CONSERVATION COMMISSION/INLAND WETLANDS & WATERCOURES AGENCY
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
November 20, 2007
I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chairman, Margery Winters, called the Regular Meeting of the Conservation Commission/Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency to order at 7:30 PM in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. The following members were present: Commissioners Margaret Sexton, Ryan Mihalic, Dominick Zackeo, and Andrew Bucknam. Also in attendance were Howard Beach, Conservation Officer, Alison Sturgeon, Commission Clerk and other interested parties.
II. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
Mr. Zackeo was appointed to serve for Richard Miller.
III. PRESENTATION(s), DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE
a. Application of Brian J. Foley, Applicant, for an Inland Wetlands Permit relating to the expansion of an existing pond within the regulated area to a wetland on property located at 76 Hartford Road. (Tabled at meeting of 10/30/07)
Douglas Ellis, Buck & Buck Engineering, stated that the existing pond is 15,800 s.f. of surface area. They are proposing to add an additional 9,800 s.f. They will be excavating approximately 2,600 cubic yards; 1,600 of that will become pond. Although this is an as-of-right activity, the owner wanted to come before this Commission to make the Town aware of what they would be doing. Mr. Ellis stated they would like to flatten out an area on the property for the livestock. The expansion of this pond would create additional water for the livestock. Regarding erosion controls, they are proposing to put hay bales on the down hill side. On the outlet of the pond, they are also proposing several stone berms.
Commissioner Winters questioned if they would be bringing the livestock down to the pond, or would they be bringing the water to the livestock. Mr. Ellis stated that the water is brought to the livestock and that they also pump the water to irrigate the upper fields. In response to a question from Commissioner Sexton regarding the number of trees that will be taken down, Mr. Ellis stated that they will be taking down only a few; there are not a lot of large trees in that area.
Regarding the stabilization of the pond, Mr. Ellis stated that they would be grading to have a 3 to 1 slope. They will also be putting in some vegetation around the pond. They have a set of guidelines for what kind of seeding should be put down and what other protective measures should be taken. Commissioner Winters stated that taller grasses should be left at the banks of the pond. Jeremy Vearil, of Clean Cut Lawn Care & Landscaping, LLC, stated that they do not mow within 4 feet of the pond year round. Commissioner Winters stated that she would like them not to mow within 10 feet of the pond.
Commissioner Bucknam questioned how the expansion for the pond would be dug out. Mr. Ellis stated they would be excavating while maintaining a separation between the existing pond and the proposed pond until it was absolutely necessary to connect them. This will minimize the disturbance. He stated they would like to start this project in February 2008.
Commissioner Sexton questioned if fertilizer was used on the part of the property that they would be leveling. Mr. Vearil stated that they do not use fertilizer on any part of the property. Regarding seeding mixtures, Commissioner Winters recommended that the applicant not use a Mid-west wildflower seed mix because some are not native to this area. There are mixes from New England which would be much more suitable.
Commissioner Bucknam motioned that this is an as-of-right activity that would otherwise be regulated by this Commission. Commissioner Sexton seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved. Commissioner Bucknam motioned that this is not a significant activity due to the as-of-right nature of the farm pond and due to the fact that there is not any real significant chance for silt to enter into the stream if they follow the practices that have been discussed with Town staff. Commissioner Sexton seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved. Commissioner Bucknam motioned to grant the permit with the provision that they heed the Staff warnings on dewatering and that the wildflower seeds being used be from the New England region. Commissioner Sexton seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of October 30, 2007
Commissioner Bucknam made an edit on Page 4.
Commissioner Bucknam made a motion to approve the October 30, 2007, meeting minutes as amended. Commissioner Sexton seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
V. DISCUSSION
Mr. Beach introduced Lynn Charest to the Commission. She has recently been hired by the Town to assist Mr. Beach.
VI. CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were none.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Bucknam motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 PM.
Commissioner Mihalic seconded with all in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Commissioner Ryan Mihalic, Secretary
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