MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVAL AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING.

 

 

TOWN OF SOMERS

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

P. O. Box 308

Somers, Connecticut 06071

 

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

11/5/03; 7:00 p.m.

Town Hall Conference Room

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER:

 

            Chairman Joan Formeister called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.  Members present were:  Joan Formeister; Karl Walton; and Dan Fraro.  The Commissioners welcomed new alternate member Todd Whitford to the Conservation Commission.  Todd Whitford was seated for Lise Wood.

 

II.        OLD BUSINESS:

             a.         Discussion/Possible Decision:  Wetlands Application #483, Shed/Garage in Upland Review Area, 539 Billings Road, Tullock

 

            This application is for a 30' x 36' garage, built on grade, no closer than 20 feet from the wetland that was reviewed at the last meeting.  Karl Walton made a motion to approve Wetlands Application #483 with the condition that there will be minimum grading and at least 10 feet undisturbed area between construction activity and the wetland is maintained.  This motion was seconded by Dan Fraro and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

             b.         Discussion/Possible Decision:  Wetlands Application #484, Install Dry Hydrant in Pond, 1 Camp Road (AKA 25 Camp Road), YWCA

 

            This application was reviewed at the last meeting.  The Fire Department has been installing dry hydrants in various locations in Town for possible use during a fire.  Dave Askew has no concerns with this application.  Karl Walton made a motion to approve Wetlands Application #484; seconded by Dan Fraro and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

             c.         Discussion/Possible Decision:  Wetlands Application #485, Modification of Permit #435 for New House in Upland Review Area, 154 Highland View Drive, Drinan/Wolters

 

            This was discussed at the last meeting.  The applicant was present and verified that an undisturbed buffer would be maintained between any grading activity and the wetland.  The applicant also agreed to permanently mark the wetlands in 50' increments.

 

Karl Walton made a motion to approve Wetlands Application #485 with the conditions that a 10' undisturbed buffer will be maintained between grading activity and the wetland and that the wetland line is marked in 50' increments.  Dan Fraro seconded this motion which was unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

d.         Extension Requested:  Wetlands Application #486, Dock, Pond Dredging & Structures Within Upland Review Area, 359 Mountain Road, Roulier

 

            The applicant has asked for a 30 day extension to prepare more details regarding the location of the dock and dimensions of proposed activities.  David Askew has no objection.  Dan Fraro made a motion to approve a 30 day extension of Wetlands Application #486.  This motion was seconded by Karl Walton and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

             e.         Discussion:  Maffeo Request to Reduce Landscaping Bond for Lots 7, 18 & 19 Birch Hill Estates

 

            After a discussion, Karl Walton made a motion to hold the present landscaping bond for Lots 7, 18 & 19 of Birch Hill Estates at its current amount of $7,500 until May of 2004.  This motion was seconded by Dan Fraro and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

III.       NEW BUSINESS:

             a.         Wetlands Application #487, Inground Pool in Upland Review Area, 8 Isabella Drive, Juliano's Pools

 

            Bryan Juliano, representing the applicant, presented a plan of an inground pool at 8 Isabella Drive that would be at least 70' from the actual wetlands.  He said the soil is sand and gravel in this area which should not present a problem during construction.

 

The Commission accepted the application and asked Mr. Juliano to get a letter from the homeowner authorizing him to act in his behalf in applying for a wetlands permit for this pool.

 

            b.         Review/Adopt 2004 Meeting Dates:

 

                        The draft of the 2004 Regular Meeting dates was reviewed by the Commission.  Karl Walton made a motion to approve the 2004 regular meeting dates, as submitted.  This motion was seconded by Dan Fraro and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

IV.       AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:

 

            Ken Pryor, 364 Mountain Road stated that the owner of Worthington Pond illegally raised the level of the pond.  He has informed the EPA.  He feels that beavers are not responsible.  David Askew investigated and did not see any evidence of the pond being diverted at the dam.

 

Mr. Pryor said a certified map is not available and he feels the pond was illegally dredged.  He asked the Commission to keep an eye on this operation.  He left photographs of the pond site taken in mid-April for David Askew's review.

 

V.         STAFF/COMMISSION REPORT:

 

            The Commission reviewed David Askew's Wetland Agent's Report.  The change in State Statute was noted - whereby an application can be submitted on the day of the Commission meeting.  The three-day requirement has been eliminated.  Therefore, the agenda may be subject to change at the meeting itself.

 

Karl Walton made a motion to approve David Askew's Wetland Agent report; seconded by Dan Fraro and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

VI.       CORRESPONDENCE AND BILLS:

 

            There is a Stafford Conservation Commission workshop concerning protecting family farms and forests that will take place on 11/17/03 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:15 p.m.  Forester Steve Broderick will be the speaker.  Joan Formeister will attend.  If anyone else is interested, contact the Town Planner.

 

One bill from the Journal Inquirer for a legal notice in the amount of $55.09.  Karl Walton made a motion to pay this bill; seconded by Dan Fraro and unanimously approved by the Commission.

 

VII.      MINUTES APPROVAL:       October 1, 2003

 

            Tabled until the next meeting.

 

VIII.    ADJOURNMENT:

 

            Motion to adjourn made by Karl Walton; seconded by Dan Fraro and unanimously approved by the Commission.  The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                        Lise Wood, Secretary

 

                                                                        Connie Carenzo, Recording Secretary

 

 

MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVAL AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING.