MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, June 18, 2015 – 7:00 p.m.
Town Hall, 1st Floor Conference Room
302 Main Street, Old Saybrook
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Judith Preston called the meeting to order at 7:02pm.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present
Judith Preston, Brendan McKeown, Paul Carver , Richard Esty, Janis Esty, Elizabeth Steffen
Members Absent: Colin Heffernan, Charles Wehrly
Staff Present
Sandy Prisloe, Wetlands Officer; Melanie Roberts, Recording Clerk
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Minutes
MOTION to APPROVE the Minutes of March 19, 2015 as presented, MADE by E. Steffen; SECONDED by J. Esty; VOTING IN FAVOR: J. Preston, B. McKeown, P. Carver, J. Esty, E. Steffen; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: R. Esty; APPROVED: 5-0-1.
B. Correspondence & Announcements
Chairman Preston welcomed Richard Esty who is taking over for Walter Smith from the Conservation Commission. Also brought to the members’ attention was the upcoming meeting on June 23, 2015 presented the Sea Level Rise/Climate Adaptation Committee.
C. Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
194 Essex Road
Sandy Prisloe received a request from the property owners of 194 Essex Road. They are requesting permission to place large boulders and fill alongside the edge of their front yard which is adjacent to a wetland in an effort to level their yard. A photograph of the front of the house was presented to commission members. Mr. Prisloe asked the commission if he can handle this request administratively. After much discussion, several questions, concerns, and comments were brought forward by commission members. It was agreed upon by the commission that the property owners should come in to discuss their proposal. Mr. Prisloe will contact the homeowner(s).
Auto Mall 295 Middlesex Turnpike
S. Prisloe discussed issues pertaining to one of the detention basins on the property and confirmed in order to move forward with any repairs Federal and State permits would need to be secured.
Cynthia & Kenneth Morin 267 Schoolhouse Road
A history pertaining to the agricultural use of the property was given by S. Prisloe to the members of the commission. Currently, any agricultural activities are exempt due to past determination of the commission. Mr. Prisloe has received a number of complaints regarding clear cutting on the property but cannot address these complaints due to the fact that these activities are exempt. A letter was recently sent to the homeowners asking to gain access to their property to ensure agricultural activities are occurring. No response to date has been received back. After some discussion it was agreed that Mr. Prisloe will send a letter to the homeowners and ask that they attend the next meeting to confirm if agricultural activities are truly taking place.
Max’s Place 22 Spencer Plain Road
A letter addressed to Chairman Preston from Richard Snarski was presented to the commission in regards to the vegetation which was planted in the wetland area next to the gazebo. The Commission agreed with his findings and requests that the property owner follow his recommendations. S. Prisloe will contact Atty. Royston.
Luigi’s 1295 Boston Post Road
S. Prisloe asked that commission members familiarize themselves with the site. There may be activity in the future in an effort to minimize flood related issues in the road and parking lot areas.
Staff Reports
R. Esty reported on the work of the Conservation Commission in regards to vernal pools with the high school students and the butterfly gardens.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A. “Charles Barnes”
135 Ingham Hill Road (Map 48 / Lot 11)
Action: Notice of Violation
S. Prisloe gave an overview of the history regarding the dumping of wood, wood chips, boats, garbage, junk, miscellaneous construction debris, etc. within the 100’ upland review area adjacent to inland wetlands and Lake Rockview. A Notice of Violation dated May 14, 2015 was sent via certified mail (undeliverable) and consequently served by the Sheriff. He stated that this is the 2nd notice of violation in the last several years pertaining to this property.
At this time the commission asked that Mr. Barnes address the commission. Mr. Barnes stated that there are a total of 4 boats, 1 boat trailer and a dumpster as far as personal property is concerned. There is also top soil, mulch, grass clippings, etc. present. The Commission expressed their concerns regarding the disturbance of the wetlands and Lake Rockview that these items may cause. The commission asked that all equipment, machinery, etc. be removed. Mr. Barnes agreed that this can be accomplished before the commission’s next meeting on July 16, 2015. S. Prisloe will inspect the property and document what is currently there within the next few days. He will also inspect the property a few days prior to the commission’s next meeting on July 16, 2015 to document his
findings at that time as well. It was agreed that Mr. Prisloe and Mr. Barnes will mutually coordinate these inspections. It was determined that if the property has been cleaned to the satisfaction of Mr. Prisloe, Mr. Barnes will not have to come before the commission at its next meeting.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 P.M. until the next Regularly Scheduled Meeting of the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2015, Town Hall, 302 Main Street, 1st Floor Conference Room; MADE by E. Steffen; SECONDED by B. McKeown; VOTING IN FAVOR: J. Preston, B. McKeown, P. Carver, R. Esty, J. Esty, E. Steffen; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Melanie Roberts
Recording Clerk
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