P.0.
BOX 308
SOMERS,
CT 06071
Wednesday,
September 6, 2006
Town
Hall, 7:00 p.m.
Vice
Chairman Karl Walton called the Meeting to order at 7:04pm. Members Henry Broer, Dan Fraro, Lise
Woods, Candy Aleks, Todd Whitford and Alternate Member Daniel Fraro (seated for
Joan Formeister) were present and constituted a quorum. David Askew, Wetlands Agent, and Erik
Bedan, Wetland Agent-In-Training, were also present.
II.
OLD
BUSINESS
a.
DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE DECISION:
WETLANDS APPLICATION #557, PROPOSED WETLAND FILLING FOR LAWN, 95 FRANKLIN
WOODS ROAD, SOCHA
Mr.
Askew described the applicant’s proposal to fill a section of wetlands to create
lawn and explained his concerns regarding increased drainage resulting from the
filling. Bob Socha Jr. joined the
discussion and further explained that the project will consist of filling
one-tenth acre of wetlands. He also
described past efforts to control drainage from the site including construction
of a ditch along the driveway and a catch basin at the base of the
driveway. Mr. Walton described
concerns that the fill will be more significant in depth than shown on the
plans. Mr. Fraro agreed with Mr.
Askew’s prior recommendation to create a swale to divert water towards the
driveway culvert. Mr. Socha Jr.
explained that previously installing a drainage system on the property has
resulted in less water flowing into the wetlands. Mr. Walton suggested that a qualified
engineer review drainage issues on the property and work with the Socha’s to
develop a plan. Mr. Walton
explained that an extension of the application would be necessary to allow
further review from an engineer.
A
motion was made by Lise Woods, seconded by Dan Fraro and unanimously voted to
table the application to the next meeting provided the applicant grants an
extension.
b.
Other
- No other Old Business was presented.
III. NEW
BUSINESS
a.
WETLAND APPLICATION #558; DRIVEWAY CROSSING OF WETLAND FOR NEW HOME; 99
WHITE OAK DRIVE, LOT 4A, McCULLOUGH BUILDERS
Mr.
Capossela represented the applicant, Mr. McCullough, and presented plans
describing a 58-acre parcel being subdivided in two lots of 42 and 16
acres. Mr. Capossela explained that
the parcel was reviewed in 2004, however three factors have changed: the Zoning
Board of appeals granted a variance for frontage, septic testing has been
completed, and mitigation of wetlands is now proposed. Mr. Askew explained that the parcel was
part of a subdivision and a permit was previously denied for this parcel in
March 2004 with a similar crossing.
Mr. Capossela stated the wetland disturbance would be 4200 sq. ft. in
order to access the upland area for a new home. Mr. Mocko maintained that the
disturbance was a minimal impact with the least amount of area for crossing
wetlands on the parcel. Mr. Mocko,
the applicant’s consultant, explained that the proposal includes wetland
replacement of 1:1 in terms of area.
Discussion followed that the wetland fill was a significant activity and
there was significant public interest based on theprevious application. Discussion included how storage and
discharge of water will be affected.
Mr. Mocko explained there would be no significant change of flow because
the impact area is along the fringe of the wetland. Mr. Capossela requested a motion to hold
a public hearing and Mr. Askew informed the applicant that all documents must be
received by the Town Hall 15 days prior to the hearing.
A
motion was made by Todd Whitford, seconded by Candace Aleks and unanimously
voted to hold a public hearing on October 4, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall for
Wetland Application #558 to construct a driveway through wetlands for a new
residential home at 99 White Oak Drive, Lot 4A, McCullough
Builders.
The
Commission made preliminary arrangements to inspect the parcel on September 20,
2006.
b.
Wetland Application #559, Dredging of Pond and Stream Inlet, Streambank
Stabilization, 5 and 9 Somerset Lane, Driscoll and
Gibbs
Mr.
Mocko presented a proposal for the applicants to improve an old pond that is
being filled in by sediment. Mr.
Mocko added that October 2005 storms deposited considerable amounts of sediment,
leaving a shallow stream and pond.
They propose to dredge the stream and pond and place the dredge spoil on
Driscoll’s property. The channel
will be reconstructed with riprap and reseeded banks. Mr. Askew explained that the sediment
was a long-term issue and Mr. Mocko agreed, suggesting that a large portion
comes from the road. Mr. Askew
requested that all of the information discussed be shown on the site plan before
the next meeting, including the location of rip-rap, a design for the stream
restoration, location of dredge spoil deposition, and erosion control plan and a
dewatering/refilling plan. Mr.
Askew noted that the stream supports brook trout so care must be taken to
maintain downstream flow during all phases of construction. In stream work is not permitted beyond
September 30 under DEP General Permit Provisions.
c.
Wetlands Application #560, Relocate and Stabilize Existing Brook, 30
Deerfield Road, Stenlake
Karen
Isherwood, P.E. presented
the applicant’s proposal to stabilize the stream bank on her property. Large stormflows have compromised the
stability of the stream bank and it continues to erode towards the house. Mr. Askew previously requested that the
proposed channel be reduced from 10-feet wide and that a plunge pool be
eliminated and utilize riprap or equivalent material for stability. The project engineer has redesigned the
channel and all recommended changes have been shown on the plans. Mr. Askew recommended that an engineer
be present as a site inspector during construction to assist the
contractor. Mr. Askew also
recommended a preconstruction meeting with the contractor as a condition if
approved. Karen Isherwood, P.E. will
incorporate the recommendations in the plans. Mr. Askew recommended the project be
allowed to occur beyond the usual September 30 cut-off because active erosion is
still occurring and the project should be able to be completed in a short
time.
d.
Wetland Application #561, Single Family Residence and Driveway within
Upland Review Area, 299 Springfield Road, Anderson
Mr.
Anderson presented the plans to construct a single family home that has a
driveway and grading within the upland review area. Mr. Askew recommended that silt fence be
used to control sediment movement towards the wetlands. Discussion from commission recognized
that there were no anticipated impacts to the wetland resulting from the
proposal.
e.
Other
- No other Old Business was presented.
Karen
Isherwood, P.E.
and Mrs. Stenlake asked about the easement for road drainage on Mrs. Stenlake’s
property. The drainage is flowing
beyond the easement on her property and causing erosion. Mr. Whitford suggested measures that
could be taken by the homeowner regarding the easement, and the Commission
recommended the homeowner speak with the Town Department of Public
Works.
V.
Staff/Commission
Report
A
motion was made by Lise Woods, seconded by Dan Fraro and unanimously voted that
the agent’s report be accepted.
VI.
Correspondence and
Bills
A
motion was made by Dan Fraro, seconded by Candace Aleks and unanimously voted to
pay the bills.
VII.
MINUTES APPROVAL
A
motion was made by Dan Fraro, seconded by Candace Aleks and unanimously voted to
approve the July 12, 2006 Conservation meeting minutes as written. The meeting minutes from August 2, 2006
were unavailable and therefore tabled.
A
motion was made by Todd Whitford, seconded by Daniel Fraro and unanimously voted
to adjourn the September 6, 2006 Conservation Commission meeting at 9:05
p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Lise Wood, Secretary David Askew, Wetland Agent
MINUTES
ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVAL AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING.