Lake Pocotopaug Commission
Special Meeting
January 25, 2007
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room - Town Hall
Minutes
Call to Order & Roll Call
Chairman Hart called the Lake Pocotopaug Commission to order at 7:01 PM.
Members Present: Chairman Bob Hart, Vice Chairman John Ciriello, Irene Curtis, Alyce Scrivener, Jack Solomon, and Tom Wells. Absent: John Jordon
Others Present: Wayne Rand, Maria Foss Rand, David Erlandson, Attorney Tim Furrey, John Sorlio, and Recording Secretary Kamey Ahrens.
Chairman Hart opened the meeting stating the commission will cover the single item shown on the agenda. The purpose for the meeting is to learn about the possible sediment and runoff at ongoing developments within the watershed. The ordinance that established this commission requires creating programs among other things, to help protect the lake from such sources of pollutions. For the commission to do this effectively they need to understand how this can happen. Chairman Hart reiterated this is not a public hearing or an investigation; this is purely information to help the commission with its goals to protect and improve the quality of the lake. As such there will be no findings or decisions of that coming out of this meeting. The commission will not pour over maps or development requirements. The commission may
consider photos or descriptions of run off issues as they may affect the lake. As part of the process this evening the commission may want to consider sending a letter of recommendation or advisory opinion as it is allowed in the ordinance to the IWWA. Such a letter would only contain advice from our unique perspective on Lake Watershed oncology and would not encroach upon any statutory responsibilities of the IWWA or any other town agency especially in regards to enforcement.
Belltown Square Development and Skyline Estates Developments, Sediment and Nutrient Runoff issues:
Belltown Square Development:
John Ciriello provided photos that were taken by Gary Sorvello, in addition to a resident that phoned Mr. Ciriello stating some water that was on Belltown Square in the form of a pool and felt the commission should look at them. J. Ciriello submitted the photos from Mr. Sorvello in addition to some photo’s and a video he had taken himself. J. Ciriello discussed the photos on display and what they showed before and after the recent rain. J. Ciriello stated from reviewing the engineering reports it has been noted the property of discussion does have high ground water. I. Curtis asked if we know what was done to retain the water that was pooled at this location. J. Ciriello stated it is his understanding that the water was pumped to the rear of the property, reading from a reported dated 1/8/07 to James P Careys’
attention stating: Erosion controls were found to be generally acceptable, continued maintenance of the measures will be required of the contractors. Recommendations: All pumped discharges shall be through the temporary water quality basin and flock logs to aid in onsite settling of any sediment. The discharge will then go into the subsurface infiltration trenches prior to discharge into the storm drain system. The contractor has agreed to this, which is in conformance with an approved erosion plan. T. Wells stated his concern of the noted of high ground water, since the current trench that has been dug is not filled with water and if there were a high ground water problem that would be filled with water. He stated that it was probably the surface water from the rain that was collecting in the corner which appeared to be quite shallow. T. Wells feels in the future we should have inspections taking place on nearly a daily basis for conformance of erosion controls.
Skyline Estates Development:
John Ciriello showed the members of the commission photos that he had taken and his concerns of the water that appeared to be running in the direction of the lake. Chairman Hart asked if we could tell if the water sediment running down Clark Hill settled before it reached the lake. J. Ciriello stated that there have been barriers placed, however it is not clear as to where the water is coming from. The commission members did not have access to any inspection reports on the property at this time. The commission members discussed how frequently the storm water is monitored on and around the lake and how they can measure and monitor this moving forward.
John Ciriello made a motion directing the Chairman Robert Hart and Vice Chairman John Ciriello of the Lake Pocotopaug Commission to address a general letter along with the photographs taken, to the Inland Wetlands Watercourse Agency prior to their next meeting (January 31, 2007) that would ask the commission members to think globally about the situations at Belltown Square and Skyline Estates. After the IWWA has had a chance to review the pictures of the sites, the LPC would ask the IWWA to review what is being done to monitor the sites, to see if there should be more inspections taking place, and should the inspections be daily. In addition, the LPC would question if there is a better way to do this to minimize on what the pictures show. Motion was seconded by Alyce Scrivener. Vote 4-1-1. Yes- John Ciriello, Irene
Curtis, Alyce Scrivener, Jack Solomon. No- Bob Hart. Abstained-Tom Wells. Motion carried.
Public Remarks:
Timothy Furey, Bristol Connecticut, attorney for the owner at Skyline Estates, stated the action that was taken on Skyline Estates should not have had T. Wells present in the room as there is an obvious conflict of interest, in addition to I. Curtis should not have been sitting on anything to do with Skyline Estates since she was present at nearly every meeting involving several years of the application of Skyline Estates and showed a clear animus towards the project and its developer and did not feel that she could not be impartial in making decisions regarding the project. Attorney Furey felt the action that took place in the motion without asking for input or comment from the developer or the people that control the site, did not make any sense and is not consist with the charge. Attorney Furey went on to advise the
commission of the photos that were taken, that consistent with the permit that was designed with Mr. Wagner in addition to working several years with the towns IWWA commission, they were present on the day the photos were taken, it was the first major rain storm since the site was opened, and their professionals were on the grounds ready to react and the condition occurred for approximately an hour, and adjustments were made to make the water run clear. Mr. Furey stated they are working very hard to be collaborative with town staff, the towns’ engineers, and independent lake consultants, to come up with a process to protect the site during the construction period. The photos that were taken were at the very initial stages of the construction site and they are correct in identifying the ground water, however understanding the nature how water goes, the professionals were on site in addition to the materials there to adjust and adapt and within an hour their professionals had
done the things that the permit was designed to address and they will continue to do that and to work collaboratively with the town staff, design professionals and the 3rd party inspectors.
Wayne Rand, Middle Haddam, manager of Skyline Estates, stated that within an hour of the photos that were taken was cleared. Mr. Rand advised the commission there is approximately 1000sf of linier silt fencing on the job that is in place that is not listed on the permit to help as they are watching erosion very carefully. Mr. Wayne added he would like to work with the commission, and stated they are doing everything they can to make this a good project for the town and the development.
J. Ciriello asked for clarification on how the water was cleared in an hour.
David Erlandson, 173 Wopowog Road, Professional Engineer for the State of Connecticut who is on the site in charge of the construction. Mr. Erlandson stated the problem was solved by redirecting the water. The water was coming in above the stream and was able to break through both barriers of sediment protection that was in place. The matter was resolved with woodchips and silt fencing. Mr. Erlandson stated he went to the site with a hand shovel and took about four scoops in a swale that was created directing the water which allowed it to come into a low point through the 5-6 layers of silt fence, hail bails and wood chips and exit through a culvert.
John Salino, Niantic Connecticut, stated there were numerous phone calls made to town staff to obtain clarification on what the meeting tonight was about that went unreturned. J. Salino asked why this project is of subject when there are other problems on the lake that need to be addressed adding they would be very interested in having a cooperative effort, however phone calls need to be answered and returned.
T. Wells stated it was his understanding the reason for the meeting tonight was to educate for future projects when it came to make recommendations they would be more educated. T. Wells stated that town staff should have provided the LPC with additional information on the engineer reports that have been taken place on both of these sites so the commission could have had a better understanding on what was taking place. Mr. Wells also stated the LPC is looking at many different items that are affecting the lake and the LPC will continue to review the situations to help with the lake’s conditions.
Adjournment
Chairman Hart adjourned the Special Lake Pocotopaug Commission meeting at 8:40 PM. Motion passed unanimously
Respectfully Submitted, Kamey Ahrens Recording Secretary
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