MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Elizabeth Warren, Philip Forzley, William Grace, Barbara Kelly, Richard Muller and Audrey Wasik
STAFF PRESENT: Jeffrey H. Folger, Environmental Planner/Conservation Officer
Debbie Reid, Recording Secretary
STAFF PRESENT: Jeffrey H. Folger, Environmental Planner/Conservation Officer
Debbie Reid, Recording Secretary
ITEM: Correspondence and Reports
Budget
Jeff told the Commission that the budget would remain the same as last years.
The North Central Conservation Commission is holding a program on integrating bio-diversity into local land use decisions. This program will be held on January 22, 2005 at the Tack Center in Tolland from 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
ITEM: Minutes
The Commission approved minutes of September 3, 2004 (with corrections), November 3, 2004 and November 17, 2004 (with corrections) by unanimous consensus.
ITEM: Conservation Commission
Major Michael Donnelly property
Jeff told Commission members that it is being determined what the best route for a loop trail would be on the property. During the summer of 2005, the Donnelly property and Rye Street Park improvements will be made. Will be meeting with the Recreation Department to incorporate all work into the Recreation Master plan.
Chairperson Warren stated that she had gone to the Round Table meeting and had noticed in a list of walking trails that the Wildlife Sanctuary and Wapping Park were not on the list. Jeff explained that there is an issue with parking at both locations. If the parking issues are addressed, they may be able to be put on the list.
Jeff also asked the Commission during budget season to please inform the Town Council that more staff is necessary to maintain open space.
ITEM: Wetland Officer’s Report
Jeff informed Commission members that he had sent out a warning letter to Mr. Willard who is on the corner of Pierce Road and Ellington Road. A brush hog was used to clear out a large amount of brush. Will be meeting with Mr. Willard on Thursday, December 16, 2004 or Friday, December 17, 2004.
Lake Street
The Town has left stockpiles at the project because they need to be drained. The stockpile has been surrounded by silt fence.
ITEM: New Business
Appl. #04-83W – John Fitch Partnership
Mr. Jay Ursery from J. R. Russo and Associates came before the Commission. He explained that this application is for a proposed 25,000 square foot commercial flex building which is on approximately 9 ½ acres. Mr. Ursery stated that the wetland disturbance is approximately 4,200 square feet. Mr. Ursery explained the stormwater system that is proposed for this property. The detention basin has a forebay, a spillover, and is a wet bottom basin. The runoff will outlet to the southwest just upgradient of the wetland and will find its way to the intermittent watercourse. There will be wetland vegetation, and a seed mix in the basin. There will be habitat shrubs around the perimeter of the basin. Mr. Ursery then informed the Commission what plants are planned for the remainder of the property. With the proposed stormwater structure plan, there will be a 0 increase in runoff from this site.
Jeff stated that the applicant has responded to all the comments. Along the watercourse, there is a lot of debris, which Mr. Folger would recommend that as part of the approval process should be conditioned to be removed from the site. Jeff told Commission members that he had spoken to the applicant regarding mitigation for the application. After a sort discussion, it was decided that a conservation easement would be established along the limit of clearing on the western side of the property, eastern limit of clearing and around the detention basin. There was also a discussion regarding the field location of the outlet structure for the detention basin. It was decided that Town staff should approve the outlet structure.
Public
Ms. Harriet Wilson of 72 Ident Road came before the Commission with her concerns about this application. She explained that Mr. Charbonneau had said he would create a buffer to block the view of her house, this has not been done. Ms. Wilson also voiced concerns for her well and felt this development would reduce the value of her home.
Chairperson Warren informed Ms. Wilson that the stormwater will all be controlled and should have no effect on her well. The other issue are Planning and Zoning concerns.
Mary Ellen Brennan of 116 Ident Road, said that because of all the solid waste in the ravine, there is a large environmental problem. Chairperson Warren stated that what the applicant is doing should improve the area. Jeff also let the resident know that he would investigate if DEP has any programs available to clean up the area.
Ms. Pam Wentworth of 104 Ident Road came before the Commission to speak in opposition to this application. She explained that there has been dumping there for a long time. She asked what would happen to the runoff during construction? Jeff explained that there is an erosion and sediment control plan that will take care of any concerns during construction.
Motion to: approve with conditions application #04-83W – John Fitch Partnership – 1249-1265 John Fitch Blvd. – Inland Wetland/Conservation Commission application for regulated activities in connection with the construction of a 25,000 sq. ft. Industrial building, parking, stormwater system, and associated improvements on property located westerly of John Fitch Blvd. (Rte. 5). I-Industrial zone.
Was made by Commissioner Kelly
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 December 15, 2009. 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.
A contact person shall be identified on the plans.
All debris and solid waste should be removed from the property.
Field location of the outlet structure for the detention basin should be approved by Town staff.
Establishment of a conservation easement along the limit of clearing on the western side of the property, eastern limit of clearing and around the detention basin.
The drainage area associated with the watercourse to the south should be monitored on an annual basis. Any solid waste that surfaces should be removed.
We recommend a bond in the amount of $15,000 be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission to ensure compliance with the erosion and sediment control measures.
We recommend a bond in the amount of $10,000 be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission to ensure the establishment of the detention basin and biofilter structure.
Seconded by Commissioner Muller
Commissioner Kelly stated for the record that the clean up on the site will help the area.
Chairperson Warren agreed that as much debris that can be removed will help the area.
Commissioner Wasik stated that the application was improved with the addition of a conservation easement and removal of debris.
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
ITEM: Old Business
Appl. #04-72P – Brightman Circle
Mr. Galen Semprebon of Design Professionals came before the Commission to represent this application. He explained that this is a conservation plan and there are no wetlands on the site. Based on discussions with Town staff, the detention basin has been redesigned to be a wet bottom basin with a peninsula in the center so runoff can flow through the basin and then outlet. There are settling areas at the inlet and outlet in order to create extended detention. The extended detention will effect the water quality standards as well as peak runoff control. There have also been revisions that the Engineering Department has requested. The cul-de-sac has been shortened and this application will take additional runoff from Miller Road.
Jeff felt the basin will address the water quality concerns more effectively.
Answering questions from the Commission, Mr. Semprebon explained that there will be a hedgerow easement along the rear of lots 8, 9 and 10. A hedgerow easement will allow the owners of the property to clear dead wood if they would like. A hedgerow easement is not as restrictive as a conservation easement. There will also be a drainage easement on the detention basin.
Motion to: approve with conditions #04-72P – Brightman Circle Subdivision – Miller/Nevers Road – Conservation Commission application for activities in connection with the construction of a 10-lot residential subdivision, road, stormwater structures and associated site improvements on property located easterly of Nevers Road and southerly of Miller Road. AA-30 Residential zone.
Was made by Commissioner Kelly
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 December 15, 2009. 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.
6. We recommend a bond in the amount of $10,000 be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission to ensure compliance with the erosion and sediment control measures.
7. We recommend a bond in the amount of $10,000 be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission to ensure the establishment of the detention basin and plantings.
Seconded by Commissioner Wasik
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
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
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