MINUTES OF THE BETHANY INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011 Page 1 of 6
The regular meeting of the Inland Wetlands Commission was called to order at 7:34 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall, 40 Peck Road, Bethany, Connecticut.
The following members of the Commission were present:
Alexandra Breslin, Vice-Chair, Acting as Chair
Kristine Sullivan, Member
Brian Smith, Member
Roger Hathaway, Member
Lisa Gaw, Member
Also present was:
Isabel Kearns, Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer
NEW BUSINESS
1. 108 Schaffer Road, Application #1171 submitted by Wyatt Crotta & Daughters LLC for a Site Plan to relocate house –
The Commission formally received the application. Present to speak on behalf of this application was Wyatt Crotta, applicant and owner of record.
Mr. Crotta submitted a report from Soils Consulting Service, dated September 26, 2011, Re: On-site soils investigation of Lot 3 for Wyatt J. Ctotta in Bethany, Connecticut.
Mr. Crotta reviewed the proposed project noting:
· That the septic system has been installed and approved by Quinnipiack Valley Health District.
· He has installed road drainage and will be running the drainage to the corner of the property and installing a catch basin as advised by the Public Works Director.
In discussion, Commission members noted:
· That a condition of the permit for the original subdivision was that Lot #3 require a wetlands permit.
· That the stone wall is still in place but not shown on the plan dated June 27, 2006, revised to April 17, 2007.
· Commission would like to conduct a site visit.
Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting on Monday, October 24, 2011. Tabled.
2. 108 Miller Road (Lot #1), Application #1172 submitted by Christopher Stoyer for a Residential Site Development –
The Commission formally received the application. Present to speak on behalf of this application was Attorney Michael Alexander, representing the applicant, Chris Stoyer, who was present.
Isabel Kearns, Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer, submitted a memo dated September 19, 2011, Re: Review of plans for 108 Miller Road.
Attorney Alexander submitted revised plans dated to August 1, 2011, showing the 150’ upland review area.
In discussion, Commission members noted:
· The footprint on the proposed house is larger than what was previously approved.
· The Commission would like to schedule a site visit.
· The Commission would like the corners of the house and the limit of clearing staked prior to the site visit.
Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting on Monday, October 24, 2011. Tabled.
3. 100 Miller Road (Lot #3), Application #1173 submitted by Christopher Stoyer for a Residential Site Development –
The applicant submitted a letter to withdraw the application, dated September 26, 2011.
OLD BUSINESS
1. 18 Munson Road, Application #1166 submitted by RDC Holding LLC for an Inland Wetlands Permit to construct a 7,200 square foot building addition, 95’ by 125’ parking and loading area -
Present to speak on behalf of this application was John Paul Garcia, P.E./L.S., representing the applicants and owners of record, Robert and Doreen Reed of RDC Holding LLC.
Mr. Garcia submitted a set of plans revised to September 20, 2011, and reviewed with the Commission.
The Commission received a letter from Diversified Technology Consultants, dated September 22, 2011, Re: Review comments on proposed project at 18 Munson Road.
Commission members reviewed and discussed and then proceeded to deliberate.
It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Smith to approve Application #1166 submitted by RDC Holding LLC for an Inland Wetlands Permit to construct a 7,200 square foot building addition and a 95 foot by 125 foot parking and loading area located at 18 Munson Road in accordance with the following submitted plans prepared by John Paul Garcia & Associates, Bethany, Connecticut:
“Proposed Site Plan”, dated June 1, 1011, revised to September 20, 2011, Drawing No. C-1.
“Typical Details”, dated June 1, 2011, revised to September 20, 2011, Drawing No. C-2.
“Typical Details”, dated August 16, 2011, with no revisions, Drawing No. C-3.
In addition, this permit is subject to the following conditions including the standard conditions found on the Land Records Volume 93, Page 802 and Page 803:
1) The applicant shall provide an estimate for erosion control measures and site work to be reviewed and approved by DTC, contracted engineer. Said bond shall be in a form acceptable to Town Counsel must be received prior to the commencement of any work.
2) The Stormwater Management Systems Installation and Maintenance Schedule shown on Drawing No. C-2 is to be added to Drawing No. C-1.
3) Note #8 of the Stormwater Management Systems Installation and Maintenance Schedule shall be changed to reflect that the grass on the perimeter of the detention basin shall be mowed twice during the growing season. Any shrubs and trees that grow on the bottom of the basin shall be removed annually.
4) Notes #2 and #5 from the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, dated July 21, 2011, shall be added to Sheet C-1. Note #2 reads, “Lawn care chemical usage is prohibited because the property is within a public water supply watershed.” Note #5 reads, “Equipment or vehicles stored outdoors should be in good working order. Routine inspection of the equipment and vehicles should be conducted on a monthly basis. Any spills or leaks should be immediately cleaned up. Outdoor storage of hazardous materials shall be prohibited.”
5) The applicant represented that preformed sheet metal and duct materials will be stored in the area designated for outside storage. Any change in the materials to be stored outside shall be presented to the Commission for its review and approval.
6) Sheet C-1, with the additional notes as stated above, shall be filed on the Land Records by the applicant prior to the commencement of any work. A copy of the filed map shall be presented to the Agency for the record.
The Commission’s decision was based on the fact that if all the conditions of the permit are adhered to there should be minimal disturbance to the onsite wetlands and waters of the public supply watershed to which those wetlands flow.
Voting were: Breslin, Sullivan, Smith, Gaw, Hathaway.
Vote 5 to 0.
Unanimous approval.
2. 265 Beacon Road, Application #1168 submitted by the Town of Bethany to locate a 10’ X 16’ Shed –
Present to speak on behalf of the Town of Bethany was Alan Green, Public Works Director.
Mr. Green reviewed the proposed project noting:
· That the project has been completed.
· That the old shed was removed and a new one installed.
Commission members discussed and proceeded to deliberate.
It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Smith to approve Application #1168 submitted by the Town of Bethany for an after-the-fact placement of a 10-foot by 16-foot shed for use by the Park and Recreation Department located at 265 Beacon Road, Veterans Memorial Park, as presented by the applicant and this approval is subject to the standard conditions found on the Land Records Volume 93, Page 802 and 803.
The Commission’s decision was based on the representation that adequate silt fence controls were in place at the time the work was conducted so there should have been no adverse impact to the Hockanum Lake
Voting were: Breslin, Sullivan, Smith, Gaw, Hathaway.
Vote 5 to 0.
Unanimous approval.
3. Francis Drive, Anella Drive, Clay Road, Application #1169 submitted by the Town of Bethany to improve drainage –
Present to speak on behalf of the Town of Bethany was Alan Green, Public Works Director.
Mr. Green reviewed the proposed project noting:
There are excessive water runoff problems in this area.
All the basins and piping in the subject area need to be updated and rebuilt.
In discussion, Commission members noted:
That engineering input is necessary to do this drainage work correctly.
Also present was Mr. Ed Kasinskas of 77 Francis Drive. Mr. Kasinskas stated when it rains his front yard is flooded and the water is coming up from the catch basin.
Acting Chair Breslin stated that in the best interest of the Town due to the lapsing of time, this application should be withdrawn so that the Commission can obtain more information from Nafis and Young Engineers to make a decision.
Mr. Green submitted a letter to withdraw the application.
4. 46 Mesa Drive, Application #1170 submitted by James Woodward for a five-lot subdivision – The Commission would like to visit the site. In regards to the letter from JMM Wetland Consulting Services to Nowakowski, O’Bymachow, Kane & Associates, dated September 15, 2011, Re: Wetland Description and Assessment for Proposed Subdivision Road Crossing, proposed Clifford Drive Estates, Bethany, 46 Mesa Drive, the Commission would like to choose a consultant of their choice to review this letter. Tabled.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND APPOINTMENT OF STAFF
1. It was moved by Hathaway and seconded by Gaw that the Inland Wetlands Commission appoints Alexandra Breslin as Commission Chair for the term of 2011 to June 2012. Unanimous approval.
2. It was moved by Hathaway and seconded by Gaw that the Inland Wetlands Commission appoints Kristine Sullivan as Commission Vice-Chair for the term of 2011 to June 2012.
Unanimous approval.
3. It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Hathaway that the Inland Wetlands Commission appoints Antonia Marek as Commission Clerk for the term of 2011 to June 2012.
Unanimous approval.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. It was moved by Smith and seconded by Gaw to approve the minutes of the August 22, 2011, Regular Meeting with the following amendment:
Page 4, Second Paragraph – Reads “The Commission’s decision was based as shown on the plan and with the distance to the wetlands which are down to the adjoining property and the stone wall that’s in between there should not be any adverse impact to the wetlands.” Change to “The Commission’s decision was based on the fact, that as shown on the plan and with the distance to the wetlands which are down slope on the adjoining property and with the existing stonewall, that there should not be any adverse impact to the wetlands.
Voting were: Breslin, Sullivan, Smith, Gaw, Hathaway.
Unanimous approval.
GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
1. Memo from Isabel Kearns, IWEO, dated September 19, 2011, Re: Review comments for 108 Miller Road.
2. Memo from Isabel Kearns, IWEO, dated September 19, 2011, Re: Review comments for 100 Miller Road – Lot 3.
3. Letter from Diversified Technology Consultants, dated September 22, 2011, Re: Review comments on revised plan dated September 20, 2011, 18 Munson Road.
4. Letter from JMM Wetland Consulting Services to Nowakowski, O’Bymachow, Kane & Associates, dated September 15, 2011, Re: Wetland Description and Assessment for Proposed Subdivision Road Crossing, proposed Clifford Drive Estates, Bethany, 46 Mesa Drive.
5. Letter from Isabel Kearns, IWEO, to Joseph Fedorchuck, Troop 931, dated September 23, 2011, Re: Eagle Scout Service Project Proposal – Rehabilitation of Brinton’s Grove.
6. Letter from Betsey Wingfield, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse, dated September 8, 2011, Re: 2011 Legislation and Regulations Advisory, amendment to two public acts. Acting-Chair Breslin asked the IWEO to review and asked the Clerk to add this item for discussion to the agenda for the next IWC regular meeting, October 24, 2011.
PUBLICATIONS AND WORKSHOPS
1. 2011 Municipal Inland Wetland Commissioners Training Program, Segment 3.
2. Brochure from conservation Commission of Beacon Falls, 2011.
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER’S REPORT
Isabel Kearns, Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer, reported on the following:
The First Selectman has appointed hearing officers for enforcement issues.
OTHER BUSINESS
It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Hathaway to forward a letter to all the appropriate Boards and Commissions that have anything to do with land use regarding the process for processing applications and that the Town is to lead by example not exemption. Also, mention that the timely receipt and submission of applications is anticipated and appreciated and will ensure timely approval in order for projects to go forward. This will provide an example to the citizens who also have to follow the regulations. The Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer will draft a letter for review by the Commission.
Unanimous approval.
The Commission scheduled a site visit for Saturday, October 22, 2011, at 8:00 a.m. Commission members will meet at the Bethany Town Hall parking lot. The following properties will be visited: 108 Schaffer Road, 108 Miller Road, and 46 Mesa Drive.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Smith to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:35 p.m. Unanimous approval.
Respectfully submitted,
Antonia R. Marek, Clerk
for the Inland Wetlands Commission
