I.       Call to Order

The Zoning Board of Review public meeting was called to order at 6:04 pm by Chairman Kevin Marchand.

II.     Roll Call

Mr. Kevin Marchand (Chair): present; Mr. Kevin Kazarian (Vice Chair): present; Mr. Daniel Klotz: present; Ms. Ann Peckham: present; Mr. Andres Flores: present; present; Mr. Gary Berdugo (1^st alternate): present. Mr. Jonathan Agudelo: absent. 

As six members were present, the first alternate would not be voting at this meeting.

The meeting was staffed by Jim Vandermillen, Assistant Director of Planning & Economic Development; Diana Figueroa, Principal Planner; and Robert Weber, Assistant City Solicitor.

III.    Pledge of Allegiance

Mr. Marchand asked all present to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. 

IV.    Election of New Officers

a.       Secretary – As no Board member stepped forward to serve as secretary, Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to have the Planning Department staff to continue to carry out the tasks of the secretary. Mr. Flores moved to have the Planning Department staff to continue to carry out the tasks of the secretary; Ms. Peckham seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

b.      Chair – Mr. Kazarian nominated Mr. Marchand to serve as Chair.  Ms. Peckham seconded the nomination. The motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.

c.       Vice Chair – Ms. Peckham nominated Mr. Kazarian to serve as Vice-Chair.  Mr. Flores seconded the nomination.  The motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.

V.     Approval of Minutes

Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting (December 16, 2020).  Ms. Peckham moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting; Mr. Flores seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Vandermillen brought to the Board’s attention that the meeting minutes of October 21, 2020 had an incorrect reference to approving the previous meeting minutes of September 23^rd. Mr. Vandermillen asked to amend the minutes from the October 21^st meeting to change the date from September 23^rd to September 30^th.

Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to approve the amendment to the October 21^st meeting minutes to indicate that the September 30^th minutes were approved. Mr. Kazarian moved to amend the minutes; Mr. Flores seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

VI.    New Business

Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to open new business. Ms. Peckham moved to open new business; Mr. Klotz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

d.      Consideration

                              i.   Consideration for a Use Variance -- Case #ZB-21-01

Mr. Andres Restrepo, of 18 Ledge St., Central Falls, RI, applicant of 31 Ledge St. (Plat 5, Lot 199, Zone R-3, Multi-Household District) is seeking a Use Variance from Article III, Section 304, Table 1 – Use Regulations, 70 Food & Kindred Products Manufacturing, to operate a food manufacturing facility at the property.

Mr. Vandermillen read the description of case ZB-21-01 as it appeared in the legal posting and agenda (text above).  The documents are included in the records of the meeting. 

Mr. Weber swore in Mr. Andres Restrepo (applicant) of 18 Ledge St., Central Falls, RI. 

The applicant presented his case. He stated that he rents a portion of the building and wants to operate a cold kitchen to produce a refrigerated and frozen product. The owner thought it would be acceptable for this business. As he was applying for a permit from the Health Department, he learned that the property was not zoned for commercial use. He said that the facility was originally built for commercial use. Members of the Board inquired about license requirements, what types of ingredients are used in the product, how he would manage waste, if he has plans to expand his business, or if his business would affect traffic flow. The applicant responded to the questions.

Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to close new business. Mr. Weber stated that a vote still needed to be taken for the case.

Mr. Vandermillen stated that the public participant indicated via Zoom chat that they have no public comment.

Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to open public comment; Mr. Kazarian moved to open public comment. Mr. Flores seconded. The motion passed.

Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to close public comment. Mr. Flores moved to close the public comment; Ms. Peckham seconded.  The motion passed.

Mr. Vandermillen acknowledged that the Staff Recommendation was sent to Board members and would be entered into the record. He stated that the staff has no objections to the request.

Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to approve the applicant’s request based on the findings of fact and the testimony presented. Mr. Flores moved to approve the application for Case ZB-21-01; Ms. Peckham seconded. 

A roll call vote was taken: Mr. Marchand: Yes, Mr. Kazarian: Yes, Mr. Klotz: Yes, Ms. Peckham: Yes, Mr. Flores: Yes.  The motion to approve the request passed unanimously.

VII.  Adjournment

Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to adjourn.  Mr. Kazarian moved to adjourn; Ms. Peckham seconded.  The motion passed.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 pm.