MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Elizabeth Warren, Audrey Delnicki, William Grace, Barbara Kelly, Richard Muller and Jack Phillips
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Maureen Discola sitting for Carol Heffler
STAFF PRESENT: Jeff H. Folger, Environmental Planner/Conservation Officer
Debbie Reid, Recording Secretary
ITEM: Correspondence and Reports
The Envirothan is being held on May 19, 2005.
ITEM: Bonds
Appl. #00-55P – Carla’s Pasta
Jeff explained that there are bonds on this property for $5,000 for E & S and $10,000 for establishment of wetland mitigation. The property has been monitored for three years and is stable, so it is felt the bonds can be released.
Motion to: release the bonds for appl. #00-55P – Carla’s Pasta
Was made by Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by Commissioner Kelly
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
ITEM: Conservation Commission
On Saturday, April 9, 2005 there were 600 seedlings of witch hazel planted at Nevers Road Park.
Chairperson Warren told Commission members that she had gone before the Town Council to support Public Works request to add two more staff members to their crew. Jeff added that Public Works supports IWA/CC tremendously and with the 600 extra acres of open space, the addition to the staff would be necessary.
Jeff told the Commission that presently there are seven Eagle Scouts that are doing projects and one Girl Scout who will be doing signage at the Donnelly property.
ITEM: Wetlands Officers Report
Any members interested in site walks should contact Jeff.
ITEM: Public Hearing
Appl. #05-03P Teaberry Senior Residence Development
Attorney Ryan came before the Commission to explain that on this project the drainage has been changed from the previous plans submitted. There will be only one detention basin and there will be no impact to the Town open space.
Ms. Karen Isherwood came before the Commission to present this application to the Commission. She explained that she has made the structures deeper, eliminated foundation drainage and eliminated one catch basin. There will be no direct impact to the wetlands with this revised plan. There will be 9,000 square feet of upland review area disturbance. The applicant has decided to still pursue the easement from the Town. If the applicant receives the necessary approvals from the Town, the easement will not be used.
Jeff told Commission members that he would like the Town Engineer to review the plans. Ms. Isherwood suggested that could be made as part of an approval condition.
Answering questions from the Commission, Ms. Isherwood explained that the road runoff would end up at the Podunk. Pipes will be increased to handle future development that may occur.
Answering concerns from a resident on Pintail Circle, Ms. Isherwood stated that they have provided erosion controls that will work with this project.
The public hearing was continued until the May 4, 2005 meeting.
ITEM: New Business
Appl. #05-23P – Avery Street Christian Reformed Church
Mr. Michael Lamitola from Macchi Engineers came before the Commission to represent this application. He explained that the church being constructed on the property is 11,000 square feet. Silt fencing will be provided along the construction limits and southern drive. There are four catch basins proposed for the site, three-yard drains and an existing catch basin. There will be no increase of flow from the property. There will be two drywells, which will serve 588 cubic feet. There is an existing swale which will have a 450 cubic foot forebay installed into it.
Jeff suggested that the grade at the outlet be flatter and use less riprap with more plantings. The applicant agreed to this. Jeff stated that he is more concerned with the water quality than the water volume. There should be a gravel berm on the outlet and plantings around it.
Answering questions from the Commission, Mr. Lamitola explained that there would be a total of 40% impervious coverage with 350 parking spaces.
Motion to: approve with conditions appl. #05-23P – Avery Street Christian Reformed Church – 399 Beelzebub Road – Conservation Commission application for activities in connection with the construction of church, parking, storm drainage, and associated improvements on property located westerly of Avery Street and southerly of Beelzebub Road. Rural Residential zone.
Was made by Commissioner Kelly
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 April 20, 2010. 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.
A change to the design of the forebay, which will include water quality, Town staff to approve.
We recommend a bond in the amount of $5,000 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 $5,000 be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission to ensure the establishment of the stormwater structure.
Appl. #05-25W – Wentworth Park Modification
Commissioner Delnicki recused herself from this application.
Mr. Galen Semprebon from Design Professionals came before the Commission to represent this application. He explained that associated with this project, road widening would be necessary. Oakland Road is presently 30’ wide and with the necessary passing lane, it will need to be widened to 35’. The box culvert will also need to be widened two to three feet on the south side. There may be some work necessary on the north side if the Department of Transportation requires it.
Answering questions from the Commission, Mr. Semprebon explained that it is proposed to build off of the existing bridge. It may be necessary to divert the river by one foot, but will maintain flow of the riverbed. There is no plan or erosion and sediment controls put into place. The applicant explained that they are waiting for the Department of Transportation comments and/or approval.
Jeff stated that the work would need to be done during low flow time. He recommended that a gravel berm be placed downstream from the culvert for erosion control. He also felt that if work were necessary to be done on the north side, it would not be unreasonable to ask for mitigation and have the applicant come back to the Commission for approval.
Motion to: approve with conditions appl. #05-25W – Wentworth Park Modification – 225 Oakland Road – for modification of IWA/CC permit #04-62P for the construction of a road culvert extension to widen Oakland Road on property located southerly of Oakland Road and westerly of Felt Road. Restricted Commercial (RC) zone.
Was made by Commissioner Kelly
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 April 20, 2010. 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. The open irrigation well to be removed; Town staff to oversee this.
7. The maintenance plan to include the harvesting of any vegetation that dies off in the detention basin every 3 to 5 years.
8. Planting of 100% narrow leaf cattails to be planted in the detention basin. It would be fine to supplement if the applicant would like to.
9. Suitable topsoil to be imported onto the site. Town staff to approve topsoil, turf grass and detention basin.
10. 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.
11. We recommend a bond in the amount of $5,000 be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission to ensure the establishment of the stormwater structures.
12. We recommend a bond in the amount of $5,000 be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission to ensure establishment of stream work. All work to be completed during low flow.
13. Once this concept plan has been approved by the Department of Transportation, Town staff to review plan and approve any changes.
ITEM: Other Business
Kuhns – 138 Cornerstone Drive
Mr. Kuhns came before the Commission to request removal of six trees within a conservation easement that is on his property.
Answering the Commissions questions, Mr. Kuhns explained that he had hired a tree service to come in and recommend which trees should be taken down. There are six trees that have been selected because they have heart rot and could be a danger to Mr. Kuhns property, house or individuals on his property.
The Commission suggested that trees should be replaced with appropriate species that will have habitat value. Crab Apple and Norway Spruce were suggested.
Public
Ms. Cheryl Mader from 47 Murray Road came before the Commission to speak in opposition.
Mr. Dennis Martin from 57 Murray Road came before the Commission to speak in opposition. He stated that it seems pretty unlikely that there are six trees at the same time that have gone bad.
Chairperson Warren stated that Mr. Kuhns had a tree service come in to determine which trees are diseased. Commissioner Grace felt that an Arborist should look at the trees and the Commission could discuss this further at the next meeting.
Commissioner Kelly suggested that the farthest tree back should be left but topped off. It would be used for a cavity tree.
Mr. Al Barnett of 146 Pine Knob Drive came before the Commission to speak in opposition to this request.
After a lengthy discussion regarding this matter, it was decided that an Arborist would be obtained in order to review if the selected trees pose a health and safety concern.
This discussion was continued until the next scheduled meeting.
ITEM: Application Received
Jeff explained to the Commission that four applications were received by IWA/CC and a decision on whether to hold a public hearing should be discussed. Applications #05-27W - #05-29W – Beachwood Farms – would have public interest and recommended a public hearing be held on these application. Application #05-31W – Victory Outreach Ministries is draining to the Scantic River and also recommended that a public hearing be held regarding this application.
Motion to: hold a public hearing due to the potential for significant impact to wetlands or watercourses and public interest on appl. #05-27W – Beachwood Farms Lot #28 – Quarry Brook Drive – IWA/Cc application for a single-family house, grading, utilities, and associated improvements on property located north of Quarry Brook Drive. A-20 Residential Zone.
Was made by Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by Commissioner Kelly
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Motion to: hold a public hearing due to the potential for significant impact to wetlands or watercourses and public interest on appl. #05-28W – Beachwood Farms Lot #12 – IWA/CC application for a single-family house, grading, utilities, and associated improvement son property located south of Quarry Brook Drive. A-20 Residential Zone.
Was made by Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by Commissioner Kelly
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Motion to: hold a public hearing due to the potential for significant impact to wetlands or watercourses and public interest on appl. #05-29W – Beachwood Farms Lot #11 – Quarry Brook Drive – IWA/CC application for a single-family house, grading, utilities, and associated improvements on property located south of Quarry Brook Drive. A-20 Residential Zone.
Was made by Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by Commissioner Kelly
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Motion to: hold a public hearing due to the potential for significant impact to wetlands or watercourses, and public interest on appl. #05-31W – Victory Outreach Ministries – 329 Scantic Road – Inland Wetland/Conservation Commission application for regulated activities in connection with the construction of a 44 unit Senior Residence Development (SRD), stormwater system on property located southerly of Scantic Road. Rural Residential Zone.
Was made by Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by Commissioner Kelly
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
ITEM: Adjournment
Motion to: adjourn the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
Was made by Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by Commissioner Grace
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Respectfully submitted
_________________________________
Debbie Reid
Recording Secretary
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