MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Elizabeth Warren, Timothy Appleton, Audrey Delnicki, Carol Heffler, Barbara Kelly, and John Phillips
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Roy Szoka
Mario Marrero
STAFF PRESENT: Jeffrey H. Folger, Environmental
Planner/Conservation Officer
Chairman Warren called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Public Participation
None.
Permit Extensions
1. Appl 02-05W, Town of South Windsor – Miller Road drainage project – 5 year extension
Kelly made a motion to approve the 5 year extension of Appl 02-05W. Appleton seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Correspondence and Reports
Folger distributed copies from the Extension System with emphasis on “Rain Gardens and Effectiveness in the wintertime”.
Bonds
None
Minutes: February 21, 2007
Minutes were accepted by consensus of the Commission.
Conservation Commission
Working days will be scheduled for the riparian area of the Podunk River and walking park. Two students from Manchester will be assisting on this project. Planting of witch hazel will take place on April 14th.
Wetland Officer’s Report
None
Other Business
1. Letter regarding pool and effect on a conservation easement at 660 Strong Road
The easement change has to be addressed. The letter requested that the Commission consider a modification to the easement referenced above. A copy of the Ordinance was distributed. It was pointed out to the Commission to review the section regarding amendments and/or modification to easements because a public hearing would be required. There are no forms so the letter could be considered as an application. There are highlighted plans available showing what the proposal would entail, a delineated wetland boundary, and the placement of the pool (in the upland review area).
Phillips made a motion to set a public hearing for April 4, 2007. Szoka seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Public Hearing
Phillips recused himself from application 06-60P and left the table.
1. Appl. #06-60P, Aldi Distribution Center – 295 Rye Street, IWA/CC application for the construction of a 500,000 sqft distribution facility, including parking lot, grading, road widening, stormwater management, utilities, and associated improvements for property located on the northerly side of Rye Street, northeasterly of Commerce Way, Industrial zone (I)
Galen Semprebon, Engineer, Design Professionals and representing the applicant had the following comments:
o Revisions have been done to the plans to address the additional detail on the main culvert crossing.
o The options are an open cut, or jacking the pipe under the road. The worse case scenario is shown for wetlands impact.
o All properties along Rye Street have been purchased or have permission from the land owners.
o Wetlands impact will amount to 4770 sf, 350 sf is on the site and the remainder if off the property (culvert crossing & upgrade of Rye Street).
o DEP comments, in their authorization, was any additional storm drainage would not impact the wetlands and suggested the need for benches (the need has not been determined at this time).
o Drainage has been designed to eliminate runoff flowing down the slopes (filling and stabilizing the slopes is part of the work with control over the fill that goes onto the slopes).
o Flood Management Certification is not required because there is no public funding.
o Water Diversion Permit is not required because it is not affecting a large enough drainage area.
o A Storm Water Industrial Discharge permit is required plus a construction permit.
Folger noted that the reports from the Town Engineer were available for the Commission – pertinent to wetlands considerations. It is recommended that benches are not to be utilized. 4’ sumps have been included in the plan. Mitigation as proposed on the plantings on the slopes should provide a reduction in the flow to Rye Street (several tiers of plantings) e.g. herbaceous wetland plantings along the lower portion of the slope followed by wetland shrubs; and deep rooted legumes in the upper portion of the slope. When it is done the area will be very dense. There is no topsoil on the site therefore any topsoil that is brought in has to be clean.
o Flow rate. The existing drainage situation will be mimicked as much as possible; the existing high point is up the road where the flow will work its way down to the culvert; Commerce Way drains down to the same culvert.
o Culvert under railroad. There is no culvert under the railroad – the above culvert drains beyond the railroad, works it’s way down from the other side of the road (extensive drainage area); presently drainage sheets off the road and flows into the wetland area – this has been eliminated because of erosion.
o Disposition of any large rocks. Jackhammers will be used to break up any large rock.
o Concern of failure of the jacking operation.
o If plan change then applicant would have to return to IWA/CC.
Folger noted that there is a change order system in place; change orders are reviewed by Staff. It Staff think it warrants concern of any Commission then the change order is brought before the Commission.
Heffler closed the public hearing Appl 06-60P, Aldi Distribution Center. Appleton seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Heffler made a motion to approve Appl 06-60P with the following conditions:
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.
The application shall indemnify and hold harmless the Town of South Windsor against any liability, which might result from the proposed operation or use.
The permit is valid for five years and shall expire on March 21, 2011. 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.
All approvals required must be obtained and submitted prior to any activity on the site.
A contact person shall be identified on the plans.
Construction fence and erosion controls must be erected along the limit of disturbance adjacent to the pocket wetland located on the Caron property
The Town engineers comments of March 20th and March 21st must be addressed to staff’s satisfaction.
Bonding in the amount of $100,000 for construction of stormwater controls including the detention basin, $40000 planting for wetland and mitigation plantings, and $60,000 for erosion and sedimentation control
Delnicki seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
2. Appl #07-09P, Kilkenny Heights Subdivision – 320 Abbe Road – IWA/CC application to construct a 14 lot residential subdivision, roads, stormwater structures and associated improvements on property located easterly of Abbe Road, and northerly of Maskel Road, A-20, A-30, RR Residential Zone
Warren recused herself from discussing or voting on application 07-09P because a family member is an abutter.
Kelly chaired the meeting.
Rob Mannarino, applicant, had the following comments:
§ Presented history of the site.
§ The project will be phased to coincide with the erosion plan.
§ 1st phase will establish the detention basin.
§ 2nd phase will include establishing storm drainage and cutting trees (no stumping at this time) on lots 15 and 16
§ 3rd phase will include cutting of the trees for the subdivision except for lots 11, 12, 13, 14, and 17, establishment of banks, stone checks, silt fence.
§ 4th phase will include the balance of the development included stumping of lots 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7; roads will be paved, basin will be established, banks to the east will be grassed.
§ Basin will act as a siltation basin in the beginning then as a retention basin with a drainage season underneath the basin.
George Logan, Soils Scientist and representing the applicant had the following comments:
§ Three wetland resource areas are located on the site.
§ #1, which is transitional and not functional, is by Abby Road; this is the only area where the driveway will be in proximity.
§ Site was delineated in the early winter.
§ #2, located in the northeastern portion of the site, is a functional wetland; nothing is proposed within its watershed; contains a gentle to moderate slope to the wetlands; appropriate E & S controls should be properly installed.
§ #3, located in the northwestern portion of the site, does pool at certain times of the times; water is not deep and dries up fast in the late spring; there is an old road there and this wetland has received disturbance in the past; not considered a vernal pool.
§ Lot 14 will contain a conservation easement which is within 35’ around wetland #3.
§ The E & S measures for this site have been designed appropriately.
§ Discharging directly to wetlands will not occur.
§ The design of the basin with underground discharge is a plus for the site and for the Podunk River in that siltation will have a time to settle out – storage is always an asset.
Folger had no comments. He noted that the Town Engineer is satisfied with the design as proposed.
No one from the public spoke in favor of or against this application.
Discussion ensued among the Commission members with the following comments and concerns: Replies will be in Italics.
· Clarification of lot 14. Lot 14 contains 3 acres and it is not known at this time what the owner plans.
· Flow of detention basin. Pipes in Maskel Road will be reserved for another development; storm drainage from this site has been designed for the proposed basin, then down to Abbe Road, and out.
· Clarification of open space. Whenever there is open space there has to be an appropriate access to it per PZC.
· It is desired to require approval from Folger before each phase is commenced.
Heffler made a motion to close the public hearing for 07-09P. Delnicki seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Heffler made a motion to approve 07-09P with the following conditions:
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.
The application shall indemnify and hold harmless the Town of South Windsor against any liability, which might result from the proposed operation or use.
The permit is valid for five years and shall expire on March 21, 2011. 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.
All approvals required must be obtained and submitted prior to any activity on the site.
A contact person shall be identified on the plans.
On Lot #14, a maximum of a 25 foot access way be delineated between the northwest corner of lot#13 and the conservation easement surrounding the pond. All other areas around the pond will have a 35 foot conservation easement, properly monumented.
The mitigation planting will be approved by Town Staff.
The applicant will submit a signoff sheet upon completion of each construction sequence for Town staff review and sign off prior of initiating the next sequence
The detention underdrain must be designed and constructed to the satisfaction of the Town Engineer.
Bonds recommended in the amount of $30,000 for construction of stormwater structures and $50,000 for erosion and sedimentation control.
Phillips seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Warren returned to chair the meeting and called for a break.
3. Appl 07-10P, Poulin Subdivision – 434 and 550 Strong Road – IWA/CC application to construct a 2 lot residential subdivision, driveway, stormwater structures and associated improvements on property located easterly of northerly of Strong Road and easterly of Tomel Road, RR zone
Heffler read the legal notice as it was published in the Journal Inquirer.
Attorney Mark Needleman, representing the applicants, had the following comments:
v Property is owned by the Busto family.
v Purpose is to create 2 residential lots – 1 lot in excess of 2 acres and the other in excess of 7 acres.
v Remaining 12 acres would be given to Conacci, who lives below the proposal – expand his lot.
v One gravel driveway, from Strong Road, will follow the boundaries and serve both lots – 1 house lot is located 80’ from the existing pond.
v Disturbance will entail the crossing of 2 culverts.
v Intent is to avoid infringement of the wetlands regulated area near the pond; this was accomplished by relocating the house out of the regulated area.
Dana Steele, Engineer, J. R. Russo & Associates, and representing the applicant, had the following comments:
v The site is mostly upland; area was farmed historically; wetlands associated with the site are man made drainage ditches.
v The ditch that runs from Strong Road to the corner of the subject property collects storm water from the Strong Road drainage system.
v The existing pond is a man made pond constructed for farming activities on the property.
v There is an existing house, shed, barn, and detached garage on the property.
v Crossing the 2 culvert will yield impacts.
v Mitigation will include wetland plantings along the road, wetland areas, and around the pond; replace a pipe (80’).
v Regulated activities include construction of the gravel way to access the barn.
v Shade trees will be planted around the pond to provide afternoon shade.
v Invasive species will be removed from the site before new plantings are set.
v Applicant is agreeable to working with Staff on the plantings issue.
Folger’s is seeking more wildlife value to the wetland plantings especially areas around the pond. Add mature trees with potential to provide shading. There is an area where the height will be upgraded on the southern portion of the property where there are phagmites that could also be controlled; preferred is replacement with cattails or a more native species than phagmites. This could be a mitigation effort. The primary functions of these wetlands are storm water conveyance, and there is wildlife habitat value within the area. The area adjacent to it (eastern side of the driveway area) is completely wooded. The westerly side contains an open field. 95% of the driveway will be located in the open field. This is a flat, sandy site, E & S controls are perimeter controls. The proposed
crossings to the watercourse can be done with minimal impact and does not hamper the functions of the watercourse as well. If the Commission prefers, Folger will work with the applicant to come up with a plan that would adequately protect the watercourses and wetlands on the site because a balance is being proposed. It’s appropriate to have the initial removal of the invasives to be proposed as a condition. But it is beyond expectations that long term maintenance could be enforced. It is an upland area, it will be outside the upland review area, short of a conservation easement with a long term maintenance that is bonded, and initial removal can be done and planted. However if the area is abandoned succession could return especially without mowing to keep down the weeds.
Discussion ensued among the Commission members with the following comments. Replies will be in Italics.
· Gravel drive is considered a pervious surface.
· Parking by the garage lot is large. Driveway is 40’ wide. Parking is large enough to provide area for a vehicle to turn around in.
· Storm water in that parking area. Additional plantings will be added to act as a filtering process.
· It is desired that the developer be sensitive to the water quality in that area.
· Trees being removed from the north side of pond. 2 options occur, e.g. to leave the trees as they are (north side) no advantage because no shading occurs; planting trees on the opposite side will shield and improve the quality of the water in the pond – trade off; plus in years to come the area will feature a better system ecologically etc.
· Concern of treatment of lawn with pesticides – adjacent to pond. That can be addressed by delineating an area where they would be no manicured lawn – leave to natural vegetation.
· Crossings. 1A is the 1st crossing with 1,151 sf; 1B is 2,832 sf; 1C has been eliminated; and total area of impact plus the 80 sf for the pipe is 4073 sf.
· Calculation for work within regulated area. Total is 1¾ acres out of 12+ acres, includes the gravel drive within the regulated area, tree and brush clearing, and septic system.
· Condition of pond. There are no fish in the pond because of the temperature – not being shaded; clean water though; pond is approximately 6’ deep; cleanest pond in the area.
· Replanting of trees. Too large and would not survive transplanting; removal of phagmites and planting of cattails will improve the area.
· Direction of drainage. Water comes in off Strong Road through the ditch, flows northwesterly (ditch on other side flows southwesterly) along the property line into the pond, out of the pond, and into the large sedimentation basin located on the Redwood Brick property; flows continue under the road to another pond; eventually find its way under John Fitch Boulevard; into the brook and watercourse that flows through the Charbonneau Industrial Park.
· Access from Tomel Road. It is a zoning issue (2 lots are only allowed on one private drive); this site is considered a rear lot; Tomel Road is a private drive.
Heffler made a motion to close the public haring for Appl 07-10P. Phillips seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Heffler made a motion to approve Appl 07-10P with the following conditions:
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.
The application shall indemnify and hold harmless the Town of South Windsor against any liability, which might result from the proposed operation or use.
The permit is valid for five years and shall expire on March 21, 2011. 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.
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 issues related to the removal of invasive plants and proper plantings for the application will be developed as a part of a comprehensive landscaping plan to be proposed by the applicant and approved to the satisfaction of Town Staff.
A minimum of a 15’ vegetated buffer must occur between all impervious surfaces and the existing pond.
A planted buffer of at least 20 feet in width must be developed adjacent to the pond. Planting to be approved by Town Staff.
A bond of $10,000 must be placed for proposed plantings.
Phillips seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Adjournment
Heffler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 p.m. Delnicki seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
_______________________ respectfully submitted,
Date Approved
Phyllis M. Mann
Recording Secretary
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