 |
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Betty Warren, Philip Forzley, Carol Heffler, Barbara Kelly, Richard Nicholson, John Phillips and Audrey Wasik
STAFF PRESENT: Jeffrey H. Folger, Environmental Planner/Conservation Officer
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Richard Muller sitting for John O
ITEM: Correspondence and Reports
Commissioner Oindividual replacing him and a search for an alternate.
Chairperson Warren informed Commission members that the workshop being offered by the State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection will be on the following dates:
Friday, October 12, 2001
Saturday, October 13, 2001
Friday, October 19, 2001
Saturday, October 20, 2001
ITEM: Minutes
It was the unanimous decision of the Commission to approve the minutes of September 19, 2001 with amendments.
ITEM: Conservation Commission
Attachment A
ITEM: Wetland Officers Report
Attachment B
Jeff presented a map of detention basin locations throughout Town, Attachment C.
ITEM: New Business
Mannarino Builders, lot #15, Cornerstone Drive, Cutler Ridge II Subdivision
Mr. Robert Mannarino from Mannarino Builders came before the Commission. He explained that in the Cutler Ridge II Subdivision on lot #15, they would like to adjust the conservation easement in order to give the lot a larger rear yard. The adjustment would be on the east side from 80
Items looked at when considering the reduction of the conservation easement:
The number of trees that would need to be eliminated.
The impact to the wetlands.
Wildlife impact.
Mitigation that would be proposed:
Six trees would need to be eliminated plus the under story plants, but additional trees will be planted in the conservation easement. Mr. Mannarino felt evergreens would be a good choice to plant because there would be a better buffer, although suggestions from the Commission would be welcomed.
Mr. Mannarino spoke with Mr. George Logan regarding the type of wildlife impact that would occur in this area if the conservation easement were reconfigured. It was Mr. LoganCommission members told Mr. Mannarino that the visual buffer component of the conservation easement is not this Commissions issue.
Commission members comments and suggestions:
30Not comfortable having Commission change what was already approved.
Lot lines for lot #16 could be changed in order to give lot #15 enough space.
If the foundation were not poured, the front line could have been changed in order to give lot #15 more yard space.
There are two choices, they can either have a large house with a small rear yard, or to have a small house with a large rear yard.
On the previous application, it was stated that some people would prefer a smaller back yard, if the yard were made bigger, it would go into the wildlife area.
Mr. Frank Mannarino told Commission members that there are three car garage and 3,000 sq. ft. size deed restrictions put on the houses in this subdivision.
Chairperson Warren responded that there were alternatives before the foundation was poured.
Mr. Robert Mannarino told the Commission that they were before the Commission in order to get suggestions of the best way to handle this error and if the Commission would entertain an application and give some suggestion on mitigation, it would be greatly appreciated.
Commissioner Heffler said she would be willing to listen to a mitigation plan if wildlife would have better quality than what presently exists.
Public
Ms. Cindy Marlen of 65 Murray Road came before the Commission and stated that the Murray Road neighborhood, which abuts Cutler Ridge II Subdivision, does not support decreasing the buffer zone. She also felt that the evergreens may be a buffer for lot #15, but would not be a buffer for her because of the grading. There is wildlife in the rear of her yard, even with the large slope.
Mr. Dennis Martin of 57 Murray Road came before the Commission to speak in opposition of this proposal.
Commissioner Forzley stated he would entertain an application that would extend the easement line from lot #14 straight across lot #15 maintaining 80
Commissioner Nicholson said he does not want to see a jog in the lawn. He understands that the area may need to be altered slightly, but would like the area to stay as natural as possible.
Chairperson Warren stated she feels that if the Commission were to approve this request, we would be setting a very dangerous precedence.
Appl. #01-34W
Jeff explained that the Town is proposing to bring Slater Street up to Town codes. The main concern is a safety issue because emergency vehicles can not make the turn of the cul-de-sac as it presently exists.
Commission members had a brief discussion regarding this issue and decided a public hearing would be necessary due to significant activity and the application is in the public interest.
Motion to: hold a public hearing on October 17, 2001 for appl. #01-34W
Was made by Commissioner Heffler
Seconded by Commissioner Forzley
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Appl. #01-35W
Commission members discussed this application at length and decided they would receive this application, but would not set the public hearing because necessary information is missing. A letter to Clark Realty will be sent, informing them of this decision.
ITEM: Old Business
Strategic Planning
Commissioner Kelly explained that Matthew Galligan, Town Manager would like each Commission to produce their budget items based upon the top ten priorities of the Strategic Planning Committee. The budgets should be submitted to Marcia Banach, Director of Planning and then she will present them to the Town Manager.
ITEM: Other Business
Fish Ladder
Jeff explained that the fish ladder proposed at the Mill on the River is presently in the fund raising process. This Commission currently has $15,000.00 available. Jeff suggested that this money be utilized as part of the non-Federal money to be used for the fish ladder.
Commission members discussed this idea, and felt it to be a good suggestion, but advised Jeff that they felt he should have a preliminary discussion to see if thought this donation will be needed.
ITEM: Adjournment
Motion to: Adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Was made by Commissioner Forzley
Seconded by Commissioner Muller
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Respectfully submitted
_______________________________ ____________________
Deborah W. Reid, Recording Secretary Date Approved
| |
