TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
INLAND WETLANDS/CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes - 1 - June 19, 2013
MEMBERS PRESENT: Elizabeth Warren, John Blondin, Adam Reed, Carol Heffler, Audrey Delnicki, Hugh Brower, Richard Muller
ALTERNATES PRESENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jeff Folger, Sr. 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 7:00 pm
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: none
PERMIT EXTENSIONS: none
CORRESPONDENCE AND REPORTS: Folger reviewed a legal brief published in the Habitat about a case study regarding the location of a detention basin on a very steep slope. A wetlands commission denied the application due to the potential for the basin to fail, which could impact the wetlands. The Appellate Court overturned the commission’s decision because “potential” failure is not absolute – there was not hard evidence to support the opinion. A good case for making sure expert testimony is definitive, that specific questions are asked of and answered by the experts; not to accept generalities.
Folger referred to Substitute Senate Bill No. 814, Public Act No. 13-186 effective October 1, 2013 regarding interveners. The verified pleading must contain specific factual allegations of the nature of the alleged impairment or destruction.
Folger stated it is now in the state statutes that a wetlands commission can ask for a consulting permit fee upfront. If it is anticipated that the commission will have to hire consultants for a particular issue when reviewing an application, a fee can be collected from the applicant to be used for that purpose. At the end of the application any remaining balance would be returned to the applicant.
BONDS: none
MINUTES: 4/3/2013 minutes approved by consensus
CONSERVATION COMMISSION: Folger met with Congressman John Larson’s aide, along with George Caye (Walk & Wheelways Committee, OSTF) regarding the Congressman’s interest in designated blueways, greenways and hiking trails within the towns of his district, to see if there is any possibility of interconnection – there may be some federal money available. Folger and Caye promoted the value of the Scantic River with its multiple access points along the way.
There is a large piece of open space with level access to the Scantic River that South Windsor does not want due to maintenance issues, but has suggested to the owner’s attorney to contact DEEP to see if the State might have an interest. East Windsor is interested but there may be an issue of one town owning land within another town.
WETLAND OFFICER’S REPORT: Folger stated that due to the heavy rains and unavoidable excess water, the mosquito treatments that have been applied are not as effective as last year. Wet areas around Town-owned property are more prevalent this year, providing more breeding habitat for mosquitoes. There will be additional applications of the treatment.
The two substantial construction areas, Dzen Farms and the CREC School, did not have a problem with the heavy rains.
PUBLIC HEARING: none
NEW BUSINESS:
Appl.# 13-23W – Amoun Pita & Distribution – 361 Pleasant Valley Road – Determination of Public Hearing - Inland Wetland/Conservation Commission application for the construction of a entrance drive and storage yard for an existing industrial site and associated improvements on property located southerly of Pleasant Valley Rd and easterly of Jeffrey Drive, Industrial (I) Zone.
Motion to: Hold a public hearing on July 10, 2013 for Appl. #13-23W due to the potential of a significant impact associated with the activity being in close proximity to the Podunk River and the potential for public interest.
Was made by: Commissioner Heffler
Seconded by: Commissioner Blondin
The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion to: adjourn the meeting at 7:36 pm
Was made by: Commissioner Heffler
Seconded by: Commissioner Delnicki
The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Thompson
Recording Secretary
Approved: 7/10/2013
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