I.            NEW BUSINESS:

A.        The application of E. Michael Yefko and Joann Lisberger, applicants and owners of property located at 66 Sheffield Hill Road, Exeter, RI; Zoned RU-4 and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 50, Block 1, Lot 11; a request for dimensional relief under Zoning Ordinance Appendix A, Section 2.4.2.4, front setback and 2.4.2.6, side setback, for an attached garage.

Chair Richard Booth introduced the above petition and asked if someone was present to speak on behalf of the applicant.

The applicants, Mr. Yefko and Ms. Lisberger stepped forward and were sworn in individually.  The Chair asked them to explain what they are proposing on Sheffield Hill Road.  Michael Yefko explained that they bought the house about 20 years ago and wanted to put up a garage but for various reasons, they never did.  He stated as they have gotten older, they realize they really need a garage for the car and snowblower.  Mr. Yefko referenced his map within the packet and indicated that there are wetlands on the property along with a buffer.  The location of the proposed addition is placed in the only viable location on the property due to the wetlands, as well as the location of the well and septic.

Chair Richard Booth questioned the property being at the corner of Sheffield Hill and Hallville, located on a right-of-way.  He asked Mr. Yefko if this is considered a public right-of-way.  Mr. Yefko stated he is not sure how it is designated but shared that they have a deeded right to this right-of-way and explained that there are two other properties that also use this right-of-way.

Chair Richard Booth asked if there was anyone from the public that had any comments. 

        PUBLIC COMMENT:

Joan Alger, 80 Sheffield Hill Road, Exeter, RI

Ms. Alger stepped forward and was sown in.  She stated that she was not here for or against the applicants, but to gather information. She stated that they own the property at 80 Sheffield Hill Road, as well as 70B Sheffield Hill Road, owning the right-of-way and the farm in the back. Ms. Alger asked to see the map with the proposed addition of a garage at 66 Sheffield Hill Road.

Jennifer L. Hunt, 80 Sheffield Hill Road, Exeter, RI

Ms. Hunt stepped forward and was sworn in.  She stated that this was the first time seeing this proposal and noted that they were not there to deny the applicants of having a garage. Ms. Hunt stated that their property abuts their property, divided by a stone wall. Driving down the driveway from Hallville, what is to the right of the stonewall, which is the right away, and what is to the left of the stonewall is their property. The driveway is maintained, and is a very busy driveway, with a lot of delivery trucks going to the tenant’s home at the end. She indicated that they are a registered horse farm, with cars, students and horses coming and going regularly. Ms. Hunt said that they maintain and plow the driveway allowing Mr. Yefko and Ms. Lisberger to get into their driveway. For the record, she stated that they maintain the right-of-way.  Jennifer Hunt indicated that they have no objection to the addition of a garage on the Yefko/Lisberger’s property, but with the building of the garage, asked about the clearing and heavy machinery being needed to dig the foundation and questioned how it would impact the right-of-way.

Ms. Lisberger responded to their concerns and indicated that they were doing what was required of them, and that they were in no way trying to deprive them of seeing the plans for the garage and entry way.

        There was some further questions and discussion regarding the right-of-way during construction and how the addition will affect their property line.  The Chair recommended that they – the applicants and abutting neighbors - have a conversation between themselves after the meeting at some point.

     Zoning Inspector Hal Morgan explained that the variance was as close it will come to the edge of their property, not going beyond the property line, but a little bit closer than the regulation permits.            

Chairman Richard Booth then asked for a motion to close the public hearing.  Tom McMillan made the motion; Richard Quattromani seconded the motion.  A vote was taken and was all in favor.  The public hearing was closed.

Both the Chair and Stephen Sovet felt the applicant had done a nice job in presenting their request for the addition of garage. Mr. McMillan indicated that the abutters had their questions and concerns answered and noted he feels the application was complete. Mr. Quattromani had no concerns with this application. 

As there was no further discussion from the Board, the Chair asked for a motion.

Board member, Tom McMillan made a motion to approve the application of E. Michael Yefko and Joann Lisberger, applicants and owners of property located at 66 Sheffield Hill Road, Exeter, RI; Zoned RU-4 and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 50, Block 1, Lot 11; a request for dimensional relief under Zoning Ordinance Appendix A, Section 2.4.2.4, front setback of 14 feet and Section 2.4.2.6, for a side setback of 35 feet, for a 25’ x 27’ garage and a 14’ x 18.25’ entry way.

A motion was made by Tom McMillan; Richard Quattromani seconded the motion.  A vote was taken and was all in favor, 4-0 (Booth, McMillan, Quattromani, Sovet).  The motion passed.

B.         Discussion and/or Possible Action: Zoning Board Rules of Procedure

Chairman Booth asked that Solicitor Peter Ruggiero review the Zoning Board Rules of Procedure and that the Board will review his recommendations at their next scheduled meeting.

II.                    ADMINISTRATIVE: