Inland Wetland and Watercourse Commission
40 Old Farms Road Willington, CT 06279
~December 10, 2007 - 7:30 ~~PM
~Meeting Minutes
Members Present:
Ken Metzler, Chairman
Dave Schreiber, Co-Chair
Greg Blessing
Roger Peloquin
Tess Gutowski
Members Absent:
Leon Kouyoumjian, exc.
Frank Dirrigl, exc.
Also present:
Eric Knapp- Willington Land Use Attorney
Gary Jones- Assistant Wetlands Agent
K. Metzler called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM
D. Schreiber made a motion to seat alternates T. Gutowski and R. Peloquin for F. Dirrigl and L. Kouyoumjian. G. Blessing seconded the motion. Unanimous.
Public Hearings:
W2007-36 Application for drainage improvements River Road and Baxter Road (Map 10 Lot 29 & 30 Zone R80) Owner/Applicant: Willington River Corp. (Received Oct 22, 2007 Public Hearing Dec 10, 2007 Decision within 35 days after close of P.H.) Site walk Nov 18, 2007 9:30 A.M.
Leonard Jacobs the applicant’s attorney was present to introduce the application to the commission. He introduced the members of the applicant’s team who would be presenting. He stated that John Ianinni would go over the wetland information, Rob Sonicson would discuss the environmental information, and Hank Torcellini would discuss the engineering and site plan. Mr. Jacobs also introduced Steve Amity the projects builder.
Mr. Jacobs explained that the application they are presenting to improve drainage on Mr. Ouellette’s property is from the original application that was denied. He stated that the commission noted in the denial that the poor drainage was not addressed in the original application so they are addressing it now.
John Ianniani explained to the commission members that there is an existing concrete structure on Mr. Ouellette’s property that takes water from Frank Motors property then, which flows along the tree line to Mr. Ouellette’s property. He stated that Mr. Ouellette has dug a large trench around the concrete structure to create a larger storage area for the water so it does not flow towards his home. He went on to explain that there is a pipe underground that goes from the concrete structure across Route 32 to Willington Pizza. He stated that the Ouellette property is open lawn and a mix of soils and glacial till.
D. Schreiber asked if Mr. Ianniani looked at the wetlands upstream from Mr. Ouellette’s property. Mr. Ianninani stated that it is a red maple forested wetland. There is a ditch dug in the woods to keep the water from flowing into the open field.
Hank Torcellini went over the existing pipe structure and how it will be replaced. Mr. Torcellini stated that currently only part of the pipe is exposed where it discharges across Route 32. He explained that it is an old metal pipe, which they plan to replace with a gasket pipe and a standard catch basin. The new pipe will follow the same line as the existing pipe but will have about 30 to 40% more capacity.
K. Metzler asked if the catch basin at the elbow would be replaced. Mr. Torcellini said it would. He asked where the water would go during times of high flow. Mr. Torcellini stated that the new pipe should improve the situation, as it will be able to take on more water. He explained that the existing pipe is partly clogged and is just old, which limits the amount of water that can, flow through it.
Mr. Torcellini went on to explain the updates they will make to the drainage system. He stated that they would put in two catch basins on either side of Baxter Road, as the current catch basins are at the high points of the road, which does not allow the water to flow into them.
K. Metzler asked what would be the increase of velocity of water coming out to Route 32. Mr. Torcellini stated that a hydrology study has not been done. He stated that they are just replacing pipe for pipe to update the system and to allow more water to run through.
D. Schreiber stated that the existing wetland is slowing down the water flow across Willington Pizza’s parking lot.
G. Blessing asked where the water in the pipe comes from if it is not from storm events. Mr. Torcellini said that he did not know.
The commission asked for page nine of the site map to be marked as exhibit one.
Mr. Jacobs handed a report to the commission to be added to the record and marked as exhibit two. The report was written by Rob Sonicson as a review of the original application, addressing all of the reasons for denial.
Mr. Sonicson explained to the commission that item three and three A of the denial discussed that water flow to the Ouellette property and the need for drainage improvements. Mr. Sonicson stated that the proposed improvements in the current application would address the drainage issues that Baxter Road currently has. He stated that they looked at other improvements that could be made such as increasing the size of the pipe that goes across Baxter Road, but felt that would increase the flow onto Mr. Oulette’s property so they decided it was best to leave the other pipes alone.
K. Metzler asked if they looked at the discharge points.
Mr. Iannini stated that the water goes through the Willington Pizza property and comes out at the wishing well which is man made. The water then flows through a culvert under the railroad tracks to the Willimantic River. He stated the slope to the river is approximately 35%.
D. Schreiber asked if it is a stable slope. Mr. Iannini said that it is.
T. Gutowski asked how the structure would be maintained. Mr. Torcellini stated that as it is on private property it becomes Mr. Ouellette’s responsibility to maintain the system. The state will take care of the end of the system on Route 32. T. Gutowski asked how long the pipes would last. Mr. Torcellini said approximately fifty years.
R. Peloquin asked if the application 2007-36 and 2007-37 would be done separately, if one application were denied would other still take place. Mr. Jacobs stated that if 2007-27 is denied then it would be up to Mr. Ouellette if he wants to make the improvements to the drainage on this property, if 2007-36 is denied but 37 approved they will still go ahead with the approved project.
Mr. Jacob added Mr. Sonicson’s resume to the record and was marked exhibit three.
T. Gutowski asked if the town engineer has reviewed this application. The commission said that he has. Attorney Knapp said that he had a report from the engineer dated December 2007 and entered it into the record as exhibit four.
G. Blessing asked what would happen to the water flow after Route 32. Mr. Sonicson discussed what he thought would happen to the water.
K. Metzler said that the existing pipe on Baxter Road is higher then the wetland basin and during ice events ice forms in the pipe which does not allow water to come out. He stated that he does think the new pipe will improve this but he stated there would still be ponding of water, which will flow down the hill into the field.
G. Blessing asked if the applicant is funding this project or if Mr. Ouellette is. Mr. Jacob stated that the applicant would be providing the funding. G. Blessing asked why they are not doing the project right if they are paying for it. He asked why they are not starting from the top of the hill and connecting into the town’s drainage system. Mr. Sonicson stated that they feel this is the proper way to deal with the drainage.
A memo from Pine Crest Environmental Services dated 12/7/07 was entered into the record as exhibit five.
T. Gutowski asked if the applicant has permission from Mr. Ouellette to complete the proposed work. Mr. Jacob said that they do. She asked if maintaining the system would be put on the deed to the property. Mr. Jacob stated that it could be if the commission makes it a condition.
The commission added resumes for members Metzler, Dirrigl, and Schreiber for the record and marked exhibit six.
K. Metzler opened the floor to the public for questions.
Mary Beth Wallet – 23 Birch Mountain Road- Asked if the improvements to the drainage system fail will Mr. Ouellette become responsible. Mr. Jacob said yes he would be. Ms. Wallet asked what if he is unable to do so. Attorney Knapp stated that the town could only make sure the system works the way it is supposed to. They cannot hold Mr. Ouellette accountable for the maintenance of the system.
G. Blessing asked if the town could put a bond on the property. Attorney Knapp said that they can, but it would still be up to Mr. Ouellette to allow the town on his property to conduct any maintenance. He stated that the commission would need to make access to the property a condition to approval.
K. Metzler suggested to the commission that they continue the public hearing to the next meeting as there are documents that were submitted today that they all need to review.
G. Blessing made a motion to continue the public hearing to 1/15/08. D. Schreiber seconded the motion. All members were in favor.
W2007- 37 Application for activity related to 60 single family condominium project Winterberry Hill at River Road and Baxter Road (Map 10 Lot 21-DA ~Zone R80) Owner/Applicant: Willington River Corp.(Received Oct 22, 2007 Public Hearing ~Dec 10, 2007 Decision within 35 days after close of P.H.) Site walk Nov 18, 2007 at 9:30 A.M.
Leonard Jacobs the applicant’s attorney was present to discuss the application he introduced the members of his team who would be presenting on behalf of the applicant.
Hank Torcellini the applicants engineer presented a site plan for Winterberry Hill a 55+ community. Site plan pages one to fourteen dated 10/17/07 were marked as exhibit one. Mr. Torcellini stated that the lot is sixty acres and it is located on River Road. He said there is no activity within the wetlands and very small amount of activity within the regulated area.
Mr. Jacobs discussed the reasons for denial from the original application. Mr. Jacobs stated that the applicant realized that there were some things missing from the applications and choose to change those items and come back with a revised application. He explained that the worked with Rob Sonicson to go over all five reasons for denial and he wrote a report regarding all of the problems and what he suggested fixing them.
John Iannini the soil scientist for the project stated that the wetlands were delineated in 2004 from a surveyor and this summer he went and delineated the upland areas as well. He stated that the area is mixed hardwood species, some soft wood and then a flat plateau at the top of the hill.
Mr. Ianninni explained that the upland areas have a large amount of seepage which leads to the watercourses. Mr. Ianninni further discussed the wetland areas.
Mr. Torcellini told the commission that the applicant is proposing to build sixty two bedroom unattached townhouses that will be age restricted. He explained that they needed a road to come from Route 32 and to maintain the 10% slope they need to put in additional cutbacks. Mr. Torcellini went over how the water flows to Route 32 and where they will be putting in additional pipes for water discharge. He explained that they are trying not to change the natural flow of the water. Mr. Torcellini stated that in building phase one of the project there would be no increase in flow. In phase two the drainage holding area will pick up solids and floatables. Then in phase three there will be a series of pipes that will store liquids then go to a level spreader. Mr. Torcellini stated that
Joe Polulick the town’s engineer stated in his memo that there will not be an increase in flow.
The large “pasted” map was marked as exhibit three.
K. Metzler asked how much water would discharge to the wetlands. Mr. Torcellini stated that the watershed would not change.
Mr. Torcellini stated that there would be roof leaders, which will infiltrate into the ground through personal infiltration systems or into the storm water system.
The hydraulic report was submitted and marked as exhibit four.
K. Metzler asked if test holes were dug where the level spreaders will be placed. Mr. Torcellini said that they were and they found a normal till mixture and never had water on top of bedrock.
G. Blessing asked about the phases of the project in relation to the storm water system being built.
Mr. Torcellini explained that during phase one the road would be built as well as the small circular area of homes. The septic system will also go in at this time. Phase two is the upper portion of homes as well as the storm water system. First, a temporary basin will be put in until the phase is complete and then the permanent pipes will be put in place.
R. Peloquin asked how long phase two would be temporary. Mr. Torcellini said about two to three months.
T. Gutowski asked how many people would be allowed to live in the homes. Mr. Torcellini said that they were designed for up to four people. T. Gutowski asked if there is enough water supply for all sixty condominiums. Mr. Torcellini said most likely.
The commission discussed how the complex would be managed once they are no longer owned by Mr. Amity.
The project review by Rob Sonicson was added to the record and marked as exhibit 5.
Mr. Sonicson’s resume was added to the record and marked as exhibit 6.
Mr. Sonicson discussed the storm water system to the commission members. He explained that they tried to recreate the existing hydrology of the area, and manage peak run off as well as volume. He stated that 80% of total suspended solids will be removed which meets the states goal for water quality.
Mr. Sonicson went over the five reason of denial for the original application and what they propose to do to correct the errors.
G. Blessing asked how they could have no increase in the volume of water. Mr. Sonicson said that on an annual basis there is 40 inches of water each year. They put that number into the calculation from the storm water manual to figure out how the storm water infiltration volume offsets infiltration from buildings etc.
T. Gutowski asked how the storm water separator works. Mr. Torcellini said that the water goes in, it becomes like a vertex, spinning the water, and the solids fall through the center.
K. Metzler asked how they explain that there will be no impact to the wetlands. Mr. Sonicson stated that the level spreaders have been made larger then the need to be.
K. Metzler stated that he still feels there are other alternatives to this project such as a single family home.
Barry Wallet- 23 Birch Meadow Lane- stated that he currently has poor water pressure at his home and is worried about additional homes needing wells so close by.
K. Metzler suggested keeping the public hearing open.
D. Schreiber made a motion to keep the public hearing open until 1/14/07. G. Blessing seconded the motion. All members voted in favor.
2007-39
Ed Pelletier was present to discuss the application. He stated that the parcel they are looking to divide was originally lot four of a sub-division. He stated that the owner would like to maintain a home on one lot and sell the other five lots. Lot one, two, and three and in what is now a cornfield and lots five and six are now in a wooded area.
K. Metzler asked what the wetlands in the wooded area are like. Mr. Pelletier said that it is undisturbed.
W2007-42 Application for ~lot split with activity in the upland review ~area at corner of Daleville School Road and Busse Road (Map 11 Lot 20 ~Zone R80) Owner/Applicant :S & P Ventures, LLC (Received Nov 26, 2007 ~Decision or Public Hearing by Jan 28, 2008.)
Mark Brown the engineer for the applicant was present. He stated that this application was for three lots and now they reduced it to two lots. He stated that he feels they moved most of the building out of the review area.
T. Gutowski said that she would like a chance to look at the site. Tabled to next meeting.
W2007-43 Application for land clearing for farm use (request for no jurisdiction ruling) at 211 Jared Sparks Road (Map 32 Lot 1) Owner/Applicant: Keith MacDonald (Received Nov 26, 2007 Decision by December 10, 2007)
Applicant requested a 65 day extension.
G. Blessing made a motion to approve a 65 day extension for W2007-43 Application for land clearing for farm use (request for no jurisdiction ruling) at 211 Jared Sparks Road. D. Schreiber seconded the motion. All members voted in favor.
W2007-44 Application for addition of accessory garage at 70 Polster Road
(Map 51 Lot 20 Zone R80) Owner: Bruce E Ceramicole Applicant: Stephen
C. Marshall (Received Nov 26, 2007 Decision or Public Hearing by Jan 28, 2008
G. Jones stated that he went out to the site and took pictures for the commission. He stated that he has concerns with cutting into the slope behind the shed to create a driveway. The applicant said that was fine, that he will revise the plans and come back to the next meeting.
Old Business
Review of Operation and Maintenance for Storm Water Systems at Town Library at 7 Ruby Road
There was a memo from the town engineer stating that he will send the as builts to the board and let them know what is missing, including the maintenance plan for the storm water system.
T. Gutowski suggested writing a letter to the board of selectmen requesting that they pay for the plan to be created. K. Metzler said that he would write the letter and email it to staff.
W2003-49 Notice of violation: Travel Centers of America (the Lessee) and George Giguere of Royce Properties (the Owner) of property located at 327 Ruby Road. Site walk Nov 18, 2007 at 11: 00 A.M.
G. Jones reported that work is still being done at the Travel Center.
Correspondence
1. Request for 65 day extension for W2007-43.
2. Memo from Karl Acimovic regarding Library
Approval of minutes
D. Schreiber made a motion to approve the minutes, R. Peloquin seconded the motion.
Adjournment
D. Schreiber made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:10 PM
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