INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION
MINUTES
Regular Meeting of June 9, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT
Commissioners Present: Peters, Salling, Pieragostini, Kotch, Curran, and Hammar
Staff Present: Rob Sibley, Deputy Director Planning and Land Use;
Ann Astarita, Conservation Official; and Tammy Hazen, Clerk
Commissioner Peters convened the meeting at 7:30 pm. Commissioner Pieragostini read the public hearing notice.
PUBLIC HEARING
IW #10-09 11 Edmond Road, Advanced Fusion Systems. Application for a building addition, outdoor substation, additional parking and related utilities.
Steve Sullivan, P.E., CCA, LLC, Brookfield CT, described the 24.17 acre site with an existing building. The proposed project includes an addition on the west side, and addition on the north side and an open area for a proposed sub station. There are currently 196 parking spaces and the application calls for an additional 106. Mr. Sullivan explained the existing wetlands, the drainage system, and a proposed concrete arched bridge that would cross over a man-made water channel to access a new parking area. He also explained erosion controls and a landscaping plan. An alternative plan was also explained and distributed.
Commissioner Salling asked if the new parking spaces will be impervious. Mr. Sullivan said they will be paved. She stated that with the information provided, she feels that mitigation is called for.
Commissioner Kotch asked about the percentage of impervious surface that would be in the upland area, the status of the water quality, and the water drainage off the flat roof and parking lot. He also asked about the area of disturbance between the addition and the wetland, the expected temporary disturbance, and if they could provide an alternative plan to the parking lot (i.e., a multi level parking structure) and if they would consider a green vegetative roof.
George Logan, soil scientist with REMA Ecological Services LLC in Manchester, Connecticut said there is an on site investigation report dated May 11, 2010 and that a wetlands delineation was completed in March. He explained there is a substantial amount of existing fill and that a watercourse had been relocated prior to wetlands regulations. He discussed some opportunities for ecological enhancement and said there is no curbing on portions of the parking lot and that sheet water flows off onto a strip of grass and then directly into a brook.
Commissioner Peters asked if they have looked into mitigation plans and then requested more information on the wetlands functionality. Mr. Logan said he has not done a functionality report but feels it probably has average functions and values, and that some areas may contribute less. He said the wildlife is low because it’s in a transportation corridor but that vegetation to the west picks up a higher quality wetlands.
Commissioner Curran asked for more information on the tributaries and means for flood control. Commissioner Pieragostini discussed her concerns over the impact of snow and ice removal and if they considered impervious pavers.
Ms. Astarita asked what the long-term and short-term impacts would be to the higher quality offsite wetland, if the existing storm water management is sufficient to handle the additions, and how would the project impact the brook.
The applicants were asked to stake the site, provide a functionality report, and provide mitigation plans. The commissioners will visit the site. There were no public comments. The hearing will continue on June 23, 2010. Mr. Sibley noted that the commission’s expert report is in the file.
PENDING APPLICATIONS
IW #10-04 Housatonic Railroad Company, 30 Hawleyville Road. Activities related to the operations associated with a rail yard transfer station.
PUBLIC HEARING RESUMING ON JUNE 23, 2010
IW #10-07 25 Shepard Hill Road, Bernard Cieniawa. Application for the removal of a violation.
Applicant was not present but provided information for the commission including a map showing where the stakes have been repositioned. Commissioner Kotch asked about vegetative buffer between the fence and the stream and pond. Ms. Astarita said they have another meeting before they decide. Commissioner Salling said the commission was expecting a planting plan and that the map is more difficult to understand than the last one submitted. She still questions what is proposed for the ditch. It was determined that a clearer plan is needed.
IW #10-08 6A Russett Road, Robert & Valerie Frate. Application to remove trees and create a trench from a culvert to a pond.
Robert and Valerie Frate were present and the information requested by the commission was submitted. Commissioner Pieragostini motioned to approve the application with standard conditions A, B, C, E, and
1. The approved plans are map of 6A Russett Road, identifying the planting plan locations and stamped June 9, 2010 which includes
2. The species list entitled "Planting Plan for Frate, 6A Russett Road, proposed June 2010 and stamped June 9, 2010.
Motion seconded by Commissioner Curran. Motion approved unanimously.
IW #10-10 2, 4, 6, 8 Riverside Road (Sandy Hook Villa) Verdat Kala. Application for the construction of a new bank building, a new day care building, and two future commercial retail buildings.
PUBLIC HEARING SET FOR JUNE 23, 2010.
IW #10-11 Commerce Road (Newtown Technology Park) Town of Newtown. Application for the construction of an industrial condominium complex.
PUBLIC HEARING SET FOR JULY 14, 2010.
IW #10-12 4 Boggs Hill Road, Serge Harabosky. - Item Tabled
IW #10-14 39 Tunnel Road, Charlie Payne - Item Tabled.
OTHER BUSINESS
Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Kotch motioned to approve the minutes of May 26, 2010. Motion seconded by Commissioner Pieragostini. Motion approved unanimously. Commissioner Peters motioned to add the minutes of the June 2, 2010 special meeting to the agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Kotch. Motion approved unanimously. Commissioner Salling motioned to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2010 Special Meeting. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hammar. Motion approved unanimously.
Commissioner Kotch motioned to adjourn the Inland Wetlands meeting at 9:15 p.m.
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