These minutes are for infomational purposes only. For official minutes, please contact the Town Clerk's Office.
Conservation Commission
- Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency
Special Meeting
Tuesday, July 10, 2001
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Special Meeting of the Conservation Commission was called to order at 7:33 p.m. in the lower level meeting room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were Chairman Howard Beach, and Commissioners Helene Wade, Pierce Clayberger, Margery Winters, Thomas Sharpless, Richard Miller, and John Yocom. Also present were Laurie Whitten, the Wetlands and Conservation Officer, and other interested parties.
II. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
Commissioner Margery Winters was appointed to serve in the place of William Nowak.
III. PRESENTATION
a. Application of Joshua Gilbert, Applicant, for an Inland Wetlands permit to construct a 30-foot footbridge over a stream within the 75-foot regulated buffer area on the Simsbury Farms property on Old Farms Road.
Eagle Scout Gilbert described the project to the Commission. The pressure treated lumber to be used was discussed, as it contains arsenic. A concern was raised regarding the sawdust created during construction. The applicant agreed to lay down tarps to catch all the sawdust, and dispose of it off site.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sharpless to find that this was a regulated activity by reason of construction taking place in a regulated area. Seconded by Commissioner Miller and unanimously approved.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sharpless that this was not a significant activity as there was little potential for erosion. Seconded by Commissioner Miller and unanimously approved.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sharpless to grant the permit with the condition that the sawdust from the lumber be collected with a tarp and removed from the site. Seconded by Commissioner Clayberger and unanimously approved.
IV. REFFERAL TO ZONING COMMISSION
a. Application of Thomas Earl, Business Manager, Westminster School, for a Site Plan Approval and Special Exception for a proposed Athletic Center to be built in an aquifer protection zone at Westminster School, 995 Hopmeadow Street.
Michelle Carlson, P.E. with Fuss and O’Neill, Inc. presented the application. She explained that the proposed athletic center is almost identical to the previously approved application presented on January 10, 2001, but has increased in size by 1300 sq. ft. The dormitories are not part of this application. A roof was added over the fuel oil storage area in response to the last comments from the Commission. She explained that all waters would be directed back into the ground via existing retention areas.
A motion was made by Commissioner Miller to send a positive referral to the Zoning Commission, with the same comments as from the last referral Seconded by Commissioner Yocom and unanimously approved.
The following comments were submitted for referral:
At the special meeting of July 10, 2001, the Simsbury Conservation Commission voted unanimously to send the following comment(s) regarding the proposed activities in an aquifer protection area at property located at 995 Hopmeadow Street.
The Conservation Commission finds that the proposed Athletic Center, and the activities involved with the construction of same should not be detrimental to the aquifer proposed change or use.
The following comments were offered as possible conditions of approval:
1. A roof should be placed over the oil tank outside of the Athletic Center, in lieu of a rain cover. This will allow spillage from filling of the tank to go into the overflow area.
2. Filling of the oil tank should be supervised by a school maintenance employee.
3. Refueling of any construction vehicles should occur in designated staging areas, preferably outside of the aquifer protection zone.
4. Precautions should be taken with the use of both fertilizers and pesticides, with minimal use as a goal.
V. DISCUSSION
a. Open Space Issues
There was discussion amongst the board members concerning the positive ramifications of the $1000 commitment to the Biodiversity Plan.
VI. RECEIPT FOR NEW APPLICATION(S)
None.
VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of June 19, 2001
Commissioner Clayberger motioned to approve the minutes as read.
Seconded by Commissioner Miller and unanimously approved
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Clayberger at 8:00 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Sharpless and unanimously approved.
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