Town of Willington, CT - PZC Meeting Minutes 09/01/2015

PZC Meeting Minutes 09/01/2015

Planning and Zoning Commission

40 Old Farms Road Willington, CT 06279

September 1, 2015 7:30 PM

Meeting Minutes

Roll Call

Members Present

Andrew Marco – Chairman

Doug Roberts – Vice-Chairman

John Sullivan – Secretary

E. Standish

W. Parsell

P. Nevers

Members Absent:

Ken Golden - excused

Nicole Martin - excused

Also Present:

Public Hearing

Chairman Marco called the Public Hearing to order at 7:37. All Commission members have listed to the tapes on any meeting they may have missed.

PZC2015-16 Request for a Modification to Preliminary Site Development and Land Use Concept Plan Adjustment at 350 Ruby Road and 328 Ruby Road Owners: FedEx Ground Package Systems, Inc. and Ruby Associates General Partnership (Received April 7, 2015 Public Hearing June 2, 2015 continued, decision within 65 days after close of P.H.)

PZC2015-17 Application for Modification to existing approved special permit and site plan at 350 Ruby Road and 328 Ruby Road Owners: FedEx Ground Package Systems, Inc and Ruby Associates General Partnership (Received April 7, 2015 Public Hearing June 2, 2015 continued, decision within 65 days after close of P.H.)

Dorian Famiglietti referred to the report from the commission’s engineer, Joseph Dillon of Jacobson & Associates, and said they would like to start with 2 items on the report; items J and K.

Paul Brand said IWWC reviewed the plan thoroughly, including the outlet structure. He said the engineer commented on outlet 1 and outlet 2 and was concerned about water coming around the corner as it follows the grade; he agreed it is tight. He said they took a look to see what could be done to prevent erosion. Mr. Brand said they could install and extend erosion control matting and would cover it with riprap. He added that they are changing the grade which will direct water down and taking the extra step of adding protection at the base.

Mr. Brand said they could extend the piping 50 to 60 feet and trench it through wetland B but would be required to go to IWWC regarding the additional disturbance. Further discussion was held on the applicant going before IWWC again.

Mr. Brand said outlet sections were provided in the latest plans and sent electronically. A discussion was held on the engineer’s original comment, item H, and the applicant said the comment has been addressed; this was noted on the document from the engineer dated August 31, 2015.

Chairman Marco referred to the engineers concerns on the steep slopes at the edge of Ruby Lake. Mr. Brand said the steep slopes are approximately 75 feet from the retaining wall and they are limited on what they can do because of the 75 foot non-encroachment. He said the wall is 100 feet from the closest point of the lake and added that if they do have to go to IWWC for approval, they could direct the flow to the more defined channel.

A discussion was held on tree removal and Mr. Brand showed the areas on the plans.

Atty. Famiglietti asked if they do investigate getting an IWWC permit, would that eliminate the rip rap swale in that area and Mr. Brand said they would probably leave it there. A. Marco asked if the applicant would explore both options as a condition of approval and asked if they would go on the recommendations of the IWWC for limited disturbance. Further discussion was held and Mr. Brand said they would also have to get an additional easement from the landowner.

Discussion was held on the erosion control and inspections. Mr. Brand said inspections would be twice a year and Fed Ex has a great track record on inspections. Ralph Tulis suggested inspection of the flow from the discharge area to where it enters the lake and Mr. Brand agreed.

Discussion was held on the bio-retention scour-hole. Mr. Brand said they proposed topping the rip rap with natural soil but the engineer was concerned that it would wash away; Mr. Brand said he disagrees. The engineer was also concerned about putting vegetation on top and Mr. Brand said he removed it from the plan. Mr. Brand said the plants won’t wash away if they have time to stabilize. He also added that there is not a requirement for bio-retention and they removed all bio-retention from the plans.

Discussion was held on the gravel road. Mr. Brand said the steepest portion is from the entry of the parking lot. He said they will put an underdrain at the center of the access road and he has talked to Fed Ex about doing a geo-web system at the entrance of the access road. This would create pockets to hold the gravel. Mr. Brand said the center drain would flow down the access road to a level spreader.

Discussion was held on geotechnical borings and Mr. Brand said they will do the borings once the application is approved; they did not want to clear the forest until after the approval was received. He added that they will also provide drawings of the retaining wall.

Discussion was held on retaining wall and the fence. Atty. Famiglietti said they could reduce the fence height to 4 feet where the retaining wall is 15 to 20 feet and this would allow them to install privacy slats. Mr. Brand said the 10 foot chain link fence would still be in some areas.

Atty. Famiglietti provided closing remarks and said she believes all outstanding issues have been addressed. She said they have provided a plan with minimum impact to the wetlands and Ruby Lake, provided dark sky lighting and a use that is in harmony with the designed commercial zone and consistent with the POCD.

E. Standish motioned to close the Public Hearing for PZC2015-16. W. Parsell seconded the motion. All in favor.

E. Standish motioned to close the Public Hearing for PZC2015-17. W. Parsell seconded the motion. All in favor.

PZC2015-25 Application for Modification to existing approved special permit and site plan at 350 Ruby Road (Map 42 Lo 48-01 Zone DI) to construct a 12x34 addition to line haul building and install a gate arm at gate house entrance. Owner/Applicant: FedEx Ground Package System, Inc (Received July 21, 2015 Public Hearing July 21, 2015 Decision within 65 days after close of P.H.)

Mr. Brand presented plans and said they are proposing an office addition and the installation of gate arms at the guard house. He said they have outgrown the current line haul office. The current building is where the truck drivers check in and also holds the manager’s office; currently some managers are sharing an office. Mr. Brand said no significant impervious areas will be reduced.

A discussion was held on emergency exits and Mr. Brand said they will remain in place; they are adding windows and one exit door. He said the addition will be 17 feet high and one floor.

Mr. Brand showed the gate arm on the plans and said the existing gate arm functions but is slow moving. He said Fed Ex is updating their system and proposing 2 new gate arms. He said they are also installing a steel railing across the crosswalk.

Mr. Brand said the dimensions of the exterior building will be 12 x 38 feet and inside it will be 380 square feet. He said the addition will go in an area that is currently mulched and is paved underneath.

E. Standish motioned to close the Public Hearing for PZC2015-25. W. Parsell seconded the motion. All in favor.

Regular Meeting

PZC2015-30 Application to install 2 signs on front elevation at 327 Ruby Road (Map 42 Lot 45 Zone DC) Owner: TA Properties Trust Applicant: CT Sign David Hemming (Received September 1, 2015 Public Hearing by October 29, 2015 Decision within 65 days after close of P.H.)

Application was received.

PZC2015-31 Pursuant to CGS 8-24 request for review and favorable consideration of parcel of land on Turnpike Road (Map 45 Lot 003-00) being offered to the Town by land owner. Applicant: Town of Williington

A brief discussion was held and the commission agreed to write a letter of recommendation in favor of PZC2015-31 pursuant to CGS 8-24.

Old Business:

PZC2015-15 Requesting determination of Boundary Line Adjustment (vs. Subdivision) at 350 Ruby Road and 328 Ruby Road Owners: FedEx Ground Package Systems, Inc. and Ruby Associates General Partnership

P. Nevers motioned to determine that the boundary change as shown on Plan entitled: “Lot Line Modification Survey” prepared by Michael Baker International, dated 3/31/2015, revised 5/1/2015, is a boundary line adjustment and not a Subdivision. E. Standish seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.

A. Marco motioned to approve PZC2015-16, the Request for a Modification to Preliminary Site Development and Land Use Concept Plan Adjustment at 350 Ruby Road and 328 Ruby Road as shown on Plan entitled: “ Modified Preliminary Site Development And Land Use Concept Plan” prepared by Michael Baker International, dated February 5, 2015 Owners: FedEx Ground Package Systems, Inc. and Ruby Associates General Partnership: The Commission finds that the application meets the General Standards and Requirements for All Designed Development Zones pursuant to Section 12.04. W. Parsell seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.

Motion to approve PZC2015-17 by E. Standish as submitted with additional conditions, the Application for a Modification to existing approved special permit and site plan as shown on Plan entitled: “ Site Improvement Plans for FedEx Ground Hartford Hub Parking Expansion” prepared by Michael Baker International, dated April 2, 2015, resubmitted May 6, 2015, resubmitted June 12 2015, consisting of 35 pages at 350 Ruby Road and 328 Ruby Road Owners: FedEx Ground Package Systems, Inc. and Ruby Associates General Partnership with the following conditions:

All Original Special Permit Conditions and subsequent conditions shall be incorporated into this Special Permit.
Any technical changes required by staff shall be incorporated into the plans.
Inland Wetland and Watercourses Conditions shall be incorporated this special permit: (Appendix A)
Sedimentation and erosion control bond to be submitted prior to construction (IWWC required bond for same may be incorporated).
Copy of all State approvals (including Stormwater, Construction Registration) shall be submitted prior to issuance of a zoning permit. Updated As - Built (including entire site) prepared by a CT licensed surveyor shall be submitted prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Use or Occupancy.
Landscaping plan is not approved at this time and shall be revised to include browse protection fencing to protect arborvitae until they are well established or to substitute evergreens and alternating shrubbery. Alternate plans shall be submitted to staff for approval.
Landscaping shall be maintained in a healthy condition and in areas meant for screening at the perimeters of the site shall perform that function.
Lighting plan shall be revised to eliminate light spill off the property, special care should be taken along the south and east extent of the proposed parking expansion area.
Should any blasting be required for any portion of the parking expansion; a qualified seismologist shall be on site to measure all blasting occurring, to insure compliance with the U.S. Bureau of Mines Regulations. Reports shall be provided to the Commission, confirming such compliance.
Stormwater Maintenance Plan shall be updated and a copy submitted to the commission for review and approval. Thereafter copies of maintenance logs shall be submitted to the Town annually.
Pursuant to the storm water maintenance plan, include annual erosion control inspection of the point of discharge from the site storm water management system through the path to Ruby Lake.
Geo-web or equivalent installed with intent to stabilize the entrance road and eliminate or reduce erosion.
Geo-boring results submitted to the town once conducted.
Final as built (prepared by a CT licensed surveyor) plans, of the entire site, shall be submitted to the town.
Reduce the fence height on the retaining wall from 10 feet to 4 feet and install privacy slats.

APPENDIX A

Three construction bonds shall be submitted to the Commission prior to the commencement of construction activity. The first such bond shall be for sedimentation and erosion control; the second for the construction of the access road to the fire suppression system; and the third for final stabilization of the site, including bio-retention plantings. Cost estimates shall be submitted by the applicant’s engineer for review and approval by the Commission or its staff. All bonds shall be by cash (must be used for erosion and sedimentation control), letter of credit, or passbook in the name of the Commission in a form satisfactory to the Commission’s attorney. Erosion controls be installed and inspected prior to activity, inspected daily by the site engineer with logs maintained daily (copies to be submitted electronically weekly to the Commission).
Detail (including plantings recommended by the Environmental Wetland /Soil Scientist) of the High and Flow Outlet bio-retention area proposed (as shown on page C-5) shall be provided. Environmental Wetland/Soil Scientist to be on site during the construction and planting of the area. A sweep of the 600 foot Vernal Pool upland viewing area shall be conducted by the Environmental Soil Scientist prior to construction to verify that no animals would be trapped.
Environmental Assessment of Upper Ruby Lake (vernal pool) and Ruby Lake along with Perennial Watercourse A, Wetland A and Wetland B as shown on “Wetlands Assessment Report, dated February 2015 prepared by Fuss & O’Neill, Section 6.3 Figure 2; shall be collected prior to construction by a qualified individual (to be approved by the applicant and the Commission) with additional sampling one, two, three and five years after construction is completed. Monitoring may be required to be extended if the results are not conclusive to determine whether or not significant changes to the ecological condition of the vernal pool have occurred. Annual report shall be submitted to the Commission. “Environmental assessment” includes the monitoring of plant life, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates and changes in the health and reproductively of the population. If monitoring indicates adverse impacts, the applicant shall, within such time period as the Commission may specify, submit a remediation plan for the Commission to review and approve in order to prevent or remediate harmful impacts to the sensitive areas.
Copies of the manufacturer specifications of the stormwater treatment chamber shall be submitted to the Commission.
Spill Prevention /Storm water maintenance plan shall be updated to include the changes (i.e. stormwater treatment chamber, bio-retention area etc.) , a copy to be submitted to the Commission prior to Certificate of Occupancy/Approval.
Detailed design calculations and final retaining wall plans shall be submitted by the Design Engineer, to be reviewed and approved by the Land Use Engineer. The Engineer shall be on-site to oversee the construction of the retaining wall, the compaction of soils, and the functional integrity of the adjacent E & S controls. A report indicating the Engineer's approval of such work shall be submitted to the Commission. During construction, submissions of daily inspection reports and photographs of the work shall be submitted digitally to the Commission weekly.
Copy of the snow removal contracts to be submitted to the Commission annually.
Any change in snow removal plan, including but not limited to the hauling of snow off site, shall require notification to the Land Use Office and approval of the disposal location by the Commission.
Prior to construction, proof of registration with the DEEP for a permit for Storm water and Dewatering Wastewaters from Construction Activities shall be submitted to the Commission.
A copy of all State and Federal Permits shall be submitted to the Commission.
Engineered site as-built plans shall be submitted to the Commission. These plans shall include surveyed invert and outlet elevations of all drainage structures.
Any change in the plan including but not limited to changes in the limit of disturbance encroaching closer to any regulated area shall require a modification of the permit or a new permit.
Whenever this motion refers to “the Commission,” the Commission shall have the option to delegate the required reviews and approvals to its staff, including, but not limited to, the Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer and the Commission’s consulting engineer.

P. Nevers seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.

E. Standish motioned to approve PZC2015-25. W. Parsell seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.

Minutes

E. Standish motioned to approve the minutes of June 16, 2015. W. Parsell seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.

Staff Report and Discussion

A. Marco said he is on the steering committee for the PoCD and a discussion was held. E. Standish suggested they define rural character.

Meeting adjourned at 9:40.

Respectfully Submitted,

Michele Manas

Recording Clerk