Inland Wetland and Watercourse Commission
40 Old Farms Road, Willington, CT ~06279
December 29, 2011
Special Meeting Minutes
Members Present:
Dave Schreiber – Co-Chairman
Mark Drobney
Heather Dionne - alternate
Members Absent:
Tess Gutowski
Evan Brand
Greg Blessing – Alternate
Ken Metzler – Co-Chairman
Also Present:
Susan Yorgensen
D. Schreiber called the meeting to order at 6:05. Mark Drobney motioned to seat H. Dionne for K. Metzler. D. Schreiber seconded the motion. All in favor.
Old Business
W2011-52 Application for Timber Harvest at 150 Village Hill Rd (Lot 43 Lot 124-00 Zone R80) Owner: Ray Crossen Applicant: Forestland Management Alternatives (Received December 12, 2011 Decision or Public Hearing by February 13, 2012 Decision within 35 days after close of P.H.)
Eric Johnson was present for the applicant and presented this application at the previous meeting. The Commission conducted a site walk and did not see any issues.
M. Drobney motioned to approve the Timber Harvest at 150 Village Hill Rd. H. Dionne seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.
W2011-53 Application for Timber Harvest on the east side of Ruby Road & just north of Cosgrove Road – in the approximate vicinity of property between #116 and 190 Ruby Road (Map 33 Lots 19 & 17 Zone R80) Owner: Ruby Road Associates LLC Applicant: Hull Forest Products (Received December 12, 2011 Decision or Public Hearing by February 13, 2012 Decision within 35 days after close of P.H.)
Brennan Sheehan of Hull Forest Products was present. The Commission previously conducted a site walk and does not see any issues.
M. Drobney motioned to approve the Timber Harvest on the east side of Ruby Road & just north of Cosgrove Road – in the approximate vicinity of property between #116 and 190 Ruby Road. H. Dionne seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.
W2011-54 Application for agricultural exemption clearing of land for horses, farming and agricultural use at 23 Lindsey Lane (Map 18 Lot 68-09 Zone R80) Owner/Applicant Matt & Amy Michanczyk (Received January 9, 2012 Decision by February 13, 2012 Decision within 35 after close of P.H.)
Matt and Amy MIchanczyk were present. The Commission previously conducted a site walk. D. Schreiber said they couldn’t give the applicant an agricultural exemption because of the stumps at the bottom of the hill and various other reasons. M. Drobney said the applicant would have to do some work on the side hill so it will not wash away over the winter. M. Drobney said the stumps need to be removed from the wetlands.
A discussion was held on the wetlands and the locations of the wetlands. D. Schreiber said they would like the root balls pulled back. M. Drobney said he does not know if they can have stump piles that large and suggested the applicant take the stumps out of the wetlands and stabilize the area. A discussion was held regarding whether or not the stumps could stay or not. S. Yorgensen said DEP, under solid waste, has a prohibition of piling 10 cubic yards, which is a different issue from a wetland impact issue and not something the Commission had jurisdiction over except in relation to the filling of wetlands.
A discussion was held on clear cutting and stabilization.
D. Schreiber suggested they build a fence at the top of the slope to fence the horses in on the upper area for the winter.
S. Yorgensen asked if the agricultural exemption is for the fencing and horses only and the lower area will not be included in the agricultural exemption. The Commission said that was correct. D. Schreiber gave the characteristics of the lower area and the State Statutes they have to follow.
A discussion was held on the stumps and the stump removal. Mrs. Michanczyk asked if the stumps could go on the side as a barrier. The Commission suggested the applicant go back to DEP regarding the stumps.
M. Drobney said the applicant needs to stabilize the area especially beyond the second plateau where it slopes off pretty sharply into the wetland area. Mrs. Michanczyk asked if that also includes the last tree and the Commission said yes. A discussion was held on grinding the stumps. H. Dionne suggested using Erosion Control Mulch and a discussion was held. A discussion was held on applying the seed through the mulch.
Mrs. Michanczyk asked for clarification on what the Commission would like to see done; fencing put in at the last slope at the top and removal of the root balls. M. Drobney said they could use the second plateau as a pasture but not beyond there.
The applicant asked about the barn they applied for and S. Yorgensen explained to the Commission that she couldn’t sign off on the barn because the applicant is in violation. The Commission agreed that the barn was not near the area of concern and they do not have a problem with the zoning agent approving the barn.
Mrs. Michanczyk asked the Commission what they would suggest if they couldn’t get a hold of the Erosion Control Mulch. H. Dionne said she has spoken to contractors and it is available. S. Yorgensen said to contact her office if they have a problem obtaining it.
A discussion was held on the motion and the work that can be currently done. S. Yorgensen said a formal motion can be made at a future meeting and the applicant can continue with the cleaning and erosion control at this time.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele Manas
Recording Clerk
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