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Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Meeting
INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES AGENCY
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2006
A Regular Meeting of the Enfield Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency was held on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 in the Council Chambers, Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, Chairperson
Thomas Arnone
Richard Szewczak
Louis V. Tallarita
Robert LeMay
Frank Poirot
Robie Staples
MEMBERS ABSENT: David J. Wawer
Michael Mosschetti
ALSO PRESENT: Neil Angus, Wetlands Agent
Susan Berube, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall at 7:08 p.m.
2. Pledge Allegiance to the Flag:
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited.
3. Roll Call:
Present were: Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall and Agents Arnone, Poirot, Lemay, Staples, Szewczak, and Tallarita.
Agent LeMay was empowered as a full voting member for the public hearing portion of the meeting.
Also present were Neil Angus, Wetlands Agent and Susan Berube, Recording Secretary.
4. Hearings:
IW#460 - Stonegate Associates - Proposed 76-Unit Senior Residential Development involving excavation, filling re-grading and placement of structures in and within 100 feet of wetlands and watercourses. Property located off of Mayfield Drive, West View Drive, Pine Hill Road and West Shore Drive (Map 79 Lots 11, 12, 13 and Map 96 Lot 11) Zoned R-44 [Submitted March 29, 2006; Received April 4, 2006; PPE April 18, 2006; MPHCD May 23, 2006]:
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall reviewed the public hearing procedures for the benefit of those in the audience.
Agent Poirot stated that he wanted to inform all present that he is an employee of the parent company of CL&P which has an easement through the subject property. He added that he has no financial interest in the project or the outcome of this hearing.
Mr. Wes Wentworth, engineer and soil scientist, represented the applicant.
Mr. Wentworth presented certified mail receipts for notices to abutters and adjoining municipalities. He also submitted the geo-technical report dated 10/25/05.
In response to a question by Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall, Mr. Wentworth stated that a return receipt was provided for notification to the Connecticut Water Company.
Mr. Wentworth reviewed the site plan on a 100’ scale map. The Massachusetts line borders the property to the north, Shaker Lake is to the east. The site is 95+/- acres. The number of units has been reduced to 76. They will be individual condo units, serviced by private roads and public water and sewer.
Mr. Wentworth gave a brief history of the project. He stated that discussion with Staff began in the spring of 2004. An ERT was provided in October, 2004. The first formal plans were submitted to the IWWA in the fall of 2005.
The public hearing extensions ran out in December, 2005; the IWWA denied the application without prejudice in January, 2006. For the current application, the plans have been revised.
The number of units was reduced from 85 to 76; the road structure was re-arranged and pulled back from the wetlands and buffer areas. Stonegate Drive has been re-configured so that it is no longer a loop.
The land is currently wooded except for the area of the power line easement. There are large areas of wetlands on the site.
The 2004 D.E.P. Water Quality Storm Drainage Manual and Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines were used in this project.
There is a low point behind West View Drive which has no outlet except for very large storm events. A 36” pipe conveys much of the drainage under West Shore Drive to an 18” pipe. A wetland and watercourse drain the northern wetlands down to the lake.
Development on the site was designed to minimize impacts to wetland and watercourses. It is utilizing an already disturbed wetland area and the narrow parts were chosen for crossings.
The applicant will be requesting waivers from the Planning & Zoning Commission for road design requirements to reduce shoulder widths, eliminate sidewalks in some areas and utilize Cape Cod style curbs.
The 1st crossing, at Stonegate Drive, will have a bridge. A 15’ trench will be needed under the bridge for installation of underground utilities and sewer and water pipes. This will require temporary disturbance of the wetlands.
The 2nd crossing is proposed to be a 3’x8’ box culvert, sunk 1’ to the existing grade and will eventually re-form as a natural stream bed.
The third crossing will be at an existing fill area where the 36” pipe is buried. The existing pipe will be removed and a new 36” pipe installed. Other options were considered, however, the pipe currently holds back some water. Increasing pipe size would increase flows.
Also proposed is a concrete headwall on the north side, and 300’ of mitigated wetlands to compensate for the permanent loss of wetlands for the crossing.
Activity within the 100’ upland review area has been decreased. The units are now pulled back from the 100’ mark.
Except for 3 units, all limits of clearing for units are outside of the 100’ boundary.
The road construction and storm management system will also impact the upland review area. The basin located on the west side of the site will be within 15’ of the wetlands, because of grading and drainage. A vegetative swale will be created for water quality.
Detention Basins B1 & B2 drain to a low area; the outlet pipe will be located 40’ from the wetlands.
Basin C has one outlet 70 to 80’ from the wetlands.
In the eastern portion of the site, the soil becomes more pervious and allows for infiltration. The detention basin there can provide for a 25 year storm event. The pipe overflow will outlet 10 to 15’ from the wetlands.
Amy Lane has been removed from the plans.
Infiltration Basin F has a 50’ buffer to the wetlands with a rip rap overflow.
Through installation of the 3 detention basins in the center of the site, there will be no increase in peak flow for the entire site.
A minimum of 38 units will have rain gardens to provide for roof runoff.
Additional storm quality measures include sediment structures/oil hoods, vegetative swales and level spreaders.
Detention basins are designed to hold up to a 2 year storm event.
Construction will take place in 5 phases.
Silt fence, water diversion bars and temporary sediment basins will be used. Site specific narratives and the sequence of construction have been provided, as has a 20 scale map at each crossing.
Long term measures include a detailed storm water maintenance and management plan and road cleaning schedule. These are all part of the Condominium Documents which will be on file in the Town Clerk’s office.
Mr. Wentworth stated that the roads and lots will have one owner – the Condominium Association, as opposed to 50 or more single lot owners.
Mr. George Logan, soil scientist, provided a presentation outline.
He stated that the site has 17.6 acres of forested wetlands. There are 2 intermittent watercourse corridors and 2 New England Basin Marshes. There are also numerous interior paths used for ATV’s.
An inventory of the site has been conducted. The wetland function detail is found in the report submitted.
.11 acres of wetlands will be filled; .08 acre will be permanent. .03 acres will be restored.
In the past application, there were concerns over phosphorous loading. A report was submitted during the last application and Mr. Logan re-submitted it again at this time. He also re-submitted a letter from Dr. Davis regarding his response to that report.
Mr. Logan stated his belief that the conditions remain the same to date. If the report were repeated today, there would likely be a reduction on phosphorous due to the reduction in number of units proposed and the use of rain gardens.
Several units were removed to maintain connectivity for the New England Basin Marshes.
He added that the eastern section has conditions that will allow infiltration of the phosphorous.
The integrated pest management plan has been strengthened, as has the water quality monitoring program.
The previous application did not include any wetlands mitigation. Two types are now being proposed. One will be at the 36” pipe, as was explained by Mr. Wentworth. The second one will be in the upland area, 4,000 to 5,000 square feet in size, near the CL&P right of way. The wetland will be easy to create, easy to access, and is likely to have a high rate of success. It will be a marshy scrub fringe habitat.
Mr. Logan indicated that he is unsure if this would be acceptable to the IWWA. If so, he will provide details at the next meeting.
Mr. Logan continued, stating that he feels that the water quality issues at Shaker Lake have been addressed and quoted from his report that it is his opinion that there will be no adverse impacts to wetlands and watercourses.
Mr. Wentworth briefly reviewed his letter dated March 27, 2006 to Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall which outlined the changes from the original application.
These included the following:
• 10% reduction of number of units,
• larger wetlands buffer,
• realigned, shortened, or eliminated roadways to reduce impervious surface by 4,800 linear feet,
• 3 detention basins are now at least 50’ from the wetlands,
• sand berms provided for phosphorous protection,
• elimination of detention basin E,
• increase the Conservation Easement from 65 to 68 acres and
• reduce disturbance within the upland area from 150,000+/- to 95,900 square feet.
He added that he feels this is a good use of the site and that there will be no significant impact on wetlands or watercourses and that no other feasible and prudent alternatives exist.
In response to a question by Agent Szewczak, Mr. Logan showed on the 100 scale map where the proposed mitigation wetlands will be created.
Agent Arnone commented that this would be within the easement of CL&P.
Mr. Logan stated that the applicant would have to work with the Power Company.
Agent Poirot stated that a transitional habitat would likely be allowed.
Agent Poirot agreed that maintenance of the roads would likely be more consistent as a private road than if it were a public road but questioned how catch basins would be maintained and how can the IWWA be certain that the maintenance plan will be followed.
Mr. Wentworth explained that the mechanism to maintain the catch basins and roadways is within the Homeowner’s Association documents on file with the Town Clerk. It is up the Association to plan and carry out the documents. These documents will also be part of the conditions of approval with the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Agent Arnone expressed concern that the Association will be its’ own government. That doesn’t mean it will be better than town government and the maintenance contract will likely go to the lowest bidder.
Mr. Wentworth stated that Stonegate Associates has decades of experience in starting homeowners’ associations and documents and works with realistic numbers from the beginning.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall asked for a description of the wetlands to be created.
Mr. Logan responded that creativity will be needed in the creation. It needs to be unappealing for ATV recreation. Boulders may be needed to discourage entry to the area. It is also hoped that once the area is populated, the ATV use will be minimalized.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall asked for an overlay to show the difference between the original application and the current application.
Mr. Wentworth stated that he did not have one but brought a map of the original site plan.
Agent Arnone asked if there has been any discussion between the applicant and the Shaker Pines Lake Association.
Mr. Wentworth said that he had not been in contact with the Association members to date but would be open to discussion with them.
Agent Arnone expressed his desire to see discussion and the two entities work together.
Agent Staples suggested that a copy of Mr. Logan’s report be provided to the Lake Association.
Mr. Angus reviewed the list of exhibits as noted in his Agent’s Report and added that an additional 5 exhibits have been presented at this meeting, including Mr. Logan’s report, Mr. Davis’ letter, Staff Review comments to the most recent plans, and return receipts of notification to abutters.
Mr. Angus presented his written comments to the IWWA members and noted that they are mostly technical in nature.
No comments have been received to date from the Engineering Department.
At this time Mr. Wentworth requested that if the Agency is going to continue this hearing, that it not be discussed at the IWWA meeting of May 2, 2006, but instead be on the May 16, 2006 agenda in order to allow the applicant more time to address comments and concerns on the plans.
At this time Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall opened the hearing for public comment. No one spoke in favor of the application.
Ms. Lisa LaCombe of 143 Cottage Road spoke against the application. She stated that the Shaker Pines Lake Association recently had a diagnostic study done on the lake. It is 52 pages plus a 6 page letter from the chief scientist. She referred specifically to comments on page 28 which refers to the importance of the watershed. It noted that input in the lake is the result from nutrient budget, including storm water from the surrounding watershed.
She also read a letter from the D.E.P. which noted that a dwarf bulrush that likely grows on the shore of the lake is listed in the Natural Diversity Database.
She then read a letter from herself into the record which asked that the IWWA deny this application based on the size and its’ impact on the wetlands and lake.
Ms. Pat Holden of 67 West Shore Drive also spoke against the application after having mentioned that she did not receive a certified letter notifying her of this hearing, as is required. She stated that she has not heard a guarantee that the Homeowner’s Association will do the maintenance work that is required in the Association documents. She added that while some of the proposed houses were removed from the plans, she feels more of the site is wetlands than is shown. She invited members to come to the site to walk it and hear the tree peepers.
Mr. “Reg” Leonard of 42 Fairfield Road stated that he appreciated the IWWA denial of the first application and asked if the IWWA has the authority to grant variances and crossings.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall responded that the IWWA does not grant variances. Plans are submitted based on the assumption that the variance will be approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Mr. Angus also clarified that the proper term would be a waiver, which is different from a variance.
Mr. Leonard also noted that the CT State Statutes in Section 124, section 8 state that construction within 2000 feet of a lake must meet certain requirements and asked if this application meets those requirements.
Mr. Mike Niewola of 57 West Shore Drive also spoke against the application and stated that he would like to see other projects by this developer that are against a lake, in the middle of a watershed.
Ms. Maureen Butler of 69 West Shore Drive asked for assurance that 1 homeowners’ association would be better than individual owners. She stated that having a homeowner’s association is not necessarily helpful. As a member of a homeowner’s association at the lake, she is aware of the difficulties of gaining cooperation and of the dis-interest by members. She stated that she is not reassured that the maintenance will be easily done and asked who oversees the association and where would the Lake Association go if it were found that the condo association was not following its’ own rules?
Ms. Leslie Cunningham, vice president of the Lake Association also spoke against the application.
She referred to the recently completed diagnostic study and noted that even Dr. Davis was surprised that the phosphorous level had increased greatly since 1991. He has also stated that his letter to the IWWA in November, 2005 referred to information based on the 1991 study.
She also stated that she has received numerous complaints from owners surrounding the lake of the algae growing in the lake, especially during the month of August when water levels are lowest. She hopes to have more information for the IWWA at the next meeting, when Dr. Davis will be back from vacation.
Ms. Karen Camidge of 10 Grandview Drive asked if there would still be footing drains and sump pumps.
Due to the 3 wetlands crossings, 3 waivers requested from Planning & Zoning, multiple detention basins and other issues, she asked that the IWWA deny this application.
She added that the IWWA has denied other applications that had less impact to the wetlands.
Irene Percoski, Shaker Lake Association Tax Collector also spoke against the application. She noted that the existing sewer system already has problems; adding additional homes to the line will make the problems worse.
She feels also that the proposed cul de sac will affect drainage on West Shore Drive. She also read a letter from herself to the IWWA, asking that the application be denied. The letter noted the large mosquito population and the potential incapacity of the sewer system.
Ms Shirley Grol of 37 Cottage Road stated that her property is the lowest on the lake and the first one to be flooded. It is within the 100 year flood plain and has been flooded 3 times in the past 20 years. She feels that the basin created to handle a 25 year storm would not be large enough.
Mr. Bob Rossman of 14 Shaker Hill Road requested that the application be denied based on overwhelming public objection and feels that the applicant’s request that the next hearing take place in 30 days instead of 2 weeks is an attempt to veil public comment.
Ms. Amy Patterson, attorney for the Shaker Pines Homeowner’s Association stated that she will have a further presentation on behalf of the Association, at a future meeting. She asked for the procedures for a public hearing.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall stated that they would be the same as those used this evening.
Ms. Patterson stated that she would be representing the Association at the next meeting, whether it be in 14 or 30 days, and would bring an expert to speak.
She added that a petition for intervener status is anticipated and asked when the next packet would be mailed to IWWA members.
Mr. Angus stated that the request for intervener status must be received by the Agency but could be submitted at any time during the application process. The packets go out to members the Wednesday prior to the meeting day.
There were no other comments from the audience at this time.
Mr. Wentworth stated that he received Mr. Angus’ comments only today and there have been no comments from the engineering department as of yet.
In response to some of the audience comments, he stated that the sanitary sewer pumps are in need of repair and the developer will be required to improve the system. He added that he will review the requirements for development near a lake.
Agent Szewczak asked for a typical headwall detail.
Mr. Wentworth will provide a conceptual model at the next meeting.
Agent Szewczak also noted that the Clarence Welti Report recommends a sump pump if a footing drain is installed and asked Mr. Wentworth to review this. He also noted Mr. Welti’s concerns over de-watering and asked for more specifics of the excavation plans.
Mr. Wentworth stated that he plans to work during low flow periods.
Agent Szewczak pointed out that Mr. Welti’s report noted that the ground water level is stable so there is likely no real “dry” time.
Mr. Wentworth stated that he would call Mr. Welti and request his presence at the site if necessary.
Agent Szewczak also noted Ms. Grol’s concerns regarding flooding and asked what the actual increase in flow would be for something over a 25 year storm event, and if the basins have excess capacity.
Mr. Wentworth responded that the detention basins B1, B2, & C provide peak flow detention up to a 100 year storm. The infiltration basins at the eastern portion are in addition to the minimum requirements and are not part of the calculations.
Agent Szewczak asked Mr. Angus to ask the engineering department to confirm that the basins will hold a 100 year storm event.
A motion was made at 9:36 p.m. by Agent Staples and seconded by Agent Poirot to continue IW#460 to the meeting of May 16, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Agent Szewczak noted that an extension will be needed if the hearing is not closed at that meeting.
Mr. Wentworth stated that the applicant will request an extension at that meeting, if needed.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall noted that if an extension is not granted, the hearing would be closed and a decision would be made on information received up to that point. Vote was 7-0-0.
At this time, a brief recess was called by unanimous consent. Agent Staples left the meeting for the evening.
The meeting was reconvened at 9:48 p.m. and called to order by Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall.
Roll Call:
Present were: Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall and Agents Arnone, Poirot, Lemay, Szewczak, and Tallarita.
Agent LeMay was empowered as a full voting member for the remainder of the public hearing portion of the meeting.
Also present were Neil Angus, Wetlands Agent and Susan Berube, Recording Secretary.
IW#461 - Precision Camera - Proposed parking lot expansion involving excavation, filling re-grading within 100 feet of wetlands and watercourses. Property located at 4 Anngina Drive (Map 82 Lot 60) Zoned I-1 [Submitted March 29, 2006; Received April 4, 2006; PPE April 18, 2006; MPHCD May 23, 2006]
Mr. Mark Friend of Megson & Heagle and Mr. John Malinoski of Precision Camera represented the applicant.
Mr. Friend provided certified letter receipts of the notice to abutters.
Mr. Friend briefly reviewed the original plans. The site is in the I-1 zone and is approximately 80,900 square feet. The easterly boundary is a watercourse. The subdivision was approved in the mid-1980’s.
Precision Camera will be leasing the site. They have 350+/- employees, many of whom have to park on the street.
Part of the site has a flat, manicured lawn.
The rear of the lot has 14,000+/- square feet of wetlands, part of a larger system. It has an existing detention pond and a wooded buffer along the wetlands, ranging from 25 to 65’ wide. The basin has red maple saplings.
The original site plan showed additional development area as dash lines. An additional building is not being requested at this time, only a parking lot. The original detention basin was sized in anticipation of future expansion. No additional storage will be needed.
Since the meeting of April 4, 2006, the map has been updated to address comments made at the time.
The configuration of the parking lot has been changed to be further away from the wetlands.
The applicant will request a 5’ waiver from Planning & Zoning Commission at the edge of the lot.
The drainage configuration was changed and some curbing was eliminated to encourage sheet flow and infiltration prior to entry into the catch basin.
The plans now show a detailed maintenance plan.
An oil grit separator unit (storm sceptor) has been added and a sediment forebay prior to entry to the detention basin was created.
Snow stockpiles will drain to the swale and then to the catch basin before entering the detention basin.
There will be evergreen plantings on the easterly side of the wetlands which will prevent snow from being stockpiled there.
Lighting has been added to the plans, in the form of five 14’ poles with full cut offs.
Agent Arnone stated that he visited the site and agrees that additional parking is needed.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall asked if the strip between the parking areas are meant to act as a rain garden.
Mr. Friend stated that the grade will create some ponding and it is intended to drain to the north.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall also announced that the trees located within the detention basin have recently been cut down. The stumps were not disturbed.
She added that the proposed plant materials list includes Norway Maple, which is considered an invasive species and suggested that it be substituted with a native species. She noted that the pin oak species might be appropriate.
Mr. Friend stated that both would be changed. He added that he was not aware of the trees being cut but that they do not provide a benefit to the basin. No maintenance had been proposed. If the stumps remain, the trees may regenerate on their own.
Mr. Malinoski stated that the owner of the property may have cut the trees.
Mr. Angus noted the 11 exhibits listed in the Agent’s Report, plus the updated plans submitted this evening.
Mr. Angus also noted that the list of abutters provided by the applicant stated that the list was valid as of July, 2000.
Mr. Friend stated that it was only a typographical error. The list is valid as of 4/5/06.
Mr. Angus stated that both he and the Engineering Department need to review the revised plans.
Agent Szewczak asked what the impact would be in a 50 year storm event, because of the flat nature of the site.
Mr. Friend stated that flooding would be less than if there were curbing. He will provide more information at the Agency’s next meeting.
Mr. Angus noted that the drainage calculations provided in the application include a 50 and 100 year storm event calculation. He will provide copies to the members for the next meeting.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall asked if anything should be done in the detention basin.
Mr. Angus noted that it is up to the applicant to address the concerns of the Agency but that there appeared to be no soil disturbance in the basin, so it was less of a concern.
Mr. Friend stated that the basin wasn’t designed to be vegetated. He will ask an associate in his office to check to see exactly what was done and the likelihood that the trees will naturally regenerate.
There was no one in the audience to make public comment.
At 10:23 p.m., a motion was made by Agent Szewczak and seconded by Agent Poirot to continue IW#461 to the meeting of May 2, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the council chambers. Vote was 6-0-0.
5. Close public hearing portion of meeting:
A motion was made by Agent Poirot and seconded by Agent Tallarita to close the public hearing portion of the meeting at 10:24 p.m. Vote was 6-0-0.
REGULAR MEETING
1. Call to Order:
The Regular meeting was called to order at 10:24 p.m.
2. Roll Call:
Present were: Chairperson Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall and Agents Arnone, Poirot, Lemay, Szewczak, and Tallarita.
Agent LeMay was empowered as a full voting member for the regular meeting.
Also present were Neil Angus, Wetlands Agent and Susan Berube, Recording Secretary
3. Executive Session – Matters regarding specific employees, pending litigation, acquisition of real estate and / or matters exempt from disclosure requirements, as needed. The specific reason should be stated for each session.
There were no items for discussion in executive session.
4. Public Participation - Issues of concern not on the agenda:
There was no one in the audience to comment.
5. Correspondence:
The following items of correspondence were received:
• draft letter dated 4/6/06 from Mr. Angus to David Bearce regarding Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project – Freshwater Brook tree protection. It was the consensus of the members that the letter be approved as written;
• notice of tentative determination to Army Corps of Engineers for general permit;
• letter dated 4/4/06 from Lisa Lacombe, secretary of Shaker Pines Lake Association to Mr. Angus and the IWWA members in appreciation of sending the publication “Managing Lakes and Reservoirs” to the Association;
• Revised Cease and Desist Order dated 4/11/06 from Mr. Angus to David & Lori Longhi of 1427 Enfield Street;
• section of 2004 CT Storm water Quality Manual relating to roadway de-icing/salt storage, as requested by Agent Arnone at a previous meeting. Mr. Angus stated that he spoke with a member of the town’s Highway Department regarding the Agency’s concerns. The DPW is already looking into alternative products and treatments that would have less environmental impact. Mr. Angus will discuss this further with the Highway Department in the fall.
• March/April, 2006 issue of Connecticut Wildlife.
6. Commissioner’s Correspondence.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall noticed that the ventilation system at unit #2 Anngina Drive looked to have oil coming from the vent. Mr. Angus will look into the matter.
She also noted that, while visiting another property, she noticed that there seems to be some earthmoving activity close to Freshwater Brook, on Shaker Road.
Mr. Angus will look into the matter.
Lastly, Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall also noticed that some shrubs have been cut and dumped near wetlands at the rear of the driveway into Stella’s Plaza on Hazard Avenue. Mr. Angus will look into this also.
Agent Arnone noted that IWWA members do not have official identification to show when they are out looking at applicants’ properties.
Mr. Angus will look into the possibility of photo identification cards for IWWA members that wish to have one.
7. Approval of Minutes -- April 4, 2006 Meeting:
A motion was made by Agent Szewczak, seconded by Agent Arnone to approve the minutes of the meeting of April 4, 2006 with the following amendments: page 9, second paragraph, second line: correct “verses” to “versus”; page 1, 1st paragraph, last line, correct time to read “7:02 p.m.”. Vote was 5-0-1(Pfeifer-Hall).
8. Wetlands Agent Report – March 30, 2006 through April 12, 2006:
Mr. Angus briefly reviewed the Agent’s Report.
Agent Arnone noted that the use of alternative road de-icers would be helpful for private developments as well as town roads.
Mr. Angus explained a recent visit to the owners of 26 Gary Road and 46 Varno Lane. Yard refuse has been thrown along the edge of the brook on both sides. Mr. Angus is following up on the clean-up of the properties.
Mr. Angus is continuing to follow up on the plantings to be done at 22 Douglas Drive;
A DPN for 1429 Enfield Street is anticipated for the May 2, 2006 meeting.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall asked what will be done with the slope at 46 Varno Lane once the debris is removed.
Mr. Angus stated that the exposed areas need to be stabilized and the fence needs to be removed.
Chairperson Pfeifer-Hall asked if there are any regulations regarding fencing to keep animals out of a watercourse. She expressed concern both over the fouling of the water and potential erosion of the banks.
Mr. Angus stated that cattle grazing and water access are sensitive issues. Farmers are encouraged to use Best Management Practices. At this time there are no local regulations that he is aware of and offered to contact the NRCS regarding education and management options for farmers.
Mr. Angus reported that he visited the Springborn Dam today with members of the American Rivers Alliance, D.E.P., Conservation Commission and Scantic River Watershed regarding removal of the dam behind the STR building.
Many studies need to be done regarding the effects of the proposed removal. The D.E.P. is currently considering removing the crib from the dam, which would lower it by 6’. The project would need to go through the Federal and State governments as well as historical groups. The timeframe of action would be 3 to 5 years.
9. Old Business
IW#460 - Stonegate Associates - Proposed 76-Unit Senior Residential Development involving excavation, filling re-grading and placement of structures in and within 100 feet of wetlands and watercourses. Property located off of Mayfield Drive, West View Drive, Pine Hill Road and West Shore Drive (Map 79 Lots 11, 12, 13 and Map 96 Lot 11) Zoned R-44 [Submitted March 29, 2006; Received April 4, 2006; PPE April 18, 2006; MPHCD May 23, 2006]
A motion was made by Agent Szewczak and seconded by Agent Tallarita to table discussion on IW#460 to the meeting of 5/16/06 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Vote was 6-0-0.
IW#461 - Precision Camera - Proposed parking lot expansion involving excavation, filling re-grading within 100 feet of wetlands and watercourses. Property located at 4 Anngina Drive (Map 82 Lot 60) Zoned I-1 [Submitted March 29, 2006; Received April 4, 2006; PPE April 18, 2006; MPHCD May 23, 2006]:
A motion was made by Agent Arnone and seconded by Agent LeMay to table discussion on IW#461 to the meeting of May 2, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. Vote was 6-0-0.
10. New Business
None.
11. Other Business
None.
• Next regular meeting is Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers.
12. Adjourn:
A motion was made by Agent Arnone and seconded by Agent Tallarita to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 p.m. Vote was 6-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Frank Poirot, Secretary
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Last Modified: 5/3/2006 8:05:05 AM
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