TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
INLAND WETLANDS/CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes - 1 - November 17, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: Elizabeth Warren, Barbara Kelly, John Blondin, Audrey Delnicki, Hugh Brower, John Phillips (arrived at 7:07 pm)
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Richard Muller
STAFF PRESENT: Jeff Folger, Environmental Planner
Donna Thompson, Recording Secretary
THE FOLLOWING ARE MOTIONS MADE DURING THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE INLAND WETLANDS AGENCY/ CONSERVATION COMMISSION – MADDEN ROOM
Chairperson Warren called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm
ITEM: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: no
ITEM: PERMIT EXTENSIONS: no
ITEM: CORRESPONDENCE AND REPORTS: no
ITEM: BONDS: no
ITEM: MINUTES: no
ITEM: CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Folger reported on scouting projects to rebuild bridge in Donnelly and to construct rail fence at and trail from the new parking lot on West Road.
Folger stated that Family Day at Wapping Park had over 70 people walking the trails – a very good response. Though signage was thought to be adequate, additional signs will be posted to alleviate any future confusion in navigating the trails.
ITEM: WETLAND OFFICER’S REPORT
The Charbonneau property at 500 Sullivan Avenue, proposed site for a Fed Ex distribution center, was discussed. Folger and some of the Commissioners will walk the property on November 22nd in preparation to receive the application in December. The approximately 300,000 sq ft building will be used for trailer off-loading and small van loading.
ITEM: PUBLIC HEARING: no
ITEM: NEW BUSINESS:
Appl. #10-51P, Land Resource Consultants Inc – 1559 Sullivan Ave. – Determination of Public Hearing, IWA/CC application for the construction of an office building grading, parking, stormwater utilities, and associated improvements on property located north of Ellington Road, and west of Sullivan Avenue. Restricted Commercial Zone (RC).
Proposing to pave over 21,000 sq ft – a very significant impact. 75% of wetlands are non-functioning due to previously disruption on site. To mitigate 44,000 sq ft of wetland, Folger suggested applicant might consider restoration of the degraded areas. Applicant may propose 2/1 mitigation to eliminate invasive plants.
Commission Phillips: Based on the potential for impact of both the wetland on-site and off-site where reclamation is going to occur, and since at the moment we do not know the location of the wetland, and it may be on park land, there is the potential for public interest, also.
Motion to: Hold a public hearing on December 15, 2010 on Appl. #10-51P, Land Resource Consultants Inc – 1559 Sullivan Ave. – Determination of Public Hearing, IWA/CC application for the construction of an office building grading, parking, stormwater utilities, and associated improvements on property located north of Ellington Road, and west of Sullivan Avenue. Restricted Commercial Zone (RC)
Was made by: Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by: Commissioner Kelly
The motion carried and the vote was unanimous
ITEM: OLD BUSINESS: 765 Sullivan Avenue discussion. The Town Manager is proposing to sell the remaining part of the property (after the construction of the new Firehouse Headquarters/Ambulance Facility) as one parcel instead of reserving one section as open space (to be added to Donnelly) and market the rest for commercial development, with the understanding that the purchaser will “give back” the portion for open space. It was previously understood that the wetlands portion would not be sold, but retained as open space due to not being developable and only the non-wetlands portion sold for commercial development,.
Blondin: Will the newly created parking lot on West Road (for access to Donnelly) be lost? Yes
Warren: There is no guarantee the purchaser will give back the wetlands parcel.
Brower: A stipulation should be made that it remains open space.
Folger: The Town can require this.
Phillips: Was this part of the permitting for the firehouse? Yes
Kelly: We trusted them, but did not make it a requirement.
Phillips: The Town should not go back on its word if it wants to be trusted in the future.
Brower: Can’t stop the Town from selling the property – better to go for an easement.
Folger: A new wetlands application would have to address the wetlands issue at that time.
Folger: Conservation easement would make sure it is never disturbed.
Warren: Discuss with Town Manager – consider conservation easement? Invite Town Manager to December IWA/CC meeting? Folger to meet with Town Manager to discuss?
Folger: Willing to meet with Town Manager/invite to December meeting.
Muller: Understands that this part would become part of Donnelly – in lieu of mitigation on encroachment of 80 ft upland review area.
Warren: Folger will talk to Town Manager – conservation easement suggestion /invite to December meeting.
Folger: Other option is to attend next Town Council meeting
Commissioners unanimously decided that Folger would discuss their concerns with Town Manager, suggest the conservation easement, inviteTown Manager to meeting.
ITEM: OTHER BUSINESS: Holiday Party will be held on January 12, 2011. Location to be determined.
ITEM: ADJOURNMENT
Motion to: adjourn the meeting at 7:53 pm
Was made by: Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by: Commissioner Blondin
The motion carried and the vote was unanimous
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Thompson
Recording Secretary
Approved: December 15, 2010
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