CONSERVATION COMMISSION
P.O. BOX 308
Wednesday, February 9,
2005
7:00 p.m.
I.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Joan
Formeister called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members Joan Formeister, Dan Fraro, and Lise
Wood were present and constituted a quorum.
Also in attendance: David Askew,
Wetlands Agent.
a. Modification of Wetlands Application #514,
Grading for Residential Reconstruction in Upland Review Area, 99 Four Bridges
Road, Gazis
David Askew
presented the updated site plan as well as a proposed house plan. It was noted that there is very little room
to work with on the site.
It was the
consensus of the Commission that the information presented was not consistent
in terms of the size of the proposed structure. The architect’s plan noted that
the current foundation was completely unusable and would need to be
re-constructed. In addition, the plan
included a garage, which entailed adding an extra 11 feet of structure to the
current footprint area. However, the
application revealed that the structure was described as being built entirely
within the existing footprint, as did the engineer’s plan.
Discussion
followed as to whether or not the Commission would allow the additional garage
to be included. David Askew said that
the extra footage would not impact the wetlands, should it be approved, since
the proposed construction is located on existing fill.
A motion was made
by Lise Wood, seconded by Karl Walton and unanimously approved to table the
application. David Askew was asked to
write a letter to the applicant requesting that the plans conform with the
filed application and the footprint of the original structure be included on
the plans submitted for review.
III. NEW BUSINESS
a. Modification of Wetlands Application #506,
11-Lot Subdivision in Upland Review Area, Extension of Isabella Drive, KRL Builders
Applicant Rick
Leno presented his revised plan, explaining that the change from a cul-de-sac
to a through street connecting with Stebbins Road is being considered at the
request of the Land Use Staff.
David Askew
explained that the change in plan does not impact the wetland areas. However, the issue of storm water will
probably need to be addressed. A
modification regarding storm water treatment may be required by the Department
of Environmental Protection. Mr. Leno
spoke with Sandy Aeschlimann regarding storm water drainage earlier and the
surveyor assured him that concerns DEP may have could be addressed effectively.
b. 2005/2006 Budget
David Askew
presented the proposed 2005/2006 budget, briefly explaining how the figures
were compiled. A motion was made by
Karl Walton and seconded by Lise Wood to approve the budget as prepared. All in favor.
c. Discussion:
Plan of Conservation and Development
A memo from First
Selectman David Pinney to the Commission and copies of the Plan of Conservation
and Development were given to each member of the Commission present. As they looked over the document, Mr. Askew
suggested that Commission Members note items in the “Task” section (blue pages)
listed as being the responsibility of the Conservation Commission. It was discussed that even though the list
of items is lengthy, some tasks had already been addressed either completely or
partially. In addition, some issues
would require a joint effort with other Commissions.
Discussion then
followed regarding the differences in scope with respect to the authority of
the Wetlands Commission and the authority of the Conservation Commission. David Askew explained that the Conservation
Commission has a broader authority regarding certain issues and should
ultimately remain separate from the authority of the Wetlands Commission. Vernal pool issues were used as an example
to explain the differences in authority and the need to be sensitive to such a
separation. In addition, the
Conservation Commission has the ability to make recommendations for certain
actions to other Commissions, such as Planning.
IV.
CORRESPONDENCE AND BILLS
None were
presented.
A motion was
made by Karl Walton, seconded by Lise Wood and unanimously approved to adjourn
the meeting at 8:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lise Wood, Secretary
Robin Timmons, Recording Secretary
MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVAL AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING.