Conservation Commission/ Inland Wetlands
And Watercourses Agency
Regular Meeting- Tuesday December 5, 2006
Simsbury Town Offices- 7:30PM- Main Meeting Room
CALL TO ORDER
Acting Chairman Winters called the meeting to order at 7:30pm in the Main Meeting room of the Simsbury Town Offices. The following Commissioners were present: Commissioner Sharpless, Commissioner Yocom, and Commissioner Mihalic. Also present was Hiram Peck, Interim Director of Planning and Development. Chairman Miller joined the meeting at 8:50pm.Conservation Officer Beach was not present.
APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
None
PRESENTATION(s), DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE
Application of Mark and Ieke Scully, Owners, for an Inland Wetlands Permit to construct a garage addition and a remote solar panel within the regulated area on property located at 29 Notch Road.
Ms. Ieke Scully was present to discuss the application.
The Scully’s wish to construct a garage addition closer to the house than the old garage which is in need of repair, install a solar panel behind the existing barn, and also reconfigure the gravel driveway. They are still discussing with what to do with it, but if it is to be demolished, they will return to discuss the issue with the Commission. The garage addition will be built on a concrete slab and will not have a basement. The solar panel will be located in the back grass field behind the barn about 25 feet from the edge of the wetland. The holes for the sonotubes will be hand dug. It will be on 10 concrete piers, and a narrow trench will be dug wide enough to lay a wire. The closest point of the disturbance is 20 feet from the wetland itself, and the whole project is within the regulated review area. There will
be very limited disturbance of the backfill. They were hoping to begin the project this winter, but are willing to wait until spring 2007 when it will be easier to complete.
The Commission discussed where the construction vehicles should be staged. Commissioner Mihalic expressed that the construction staging area should be located on the other side of the raised area on the property.
Commissioner Mihalic asked if gravel for the driveway will be trucked in when grading is done. Ms. Scully answered yes. The Commission expressed concern about the gravel being pushed into the wetlands, especially during the winter season when the plow comes to remove the snow.
There was a discussion about the configuration of the new driveway. The Commission discussed the need for a stone wall, or some type of a retaining wall or a berm barrier that will catch the gravel and the runoff from the driveway. Either that option, or they could pave the driveway. Ms. Scully said that they could pave the top area of the driveway.
Commissioner Yocom asked about backfill material. As for backfill, it will be hauled away. If there is any stockpiling, of material should be surrounded by a silt fence, and seeded as necessary.
A motion was made by Commissioner Mihalic that this is a regulated activity by reason of work and construction activity within the upland review area.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Yocom, and carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Commissioner Mihalic that this is not a significant activity based on the testimony of the applicant and the conditions set forth proposed by the Commission on the project.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Sharpless, and carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Commissioner Mihalic to grant the permit for the application with the recommendations set forth in the staff report, concerning the silt fence, and seeding, etc., and subject to the following conditions: The circle portion of the driveway shall be paved, all of the construction equipment and vehicles shall be staged not within 30 feet of the wetland, any excess stockpiled material is not within 30 feet of the wetlands and be shall be surrounded by silt fence and seeded as necessary to stop siltation, and any excess material not to be used shall not be stockpiled, but instead shall be removed off site.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Sharpless, and carried unanimously.
STAFF REPORT(s)
None
DISCUSSION
None
CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
Commissioner Mihalic recused himself from the executive session.
At 8:25pm.Commissioner Sharpless made a motion to take a short recess.
Commissioner Mihalic seconded with all in favor.
Chairman Miller joined the meeting at 8:50pm, thereby having a quorum for the executive session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION-UPDATE ON MEADOWWOODS LITIGATION
Commissioner Sharpless made a motion to go into executive session at 8:50PM.
Commissioner Yocom seconded with all in favor.
In attendance at the executive session were Chairman Miller, Commissioner Winters, Commissioner Yocom, and Commissioner Sharpless. Also present was Hiram Peck, Interim Director of Planning and Development, and other interested parties.
Commissioner ________________ made a motion to adjourn the executive session at ____PM.
Commissioner ______________seconded with all in favor.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner _______________ made a motion to adjourn the meeting at ______ PM.
Commissioner _________________seconded with all in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
__________________________________
Commissioner Ryan Mihalic, Secretary
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