MINUTES OF THE BETHANY INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2019                                              Page 1 of 5

The regular meeting of the Inland Wetland Commission was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall, 40 Peck Road, Bethany, Connecticut. 

 

The following members of the Inland Wetlands Commission were present:

         Kristine Sullivan, Chairman

         Nancy Scanlon, Member

         James Nickle, Member

         Anjuli Cokic, Member

 

The following member of the Inland Wetlands Commission was excused:

         Charles Clark, Member

 

Also present was Isabel Kearns, Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer

 

 

NEW BUSINESS 

 

1.      49 Round Hill Road, Robert McSherry, Application #1327 for an IW Permit for driveway for residence –

 

The Commission formally received the application.  Present to speak on behalf of this application was Bob McSherry, applicant.

 

Some items noted by the Commission were:

·         House construction will be in Woodbridge.

·         Driveway involves a wetlands crossing.

·         Commission would like to field check.

·         Asked applicant to stack driveway center line.

·         Commission received a letter from Kiyan Bakhtiari of 47 Round Hill Road, dated November 18, 2019.

·         Need drainage calculations.

·         Will forward application materials to Commission’s Consulting Engineer.

 

Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting adjourned to Monday, December 16, 2019.  Tabled.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

1)      39 Round Hill Road, Application #1323 submitted by Kathleen LaTronica for an IW Permit for a new drainage pattern –

 

Present to speak on behalf of this application was Theron Simons, agent for the Latronica’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some items noted by the Commission were:

·         Received Soil Report from David H. Lord, Certified Soil Scientist & Environmental Consultant of Soil Resource Consultants, Meriden, Connecticut, dated November 4, 2019.

·         From the Soil Report it states that there was no wetland soil areas observed.

·         Received a memo from James Pretti, P.E., of Criscuolo Engineering, LLC dated November 15, 2019, Re:  Review comments on materials for 35, 39, and 45 Round Hill Road.

·         Received a letter from Kiyan Bakhtiari of 47 Round Hill Road, dated November 18, 2019.

·         Theron Simons submitted a letter from Brian Baker, P.E. of Civil 1 Engineers, dated November 18, 2019, Re:  Comments on review of James Pretti, P.E., memo dated November 15, 2019.

 

Also present were Kiyan and Adam Bakhtiari of 47 Round Hill Road.  The Bakhtiari’s addressed their concerns about the effect this activity is having on their property.

 

The Commission would like the Consulting Engineer to review the Civil 1 letter received dated November 18, 2019.  The clerk will forward to James Pretti, P.E. for review.

 

Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting adjourned to Monday, December 16, 2019.  Tabled.

 

 

2)      184 Miller Road, Application #1325 for an After-the-Fact IW Permit to construct a 24-foot by 24-foot barn –

 

No one was present to speak on behalf of this for this application.

 

Some items noted by the Commission were:

·         The Commission did go out and field check the property.

·         A footing was put in prior to permit granted.

·         Some trees removed (not stumped) because of tornado damage.

·         Does the barn that was erected have any footing drains or roof leaders?  Isabel Kearns, IWEO, will contact the Building Official.

 

Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting adjourned to Monday, December 16, 2019.  Tabled.

 

 

3)      176/165 Fairwood Road, Application #1326 for an IW Permit to replace existing substandard pipe, new catch basin and pipe –

 

No one was present to speak on behalf of the application.

 

 

 

 

 

Commission members discussed the improvements to the water quality and wetlands in that area and proceeded to deliberate.  It was moved by Cokic and seconded by Nickle to approve Application #1326 submitted by the Town of Bethany for an Inland Wetlands Permit to replace existing substandard pipe, new catch basin and pipe located at 176/165 Fairwood Road as presented in the application, testimony and in accordance with the submitted plan entitled, “Site Plan, Drainage Improvements, 185 Fairwood Road, Bethany, CT”, dated October 15, 2019, with no revisions, prepared by John Paul Garcia & Associates, Bethany, Connecticut.  Also, this approval is subject to the standard conditions found on the Land Records Volume 93, Page 802 and Page 803.

 

This approval is based on the fact that if the site plan is followed as shown, there should be minimal or no adverse impact to the wetlands.

Vote 4 to 0.

Voting for:  Sullivan, Scanlon, Nickle, Cokic.

Unanimous approval

 

4)      256 Amity Road, Thomas Capasso, Continuation of show cause hearing and appropriate action regarding the issuance of a Cease and Desist Order, for work without a permit in the Regulated Upland Review Area, dated October 28, 2019. –

 

Present to speak on behalf of this property was Thomas Capasso, owner of record. 

 

Some items noted by the Commission were:

·         Commission members visited the site.

·         Mr. Capasso has installed a row of haybales and pulled wood operation back from wetlands.

·         Will plant trees for buffer.

·         Commission determined that the activity being conducted is a non-regulated activity.

·         If owner wants to do any specific site work (digging, stumping), notify the Commission first.

 

It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Scanlon to lift the Cease and Desist Order, dated October 28, 2019, issued to TOC LLC c/o Capasso Landscaping LLC, located at 256 Amity Road for work without a permit in the Regulated Upland Review Area.  It was determined by the Inland Wetlands Commission that having reviewed the work being completed, this work is a nonregulated activity.

Vote 4 to 0.

Voting for:  Sullivan, Scanlon, Nickle, Cokic.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

1)      It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Scanlon to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the October 21, 2019, Regular Meeting.

Voting for:  Sullivan, Scanlon, Nickle, Cokic.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

 

 

2)      It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Scanlon to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the November 2, 2019, Special Meeting/Site Visit.

Voting for:  Sullivan, Scanlon, Nickle, Cokic.

Unanimous approval.

 

3)      It was moved by Nickle and seconded by Scanlon to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the November 7, 2019, Special Meeting.

Voting for:  Sullivan, Scanlon, Nickle, Cokic.

Unanimous approval.

 

4)      It was moved by Nickle and seconded by Scanlon to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the November 9, 2019, Special Meeting/Site Visit.

Voting for:  Sullivan, Scanlon, Nickle, Cokic.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

1)      Letter from David H. Lord, Certified Soil Scientist & Environmental Consultant at Soil Resource Consultants, Meriden, Connecticut, dated November 4, 2019, Re:  Site Investigation for Wetland Determination – Drainage Project off Round Hill Road, Woodbridge, CT.

2)      Letter from Jim Pretti, P.E., L.S. from Criscuolo Engineering, dated November 15, 2019, Re:  Review of plans and drainage report for 45, 39 and 35 Round Hill Road.

3)      Letter from Kiyan Bakhtiari, dated November 18, 2019, Re:  45 Round Hill Road, proposed drainage plan.

4)      Letter from Kiyan Bakhtiari, dated November 18, 2019, Re:  Proposed development of   49 Round Hill Road and all associated lots.

5)      Letter from Bethany Town Clerk Nancy McCarthy, dated November 12, 2019, Re:  Requesting schedule of regular meetings for 13-month period beginning January, 2020 through January, 2021, with attached draft meeting schedule prepared by the IW Clerk.

 

 

PUBLICATIONS AND WORKSHOPS

1.      Connecticut Wildlife, September/October 2019.

 

SCHEDULE SITE VISIT

The Commission scheduled a site visit for Saturday, December 7, 2019.  Members to meet at 49 Round Hill Road for 8:30 a.m. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Scanlon and seconded by Cokic to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:35 p.m.

Voting for:  Sullivan, Scanlon, Huxley, Nickle.

Unanimous approval.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Antonia R. Marek, Clerk

For Inland Wetlands Commission

 

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

NOVEMBER 12, 2019

Page 1 of 2

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE BETHANY CONSERVATION COMMISSION

October 10, 2019

 

 

Present were Bruce Loomis, Chair, Brian Eitzer and Patsy Winer. Absent was Matt Popp.

 

Bruce called the meeting to order at 8:08. Patsy moved to accept the minutes of September 12 as written. Bruce seconded. All were in favor.

 

There were no bills. The only item of correspondence was a copy of “Connecticut Wildlife.”

 

Bruce reiterated the need for new members.

 

The balance of the meeting was spent working on the revision of the Open Space Plan, with particular focus on the need for new maps that will show different land uses and proposed open space, as well as already protected open space.

 

Brian moved to adjourn at 9:12. Patsy seconded, and all were in favor.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Winer, Secretary Pro Tem

Bethany Conservation Commission April 11^th 2019

Meeting Minutes Approved

 

Bruce Loomis called the meeting to order at 8:13pm. Also in attendance were Brian Eitzer, Patsy Winer, and Matthew Popp.

 

Bruce added the issue of tree management to the meeting agenda.

 

The minutes from March 14^th were reviewed. Bruce moved to accept them and Brian seconded. The minutes were approved as accepted. There were no corrections.

 

The minutes from November 8^th 2018 were reviewed. Patsy moved to accept them and Bruce seconded. The minutes were approved as accepted.

 

There were no bills. The commission received a letter from BCS asking us to sponsor their annual conservation award as we have done in the past. The commission discussed the matter. Patsy moved that the commission sponsor the BCS conservation award again this year for $60.00, Matt seconded. The motion passed.

 

The commission discussed the issue of tree management brought to our attention by the Garden Club of New Haven. The commission discussed Bethany’s scenic roads ordinance and how aggressive tree cutting by utility companies would affect the town’s rural character. The Garden Club asked that the commission vote in favor of HB 5312. The commission discussed contacting Fran Doba to use her mailing list to alert residents of the issue. Patsy volunteered to contact Fran. During discussion, the commission found that the relevant state legislative committee had already reported HB 5312 favorably, and that it was no longer open for testimony.

 

The commission discussed the upcoming town budget meeting and annual town meeting, the issue of the commission’s budget, and the land acquisition fund budget.

 

The commission went into executive session at 8:50pm to discuss Bethany’s Conservationist of the Year. The executive session was ended at 9:02pm.

 

Brian moved to adjourn the meeting, Patsy seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05pm.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Matthew Popp

Secretary pro-tempore

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

OCTOBER 28, 2019

Page 1 of 3

DRAFT

Attendance:  First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco, Selectman Donald Shea, Selectman Derrylyn Gorski

Visitors:  Attorney Vince Marino, Sheila Lane

The October 28, 2019 meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectman’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.  The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.  First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco asked all to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the regular meeting of October 15, 2019.  The motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Gorski. There were no changes to the minutes of this meeting.   The vote was called.  The vote taken was two yes votes.   Selectman Gorski abstained from voting as she was absent from that meeting. 

First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the Special Meeting of October 16, 2019.  The motion to approve as written was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Gorski.  The vote was called.  The vote was two yes votes,  Selectman Gorski abstained from voting as she was absent from that meeting.

First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco called for a motion of approval for the Special Meeting minutes of October 17, 2019.  The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Gorski.  The vote was called.  The vote was two yes votes and one abstention, that of Selectman Gorski, as she was absent from that meeting. 

NEW BUSINESS/OTHER MATTERS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

First Selectman Cofrancesco asked for a motion to move new business up on the agenda of this meeting, so that Sheila Lane, Finance Director, could make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen, regarding replacement of Michael Batista as auditor. The motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Gorski to move new business up on the agenda of this meeting.  The vote taken was unanimous.   Sheila then made the recommendation to hire Seward and Monde, CPA’s to prepare for this year’s audit.   Michael Batista has been the Town Auditor for thirty-two years. Selectman Gorski wanted to add that during her terms of office, Michael had been very helpful in getting the Town ready for the audit, and for many years had completed the audit without the assistance of an outside firm.  Selectman Shea asked what the hourly rate for Michael was compared to Seward and Monde.  The firm of Seward and Monde will charge from $110 - $150 per hour depending if the worker is a partner or staff member.  For several years Michael has charged about $25 per hour for his services.  Following discussion Selectman Shea moved the motion to hire Seward and Monde, CPA to do the pre-audit work.  Selectman Gorski seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

OTHER MATTERS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

The Selectmen discussed the Access Agreement between Olin Corporation and the Town of Bethany. The property was previously owned by Olin and used as the Olin Gun Club Range.  Several years ago the land was purchased from Olin by a private owner, who tried to develop it.   Lead contamination was found in the soil.   The location of the contamination is in 80 acres of the Carrington Preserve and portions of Atwater Road and the Olin property.  DEEP is monitoring the situation.  Olin has recently re-purchased the property.   The motion to approve the Access Agreement between Olin Corporation and the Town of Bethany as presented and to authorize the First Selectman to sign the agreement was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Gorski.  The motion was called.  The vote was unanimous.

TAX REFUNDS

Selectman Shea moved to refund to the following: CCAP Auto Lease LTD the sum of $197.72, to Christine or Mark Derienzo the sum of $73.80, to David Kuelewind the sum of $55.35, to Dylan Roy-Davis the sum of $12.36, to Edmond Sandora, Jr. the sum of $8.35, to Francis LaGaipa the sum of $127.17, to Elizabeth L. Thornquist the sum of $17.34, to Jeannie Barletta the sum of $97.04, to John E. Ford 4^th the sum of $22.87, to Pamela M. Ford the sum of $32.84, to Pamela and John Ford the sum of $32,.47, to Robert Galinsky the sum of $4.20, to Robert H. Kelly the sum of $7.63, to Scott S. Davis the sum of $62.73, to Seth H. Davis the sum of $184,.50 and to Toyota Lease the sum of $1,285 all for overpayment of taxes for a total of $10,128.31.  Selectman Gorski seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

SMALL CITIES GRANT MORTGAGE RELEASE

The mortgage release for the Small Cities Grant was tabled until more information was available.

DISCUSSION OF WELLS – KNOLLWOOD ROAD

First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco gave an update on the Knollwood Road well problem.  The contracts are ready to be signed by the three residents affected by the salt contamination.  The Town would like to complete the contracts as soon as possible.  The Town would like to see the new wells drilled before the start of winter.

APPOINTMENT OF AGENT TO THE ELDERLY

First Selectman Cofrancesco called for a motion to appoint Robin Glowa, to a two- year term as Agent to the Elderly, effective November 1, 2019.  The motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Gorski.  The vote taken was unanimous.

UPDATE ON MAJOR ROAD WORK

First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco gave an update on the progress of major road work being done.  Presently Tilcon Connecticut is paving Brooks Road, Downs Road and Sperry Road on the eastern side of Bethany.  Wooding Hill and Carmel Roads have been chip sealed by Seymour Sealing.  Tilcon Connecticut has another crew working on the westerly side of Bethany, on Bethmour Road, Bear Hill Road, Fairwood and Northrop Roads. 

CEMETERY COMMISSION BY-LAWS

The discussion and possible action regarding the Cemetery Commission By-laws was tabled.

WAIVE RENTAL FEE FOR USE OF THE LODGE FOR AMITY POP WARNER 14U PARTY

The Selectmen discussed the request of the Amity Pop Warner 14U Party Committee to waive the fee for use of the Lakeview Lodge for their awards dinner. Selectman Shea moved a motion to waive the rental fee, with the stipulation that no alcoholic beverages can be brought to the Lodge for this banquet, since this banquet is for children.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Gorski.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 8:30 p.m. after a motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Gorski.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                June G. Riley   

                                                                                                Secretary, Board of Selectmen

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF FINANCE

SPECIAL MEETING

OCTOBER 16, 2019

Page 1 of 1

DRAFT

 

Attendance:  Chairman John Grabowski, John Ford IV, Sharon Huxley, Lars Demander

 

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Grabowski called the special meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 7:07 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall. 

 

DISCUSSION TO TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON RECOMMENTING THE APPROVAL OF AN EXPENDIITURE OF UP TO $10,000 FROM THE NON-RECURRING CAPITAL FUND

 

The Board discussed approval of an expenditure up to the sum of $10,000 from the Non-Recurring Capital Fund, to purchase a new plow for the D.

epartment of Public Works.  Chairman Grabowski questioned why this expenditure was necessary.  First Selectman Cofrancesco indicated that replacement was necessary a year ago, however no action had been taken to replace it.  Following further discussion Sharon Huxley moved to put the expenditure of up to $10,000 from the Non-recurring Fund to purchase a new plow for the Department of Public Works on the Call for the special Town Meeting of October 29, 2019.  The motion was seconded by John Ford IV.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

DISCUSSION TO TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON RECOMMENDING THE APPROVAL  OF AN EXPENDITURE OF UP TO $60,000 FROM THE EXISTING TOWN HALL GENERATOR CAPITAL ITEM TO PURCHASE A GENERATOR FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT BUILDING

 

Chairman Grabowski questioned whether the Town had gotten proper bids for the generator for the Town Hall, and if so why is there so much money left in that account if the proper size generator has been purchased?  He felt that by such a difference between the requested money vs. actual cost of the Town Hall generator proper procedures had not been followed.   Following further discussion Sharon Huxley felt the question should be moved forward.  Sharon Huxley moved the question to recommend an expenditure of up to $60,000 from the existing Town Hall Generator capital item, to purchase a generator for the Public Works Department building. Chairman Grabowski called the vote.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 7:30 p.m. after a motion was moved by Sharon Huxley and seconded by John Ford IV.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

 

 

                                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                                June G. Riley 

                                                                                                                Clerk, Board of Finance

 

Board of Finance

October 8, 2019

Page 1 of 2

 

DRAFT

Attendance:  Chairman John Grabowski, Sally Huyser, Lars Demander, John Ford IV, Sharon Huxley, Katie Erickson

Visitors:  First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco, Sheila Lane, Finance Director

The October 8, 2019 meeting of the Board of Finance was called to order at 7:09 p.m. by Chairman Grabowski.  The meeting was held in the Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Chairman Grabowski called for a motion to approve the minutes of the August 13, 2019 meeting.  The motion was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by John Ford IV.  Katie Erickson then moved a motion to amend the minutes of July 2, 2019 regarding the vote taken as follows:  The vote taken was three yes votes with one abstention that of Katie Erickson as she was absent from that meeting.  Chairman Grabowski was also absent from that meeting.

 

Chairman Grabowski called for a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of September 10, 2019.  The motion of approval was moved by Sharon Huxley and seconded by John Ford IV.  There were no changes to the minutes.  The vote was called.  The vote taken was five yes votes and one abstention that of Katie Erickson as she was absent from that meeting.

 

 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

 

Chairman Grabowski had nothing to report from the Amity Finance Meeting as it was postponed until October 21, 2019.

 

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

 

First Selectman Cofrancesco spoke to the Board of Finance regarding replacement of the stairs and railings between the Bethany Elementary School and the Town Hall.  They had been removed as part of the sidewalk and paving project.   The stairs were not ADA compliant.   First Selectman Cofrancesco has received quotes from Mesa Paving and Excavating for replacement.  Total cost to prepare the area ready for installation of the stairs would be $2,450, the concrete and labor to pour the stairs would be $11,200, and installation of the rails would cost $6,250 for a total cost of $19,900.  Since this is a Capital Improvement it will have to go on the agenda of the next Town Meeting for approval.

 

 FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

 

Sheila Lane, Finance Director gave a report to the Board of Finance, regarding the line items in the Budget for 2019-20, approved at the Annual Town Meeting, that will have a surplus due to lower rates for Medical Insurance account number 10-80200-423 for a total of $69,622.00, Resident Trooper account 10-31010-108 for a total of $88,353.00 and Non-recurring Capital account number 10-96000-000 for a total of $47,362.00 ,  for An overall total of $205,337.00.  The Board discussed re-allocation of these funds.  Sharon Huxley moved the motion to recommend to a special Town Meeting the re-allocation of $$20,000 to Contracted Services, $92,668.50 to Road Materials and $92,668.50 to Major Road Resurfacing.  Sally Huyser seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.  The Board discussed the replacement of the fence at the Dog Park.  The only quote received was from Orange Fence for $11,000.  Lars Demander felt that quote might be a little high.  After discussion John Ford IV moved a motion to appropriate $15,000 to replace the fence at the Dog Park and to approve this expenditure at the upcoming Special Town Meeting. 

 

ANY OTHER MATTER PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

 

Sheila Lane distributed the financial report for the month of September taken from the new accounting program.  The Board liked the format of the report.  Since the information for payroll and expenditures for the months of July and August have not been loaded in, the report was incomplete.

 

CONTROL ISSUE

 

Katie Erickson would like to set up a workshop to develop rules and regulations for System Controls next week. 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Adjournment was called at 8:11 p.m. after a motion was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by Sharon Huxley.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                                Clerk, Board of Finance