Conservation Commission / IWWA Minutes 09/04/2018

Simsbury Conservation Commission

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - Subject to Vote of Approval

Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at 7:30PM

Simsbury Town Hall – Main Meeting Room

933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut

PRESENT:  Margery Winters, James Morrison, Jason Levy, Donald Rieger, Charles Haldeman,

ABSENT: 

ALSO PRESENT:  Code Compliance Officer Robin Newton

I.  CALL TO ORDER:

Chair Winters called the meeting to order at 7:30PM.

II. ROLL CALL:

1.            Appointment of Alternates.

Charles Haldeman was appointed for a vacancy. 

III. PUBLIC HEARING:

1.            None

IV.  OLD BUSINESS:

                1. Applications

                                a. Application #18-12 of, Hristos and Cherie Lafazanidis, Owners, for an addition to the existing residence in the upland review area to a wetland on the property located at 32 Evans Drive (Assessor’s Map C20, Block 511, Lot 012E). Zone R-40/ (received 07/17/2018; decision must be rendered by 09/20/18)

Mr. Lafazanidis gave a brief explanation of the application to the Commission.  He indicated that he is looking to add on a 3 car garage and master suite addition and extend his current driveway with a turn around. Plans were presented to the Commission.  A conversation took place regarding whether or not this application was a direct impact to wetlands or if the impacts were only associated with the upland review area.  It was noted upon reviewing the submitted materials that the map provided to the Commission members should an adjacent lot.  Staff provided the Commission with the updated information. 

The applicant indicated that he was looking to raise the grade of the driveway and turn around approximately 8 inches from the current grade.  This would push the drainage from the new driveway and turn around into the wetland areas and possibly onto the neighbor’s yard.  The Commission stated concerns with the direct impacts to the wetlands and asked if there was a way to shorten the turnaround from the proposed 35’ as shown on the plan.  The homeowner was unsure.  Staff stated that the turnaround of 35’ was excessive in size and not necessary. 

The Commission state that they did not feel they had enough information on this application to take action.  They would like a more definitive line of the wetlands and exact location of the driveway and turn around.  Also any grading activities should have plans so they can accurately assess any possible impacts to the wetland area. 

Mr. Rieger asked the applicant if he would provide an extension of time for the submittal of additional information as the Commission needs to make a decision no later than 9/20/18 and the Commission’s next meeting is not until October.  The applicant declined.

Mr. Rieger made a motion to defer consideration of the application due to lack on information and being mindful of the deadline to make a decision is requesting the Commission set a Special Meeting for September 11, 2018 possibly at 7:30.  Mr. Morrison seconded the motion which was carried unanimously.

V.            NEW BUSINESS

1.            Receipt of New Applications

No new applications.

VI. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS:

1.            Approval of the Minutes of the July 17, 2018, regular meeting

The July 17, 2018 regular meeting minutes were accepted as submitted.

2.            Simsbury Meadows

Mrs. Newton reported there were no updates.

                3.  29 Hunting Ridge Drive Conservation Easement Request- Greg Maglieri

Brian Denno from Denno Land Surveying was present to explain the request to the Board.  Mr. Denno presented a plan showing the 3 trees in question that were over 4” in caliper.  Mr. Denno explained that everything else is secondary growth.  Mr. Denno presented aerial photos showing the lot was completely cleared in 2009 and then the progression back to wooded.

Mr. Rieger stated he did not have an issue with the request for the removal of the trees but felt the language of the Easement document is a double negative and needed to be fixed in order to allow the request that was being made. 

Mr. Rieger made a motion to support the removal of the trees with the understanding that the BOS will need to modify the language of the Easement document to allow the removal of the trees.  Mr. Morrison seconded the motion which was carried unanimously.

VII.   ADJOURNMENT:

MOTION:   Mr. Rieger made a motion to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. which was seconded by Mr. Morrison; the motion was unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin Newton, CZEO

Code Compliance Officer