MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Elizabeth Warren, Audrey Delnicki, William Grace, Carol Heffler, Barbara Kelly, Richard Muller, Jack Phillips and Audrey Wasik
STAFF PRESENT: Jeff H. Folger, Environmental Planner/Conservation Officer
Debbie Reid, Recording Secretary
ITEM: Minutes
The April 20, 2005 minutes were approved by general consensus of the Commission.
ITEM: Bonds
Major Michael Donnelly Property
A Girl Scout Troop will be planting about 200 Iris around the gazebo next weekend. They will also be spreading some wood chips along the trails.
An Eagle Scout has cut a loop trail that is approximately two miles. The loop trail will connect with the existing trail.
Another Girl Scout Troop will be doing all of the signage, directional and educational, at the Donnelly property.
Wildlife Sanctuary
Chairperson Warren stated that she would like to have signage erected at the Wildlife Sanctuary. The sign will make it clear that this property is Town owned.
Jeff told Commission members that any boardwalks that are constructed will be done with trex. Parksite Plunkette Webster is willing to donate the trex when any project arises.
Wapping Park
Projects that will be taking place at this site are as follows:
Where Plum Gully and the Podunk meet, it is proposed to do waterfall habitat enhancements. Wild rice will be planted in the marsh area.
There will be riparian restoration done at the pasture on Clark Street of approximately 300 feet of the Podunk River. The field is presently being hayed (34 acres). Twelve of the thirty-four acres will be taken out of hay cultivation. The individual who hays the area has agreed not to cut that portion until after August 1st. This will allow nesting to take place.
There is a small pond at the intersection of Clark and Deming. The area is covered with Loose Strife presently and it was felt to be a good area to use beetles to destroy the invasive species.
ITEM: Wetland Officers Report
721 King Street – potential vilation
The owner at 721 King Street was enlarging his property by filling in the terrace slopes going into the flood plain of the Podunk River. Jeff stated he will meet with the owner of the property to discuss this issue. Work has stopped until a survey and topo have been complete. John Ianni flagged the wetlands and has determined the original wetland boundaries.
ITEM: Public Hearing
Appl. #05-03P – Teaberry Senior Residence
Ms. Karen Isherwood came before the Commission to represent this application. The public hearing on this application was left open in order to allow Town Staff the opportunity to review the latest drainage calculations. In the northeast corner of the property the detention basin has been eliminated. There is presently no direct impact to the wetlands. There will be a small amount of disturbance to the upland review area, which will be associated with the installation of some storm drainage that will handle the foundation drainage for a handful of units. The remaining paved surface will be directed westerly to the original basin approved in the Emerald Green Subdivision.
Jeff stated that the Town Engineer is satisfied with the drainage and drainage calculations. Jeff also stated that the current plan significantly minimizes wetland impacts on the eastern side of the property. By enlarging the detention basin on the western portion of the property, the wetland impacts have been minimized. This plan will take care of water quality as well as concerns with water quantity.
Public
Ms. Donna Coro came before the Commission to discuss her concerns regarding the cutting that JMJ Construction is doing. The existing retention basin does not work properly and she stated she feels construction of a new retention basin will create more erosion in the wetland and displacement of animals.
Jeff explained that there was only dead wood that was being taken off of the property, which has been done in order to install a curtain drain and clean up the detention basin area.
Motion to: close the public hearing for appl. #05-03P – Teaberry Senior Residence Development – 658 Ellington Road – Inland Wetland/Conservation Commission – application for regulated activities in connection with the construction of a 25-lot Senior Residence Development (SRD), stormwater system, and associated improvements on property located easterly of Ellington road and northerly of Quarry Brook Drive. Rural Residential zone.
Was made by Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by Commissioner Wasik
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Motion to: approve with conditions appl. #05-03P – Teaberry Senior Residence Development – 658 Ellington Road – Inland Wetland/Conservation Commission – application for regulated activities in connection with the construction of a 25-lot Senior Residence Development (SRD), stormwater system, and associated improvements on property located easterly of Ellington Road and northerly of Quarry Brook Drive. Rural Residential 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 May 4, 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.
We recommend a bond in the amount of $30,000 be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission to ensure compliance with the erosion and sediment control measures.
Appl. #05-31W – Victory Outreach Ministries
Mr. Dana Steele from J.R. Russo and Associates came before the Commission to represent this application. He explained that the entire parcel is 61 acres in size but is split in the middle with the Town line. The proposed project consists of 44 residential units. There is going to be a drainage system associated with this project and sanitary sewer which will go to East Windsor. The portion of this project that is related to South Windsor is a small portion of the road, which encroaches on the town line, and the storm drainage discharge. Mr. Steele reviewed the engineering aspects of this plan. After reviewing this plan with Town staff, it was felt that some type of bio-filter for discharge should be created. The catch basins will have 4’ sumps. Test pits will be
done to check the water tables and check if there is an opportunity for infiltration. Incorporated into the design the applicant will try to provide an opportunity for roof runoff to be infiltrated back into the ground. Erosion control measures have been implemented into the plans. Improvements will be made to the existing farm road. Future plans may include the construction of athletic fields in the rear portion of the site. A function and value report will be provided from the Soil Scientist Michael Gragnolati for the next scheduled meeting. Applications will be submitted to East Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission and East Windsor Inland Wetlands Agency because the drainage outlet runs into East Windsor.
Commissioner Phillips stated that because of increased peak flows and increased total flows, there is a concern that the current channel will be able to handle the flow without any detrimental effects.
Public
Mr. Michael Fauteux from Scantic Road came before the Commission to ask questions regarding this application. Answering questions from Mr. Fauteux, Jeff explained that there will be catch basins in the street and they are 4’ below the outlet pipe. This will provide storage of road sand, which can be pumped out on an annual basis. Wetland plants will be used as a filtering agent. Any materials that does come down will be filtered through the plants prior to entering the natural water body. The slope will be flattened out for several hundred feet.
Mr. Kevin Lovett from Scantic Road came before the Commission. He asked how the flow of water at this site will be cleansed and also is concerned about wildlife.
Jeff explained that where the swale is being proposed there is a slope above that. Presently there is an invasive species there, which should be removed and replaced with habitat plants. This would improve wildlife habitat on site. After work is complete, the area should equalize back to present conditions.
Ms. Kathy Bilodeau of 343 Scantic Road came before the Commission to speak in favor of this application.
ITEM: Applications Received
Appl. #05-34P – Evergreen Run – 90 Buckland Road
Motion to: hold a public hearing on June 1, 2005 due to the potential for significant impact to wetlands or watercourses and public interest on appl. #05-34P – Evergreen Run – 90 Buckland Road – IWA/CC application for the construction of retail buildings, grading, utilities, and associated improvements on property located east of Buckland Road. Gateway Development (GD) zone.
ITEM: Adjournment
Motion to: adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
Was made by Commissioner Heffler
Seconded by Commissioner Phillips
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Respectfully submitted
_________________________________
Debbie Reid
Recording Secretary
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