TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
INLAND WETLANDS/CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes - 1 - November 6, 2013
MEMBERS PRESENT: Elizabeth Warren, Barbara Kelly, John Phillips, John Blondin, Adam Reed, Richard Muller, Carol Heffler
ALTERNATES PRESENT: none
STAFF PRESENT: Jeff Folger, Sr. Environmental Officer
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:
Doug Nation presented a proposal for an aerial park on property located at L008 Governor’s Highway. Mr. Nation requested a ruling regarding whether the activities associated with this project would be classified as a non-regulated recreational use. Jeff Folger and several Commissioners had walked the site and observed that the path leading into the area is an old established logging trail. Mr. Folger stated that it seemed there would not be a disturbance of the wetlands from the project as proposed. Mr. Nation said that parking would be in an existing corn field. Mr. Nation stated that due to liability issues, the ropes and platforms would be dismantled if the aerial park is no longer used at some point in the future.
Commissioner Phillips read aloud section 4.2 of the regulations and stated that the proposed aerial park on Governor’s Highway meets the criteria of a non-regulated recreational activity under section 4.2.
Motion to: move a finding that the proposed aerial park on L008 Governor’s Highway shall be permitted as a non-regulated recreational activity under section 4.2 of the South Windsor Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations.
Was made by: Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by: Commissioner Blondin
The motion carried and the vote was unanimous. Commissioner Heffler abstained.
PERMIT EXTENSIONS: none
CORRESPONDENCE AND REPORTS: The Fall 2013 Habitat was distributed to the Commissioners.
BONDS: none
MINUTES: 10/16/2013, approved by consensus.
CONSERVATION COMMISSION: The Town is buying 499 King Street as open space with the intent to have it available for recreational purposes. The three acre pond is totally ground fed and chemical testing of water samples yielded very favorable results. Due to reports that there might be debris such as heavy equipment at the bottom of the pond, police department dive teams participated in training exercises to search and map the underwater layout.
WETLAND OFFICER’S REPORT: The water table is down, lower than normal for September.
PUBLIC HEARING: 7:15 pm
Secretary Heffler read into the record the legal notice as published in the Journal Inquirer.
Appl.# 13-44P – Evergreen Walk LLC – 151 Buckland Rd. – Inland Wetland/Conservation Commission application for the construction of an office building, parking areas, stormwater management, and associated improvements on property located northerly of Deming Street and westerly of Buckland Rd. Gateway Development (GD) Zone.
Chris Smith, land use attorney with Shipman & Goodwin, represented the applicant. The proposal is for a medical office building at Unit 14, 151 Buckland Road. Attorney Smith introduced Phil Forzley, professional engineer, and Josh Wilson, professional wetland/soil scientist, from Fuss & O’Neill. Attorney Smith distributed an additional packet of information to Commissioners that contained excerpts from the application and reduced copies of the boards to be used in the presentation.
Mr. Forzley stated that a pump station will serve the site and the connection is already there. The detention swale will remain. The basin was designed to take all discharge from both the current development and this additional proposed building. The new plan for parking is seven feet closer to wetlands due to requirements from fire chief and fire marshal to address the circulation of fire apparatus. These new plans were submitted at meeting. All stormwater will be collected on site and go into the existing detention basin. This will eliminate a four hundred foot swale that will no longer be needed and will be filled in. Mr. Forzley reviewed some alternative plans that were considered, but this plan was the most feasible when incorporating changes requested by the Town.
Mr. Wilson stated that the wetland boundary has not changed in ten years, since the ECHN plan was first submitted. The wetland is adjacent to Plum Gulley Brook and is relatively high functioning, providing wildlife habitat, storage for flood flows, nutrient cycling, sediment retention and aesthetic value. There will be no direct impact to these wetlands. The water quality swale and the detention basin would qualify technically as a watercourse. They were originally to be only temporary. The basin will remain as it still functions but the swale is to be filled in. The stormwater system will continue to function as it was originally designed.
Commissioner Kelly questioned whether there will be a replacement of the 400 feet of vegetative swale for water quality treatment. Mr. Forzley stated that the basin was originally designed to handle the entire site and will be able to accommodate the entire site without the swale. The treatment train includes deep catch basin sumps, rain garden and the water quality basin. Commissioner Kelly stated that part of the water quality function created by the swale, though not intentional at the time constructed will be removed and not replaced, regardless of the fact it was not intentional to begin with it has been functioning as such. Commissioner Philips stated that a revision should be made to Item K on the application to reflect the acreage to include the area of the stormwater swale. Attorney Smith stated that it
will be revised.
Mr. Folger explained that essentially the inlet to the detention basin is being moved from the southern corner to the northern corner. Mr. Folger made a recommendation to add a design so that as the water exits the new proposed outfall into the basin it be directed to the south and follow the original flow path of the basin. It will extend the residence time within the basin and extend the flow path through what is now a nicely established basin. It would enhance the water quality removal.
Motion to: close the public hearing for appl. #13-44P – Evergreen Walk LLC – 151 Buckland Rd. – Inland Wetland/Conservation Commission application for the construction of an office building, parking areas, stormwater management, and associated improvements on property located southerly of Deming Street and westerly of Buckland Rd. Gateway Development (GD) Zone.
Was made by: Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by: Commissioner Kelly
The motion carried and the vote was unanimous
Motion to: move a finding based upon the record as a whole that there is not a prudent and feasible alternative.
Was made by: Commissioner Phillips
Seconded by: Commissioner Blondin
The motion carried and the vote was unanimous
Motion to: - approve appl. #13-44P, with the following conditions:
- The final approved copy of the entire set of plans and this letter reproduced thereon must be submitted to the Planning Department. 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 November 6, 2018. 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.
- A bond shall be collected in the amount of $10,000 to ensure adequate erosion and sediment controls are constructed and maintained through the construction process.
- All approvals required must be obtained and submitted prior to any activity on the site.
- A contact person shall be identified on the plans.
- Revise item K on the submitted application form to reflect the acreage to include the area of the stormwater swale.
- Install a diversion structure that would direct stormwater flow to the south of the basin toward the existing sediment sump. The plan to be approved by the Town Engineer.
- Approval based on plans revised and received 11/6/2013.
Was made by: Commissioner Heffler
Seconded by Commissioner Phillips
The motion carried and the vote was unanimous
NEW BUSINESS:
Appl.# 13-40P – Caron – 570 Sullivan Ave. – Inland Wetland/Conservation Commission application for the construction of a building addition, additional parking areas, stormwater management, and associated improvements on property located northerly of Sullivan Ave. Industrial (I) Zone.
Russell Heintz, Tarbell & Heintz Civil Engineers, represented the applicant. Mr. Heintz explained that the proposal is to expand the parking lot to accommodate an increasing need for storage of tractor trailers and miscellaneous equipment from businesses that do not have room at their own facilities. The parking lot will consist of millings and pavement with additional drainage being added. A large Stormcepter is being proposed to treat the runoff and pollutants, as well as enlargement of the existing detention basin. Soil Scientist, John Ianni delineated the wetlands in 2007 and stated that they are basically the same at this time. A report from DEEP states that there could be endangered sedge and tiger beetles on the property. An assessment is being done by George Logan from Rema Ecological Services. Mr. Logan will provide a planting plan per Jeff Folger’s request. If Mr. Logan finds tiger beetles are in residence he will recommend suitable habitat for their relocation on
the property. Per Mr. Folger’s recommendation, the new detention basin will be built slightly lower than the existing basin to provide increased water quality treatment.
Motion to: approve appl. #13-40P, with the following conditions:
- The final approved copy of the entire set of plans and this letter reproduced thereon must be submitted to the Planning Department. 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 November 6, 2018. 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.
- A bond shall be collected in the amount of $5,000 to ensure adequate erosion and sediment controls are constructed and maintained through the construction process. A bond shall be collected in the amount of $10,000 for the establishment of stormwater structures. A bond shall be collected in the amount of $5,000 for habitat plantings.
- 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 planting plan to be submitted to the satisfaction of town staff.
Was made by: Commissioner Blondin
Seconded by: Commissioner Phillips
The motion carried and the vote was unanimous
OTHER BUSINESS: The 2014 Meetings Schedule was presented for review and was approved.
APPLICATIONS RECEIVED:
Appl.# 13-51P - Distinctive Gardens & Tree Care LLC – 48 Patria Road – Inland Wetland/Conservation Commission application for the restoration of impacted wetlands and the construction of a materials and equipment storage yard on property located northerly of Patria Road, Industrial (I) Zone.
Commissioners determined no public hearing was needed and the application will be heard at the November 20, 2013 meeting. Commissioners Heffler, Kelly, Muller, Reed, Blondin were in agreement that a public hearing was not needed. Commissioners Warren and Phillips were concerned about further disturbance of approximately ¼ acre of wetlands to accomplish the proposed restoration.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion to adjourn at 9:28 pm
Was made by: Commissioner Heffler
Seconded by: Commissioner Phillips
The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Thompson, Recording Secretary Approved: November 20, 2013
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