Friday, August 8, 2014


MINUTES OF THE BETHANY INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF MONDAY, JULY 28,  2014                                                        Page 1 of 6


The regular meeting of the Inland Wetlands Commission was called to order at 7:42 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room in the Bethany Town Hall, 40 Peck Road, Bethany, Connecticut.

 

The following members of the Commission were present:

         Alexandra Breslin, Chair

         Kristine Sullivan, Vice-Chair

         Roger Hathaway, Member

 

The following members of the Commission were absent:

         Brian Smith, Member

         Lisa Gaw, Member

 

Also present were:

         Isabel Kearns, Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

1.  90 Pole Hill Road, Application #1224 submitted by Bethany Community Garden

     Committee for an Inland Wetlands Permit for a community garden using pond as a

     water source

 

The Commission formally received the application.  Present to speak on behalf of this application was MaryEllen Unger, Chairman of the Bethany Community Garden Committee.

 

Mrs. Unger noted the following:

  • Proposing to build a community garden at the Pole Hill Parking Lot.
  • Google map photo submitted in packet shows location of pump and pump house.
  • The pipe to the pond will be on top of the ground and goes to the pump house.  The pipe from the pump to the storage tank will be underground so that lawn can be cut (northwest corner of garden).
  • Made appointment with the caretaker of pump in Woodbridge to see how operates.
  • Will be locating garbage pails.
  • Once a week will fill up storage tank and have two spouts where people can get water.

 

In discussion, Commission members noted:

  • The Commission would like to learn more about the wetlands and what the impact of withdrawing this water from the pond for the proposed garden would be.
  • Concerned in drought conditions with the pond. 
  • Will send out to Diversified Technology Consultants for review.

 

Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting on Monday, August 25, 2014.  Tabled.

 

 

2.  Discussion with Eric DeCesare, Hilltop Road (drainage inquiry) -

 

Isabel Kearns, IWEO, stated she phoned Mr. DeCesare pertaining to the sedimentation running out onto Route 69. 

 

Present for this discussion was Eric DeCesare of 37 Hilltop Road.  Mr. DeCesare stated there are no catch basins on the road to catch the water runoff.  Mr. DeCesare submitted copies of photographs of Hilltop Road and reviewed with the Commission.

                                                   

Also present was Larry Shine of  46 Hilltop Road.  Mr. Shine stated that CL&P has cut all the brush out where the water dissipated and that the Highway Department has repaved the road and put in curbing.

 

The Commission would like to visit Hilltop Road to assess what the problem is. 

 

Mr. DeCesare denied the Commission from entering onto his property.

 

The Commission will visit Hilltop Road on their own.

Tabled.

 

 

3.  93 Peck Road, Application #1225 submitted by Peter Verab for an Inland Wetlands

     Permit to locate two mini cold frames -

    

The Commission formally received the application.  Present to speak on behalf of this application was Peter Verab, applicant and owner of record.

 

Mr. Verab noted the following:

  • Proposing to locate two mini greenhouses with no water and no heat.
  • Sink pipes in concrete at four corners.
  • Area is already clear.
  • Old permit expired for future proposed items.

 

In discussion, Commission members noted:

  • Mr. Verab needs to update his application to include future proposed items.

 

Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting on Monday, August 25, 2014.  Tabled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

1.      63 Sargent Drive, Application #1223 submitted by Bill and Wendy Grieger to transfer

     and modify IW Permit #1182 for a Site Plan for a storage building

 

Present to speak on behalf of this application was Bill and Wendy Grieger, applicants and owners of record.

 

Commission members discussed and proceeded to deliberate.

 

It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Hathaway to approve Application #1223 submitted by Bill and Wendy Grieger for an Inland Wetlands Permit for a Site Plan for a storage building located at 63 Sargent Drive in accordance with the following submitted plans prepared by John Paul Garcia & Associates, Bethany, Connecticut:

a.       “Proposed Site Plan”, dated February 12, 2012, revised to June 9, 2014, Drawing   No. C-1.

b.      “Proposed Septic Plan”, dated November 12, 2012, revised to June 9, 2014, Drawing No. C-2.

c.       “Erosion Control Plan”, dated November 12, 2012, revised to June 9, 2014, Drawing No. C-3.

d.      “Drainage Plan”, dated November 12, 2012, revised to June 9, 2014, Drawing        No. C-4.

e.       “Typical Details”, dated February 21, 2012, revised to June 9, 2014, Drawing        No. C-5.

 

Also, this approval is subject to the standard conditions found on the Land Records Volume 93, Page 802 and 803.

Based on the fact that the applicant is proposing a smaller building than what was originally approved for this site, there should be less of an impact on the onsite or adjoining wetlands.

Vote 3 to 0.

Voting were:  Breslin, Sullivan, Hathaway.

Unanimous approval.

 

2.  Discussion regarding Bethany West clearing.  (Letter from Roman Mrozinski of the

     Southwest Conservation District)Tabled.

 

3.      185 Beacon Road, Discussion with Daniel Cusano regarding non-permitted barn

Tabled.

 

 

 

 

 

4.      Continuation of Show Cause Hearing regarding Town of Bethany drainage repairs

conducted in a regulated area without an Inland Wetlands Permit

 

The Commission received a letter from Diversified Technology Consultants, dated      January 23, 2014, Re:  Review comments on Anthony Drive, Storm Drainage Outfall Review.  It was the consensus of the Commission to discuss this letter with the full Commission present.  Tabled.

 

5.      Discussion in regard to amendments to the Inland Wetlands Regulations per State

      of CT  Tabled.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

1.      It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Hathaway to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the June 23, 2014, Regular Meeting.

      Voting were:  Breslin, Sullivan, Hathaway.

      Unanimous approval.

 

At 8:34 p.m., it was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Hathaway for the Commission to enter into an executive session regarding the approval of the five-lot subdivision (Woodward Estates) of 46 Mesa Drive.

Unanimous approval.

 

At 8:40 p.m., it was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Hathaway for the Commission to exit out of executive session.

Unanimous approval.

 

For the record, no votes were taken in the course of the executive session.

 

2.      It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Hathaway to amend the minutes of the May 19, 2014, Special Meeting to include in the approval of the five-lot subdivision of 46 Mesa Drive submitted on behalf of Mr. James Woodward that this approval is subject to the “Standard Conditions for Wetland Permits” found on the Land Records Volume 93, Page 802 and Page 803.

Voting were:  Breslin, Sullivan, Hathaway.

Unanimous approval.

 

BILLS

 

1.  It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Hathaway to approve the payment of $1,500.00 to

     the Southwest Conservation District for Municipal Contribution – Support of natural resource

     conservation effort and providing information, education and technical assistance to

     municipal agents and private landowners of Bethany. Budget year 2014/15.

     Voting were:  Breslin, Sullivan, Hathaway.

     Unanimous approval.

 

GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE

 

1.      Letter from Quinnipiack Valley Health District, dated July 14, 2014, Re:  Comments on review of application for 90 Pole Hill Road, community garden with attached Fact Sheet on Growing & Eating Fruits & Vegetables Safely.

2.      Letter from Diversified Technology Consultants, dated January 23, 2014, Re:  Review comments on site visit to Anthony Court, Storm Drainage Outfall Review.

3.      Letter from Stephanie Ciarleglio, Woodbridge Town Clerk, dated July 24, 2014, Re:  West River Watershed Coalition, looking for endorsements from Towns to improve watershed.

Commission members reviewed and discussed.

Chair Breslin stated that for the record that she represents the Town of Bethany on the policy board for the SCC Regional Water Authority.

 

It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Hathaway that the Bethany Inland Wetlands Commission endorse the concept of the West River Watershed Coalition and forward a copy of that endorsement to the Board of Selectmen with the recommendation that the Town of Bethany join the coalition.  The Inland Wetlands Commission stated that the West River Watershed is an important natural resource in the Town of Bethany providing both public water supply watershed and ensuring the quality of our drinking water.  Also the West River Watershed provides open space for recreation, a wildlife habitat and rural character for the Town of Bethany.

Unanimous approval.

 

4.      Letter from Southwest Conservation District, dated July 1, 2014, Re:  Annual Contribution invoicing for Budget year 2014-2015 for $1500. 

 

 

PUBLICATIONS AND WORKSHOPS

 

1.      Connecticut Wildlife, May/June 2014.

2.      The Habitat, Summer 2014.

 

 

ENFORCEMENT OFFICER REPORTS

 

Isabel Kearns, IWEO, stated that on Mesa Drive the beavers are damming up the water body and the Department of Public Works goes in and releases the obstruction.  Ms. Kearns then stated she received a call from the Town of Beacon Falls that when undammed the water is overflowing downstream and causing problems.  She contacted the Humane Society of the U.S. for assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE SITE VISITS – None.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Sullivan

and seconded by Hathaway to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:49 p.m.

Unanimous approval.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Antonia R. Marek, Clerk

for the Inland Wetlands Commission