MINUTES OF THE BETHANY INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2011 Page 1 of 5
The regular meeting of the Inland Wetlands Commission was called to order at 7:39 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 were:
Isabel Kearns, Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer
ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND APPOINTMENT OF STAFF
Tabled.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. It was moved by Smith and seconded by Sullivan to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the June 27, 2011, Regular Meeting.
Voting were: Breslin, Sullivan, Smith.
Unanimous approval.
2. It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Smith to approve the minutes of the July 25, 2011, Regular Meeting with the following amendment:
Add to New Business – The formal receipt, without discussion, of the following two applications: #1168 – 265 Beacon Road and #1169 – Francis Drive, Anella Drive, Clay Road.
Voting were: Breslin, Sullivan, Smith.
Unanimous approval.
3. It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Hathaway to approve the minutes of the August 13, 2011, Special Meeting/Site Visit as proposed to be amended.
Voting were: Breslin, Sullivan, Hathaway.
Unanimous approval.
GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
1. Letter from Diversified Technology Consultants dated August 10, 2011, Re: Review of plans for 18 Munson Road, building and parking lot addition.
2. Letter from South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, dated August 19, 2011, Re: Comments from review of revised plans dated July 25, 2011, 18 Munson Road.
3. Letter from Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection to Mary Ellen and Roger Simon of 63 Downs Road, dated August 5, 2011, Re: West River Pond Dam located at 63 Downs Road, Maintenance List.
PUBLICATIONS AND WORKSHOPS
1. Connecticut Federation of Lakes News, July 2011.
BILLS
1. It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Smith to approve the payment of $75.00 to the Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission, Inc. for the Membership Renewal for the period of July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012, for two commissions (sustaining). Share with the Conservation Commission.
Unanimous approval.
2. It was moved by Smith and seconded by Sullivan to approve the payment of $1500.00 to the Southwest Conservation District annual contribution for the Budget year 2011-2012 for support of natural resource conservation effort and providing information, education and technical assistance to municipal agents and private landowners of the town.
Unanimous approval.
NEW BUSINESS
1. 46 Mesa Drive, Application #1170 submitted by James Woodward for a five-lot subdivision –
The Commission formally received the application. Present to speak on behalf of this application was Attorney Paul Jessell of Watertown, Connecticut and Mr. Alan Shepard, P.E. of Nowakowski, O’Bymachow and Kane, Shelton, Connecticut. Both men are representing the applicant, Mr. James Woodward, who was also present at the meeting.
Mr. Shepard briefly reviewed the proposed five-lot subdivision. Mr. Shepard stated that their wetlands and environmental consultants reviewing the wetlands crossing have not commented at this time but will be submitting reports.
In discussion, Commission members noted:
That no report was submitted on the impact to the wetlands.
That no alternative plan for crossing the wetlands was submitted.
This project is a significant activity and a public hearing should be scheduled.
That the applicant is responsible for any additional fees for referrals to our experts.
The Commission scheduled a public hearing date for Monday, October 24, at 8:00 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall. Tabled.
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, who were also present.
The Commission received a letter from Diversified Technology Consultants, dated August 10, 2011, Re: Comments on review of 18 Munson Road, building and parking lot addition.
Also, the Commission received a letter from South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, dated August 19, 2011, Re: Comments on review of revised plans dated July 25, 2011, for 18 Munson Road, construction of building addition.
Mr. Garcia submitted and reviewed plans that were revised to July 25, 2011, and reviewed the comments from Diversified Technology Consultants dated August 10, 2011
Isabel Kearns, IWEO, stated the consultant from Diversified Technology Consultants has not visited the site to date and will be submitting a new report after site visit.
Mr. Garcia reviewed the proposed project noting:
· Revised drainage calculations dated August 16, 2011, were submitted to address DTC comments.
In discussion, Commission members noted:
Proposed storm water management and installation should be filed on land records for future reference.
The Commission will be receiving another report from DTC.
The Commission asked the IWEO to obtain clarification of Item #10 in the letter from DTC dated August 10, 2011.
Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting on Monday, September 26, 2011. Tabled.
2. 165 Litchfield Turnpike, Application #1167 submitted by James Anderson for an Inland Wetlands Permit to construct a 30’ by 32’ barn/garage, a 24’ by 20’ inground pool and a 15’ by 15’ shed –
Present to speak on behalf of this application was James Anderson, applicant and owner of record.
Commission members discussed and proceeded to deliberate.
It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Smith to approve Application #1167 submitted by James Anderson for an Inland Wetlands Permit to construct a 30’ by 32’ barn/garage and future construction of a 24’ by 20’ inground pool and accompanying 15’ by 15’ shed in accordance with the submitted plan, untitled, with hand drawn revisions prepared by the applicant, dated June 7, 2011, and is subject to the following conditions including the standard conditions found on the Land Records Volume 93, Page 802 and Page 803:
The silt fence is to stay in place until the area is stabilized (seeded and loamed).
The silt fence that is shown on the plan is to be renewed at such time that the pool and shed are constructed.
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.
Voting were: Breslin, Sullivan, Smith, Hathaway, Gaw.
Vote 5 to 0.
Unanimous approval.
3. 265 Beacon Road, Application #1168 submitted by the Town of Bethany to locate a 10’ X 16’ Shed –
The Commission received the application for formal receipt at the July 25, 2011, regular meeting but did not discuss.
The Commission would like more information on this application and would like the Director of Public Works Director present at the next meeting to discuss.
Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting on Monday, September 26, 2011. Tabled.
4. Francis Drive, Anella Drive, Clay Road, Application #1169 submitted by the Town of Bethany to improve drainage –
The Commission received the application for formal receipt at the July 25, 2011, regular meeting but did not discuss.
The Commission would like more information on this application and would like the Director of Public Works Director present at the next meeting to discuss.
Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting on Monday, September 26, 2011. Tabled.
5. Discussion with Joseph Fedorchuck, Troop 931, regarding Rehabilitation of Brinton’s Grove Veterans’ Memorial Park –
Present for this discussion was Joseph Fedorchuck, Troop 931, Eagle Scout Service Proposal.
Mr. Fedorchuck continued his discussion from the previous regular meeting on the proposed project to rehabilitate Brinton’s Grove and stated he would like to complete the project this fall, if possible or will wait until spring. Mr. Fedorchuck noted the picnic tables will be made out of fir and the fire safety sign will be on a metal stake.
In discussion, Commission members noted:
· Concerned with the fire pit and the trucking of wood on the trail to burn.
· That the area closest to the pond not to be cleaned, leave as natural buffer.
· The benches and cleaning of the area in general is not an issue.
· There is no permit for the fire pit.
It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Smith that the Inland Wetlands Commission prepare a letter to Mr. Fedorchuck stating that the placement of the picnic tables and the clearing and working on the north side of the access road is approved but the Commission would like to further discuss vegetating the shoreline area and review the fire pit concept.
Unanimous approval.
6. Discussion of Senate Bill No. 859, Public Act No. 11-5 – An Act Extending the Time of Expiration of Certain Land Use Permits – The Commission will need to amend the regulations and would like to wait until there is another amendment pending. This item to be removed from the agenda at this time. Tabled.
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER’S REPORT
Isabel Kearns, Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer, reported that Kim McClure Brinton Country Companions Veterinary started construction at 116 Old Amity Road.
83 Beacon Road – The Commission asked the IWEO to photograph the runoff at the base of the driveway.
It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Smith to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:07 p.m. Unanimous approval.
Respectfully submitted,
Antonia R. Marek, Clerk
for the Inland Wetlands Commission
