I.            NEW BUSINESS:

A.      The application of Michael Bernardo, Applicant and Owner of property located at 13 Pinoak Drive, Exeter, RI; Zoned RU-3 and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 38, Block 5, Lot 18; a request for dimensional relief under Zoning Ordinance Article II, Section 2.4.2.6 (side setback) for a proposed attached garage with room above.

Chair Richard Booth introduced this application and asked if anyone was present to speak to this application.

Michael Bernardo, applicant and owner, was present and stepped forward to be sworn in.  Mr. Bernardo stated that he had come before the Board a couple of years ago (January 2022) and never requested a building permit or an extension within the allotted time of 18-months, so he has come back for the same project requesting the same dimensional variance.

Chairman Booth asked Mr. Bernardo if anything had changed from his last application.  The applicant replied that everything on the application was the same, except for the date.

Board member Susan Franco-Towell asked a question regarding a shed located at the rear of the property. Board member Richard Quattromani inquired to confirm that the relief sought was to locate the new structure 16’ from the side yard – which Mr. Bernardo confirmed. Board member Tim Robertson stated that he had similar questions, and inquired whether the new structure would have a full foundation and be a similar design and appearance to the existing residence, which was also confirmed by the applicant. Board member Loren Andrews asked Mr. Bernardo to confirm that the only reason he returned to the Board was because the prior approval had expired before a building permit was obtained. This was also confirmed.

Mr. Robertson found that the proposed addition was the only reasonable place to locate the garage and that the garage was proposed in a manner to seek appropriate relief. Mr. Robertson also found the proposal to be reasonable and appropriate. Board member Loren Andrews found this petitioner proposed a good design and that the addition would fit into the existing character of the neighborhood. In addition, Mr. Andrews found that no other reasonable alternative was available to erect the proposed garage.

As there was no further discussion from the Board, the Chair asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Loren Andrews made a motion to close the public hearing; Tim Robertson seconded the motion.  The vote was all in favor, 5-0.  The public hearing was closed.

        Chairman Booth stated that he sees no reason not to approve this application and asked if anyone was ready to make a motion.

At this time, Board member, Tim Robertson made a motion to approve the application of Michael Bernardo, applicant and owner of property located at 13 Pinoak Drive, Exeter, RI; Zoned RU-3 and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 38, Block 5, Lot 18; a request for dimensional relief under Zoning Ordinance Appendix A, Section 2.4.2.6, left-side setback of 44 feet for a 24’ x 24’ garage, with a room above. Loren Andrews seconded the motion.  A vote was taken and was all in favor, 5-0 (Booth, Quattromani, Robertson, Andrews and Franco-Towell).  The motion passed.

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

Chairman Booth introduced this item.  The Clerk asked to note a couple of additional changes submitted by Vice Chair, Tom McMillan.  The Board reviewed page 6, item 6.3 and agreed to the suggested edits.

The Board reviewed the Zoning Board Rules of Procedure and made some revisions as needed to the following sections of the proposed 2025 Rules of Procedure:

1.   General

2.      Officers

3.      Duties of the Chair

4.       Meetings and Hearings

5.       Applications

6.       Decisions

7.       Member Interest

8.       Repetitive Applications and Withdrawals

9.       Procedure on Appeals

10.   Procedure on Variances

11.   Procedure on Special Use Permits

12.   Effective Date

13.   Amendment or Waiver of Procedural Rules

14.   Other Applicable Laws

Meetings and Hearings Sections 4.9 through 4.15 will be removed from the Zoning Board Rules of Procedure and be readdressed under separate cover as “the Planning Board of Appeals Rules of Procedure.”

Chairman Richard Booth made a motion to continue the review of the Zoning Board Rules of Procedure to the next meeting after the January meeting; seconded by Susan Franco-Towell. A vote was taken and was approved, 5-0 (Booth, Quattromani, Robertson, Andrews and Franco-Towell).  The motion passed.

            C.  Review/Approval of the 2025 Zoning Board Meeting Schedule:

The Board briefly reviewed the schedule of dates.  Chairman Richard Booth asked for a motion to approve the 2025 Meeting Schedule. Tim Robertson made the motion to accept the 2025 Meeting Schedule; Loren Andrews seconded.  A vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0. (Booth, Quattromani, Robertson, Andrews and Franco-Towell). 

 ADMINISTRATIVE:

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Richard Quattromani; seconded by Susan

Franco-Towell. Voted all in favor, 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Meeting Minutes prepared by:

Rebecca M. Lukowicz and

M. Dixie Foisy, Zoning Board Clerk