recreational Boating Facilities and 300.16.E.1 Boat and
Float Lift Systems. J. Willis explained that these proposed changes were in front of the full council for approval in July but a few members suggested it be held for better construction of the proposed language, which is the reason why it was before the subcommittee. After discussion, the subcommittee felt comfortable with the language as originally proposed.

Item4.A – MetroBay SAMP Hazards Chapter. J. Boyd explained that the draft chapter is basically in final format – staff is editing it for style. The chapter has been vetted amongst the four metro bay communities. M. Tikoian wanted to see a schedule that included a workshop and any commentgeneration to be brought to the attention of the subcommittee. G. Fugate agreed that that would be a good approach and suggested we schedule a workshop after staff has introduced the chapter to the subcommittee and bring the results of that workshop to the subcommittee for discussion and possible revisions. Based on that, rule-making could then formally begin. G. Fugate stated that staff will bring the draft chapter to the next subcommittee meeting.

Item5.A – ISDS Technology and CRMP setbacks/buffers. G. Fugate and J. Boyd explained that the technologies for septic systems has advanced to the point where new systems require a smaller footprint than previous generation systems. Homeowners who wish to expand existing structures are taking advantage of that fact and proposing new additions in the locations where such systems used to be located – replacing old septic systems with new such systems - thereby maximizing the square footage of the new addition to the point where section 150 buffers and section 140 setbacks are required in full. However, where an existing structure cannot support the additional or full buffer requirement, staff is asking if the homeowner has therefore created his own hardship. The subcommittee discussed. Mr. Lemont felt that the council should consider maximum lot coverage and asked how many communities now have such a requirement. Mr. Lemont noted that if a new green lot sought to be developed with these new ISDS, then we would make the structure be located as far back from the coastal feature as possible. The existing structure scenario should also be required to meet the requirements of the program. A question on takings was raised. J. Longo noted that no takings could be inferred because a use already exists and new expansion could be denied if additional buffer setback could not be met. G. Fugate offered that the applicant has a choice of either no addition or move existing back to accommodate requirements. Mr. Tikoian suggested a workshop with local planning/zoning boards to vet the issue. Staff was asked to investigate potential regulations to address maximum lot coverage.

Item7.A.B.C – Staff Reports. J. Boyd presented updates on both the Greenwich Bay and Metro Bay SAMPs, noting that water type changes are being prepared for subcommittee discussion for both SAMPs, hopefully as soon as next meeting. Mr. Abedon suggested re-introducing the subcommittee to the Greenwich Bay steering committee, which staff will follow-up on. G. Fugate explained recent updates relative to the Ocean SAMP, primarily that of federal consistency, coordination with bordering states, and that research is beginning, with the University providing the Endeavor to undertake significant study of the SAMP area.

ADJOURNMENT. Mr. Gomez, seconded by Mr. Lemont, moved to adjourn the subcommittee meeting.

All voted in favor of the motion and the meeting was promptly adjourned at 10:07 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted by

Jeffrey M Willis, Deputy Director

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