MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Elizabeth Warren, Audrey Delnicki, Philip Forzley, Carol Heffler, Barbara Kelly, Richard Muller, John Phillips and Audrey Wasik
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Donald Gates sitting for the vacant seat
STAFF PRESENT: Jeffrey H. Folger, Environmental
Planner/Conservation Officer
Debbie Reid, Recording Secretary
ITEM: Correspondence and Reports
There will be a seminar held on March 1, 2003 regarding Wetland law and procedure.
A letter was sent to William Lanning, Fire Marshal regarding the width of driveways. There has been no response yet, but Jeff informed Commission members that the property owners at 1540 Main Street have spoken with William Lanning, Fire Marshall regarding the width of their driveway. Mr. Lanning reduced the requirement to 10’. This will enable the applicant to stay within the boundaries and not require them to come before the IWA/CC with a modification. Commission members felt the Planning & Zoning Commission should get a copy of all correspondence regarding this issue.
ITEM: Bonds
Motion to: release the bond on appl. #87-67P – JMJ – Chapel Road Garage for $5,000.
Was made by Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by Commissioner Wasik
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Motion to: release the bond on app.. #99-52P – JMJ- Deming Hill Section VI for $5,000.
Was made by Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by Commissioner Wasik
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Motion to: release the bond on appl. #99-52P – JMJ – Deming Hill Section VI for $20,000.
Was made by Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by Commissioner Wasik
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
ITEM: Minutes
It was the general consensus of the Commission to approve minutes of December 4, 2002 with amendments, January 8, 2003 and January 22, 2003.
ITEM: Conservation Commission
Jeff told the Commission that 800 witch hazel seedlings have been ordered. Planting day will be on March 29, 2003 at Nevers Road Park. An informational kiosk may be erected to inform people on what is happening in this location.
Major Michael Donnelly property
There will be a trail system established from Sullivan Avenue to West Road. The Public Works Department will be cutting a trail this winter. It has been proposed that if the Commission concurs, maybe mitigation money could be used for this project.
Attorney Guliano informed the Commission that the ordinance regarding fines for wetland violations have been set for public hearing by the Town Council on Tuesday, February 18, 2003.
ITEM: Public Hearing
Appl. #02-59P – Expo Design Center
Mr. Alan Lamson came before the Commission. He explained that Michelle Carlson from Fuss & O’Neil is present to address comments that were made at the previous meeting, as well as respond to a letter received.
Ms. Michelle Carlson, Professional Engineer with Fuss & O’Neil came before the Commission. She explained she would like to address comments from a letter by the intervenor dated January 30, 2003.
Item 1 – The stormwater collection system has been designed in accordance with the Town of South Windsor public improvement standards. The Town of South Windsor requires that the stormwater system be designed for 25-year storm, not a 100-year storm.
Item 2 – The Intervenor had questioned the depth of the 100-year storm precipitation saying the depth of 8.5 inches should have been used instead of 6.9 inches. The reference used is from the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation manual that is from the U.S. Department of Commerce Weather Bureau. The 6.9 inches is stated to be the appropriate depth for the 100-year storm.
Item 3 – The TR55 was used to determine the times of concentration. It was recommended that you do not go over 300 feet for a length of time per sheet flow. They did not exceed 200 feet. The Town Engineer concurred.
Item 4 – There were some mislabeled contours, which have been corrected on the revised drawing.
Item 5 – The water elevation of the basin is not predicated on elevation 83. There was concern on how we are going to make sure that it’s established at 83. In the field, there is going to be asbuilts done, monitoring will be done and it will be constructed according to the monitoring data.
Item 6 – Calculations have been questioned. They have gone over our analysis with Jeff Doolittle and he concurs with what we have done.
Item 7 – Refers to the grass swale should be designed for a 100-year storm event. It is designed in accordance with the Town of South Windsor public improvement standards to the 25-year storm event.
Item 8 – They are concerned about a hydraulic jump, super critical flow in one area along the swale. This area has been riprapped and Jeff Doolittle, Town Engineer and Jeff Folger, Environmental Planner/Conservation Officer concur that the riprap swale will protect any erosion that could occur from a potential hydraulic jump.
Ms. Carlson explained that at the last meeting, Commissioners raised a few questions that she would like to address:
On the tree line it looked like we were moving the drip line. That was incorrect. The tree trunks are actually along the wetland line and the canopy is what extends. We have pulled back the grading from under the canopy.
There was concern about starving the area above flag 629. The water currently goes to the drainage ditch, which is not ground water supported. There is no wetland vegetation in the ditch. The ditch carries surface water and stormwater from the areas, so they do not feel they are depriving the wetlands of any water.
There was concern about the berm on the sewer line. They do not feel there will be any impact on any drainage areas.
The last concern was the validity of the topo in the area of the ditch. They have provided additional topo information in the vacinity of the ditch and it is better defined in the drawings.
Commissioner Wasik stated that it was her understanding that the tree line along Buckland Road was going to be removed. She questioned what would replace the trees?
Ms. Rosemary Aldrich came before the Commission to address this issue. She told the Commission that there have been a couple different options for plantings along Buckland Road. Planning & Zoning Commissions main objective is they do not want motorists along Buckland Road to be able to look down and see the rooftop of the building or the roof top equipment.
Commissioner Phillips suggested that some type of monitoring system be implemented into the plan. This would allow the Town to see how well the rain gardens function. Ms. Carlson informed the Commission that Dr. Clausen who is helping with the design is interested in monitoring the rain gardens.
Commission members discussed the pond on Mr. Jacques property. Ms. Carlson and Mr. Giles told the Commission that the flow will be decreased through the 100-year storm and the water should be lowered also.
Mosquito larvacide in the detention basin will not be necessary because there is a provision in the State Health code that will put mosquito control back with the owner of the property. If there is a complaint, there is a statutory authority to have someone test a basin.
Mr. Rob Sonnichsen, President of Delta Environmental Services came before the Commission. He gave his qualifications and background. He would be doing an overview of the project focusing on the stormwater management plan and the hydrologic modeling making sure the standards used are appropriate standards used by local and state authorities. Mr. Sonnichsen reviewed the hydrologic analysis that was done and found that all appropriate standards were used. Water quality was also reviewed and Mr. Sonnichsen went through best management practices, saying that the system will take off 90% of suspended solids from this site.
Mr. Alan Lamson explained the presentation has been concluded, but they would like to summarize comments after the public and intervenor are through with their presentations.
Mr. Dennis Lowry, a Wetlands Ecologist representing the intervenor came to review their January 30, 2003 letter to Fuss & O’Neil.
Item 1- We would like an evaluation of where water will flow if there is a storm event that is more extreme than a 25-year storm and the pipe size capacity is exceeded. Concerned about the erosion of the slope.
Item 7 – The swale should be sized for 100-year flows.
Items 2, 3 and 4 - were adequately responded to.
Item 5 – Whether the ground water data supports the development of this type of community within the basin. Requesting additional information that characterizes the hydrologic regime of this basin as being consistent with the plant community that is being proposed.
Item 6 – Off site impacts or changes in flows may have been underestimated.
Mr. Lowry expressed additional concerns regarding this application.:
Would like to see the whole watershed (60 acres) on this application. They could then compare what was in the drainage report.
Additional topography along the west edge of the site where the intermittent swale is located. On the map it shows the contours wrapping as if it is enclosing the drainage ditch. We are not sure if that was accurate or computer error.
Wetland flag 642 or 643 has been moved.
The sewer line is defined to stop at the 80’ regulated zone, the current plan shows the limit of tree clearing extending down the edge of the wetland within the portion that was previously shown on the plans to be part of the gateway trunk sewer.
Ms. Carlson explained that there was a drafting error, but the tree line is not part of the application.
Attorney King presented material to go into the record. After a brief review and lengthy discussion with the Town Attorney and the Commission, it was the general consensus of the Commission to not accept the material presented into the record.
Attorney Tom DeMille of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, representing the Intervenor came before the Commission. He express that he felt the application has flaws and is incomplete. If the Commission were to approve this application, the Commission would be in violation of Connecticut General Statutes. Attorney DeMille also stated that he felt this Commission should have seen the application prior to the general plan of development being approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Attorney King came before the Commission to summarize their presentation. He stated that the applicant has submitted an application where activities conducted will effect wetlands and watercourses. The long-term impacts have not been given because this proposal is part of a larger proposed development. As intervenors, they have filed correspondence showing that this application is incomplete and also done in a piece mail approach.
Mr. Alan Lamson came before the Commission to summarize their application. He stated that there are no proposed activities planned to occur within the wetlands or watercourse. Disturbances in the upland review area include: near the detention basin and a small portion to the west of the store. Town staff comments and suggestions have been incorporated into the plans . Finally, Mr. Sonnichsen has concluded work in this proposal conforms to the applicable design standards and meet the criteria for maintaining water quality.
Attorney Mallin from Cummings & Lockwood stated that throughout the process of this application, the Intervenor has tried to restyle this application by expanding IWA/CC’s jurisdiction. The intervenor has not shown any damage to the environment or a reasonable likelihood that there will be an adverse impact if this site is developed. Based upon the evidence that has been submitted to the Commission we are asking to make a finding that this application is not reasonably likely to have the effect of unreasonably polluting , impairing or destroying the public trust in the air, water or other natural resources.
Public
Mr. Bruce Burnham came before the Commission. He explained that he is uncomfortable addressing one parcel of 11 acres of an overall 260-acre parcel. The Town should have more input on the overall development of the project.
Motion to: close the public haring on appl. #02-59P – Expo Design Center
Was made by Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by Commissioner Heffler
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
ITEM: New Business
Appl. #030-1W – Charbonneau site – westerly of Sandra Drive, I, Industrial zone.
Attorney Ralph Alexander came before the Commission. He explained that the original application was granted in September, 2002. The applicant was issued a cease and desist order after it was found that work was being done prior to erosion control measures being put in place and wetlands were being filled. There was a show cause hearing scheduled for December 18, 2002, which was inadvertently missed by the Engineer. We are here tonight to address the concerns of this Commission.
Mr. Jay Ursery from J.R. Russo came before the Commission to represent his application. He explained that the site consists of 3.57 acres. The proposed building will be constructed approximately 20,400 square feet. Parking will be located to the easterly side of the building. City sewer, city water, electric and gas will serve the site. The wetland area associated with the site is located on the southerly side of the parcel and consists of a drainage swale, existing storm drainage outfall and an intermittent watercourse.
Disturbances will consist of the following:
3,230 square feet on the slope.
201 square feet for repair of the storm drain outfall.
400 square feet for installation of the coirlogs and plantings along the watercourse.
420 square feet for additional disturbance when their machine came in and pushed fill material into the regulated area.
Mr. Ursery explained the disturbances in more detail and the restoration plan being proposed.
Jeff stated that he felt the remediation plan that is proposed for the disturbed area has a good chance for success and functions should be restored. Jeff recommended that the fill material be removed as soon as possible and the limits of clearing line should be re-established.
Answering questions from the Commission, Mr. Ursery explained that the amount of total disturbance is just over 4,000 square feet.
Commissioner Wasik voiced her disappointment with the violations that have taken place.
Mr. Ursery told the Commission the mitigation that will take place will encompass .097 acres. The 420 square feet of disturbance will be restored to a functioning area.
Motion to: extend the meeting past 10:30 p.m. in order to finish agenda items.
Was made by Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by Commissioner Forzley
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Commission members discussed further the limit of clearing being defined. At pre-construction meeting the erosion controls are approved and then Jeff goes onto the site and makes a field inspection of erosion controls before anything else is done. The bonds that were imposed with the last application have been posted and are in place.
Public
Linc Streeter came before the Commission to speak in favor of this application.
Will Szestakowwasl, 6 Old Parish Drive came before the Commission to express his concerns regarding the first initial rain fall, what will the impact be when the whole property drains into the drainage ditch?
Chairperson Warren stated that there is a vortex unit system that is good at taking the solids and floatables out.
Jeff stated that when this subdivision was approved in the late 1980’s, it was not considered what was being generated off sites like this. In the first application we required the applicant to install a vortex system which is incorporated onto the present plans. Jeff also stated that he felt the remediation plan has a good chance for success and functions should be restored to this area.
Pat Corabrese, 11 Old Parish Drive came before the Commission to express concerns regarding this application.
Motion to: close the public hearing on appl. #03-01W – Charbonneau site.
Was made by Commissioner Forzley
Seconded by Commissioner Heffler
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Motion to: add Election of Officers to the agenda under Other Business.
Was made by Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by Commissioner Heffler
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Motion to: approve with conditions appl. #03-01W – Charbonneau site – Sandra Drive – Inland Wetland/Conservation Commission application for the construction of a 20,400 sq. ft. industrial building, parking, stormwater structures and associated improvements on property located westerly of Sandra Drive, I, Industrial zone.
Was made by Commissioner Heffler
Seconded by Commissioner Phillips
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Conditions:
1. One blueprint copy of the entire set of plans and this letter reproduced thereon, must be submitted to this Commission. This must be completed within 65 days of approval prior to any construction activity on the site. Plans submitted to Planning & Zoning Commission shall be considered having met this requirement.
2. The application shall indemnify and hold harmless the Town of South Windsor against any liability, which might result from the proposed operation or use.
3. The permit is valid for five years and shall expire on February 5, 2008. It is the landowner(s)/applicant(s) responsibility to track expiration dates and notify the Commission of a renewal request at least 65 days prior to expiration.
4. All approvals required must be obtained and submitted prior to any activity on the site.
5. A contact person shall be identified on the plans.
A drainage easement at least 30’ wide to be granted from the outfall pipe to the property line in favor of the Town.
Current conditions of the downstream channel and surrounding areas are documented and three-year checks on the stability of the coconut logs are made.
Stormwater treatment unit to be cleaned according to specifications.
Construction fence to be installed at the limits of clearing.
Fill from the wetland area to be removed prior to any additional work on the site.
11. Town staff will evaluate plantings for the wetland disturbance area.
12. Hay mulch to be applied on the entire site to stabilize soil surface.
13. We recommend a bond in the amount of $25,000 be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission to ensure stream bank stabilization.
14. We recommend a bond in the amount of $5,000 be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission to ensure compliance with the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Measures.
ITEM: Other Business
Motion to: nominate Elizabeth Warren as Chairperson
Was made by Commissioner Heffler
Seconded by Commissioner Phillips
The motion carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Secretary cast one ballet for Warren as Chairperson
Motion to: nominate Philip Forzley as Vice Chairperson
Was made by Commissioner Wasik
Seconded by Commissioner Phillips
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Secretary cast one ballet for Forzley for Vice Chairperson
Motion to: nominate Carol Heffler as Secretary
Was made by Commissioner Wasik
Seconded by Commissioner Muller
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Item: Applications Received
Appl. #03-06P – Pleasant Valley Road Pump Station
After a brief discussion, it was the general consensus of the Commission to handle this application as a minimal impact application.
ITEM: Adjournment
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:20 p.m.
Was made by Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by Commissioner Wasik
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Respectfully submitted
_________________________________ ___________________
Deborah W. Reid Date Approved
Recording Secretary
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