Inland Wetlands Commission
APPROVED MINUTES
Regular Meeting
August 13, 2008 7:30 p.m.
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut
Present: Peters, Salling, Kotch, Pieragostini, and Curran
Staff Present: Tammy Hazen, Clerk
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Commissioner Peters opened the hearing at 7:30 p.m.
Violations - No violations were discussed.
Pending Applications
#08-09 Vona, Oak Ridge III, 46 Eden Hill Road. Application for activities relating to a subdivision.
Commissioner Peters stated that she has been reading all the material but is not finished so is not ready for a full discussion. Since Commissioner Curran will not be present at the next meeting, she has written up comments in letter form. Copies were distributed to the Commission and to the applicant. Commissioner Peters asked if there were any comments Commissioner Curran would like to comment on her letter. Commissioner Curran stated she would like to add to her recommendations some special conditions. She wanted to confirm that erosion control plans were included, phase construction, Matt Popp’s turf management guidelines, and if the road ordinance allows Cape Cod curbing, she would like that included as part of the plan. Further discussions will be deferred
to the next meeting.
#08-23 Russell Lalli, 38 Eden Hill Road. Application related to the construction of an accessory building and driveway.
The applicant was not present. Item tabled. Commissioner Peters stated that the applicant still needs to provide a functionality report. Commissioner Kotch motioned to deny the application without prejudice as being incomplete. Seconded by Commissioner Pieragostini. Motion approved unanimously.
#08-27 Pools by Murphy, 29 Ashford Lane. Application related to the construction of an in-ground swimming pool.
James Reed from Pools by Murphy, present representing Beth and Kevin Young, presented plans for the construction of a pool. He discussed plans including a retaining wall, the infiltration system, and setbacks. The commissioners will walk the site.
#08-28 Daniel O’Donnell, 72 Edge Lake Drive. Application related to the removal of a violation.
Applicant not present. Item tabled.
#08-29 Tom Milligan, 9 West Street. Application related to the removal of a violation.
Tom Milligan was present to discuss his application. He discussed his removal of some trees that were lost in a storm, some trees that need to be removed due to damage that are close to his home. Mitigation plans were discussed. Mr. Milligan will meet with Mr. Sibley to discuss the plans.
#08-30 Peter Gold, 20 Butterfield Road. Application related to the removal of a violation.
Applicant not present. Item tabled.
#08-31 Donald Ruggiero, 59 Huntingtown Road. Application related to the removal of a violation.
Donald Ruggiero was present to represent Evelyn King. Mr. Ruggiero discussed plans to remove farm equipment and debris to clean up the wetlands. He would like to wait until October when foliage is cleared. Commissioner Peters discussed the removal of invasive plants. He will work with the commission and Mr. Sibley on procedures. Commissioners will visit the site.
#08-32 Michael Burton, 107 Church Hill Road. Application related to the building of an addition.
Michael Burton, 7 Glenn Road, and owner of 107 Church Hill Road was present to discuss his application to restore a historic site and building built in 1843 in the Sandy Hook Design District. He discussed the renovation of an existing building, an addition to the building, and the construction of a carriage house on a foundation previously used for the carriage house. There is also a small barn that will be built. The buildings will be used for retail, business and rental apartments on the second floor of the barn and carriage house. He stated this type of project is encouraged by the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development as far as the expansion of the Sandy Hook Design District.
Alan Shepard, PE, provided details of the project and answered questions by the commissioners. Commissioner Pieragostini asked about grass swales. Mr. Shepard stated they would be difficult to maintain and design, but discussed using an absorbing unit that goes on the catch basins for hydrocarbons. Commissioner Kotch asked about the water from the upper parking lot and roofs. Mr. Shepard stated that it all goes into the galleys. Commissioner Kotch discussed temperature, hydrocarbon and bacteria problems. He felt the water should be infiltrated on the site. Mr. Shepard discussed a retaining wall and stated he didn’t feel comfortable putting water behind the wall. Commissioner Curran asked about roof drainage. Commissioner Kotch asked about porous pavement in the
lower parking lot. Mr. Shepard will look at the products. Commissioner Salling asked for more information regarding slope stability during construction and if some existing trees will be removed. Mr. Shepard discussed the removal of a couple of trees for the foundation, but that most of the hillside will be left alone. Commissioner Peters asked about an area that has some PVC piping. Mr. Shepard will take a look at the area. Commissioner Kotch discussed concerns over the area that seems to be undercut. Mr. Shepard will come up with a plan for that area. Commissioner Peters asked the applicant to stake the boundaries for the parking lot and building and to mark the trees that will be removed. Commissioner Kotch asked about the berm around the carriage house. Commissioner Salling asked if any debris will be removed from the riverbank. Commissioner Peters asked if they will remove the large piece of equipment in the
back.
Andy Serfilippi, Landscape Designer, 29 Highland Avenue, Bethel, CT, discussed the landscaping plans for the application. He talked about aesthetics and matching the existing streetscape design from the area into the property. They will keep the design simple and maintain clean lines. He discussed trees, pavers, light fixtures, and retaining walls. Commissioner Peters asked if the stone pavers will be set in sand or stone dust so water can infiltrate. Mr. Serfilippi stated that they will use impervious stamp pavers. Commissioner Kotch asked if they will use the existing blue spruce. Mr. Serfilippi stated they will use the Fat Albert Blue Spruce, which is slower growing. Commissioner Pieragostini asked why trees were not planned in a certain area. Mr. Shepard
stated there is an older railing they want to keep and be able to maintain a viewing area of the river. They can put in smaller shrubs in the area. The commissioners will visit the site.
#08-33 Mark & Amy Azzarito, 246 Berkshire Road. Application related to the removal of a violation.
Item tabled.
Other Business
Minutes – July 23, 2008 – Commissioner Salling motioned to approve the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Kotch. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes – July 30, 2008 Special Meeting – Commissioner Pieragostini motioned to approve the minutes as amended. Seconded by Commissioner Clancy. Motion carried unanimously.
Acceptance of New Applications
o #08-34 Taunton Hill Road, LLC, 44 Taunton Hill Road. Application related to the removal of a violation.
o #08-35 Doris Hanley, 3 Fox Run Lane South. Application related to the rebuilding of a stone wall.
o #08-36 Lewis Gotch, 18 Bridge End Farm Lane. Application for activities within a regulated area.
o #08-37 Bruce Travis, 7 Equestrian Ridge Road. Application related to the removal of a violation.
o #08-38 James Walsh, 32 Berkshire Road. Application for activities within a regulated area.
Discussion
Road Ordinance: Commissioner Kotch noted he will be available at any time to attend a meeting regarding the road ordinance. Commissioner Peters will follow up with Mr. Sibley and will discuss this also with Joe Hovious from the Conservation Commission.
Commissioner Pieragostini motioned to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Salling. Motion carried unanimously.
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