OLD LYME
INLAND WETLANDS/WATERCOURSES COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING & REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 24, 2006
PRESENT WERE: Chairperson Janet Bechtel, Evan Griswold, Agnes O’Connor, David McCulloch, Robert Linde, Skip DiCamillo, Martin Griswold and Don Willis. Also present were: Ann Brown, Tony Hendriks, Kim Groves, Attorney John Bennet, Priscilla Baille, Jeff Flower, Diana Attwood Johnson, John Johnson, Tom Bagg, Bob Doane, Enok Pederson, Harry Plaut and other members of the public.
The Chairperson called the meeting to order at 7:36p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED NOVEMBER 29, 2005
Evan Griswold made a motion to approve the meeting minutes of November 29, 2005. Robb Linde seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED JANUARY 14, 2006
Robb Linde made a motion to approve the Site Walk Meeting minutes of January 14, 2006. Martin Griswold seconded the motion. The motion passed. Agnes O’Connor and Janet Bechtel abstained.
NEW BUSINESS
PETER W. FERREBEE/LOUISE K. FERREBEE – 5 ELM STREET – CONSTRUCT AN ATTACHED TWO CAR GARAGE APPROXIMATELY 70’ FROM THE WETLANDS
Ann Brown read a letter into the record submitted by Mr. Ferrebee. (Memo Attached). The commission reviewed the proposal an agreed to set a site walk for Saturday, February 4th, 2006 at 8:30 a.m.
ENOK PEDERSEN – PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION OF A SUBDIVISION APPLICATION – BURR ROAD AND SAUNDERS HOLLOW ROAD
Bob Doane, agent for the applicant presented the preliminary proposal. The proposal consists of the creation of 19 lots on an 87 acre parcel. The proposal also includes a 2,500 ft. roadway built to town standards. Mr. Doane reviewed the 100’ scale preliminary drawing of the subdivision layout with the commission.
The commission agreed to set a site walk for Saturday, February 4, 2006 at 9:15 a.m.
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January 24, 2006
LARRY AND SHARON FAZZONE – 64 GRASSY HILL ROAD – REPLACEMENT OF AN EXISTING HOUSE WITH A NEW HOUSE ATTACHED TO AN EXISTING GARAGE WITHIN 100’ OF ROGERS LAKE
Stephen Joncus, agent for the applicant, reviewed the proposal with the commission. Mr. Joncus pointed out that the dark line shown on the plan represents the maximum boundaries for a new house. He noted these boundaries comply with the zoning setbacks. He noted the house design is not finalized. The commission requested the septic and well location be shown on the plans. The commission also requested the proposed footprint be shown on the site plan as well as the location of the silt fence and the materials that will be deposited during construction.
The commission agreed to set a site walk for Saturday, February 4, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.
OLD BUSINESS
KATHERINE GREEN – 16 HILLSIDE ROAD – ADDITION TO HOUSE WITHIN 100’ OF THE WETLANDS
The commission reviewed the proposal. Dave McCulloch made a motion to approve the proposal with the condition that the stockpiling and silt fence location be shown on the plan. Robb Linde seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
ALL PRO TIRE COUNTRY – 85 HALLS ROAD
Janet Bechtel noted the commission elected not to walk the site because everyone was familiar with this location. She noted this proposal does call for the installation of a storm captor and modifications to the existing pavement area.
Mr. Hendriks, representing All Pro stated he thought the application was approved last month because there was no jurisdiction and/or changes to the site. Mr. Hendriks pointed out the wetland line and the 100 ft. review zone on the plan. Mr. Hendriks reviewed the proposed paving changes with the commission. He further noted the applicant will be constructing a new catch basin so all the water from the site will drain towards that catch basin and run through a storm ceptor. He indicated this proposal will allow the applicant the opportunity to clean up the site.
Mr. McCulloch asked if there were kitchen facilities proposed. Mr. Hendriks indicated there would not be, however, Mr. Rose, Sanitarian has requested a grease trap be installed as part of the septic system. Mr. Hendriks stated there would be no food preparation on the site. He did note there will be a storage area for food and sinks will be installed for mopping purposes. He stated there are two dry wells on the site and Mr. Rose has requested an additional one be added to the site. Mr. Hendriks indicated the use at the site would be a convenience store with an area for coffee, bagels and donuts.
Ann Brown stated the application describes this site as a convenience store and coffee shop. She further stated coffee would be made at the site and some food warming. Mr. Hendriks stated this proposal is similar to other convenience stores where coffee is available. He also noted the interior layout will have coolers,
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bathrooms, and a counter. Mr. Hendriks concluded by stating he felt the application was in compliance and no activity is proposed within the review zone.
Mr. Linde asked if silt fencing should be required. Evan Griswold indicated due to the slope of the land it would not be necessary.
Evan Griswold made a motion to approve the application as presented. Agnes O’Connor seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
OLD COLONY BEACH ASSOCIATION – CLEAN SHEFFIELD BROOK FROM BROUGHEL AVENUE TO LONG ISLAND SOUND TO ALLOW BETTER WATER FLOW
Harry Plaut, Chairman of Old Colony Beach Association discussed the proposal with the commission. Mr. Plaut thanked the members for attending the site walk. He stated a site plan to clean the brook has been submitted to the commission for their input. Ann Brown asked Mr. Plaut to explain the different activities intended to be done along the brook. Mr. Plaut explained the project would begin at Father Fluet’s house and consists of widening, dredging and cleaning the brook using a machine. Mr. Griswold asked if debris included vegetation or household junk. Mr. Plaut stated there is not a lot of man made debris in the brook, however, there are areas where the banks have collapsed into the brook causing the water to rise which has changed the flow of the water.
Mr. Plaut stated the two plunge pools have been neglected and as a result silt has accumulated at the end of the pipes. He further stated there is brush growing up through the rip-rap in the plunge pools. He stated the association would like to use a mini-excavator to remove some of the silt that has accumulated in different areas of the brook. He reported the proposal would be to redefine those areas and clean back approximately 5 feet on each side of the brook. He stated there is a fencing structure in the brook that will be removed and some human debris as well as leaf disposal. He stated when the commission walked the brook there were two pipes discovered, he found out the pipes were coming from the pump not property owners.
Mr. DiCamillo asked Mr. Plaut if he would be addressing the encroachment of the homeowners into the brook. Mr. Plaut stated he would be happy to confront the homeowners if the commission would be willing to provide some guidance in this process. Ann Brown asked if this was association property. Mr. Plaut indicated it was association property. Ms. Brown stated since the association owns the property they could request whatever they determine to be necessary from the property owners. Mr. Plaut also reported that the excavated material would be brought to the landfill.
Mr. DiCamillo asked if rip-rap would be placed along the bank. Mr. Plaut stated that some of the banks have collapsed and the association would like to re-enforce the banks with additional rip-rap. Mr. Linde expressed concern that widening the brook and clearing out the sides will exacerbate the problem. Mr. Plaut stated he felt cleaning the brook and in some areas widening, and increasing the depth would give the brook more capacity to hold water as it flows down. Mr. Linde stated it will actually increase the velocity of the water flowing. Mr. Plaut stated the plunge pools are designed to allow the water to flow slowly out. He indicated, as seen on the site walk, the plunge pools are literally defeating their purpose because the silt on the bottom has risen so high. Mr. Linde
stated he disagreed. He felt there was very little silt and they seemed to be functioning quite well. Mr. Linde further stated he has no issues with cleaning out the existing boundaries.
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Mr. Plaut stated although this is not a part of this proposal, the association would like to add another pipe toward the lower end of the beach to help with the flow of the water once it gains momentum. He noted currently there is a 30” pipe that enters into the sound and the proposal was made to add a second pipe to help to with the extra flow of water. He further stated at this point the association is not financially prepared for this expenditure. He noted this brook should have been maintained on an annual basis, but it has been ignored for the last six years. Mr. Plaut further stated he felt the brook added to the flooding problem in October after the nine days of rain.
Mr. Linde stated he did not understand, although he has not seen calculations, how changing the brook would have changed anything that happened as a result of the heavy rain in October. Mr. Linde stated for the best benefit of the wetlands the banks should remain in their natural state. He further noted it was not in the best interest of the wetlands to clear an additional five feet along the side of the bank.
Mr. Griswold stated this brook has been altered over the years and it is now trying to re-establish its natural course. He further noted the banks are collapsing because it is cutting under the bank trying to make curves. Janet Bechtel stated cutting back the banks would create more of a flow. Mr. McCulloch stated he thought the proposal was for the removal of vegetation and the re-enforcement of the collapsed areas of the brook.
Janet Bechtel stated that a prior application was made to this commission for the cleaning of the undergrowth and some fallen trees which was to be done by hand; therefore she asked why this was not pursued. Mr. Plaut stated it was done, but not correctly. Ms.Bechtel asked if this project should be phased so the commission could monitor the progress.
Ms. Bechtel stated if the stream is allowed to reach its own level and ultimately meander through its natural course it will slow down allowing it to absorb before it heads out. Mr. Plaut stated the sides of the brook are starting to fill in and if this is allowed to continue to happen eventually there will be no direct water course and the water will go wherever if feels like causing severe flooding to the houses it borders. Ms. Brown asked if the association considered installing another pipe where the brook is piped to that would go right into the ocean. She stated that seems to be where the worst flooding occurred because the pipe did not have the capacity to carry the water. Mrs. Brown suggested the association consider making the installation of the pipe its priority
rather than clearing the edges of the brooks. Mr. Plaut stated he still feels the brook must be maintained on an annual basis and the pipe will be addressed at a later date.
Mr. Linde stated the plunge pools are designed to retain the water for a certain time period and then let the water flow out. Mr. Plaut stated the capacity of the plunge pools has been diminished because of the build up of silt.
Janet Bechtel stated trash removal and tree removal out of the stream is acceptable to the commission, but what the commission does not want to see are the banks enlarged or cut. She further stated there appears to be a difference of opinion as to the state of the plunge pools.
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Janet Bechtel made a motion to approve the application of the Old Colony Beach Association to allow:
Trash removal from the site
Tree removal from the stream
Silt removal from the plunge pools
Sand removal in the vicinity of Father Fluet’s house in the stream bed itself and to specifically not approve the clearing of the sides of the stream bank and does not include any change in the drainage in the plunge pool.
Skip DiCamillo seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
FMTM, LLC – 254 AND 254-1 BOSTON POST ROAD – SUBDIVISION OF LAND.
Janet Bechtel stated the hearing was closed at the November 29, 2005 meeting and at that time it was decided the plan dated November 29, 2005 would be forwarded to Mr. Metcalf for his final review. She noted as a result of Mr. Metcalf’s review a six-page memo was sent to the commission dated January 20, 2006.
Attorney Bennett stated he had understood at the last meeting there was a request for some drainage calculations from the applicant to be sent to Mr. Metcalf, which were contained in a letter dated January 12, 2006. He asked whether or not this had happened because he noticed Mr. Metcalf was responding to those questions.
Ms. Bechtel stated the questions to Tom Metcalf were submitted to him on January 12, 2005 and he was asked to respond in writing to those questions so everything would be on the record. She further added she did not have information on the drainage calculations. Ann Brown noted there was a letter that was apparently delivered to the Planning Commission office on January 12, 2005. She further noted this letter did not include drainage calculations. She stated the drainage calculations were submitted this morning, therefore Mr. Metcalf did not have these for his final review.
Ms. Bechtel stated in the review of this application including the site plan she felt there were a number of incompletes pertaining to this particular application. Therefore, she drafted a motion for the commission to discuss. She further stated there were a number of items she felt were still outstanding on this application pertaining to engineered erosion and sediment controls. Ms. Bechtel stated she has concerns with conditioning a site plan approval that does not have adequate engineering information supplied on the erosion and sediment controls. She noted she included some additional items that would be of assistance when and if the application comes back before the commission. Janet Bechtel also discussed the point made by Mr. Linde at the last meeting as to who would be
responsible for maintaining the controls on this project as the roadway was constructed. She stated the commission has been told in the past that someone will be designated and work with the ZEO and she added these are sophisticated erosion and sediment controls and she feels that the
commission should request the applicant to hire an independent third party that will be responsible for supervising the project and provide weekly reports to the staff.
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Ms. Bechtel reviewed the items outlined in her draft motion for discussion with the commission.
Janet Bechtel made a motion to deny this application based on its insufficient information and its inadequate measures to sufficiently address critical drainage and stormwater management issues that will in all probability adversely impact the function of the wetlands on this property and the small brook, that flows down the east side of the property and under the Boston Post Road., (eventually discharging into the south end of Roger’s Lake) by unreasonably polluting or impairing this natural resource.
The commission finds there may be additional measurers, or feasible and prudent alternatives, to the proposed activities which will result in less adverse impacts on the wetlands and watercourses and proposes the following, nonexclusive list which the applicant may investigate:
Additional E & S control information associated with the construction of the common driveway and its drainage system, specifically as it relates to inlet and outlet protection at culvert locations #1, #2, #3.
Additional E & S control information and/or measures to minimize the runoff impacts to the wetlands associated with the private driveway construction at wetlands flag #89, station 20+26.49, or possible roadway design to lessen grading (cuts and fills) and the subsequent drainage into the wetlands.
Designation of and/or financial responsibility for, an independent 3rd party (such as CRCCD) to conduct E & S inspections, submit weekly reports to the Town ZEO, conduct water quality testing and approve Phase I, II & III “as built’s”, during the construction phasing process.
Re-evaluation, clarification, or correction of site information that discloses the following:
how much of the total 17.9 acres of wetlands will be disturbed by all construction activities, including site clearing and implementation of the E & S controls, etc. in addition to the anticipated 8,712 sf associated with the expansion of the Roadway thru three wetlands crossings. (Grading at wetland flag #89, station 20+26.49 should be included.)
how much of the total 21.1 acres of upland review area will be disturbed by all construction activities, including clearing, house sites, septic, etc., in addition to the 2.1 acres associated specifically with the Roadway
the total amount of proposed impervious surface anticipated on the site, including house construction, individual driveways, etc.
soil test data, so that the development impact of the proposed houses and their septic systems in the upland review area and upland area which drains to the wetlands, can be assessed.
Clear site plan notation, on each and all of the five building lots, in addition to the within the “plan notes and details” stating that IWWC permit approval is needed prior to the initiation of any site work.
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Deeded limits of total land clearing on Lots #2,3,4,5, to protect the steep slopes above the wetlands.
Compliance with all previously requested engineered E & S information as outlined in Tom Metcalf’s 1/20/06 letter; including but not limited to, drainage ditches, culverts, sediment traps and underdrains.
Agnes O’Connor seconded the motion.
DISCUSSION:
Mr. Linde raised concern about Item #5 in the draft motion stating that a notation be placed on each and all of the five building lots, in addition to the plan notes “stating that IWWC permit approval is needed prior to the initiation of any site work” because this item is something the commission has never requested in the past. Mr. Linde suggested this item be listed as something the commission would like to see on the plan.
Ms. Bechtel stated this was a suggestion not a requirement. She also stated the minutes of November 29th indicated this note was on the plan, however she could not find it. She further stated this was not a condition for the applicant but something to be explored by the applicant. Mr. Linde just wanted to be sure the commission was consistent with its request to applicants and this was not requested in past applications.
Ms. Brown stated she felt these suggestions provided guidance to the applicant even if it is not specifically called for in the regulations.
The motion passed. Skip DiCamillo and Don Willis abstained.
PUBLIC HEARING
GRC ASSOCIATES – MARC S. CUMMINGS – 15-2 TANTUMMAHEAG ROAD
Mr. Jeff Flower, architect for the applicant, stated there are some issues he would like to address based on the letter to the commission from Wade Thomas of Nathan Jacobson Assoc. He noted the applicant does not agree with some of the requests by the engineer, therefore, he would like the opportunity to show the commission his intention and hopefully gain the support of the neighbors and the commission.
He reported this is a 20 acre parcel located on the top of Tantummaheag Road. The existing private road currently serves five homes. The applicant is proposing to update the existing 400 ft. of private road. He noted the proposal includes some re-configuration and the addition of curbing but will remain private. He stated a private driveway will service the four new lots. He noted all the properties are in excess of two acres, except for the yellow house that is under separate ownership. He noted, however, this parcel is less than one acre and the proposal is to increase the size of this parcel to bring it into compliance. Mr. Flower stated they will be moving the big posts at the end of the road and widening them out and repairing that section of the road
and the culvert. Mr. Flower stated the engineer has requested the road width be increased. The applicant is proposing it to be a 20 ft road, and the driveway to be approximately 18 feet. Mr. Flower stated
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Mr. Flower stated that the entrance is quite nice, therefore the applicant would like to keep it as close to what currently exists and make it safe.
Mr. Hendriks, representing the applicant, stated as Mr. Flower indicated a lot of time has been spent looking at this site to see how it could be developed with the least amount of impact. Mr. Hendriks stated he would like to address the comments made by Wade Thomas, of Nathan Jacobson Associates.
Mr. Hendriks stated that Jacobson Associate’s memo recommends that a Wetland and Biological Evaluation Report be conducted to assess the natural resources that exist on the property. The applicant hired Dr. Priscilla Baillie, to conduct that study on the property and submitted a report to the commission.
Dr. Baillie visited the site on January 10, 2006. She noted she reviewed the shoreline of Lords Cove in detail. The dominant winter flora were identified, and photographs were taken at various locations on the property. There are two small wetlands which conduct drainage down either side of the middle road. Since the property line skirts the road, both of these wetlands are mostly offsite. The wetland on the east side is a narrow drainage swale confined by a stone wall which runs along the property boundary. The wetland on the west side of the middle road borders a small intermittent stream which flows down slope through a brushy swamp over braided hummocks and skunk cabbage. The large wooded swamp associated with the perennial stream borders both sides of the lower road near the
entrance of Tantummaheag Road. Evan Griswold asked Dr. Baillie if there was a species list in the report. She stated there is a plant species list and also a rare species list. She reported the stated did say there are rare species historically known for the general area, but did not state specifically this site. She further stated the species are all marsh species which are located everywhere along Lords Cove. She also stated she did not see any vernal pools on the site.
Mr. Hendriks also stated Nathan Jacobsen Associates requested a Soil Scientist make a determination as to potential vernal pools, within, or proximal to, the proposed inland wetland disturbances.
Don Fortunato, on behalf of the applicant, submitted that report to the commission. He stated the area along the river is very rocky. He also stated he did not notice any vernal pools on the site. He stated the report also offers some mitigation suggestions should the road width need to be increased. Mr. Griswold asked if the water carried from the detention basin to the vegetative riprap will be via solid pipe or swale. Mr. Hendriks stated the intent was to bring the stormwater down from the top and bring it into the detention basin to allow it to settle out and have the opportunity to drop its silt or grime and then if the pond area fills up it will go into a pipe drop down into the inlet from the top and go out to the stone lined rip-rap swale. He noted there is also a low
level pipe that under necessary circumstances would provide some drainage and allow some water to drain out. He noted in the event of a storm it would pop over to the top of the weir and go down this rip-rap slope into the existing wetland and follow along the existing road into the wetland.
Janet Bechtel stated that because the piping is tight against the property line it is difficult to do a swale. Mr. McCulloch asked how the water gets down through to the catch basin. Mr. Hendriks stated that it is road surface drainage. Mr. McCulloch asked where the lower wetland will get its water? Mr. Hendriks demonstrated the flow on the map. He further stated the engineers have determined that the rip-rap swale is needed to provide stability to carry the water from one vehicle to another vehicle. Ms. Bechtel stated that on the historical plan the wetland to the west that is above the road, currently flows through a culvert underneath the road and comes back out and supplies the wetland now to the east and then overflow passes through another culvert and goes underneath the road
again and back out she asked. Therefore, will the stone rip-rap
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trench restricts the flow of water that normally feeds the eastern wetland. Mr. Hendriks indicated it would not, it was just there to stabilize so it does not erode or silt in.
Mr. Flower stated that Wade Thomas’s memo indicated that the culvert towards the entry was being enlarged and that was creating a problem. Therefore this has been redesigned based on the DEP and the town’s engineer’s comment that there is no change in flow. Ms. Bechtel asked if this was the same site plan presented at the 11/29/05 meeting. Mr. Hendriks indicated that was correct. Mr. Hendriks stated he has addressed the comments from Wade Thomas, but unfortunately due to a computer crash the new prints were unable to be made.
Bechtel further stated that the cross culvert where the stone posts are currently shows three separate pipes but Mr. Flower stated this has been revised so the next set of plans will not reflect these three sets of pipes.
Mr. Fortunato explained that these wetlands are not just surface water. He stated based on the topography the wetland soils have been there for 10,000 years so what this road basically did when it was installed was to bisect the wetlands. The wetlands are still wet. The water could be cut off completely and the wetlands would not dry up.
Ann Brown asked Mr. Hendriks if he was describing modifications that have been made to address Wade Thomas’s letter, but if he is still using the old plan. Mr. Hendriks indicated this was correct.
Mr. Linde asked if this application would be continued until next month. Mr. Hendriks indicated he would be seeking a continuance. Mr. Linde stated, for the interest of time, he would recommend we wait until the new plans are available. Mr. Hendriks stated he would like to address the comments in Mr. Thomas’s letter of November 29, 2005. Mr. Hendriks referred to Item 2 and 3 the applicant would like to keep the structure exactly the same as possible to allow the flow to continue to exist as it exists today and not increase the flow.
Ms. Bechtel stated, as it is now 10:00 p.m. she did not feel the commission needs to discuss every one of the engineer’s questions. She further stated both Priscilla Baille and Don Fortunato have answered the question as to whether or not there were vernal pools on the site. Therefore, she stated she would open the hearing up to the public to give them the opportunity to speak.
QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC:
Chapman Barry, Jr. – 57 Coult Lane – He stated his concern is that his brook runs through those culverts and he would like to know the impact the improvements to the bridge would have on his property. He also expressed concern on the run-off of water.
Mr. Flower stated the wetlands in this area are confined by the stonewall on the side and then move down through the culvert. Since the culvert will be repaired it will be the same, it will allow the same amount of water and there is no increase in flow.
Mr. Barry asked for assurance that no heavy equipment will be placed on his property. Mr. Flower stated there is no intention of going onto his property.
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Mr. Funke - 41 Coult Lane - Mr. Funk expressed concern that there was about a 30 degree hill going up to the back of his house and wondered if the plans included tree and shrub removal on the hill. Mr. Hendriks indicated that on Page 3 of 10 the wall is shown as the highest point and the contours show that the surface flow is away from Mr. Funke’s property.
Janet Bechtel asked Mr. Hendriks if what he was saying to Mr. Funk was that the land to be developed is running in the opposite direction. He stated his land is sloping towards the east and the drainage will be going towards the south.
Ms. Bechtel asked for clarification on “access” she stated that when Mr. Flower first introduced the project she felt he misstated and used the word access for easement and she felt this caused confusion. She further stated the access for those lots is the road that is being discussed that will run through the center of the property.
Diana Atwood Johnson - Ms. Johnson stated she received a set of plans, which have no bridge details and do not show the conservation easement. Since that time she has seen another set of plans which did include these items. She stated she felt the bridge is an extremely important issue. She stated the stream meanders eventually into a pond on her property. She noted she also owns a dam for which she is responsible. Therefore, she is concerned about the impact on the dam as well as the quality of the water that goes into the pond and travels through a very beautiful wetlands area. She further expressed concerns about the impact this will have on the many different species of birds.
Mr. Hendriks stated the new revised plans will be delivered to the Inland/Wetlands Office tomorrow. Ms. Johnson asked if those would be the final set of plans with no further changes. Mr. Hendriks indicated he felt there would always be changes.
Mr. Flower stated the plans will not be available tomorrow because he will be meeting with the engineer on Friday at which point they will discuss the changes and then will create plans that include these changes to be submitted.
Mr. Hendriks was asked to address the easement issues. He noted unless you are a rock climber this easement is pointless. Mr. Flower stated this easement will be removed and a new easement will drafted which will provide a pathway throughout the site for all of the residents. He further stated the other easement at one point about 20 to 30 years ago there was a gravel access which does not meet any of the requirements for today’s road standards. Therefore, the applicant will propose a second location for that easement. He further stated it will not effect the wetlands.
JOHN BYER – COULT LANE
Mr. Byer asked if it was required to have a 40 ft road if you have more than three houses. Mr. Flower stated it is a 50 ft. wide right of way and the road will be 20 ft. wide. Janet Bechtel stated this issue will be addressed by the Planning Commission.
GERALDINE FOSTER – 6 TANTUMMAHEAG ROAD
Ms. Foster stated that in order to construct the roadway it would be cleared of vegetation and trees, therefore this would increase the amount of water coming down the hill into the wetlands. If the applicant states that there is no increase in flow why is it necessary to build a detention basin. She further stated the water
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coming off of the hill will effect streams on properties adjacent to the site. Ms. Foster also expressed concerns about flooding as well as the impact this development will have on wildlife.
ELLEN HENDERSON – COULT LANE
Ms. Hendersen discussed the drainage along the wall, which is the property line that divides the properties along Coult Lane and the subject property.
Mr. Hendriks stated it was important to understand the philosophy between the design and what needs to be done to meet the state guidelines for onsite detention. He noted a change has been made to the proposed bridge culvert because the applicant did not want to increase the rate of flow under the bridge. He also noted the road that accesses the upper lots and proposed house locations is the high point in this location. The proposed driveway is paved and there are catch basins on the driveway that will direct runoff to the settling basin. He stated all overflow will be picked up in a ditch along the driveway and channeled towards the area it would naturally run off the hill towards the Connecticut River by a detention and level spreader.
Mr. Linde stated there is a ridge in the middle of the property and the road is on the left side of the ridge and what Mr. Hendriks stated is that water that falls on that road is going to be diverted and fall on the east side of the ridge into the wetlands. Therefore, Mr. Linde asked why is the water that would normally fall and drain on the west side is being diverted to the east side. Mr. Hendriks stated because there will be two detention basins rather than one.
Ned Costello - Asked if the water is piped under the road? Mr. Hendriks stated it was being piped under the road.
JOHN JOHNSON – 12 TANTUMMAHEAG ROAD –
Mr. Johnson stated he felt a lot of vague generalities were being discussed about the water. He asked if any calculations have been done as to how much water is currently at the site versus how much water will be added to the site? Mr. Johnson asked what the increases would be because it will impact the dam and they are responsible for the dam. If run-off will be increased, there is a concern.
Mr. Hendriks stated any water that goes under the bridge structure that effects the dam will have no increase in run-off. There will be no water supplied to this structure. Mr. Johnson stated he felt the addition of four homes would increase the run-off. Mr. Hendriks stated a drainage report has been submitted, and it is his understanding that there will be no increase in flow to the drainage structure.
Janet Bechtel asked that additional copies be made of the drainage report for members of the public.
TED CROSBY – BINNEY ROAD
Mr. Crosby asked if the retention of water was done by curbs. Mr. Hendriks stated it would be directed by cape cod curbs towards the catch basins.
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Mr. Flower stated, if the entire site is paved the same amount of rain will hit the site. The only difference is the velocity is going to be quicker to the bottom of the hill. Therefore, as you clear land you create detention basins which slow it down.
Mr. Linde stated he felt it was a good idea to have a site walk and discuss some of the items that the public has raised.
Ms. Janet Bechtel stated she thought the public would like some idea what the increase in impervious surface is going to be based on the development.
JOHN JOHNSON – 6 TANTUMMAHEAG
Mr. Johnson expressed concerns about the amount of clearing that will be done for the additional homes. Mr. Flower stated a lot of the area is rock , which cannot be made into lawn area. He further stated there will be a homeowner’s association established and if this is an issue something could be drafted in the language to limit the amount of clearing.
TED CROSBY – BINNEY ROAD
Mr. Crosby asked if there is a plan of retention for the roof run-off . Mr. Flower stated there are dry wells. Mr. Crosby asked if the plan would be submitted to Gateway. Mr. Hendriks indicated the plan would be referred to Gateway when it is submitted to the Planning Commission.
Janet Bechtel asked if soil boundary types would be submitted on the revised plan. Mr. Flower stated it would be put on the revised plans.
Mr. Flower asked the commission for some input on the road widths. Janet Bechtel stated when the new plans are submitted to the office they will be referred back to the engineer.
Mr. Griswold stated, generally speaking, that this commission has tried to encourage narrow and unpaved roads. Mr. Griswold stated that in this circumstance it was his opinion that a smaller road was better than a larger road especially since surface water is being collected on the road.
Mr. Linde suggested Ann Brown draft a memo on behalf of the commission indicating their preference for narrow roads. He asked if the engineer could indicate why his recommendation was for a wider road. He noted this would provide the applicant with the support it needs but does not necessarily over rule what the engineer is requesting in case it is a necessary requirement.
After much discussion between the commission and the public it was agreed to set a site walk for Saturday, February 4th, 2006 at 11:30 a.m. The commission reviewed the procedures of a site walk being held during the public hearing process.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Janet Bechtel made a motion to elect Robb Linde as Vice Chairman of the Inland/Wetlands Commission. Agnes O’Connor seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Page 13 – Minutes
January 24, 2006
APPLICATION REVISIONS AND FEE SCHEDULE
The commission will review the revised application and discuss it at the next meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE – 12/15/05 – SHELLY NOBILE – UPPER MILL POND
Ann Brown read a letter into the record from Shelly Nobile indicating the hydro-raking has been postponed to May. The letter requested an extension of time to complete the project. Dave McCulloch agreed to contact Steve Gephardt.
The meeting adjourned at 11:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Groves
Land Use Administrator
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