TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK
Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission
302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741
Telephone (860) 395-3131 FAX (860) 395-1216
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, December 15, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.
Pasbeshauke Pavilion at Saybrook Point Park
155 College Street Extension
Saybrook Point
I. CALL TO ORDER
Acting Chairman, Paul Smith, called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Attendant Members Absent Members
Paul Smith, Vice Chairman Frank Reichart, Economic Dev. Rep.
William Pollock, Regular Member Kevin Zawoy, Regular Member
Judy Preston, Conservation Representative Kimberly Gallagher, Alternate Member
Charles Sohl, Zoning Representative Brendan McKeown, Alternate Member
Robert McIntyre, Planning Representative
Attendant Staff
Damon Hearne, IWWC Enforcement Officer
Andrea DeDominicis, Recording Clerk
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. 05-021 Bessoni Builders
Application to construct a 17,360 s.f. contractor’s warehouse building with associated parking.
90 Ingham Hill Road (Map 35, Lot 12)
Industrial-1 District
Accepted: 9/15/05, Extended by applicant, Open PH: 12/15/05,
Close PH by: 1/19/06
Decision by: 2/26/06
ACTION: Open Public Hearing.
Stewart Fairbanks P.E., engineer representing the applicant, stated that the area where the building will be located was originally a cornfield, then it was dug out and became a gravel pit. Two-thirds of the area adjacent to the pond that is located on the property is not developable because there is a berm that surrounds it. Mr. Fairbanks said the building has been reduced in size from the original 17,360 s.f. to approximately 11,760 s.f. and would be a single level, built on a slab, and approximately 14’ feet high. Mr. Fairbanks said the building and sanitary system will be located outside the 100’ foot regulated area. The parking lot and access driveway will remain gravel and the utilities, (cable, electric, water) and infiltration basin will be kept away from the pond area.
Judy Preston asked what type of vegetation surrounded the pond. Mr. Fairbanks said the pond area was mostly thick brush. Paul Smith asked Casey Marachick, soil and wetland consultant for the IWWC Commission, to give his opinion of the site. Mr. Marachick said most of the area within 15’ feet of the pond consists of dense vegetation and phragmities. Mr. Marachick said it would be hard for native plants to grow in that area because of the gravel that surrounds it is present.
Robert McIntyre was concerned about the type of tenants who will be occupying the building. Mr. McIntyre mentioned that the tenants in Lot #1 removed a fence to push snow into the regulated area. Mr. McIntyre would like to know how the tenants in Lot #2 will be managed and felt that this issue will need to be addressed before approval is considered.
Charles Sohl asked Mr. Fairbanks if the parking spaces were consistent with the zoning regulations. Mr. Fairbanks said the 14 spaces, plus 3 additional employee spaces were allowed. Mr. Sohl mentioned that a “lip” should be considered to surround the building and protect the outside area from spillage. Mr. Fairbanks felt that there may be a fire code issue. Damon Hearne, IWWC Enforcement Officer, suggested that conditions be considered to alleviate these issues.
Paul Smith opened the hearing to the public. Jennifer Gifford, 65 Ingham Hill Road, asked the Commission if they regulate the tidal marsh in the area. Paul Smith said the State regulates the tidal marsh, and the subdivision received permits to build in the area many years ago.
Jill DePalermo, 68 Ingham Hill Road, was concerned with the close proximity of the building to an existing scenic walking trail. Ms. DePalermo said the proposed building is 10’ feet from the trail and she is concerned with aesthetic issues associated with industrial buildings. Ms. DePalermo mentioned the bright lights that shine into her house from the parking lot of the existing building in Lot #1. Paul Smith suggested that the Commission members might consider limiting the wattage of the proposed box lights. Mr. Smith closed the hearing to the public.
William Pollock asked what type of heat will be in the building. George Bessoni said the building will be heated with propane. Mr. Pollock would like to see the tank location on the plans. Paul Smith mentioned that Mr. Fairbanks will need to show the location of the silt fence which will run alongside all the areas of disturbance. The Commission decided to continue the public hearing until the next regularly scheduled meeting at 7:30 p.m. on January 19, 2005 at the Pasbeshauke Pavilion.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. 05-019 Grandona, LLC.
Application to restore the functioning of the original manmade detention basin “D”, approved in the original 1986 site plan approval.
295 Middlesex Turnpike (Map 52, Lot 63-64, Unit 1) 30,600 s.f. of wetlands.
B-4 District
Accepted: 10/13/05, Decision by: 12/16/05
ACTION: Deliberate and Act.
Charles Sohl recused himself from voting on this application.
Mr. Bennett, who was representing the applicant, mentioned that an e-mail was sent to the Commission members on 12/13/05, from Richard Snarski, Soil and Wetland scientist. Mr. Snarski stated that he did not see any negative impact by cutting the woody vegetation. Mr. Bennett also submitted an attachment which had 5 suggestions that would keep the vegetation cut in the future.
MOTION to approve application #05-019, Grandona, LLC., 295 Middlesex Turnpike (Map 52, Lot 63-64, Unit 1) with the conditions stipulated for clearing the easterly 2/3 section of Basin “D”. See attachment to Richard Snarski’s letter dated 12/13/05; MADE by Paul Smith. SECONDED by William Pollock. No discussion on the motion. IN FAVOR P. Smith, J. Preston, W. Pollock, R. McIntyre; OPPOSED none; ABSTAINED C. Sohl; APPROVED 4-0-1.
Charles Sohl rejoined the Commission.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. 05-024 Steve Donahue
Application to construct a house, sanitary system and driveway within 100’ of wetland.
16 Vista Terrace (Map 25, Lot 11) 4.89 acres of wetlands.
Resident A District Agent: Anthony Hendricks
ACTION: Accept application if complete, determine if significant activity and if Ordinance71 fees are required.
Anthony Hendricks, engineer representing the applicant, talked about the plans he gave to Damon Hearne, IWWC Enforcement Officer, this afternoon. Mr. Hendricks added grading in and around the building, showed the limits of construction, limits of disturbance, and eliminated the turning circle from the plans. Mr. Hendricks stated that the wetland boundary was flagged on 7/16/03 by Mr. Fortunato.
Mr. Hendricks mentioned that there may have been a turn around approved in the past. Paul Smith asked Mr. Hendricks to confirm that currently Vista Terrace ends in a 24’ wide dead end and there is no hammerhead or turn around. Mr. Hendricks stated that he would like to have the application accepted this evening and he would search for additional road information for the next meeting.
William Pollock asked how the applicant proposed to get across the wetland. Anthony Hendricks said there is an existing crossing that would be used. Mr. Hendricks also granted Commission members permission to walk the property with or without him.
MOTION to accept application # 05-024, Steve Donahue, 16 Vista Terrace (Map 25, Lot 11); MADE by Robert McIntyre. SECONDED by Paul Smith. No discussion on the motion. IN FAVOR: P. Smith, J. Preston, C. Sohl, R. McIntyre, W. Pollock; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION to deem application # 05-024, Steve Donahue, 16 Vista Terrace (Map 25, Lot 11) a Significant Activity requiring a public hearing to be held at the next regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday January 19, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pasbeshauke Pavilion, Saybrook Point Park, 155 College Street Ext.; MADE by Robert McIntyre. SECONDED by Judy Preston. No discussion on the motion. IN FAVOR: P. Smith, J. Preston, C. Sohl, R. McIntyre, W. Pollock; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION to require Ordinance 71 fees for application # 05-024, Steve Donahue, 16 Vista Terrace (Map 25, Lot 11) for legal, environmental and engineering consultants; MADE by Robert McIntyre. SECONDED by Judy Preston. A discussion about Vista Terrace being a public road or not, followed the motion. IN FAVOR: P. Smith, J. Preston, C. Sohl, R. McIntyre, W. Pollock; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
B. 05-025 Marc Monis
Application to construct a 26’x 26’ house addition and sanitary system
within 100’ of wetlands.
7 Sunset Avenue (Map 58, Lot 65) 2.50 acres of wetlands.
Resident A District Agent: Anthony Hendricks
ACTION: Accept application if complete, determine if significant
activity and if Ordinance 71 fees required.
Anthony Hendricks, agent for the applicant, added details to the plans and
mentioned that there is an existing house on the site at Sunset Circle. Mr.
Hendricks said the applicant, Marc Monis, would like to add an additional
bedroom to the existing house, which would make it a 3 bedroom house. The
existing septic system is a cistern, no tank just a pit in the ground. The applicant
would like to abandon and cap off the old septic system and put in a sanitary system
and leach field which would be in compliance with the current codes.
Mr. Hendricks stated that the test holes for the sanitary system would be 8’ deep,
and will be in the regulated area. Mr. Hendricks would like permission from the Commission before doing the tests. The well is currently in the wetland area and the applicant is not proposing to move it.
Paul Smith asked about the breezeway proposed on the plans. Mr. Hendricks said
the breezeway will be built on a concrete slab, on grade, no basement, but will have a roof to protect the homeowner from the weather.
MOTION to accept application # 05-025, Marc Monis, 7 Sunset Avenue (Map 58, Lot 65). The next regularly scheduled meeting for this application will be held on Thursday January 19, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pasbeshauke Pavilion, Saybrook Point Park, 155 College Street Extension; MADE by Robert McIntyre. SECONDED by Charles Sohl. No discussion on the motion. IN FAVOR: P. Smith, J. Preston, C. Sohl, R. McIntyre, W. Pollock; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION not to deem application # 05-025, Marc Monis, 7 Sunset Avenue (Map 58, Lot 65) a Significant Activity; MADE by Robert McIntyre. SECONDED by Judy Preston. No discussion on the motion. IN FAVOR: P. Smith, J. Preston, C. Sohl, R. McIntyre, W. Pollock; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
VI. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Staff Report
None.
B. Representative Reports
None.
C. Correspondence
Included in Commissioner packets.
D. Approval of Minutes
MOTION to accept the minutes dated November 17, 2005; MADE by Robert McIntyre. SECONDED by Judy Preston. No discussion on the motion. IN FAVOR: P. Smith, J. Preston, C. Sohl, R. McIntyre, W. Pollock; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION to accept “Preserve” minutes dated October 20, 27 and November 3, 10, 2005; MADE by Robert McIntyre. SECONDED by Judy Preston. No discussion on the motion. IN FAVOR: P. Smith, J. Preston, C. Sohl, R. McIntyre, W. Pollock; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:56 p.m. until next regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, January 19, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at Pasbeshauke Pavilion at Saybrook Point Park, 155 College Street Extension; MADE by Paul Smith; SECONDED by Judy Preston; IN FAVOR: P. Smith, J. Preston, W. Pollock, C. Sohl, R. McIntyre. OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0
Next Regular Meeting
Thursday, January 19, 2006
7:30 p.m.
Pasbeshauke Pavilion
155 College Street Extension
Respectfully Submitted,
Andrea DeDominicis, Recording Clerk
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