TOWN OF SOMERS

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

P. O. Box 308

Somers, CT 06071

CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES

7/9/03; 7:00 p.m.

Town Hall

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Joan Formeister called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present were: Joan Formeister; Don Smith; Karl Walton and Lise Wood. Also present was Wetlands Agent, David Askew.

II. OLD BUSINESS:

a. Discussion/Possible Decision: Wetlands Application #475, Inground Pool in Upland Review Area, 567 Main Street, Tingley

David Askew pointed out the location of the pool and the most likely extension of grading around the back. The grading will be at least 50' from the wetland. There should be a silt fence around the fill. David will verify the installation of erosion control measures.

Don Smith made a motion to approve Wetlands Application #475 provided the erosion control measures meet with the Wetlands Agent's approval. This motion was seconded by Lise Wood and unanimously approved by the Commission.

b. Discussion/Possible Decision: Wetlands Application #476, Inground Pool in Upland Review Area, 105 Rosehaven Road, Decker

When the homeowner received approval from the ZBA for a side line variance, they proceeded with the construction of the pool, thinking all that was required was a building and zoning permit. The area has been properly stabilized and the pool and associated fill are over 50' from the wetland. David Askew will do his final inspection tomorrow.

Karl Walton made a motion to approve Wetlands Application #476; seconded by Don Smith and unanimously approved by the Commission.

c. Discussion/Possible Decision: Wetlands Application #477, New House in Upland Review Area, 186 Highland View Drive, Veser

This application was reviewed at the last meeting. A 100' buffer zone has been identified on the plan and there will be a 40' undisturbed buffer zone. A silt fence will be installed during construction. David Askew does not anticipate any problems. No special conditions are required for approval.

Lise Wood made a motion to approve Wetlands Application #477; seconded by Don Smith and unanimously approved by the Commission.

d. Discussion/Possible Decision: Wetlands Application #478, 2-lot Subdivision, Bilton Road, Bushnell

This application was reviewed at the last meeting. The closest point to the wetlands is 215'. There was a brief discussion about the Sanitarian, Steve Jacobs, requesting that the septic systems be installed prior to construction of the houses because the area is so wet.

Don Smith made a motion to approve Wetlands Application #478; seconded by Lise Wood and unanimously approved by the Commission.

III. NEW BUSINESS:

a. Wetlands Application #479, House Addition & Garage Within Upland Review Area, 19 Eaglebrook Drive, Andrzejewski

Mike Mocko, Environmental Analyst, represented the applicant. Mike Mocko said that what is proposed is an addition to the existing home on Eaglebrook Drive. A proposed sun room and family room are outside of the 100' upland review. What is inside the buffer area would be a storage shed/garage and a small extension of the driveway. A corner of the building will be about 25' from the nearest wetland. The wetland is a small, intermittent stream.

A silt fence is proposed to protect the wetlands. The structure is primarily on area that is already lawn. The storage shed is 32' x 24'. There would be minimal grading behind the shed.

David Askew said he did not foresee any problem with this application.

b. Wetlands Application #480, Activity Within Upland Review Area, 107 Hampden Road, Crandall

Mike Mocko represented the applicant. Mike Mocko said this application is for a new home on a lot that was approved in 1998 as part of the Landers Subdivision. There would be work within the 100' buffer zone. Mike Mocko pointed out the grading work that will have to be done. A silt fence is proposed to define the limit of work and grading and construction. No disturbance will be made to the wetlands area. The wetland is a wet meadow swamp transitioning into wooded swamp. No grading will be required for the practice baseball field.

David Askew said that as a condition of approval, the wetland boundary should be marked with posts indicating that this is a wetland boundary.

Mike Mocko asked if the Commission could hold a Special Meeting after the (15) day requirement is up. He said this is a post and beam home with a tentative delivery date of 9/30/03.

c. Wetlands Application #481, New House Within Upland Review Area, Lot #7 Stafford Road, Maffeo

Erin Gillen of Baystate Environmental represented the applicant. She said they were before the Commission about a month ago and were asked to come up with a planting plan because the lot had been clear-cut. The wetlands have been re-flagged. The house will be 2,050 square feet.

In addition to the planting, the applicant is offering a conservation easement. There will be a 50' buffer to the wetland area. There will be a deed restriction showing where the conservation easement will be.

David Askew said this wetland is the only true bog that we have in Somers. This lot was part of a subdivision approved in 1986. There was no previous wetland application.

Ms. Gillen presented a comprehensive restoration plan. David Askew recommended that the applicant provide a draft of the easement and to make sure the Conservation Commission is the responsible commission for enforcing the conditions of the easement. The only other proposed condition would be a 3 - 5 year guaranteed replacement plan for plants in the restoration area. David asked for an annual report on the condition of the planted area. It was suggested to hold a portion of the bond that was posted for the planting plan for 3 to 5 years.

Also, the Conservation Commission should be allowed to inspect the restoration area.

d. Wetlands Application #482, High School Addition Within Upland Review Area, Vision Boulevard, Town of Somers

This is a high school educational project. The Project Engineer pointed out the shaded area of the expansion as well as the wetlands. Some regrading will be done in the upland review area. Stormwater management includes the use of (4) drywells. The engineer pointed out the erosion controls such as a silt fence and haybales.

David Askew asked for a standard detail for the plunge pool located at the stormwater discharge within the wetland.

Don Smith made a motion to add the following item to the agenda under "Other". This motion was seconded by Karl Walton and unanimously approved by the Commission.

e. Discussion - New House at 33 Highland View Drive, Dryden and Wolters

This house lot was previously approved with no disturbance or structures less than 35' from the wetland. Shawn Dryden and Carol Wolters would like to shift the proposed house and septic system further away from the adjacent lot. If this 35' setback can not be maintained, the applicants would be required to come back to the Conservation Commission for a wetlands application.

David Askew suggested that the applicants bring their drawings to an engineer. If he can stay within 35' from the wetland, they can proceed without a wetland permit modification.

IV. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: There was none.

V. STAFF/COMMISSION REPORT:

David Askew presented his Wetland Agent's Report to the Commission for their approval. The following are highlights:

County Road, 4-Lot Subdivision - The Town has hired an independent engineer to evaluate whether or not there are any impacts to adjacent properties resulting from drainage from this four lot subdivision.

Worthington Pond: Have advised Dan Roulier that he requires a wetlands permit for an outstanding violation involving deposition of dredge spoils within the upland review area.

301 Main Street: The owner agreed to remove all fill within the wetland. Have not had a chance to re-inspect.

384 Watchaug Road: Gave verbal approval to a homeowner to install additional fill over an existing filled lawn area. There is a small wetland pocket within 15 feet of the existing fill.

We have an agreement with Ed Pawlak from Connecticut Ecosystems to conduct a preliminary vernal pool assessment using aerial photograph interpretation. A purchase order will be issued that is dated 6/30/03 to use the money saved for a conservation project in the 2002 - 2003 budget.

Lise Wood made a motion to accept David Askew's report; seconded by Karl Walton and unanimously approved by the Commission.

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND BILLS:

Continuing membership in CACIWC $60.00

Don Smith made a motion to approve payment of this bill; Karl Walton seconded the motion which was unanimously approved by the Commission.

VII. MINUTES APPROVAL: 6/4/03

Lise Wood made a motion to approve the 6/4/03 minutes, as written. This motion was seconded by Don Smith. The vote was: (3) in favor; (0) opposed; (1) abstention (Walton). The motion passed.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT:

Motion to adjourn was made by Lise Wood; seconded by Karl Walton and unanimously approved by the Commission. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lise Wood, Secretary

Connie Carenzo, Recording Secretary