Conservation Commission / IWWA Minutes 12/18/2018

Meeting date: 
Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Simsbury Conservation Commission

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, December18, 2018 at 7:30pm

Simsbury Town Hall-Main Meeting Room

933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT

 

PRESENT: Margery Winters, Jason Levy, Donald Rieger, Kevin McCusker, James Morrison

 

ABSENT: Charles Haldeman

 

ALSO PRESENT: Michael Glidden, Director of Planning and Community Development

 

I.             CALL TO ORDER

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

 

II:                   ROLL CALL

       1. No alternates

 

III:          PUBLIC HEARING

       1.  None

 

IV:                 OLD BUSINESS

       1.  Applications:

a. Application #18-18 Woodard & Curran, Applicant; Tariffville Fire District/Tariffville Water Commission of the Tariffville Fire District, Owner; for the activities associated with the construction of the wellfield improvements on the properties located on the westerly side of Tariffville Road just south of Wood Duck Lane (being shown as Assessor’s Map J05, Block 219, Lot 004) (Zone RD) and on the westerly side of Tariffville Road across from 126 Tariffville Road (being show as Assessor’s Map J04, Block 219, Lot 006) (Zone R-25). (received 12/04/2018; decision must be rendered by 02/07/2019)

               

Shelby Beauchemin, Project Manager for Woodard & Curran, was present to discuss            Application #18-18.  She discussed the proposal to alter 3 existing structures located over well pumps located on Tariffville Road. The existing structures are old and breaking down.

 

In addition, the current existing structures are not large enough to support the wells, so they will excavate in order to extend the foundations. The extension will not be located within the wetland area.

 

Because run-off will be increased in the area, Beauchemin stated that there will be stone trenches added to the back of each well house, so the water can drip into them. 

 

Some excavation will take place in the lawn and concrete areas. All areas will be enclosed with hay and small fencing.

 

Beauchemin stated that a crushed stone pathway will be added near well house 3 as well.

Commissioner Rieger asked what type of equipment would be required for excavation. Beauchemin stated a small excavator and concrete truck will be used in the area.

 

Soil will not be disturbed beyond the site itself.

 

Motion:

•             Commissioner Morrison made a motion that he finds this is a regulated activity because the proposed construction is in the upland review area. Commissioner Levy seconded the motion.

•             The motion passed unanimously at 7:39pm.

•             Commissioner Morrison made a motion that this is not a significant activity because everything will be done outside of the wetlands.  Commissioner Levy seconded the motion.

•             The motion passed unanimously at 7:39pm.

•             Commission Morrison made a motion that he approves the application subject to the conditions in the staff report.  Commissioner Levy seconded the motion.

•             The motion passed unanimously at 7:39pm.

    

   V:          NEW BUSINESS

                                1. Receipt of New Applications

 

       VI:          REFERRALS

1.  Referral from Planning Commission for review of Planning Commission Application #18-02 of Robert Green Associates, Agent; Robert Cave, Owner; for a 2-lot re-subdivision on the property located at 14 Roswell Road (Assessor’s Map A16, Block 307, Lot 015).  Zone R-40.

               

Robert Cave was present to discuss his property located at the corner of Roswell Road and West Mountain Road.  Mr. Cave is looking to create a 2-lot re-subdivision on the property.

 

There are steep slopes on the property and Mr. Cave discussed how he will protect the area while construction is taking place.

 

Mr. Cave has prepared a set of plans that have already been approved by Farmington Valley Health District. A representative was available to discuss Cave’s project. The representative stated there are erosion controls in place that are highlighted in the detailed printout included with the application.

 

Chair Winters asked questions regarding the matting and seeding. The representative stated that the construction team can either put matting and seed down, but they also may consider allowing area vegetation to come back naturally.

 

Chair Winters discussed that matting is good initially, but recommended seeding take place as well.

 

There will be a driveway entrance with a track pad on top where it is level.

 

 

Michael Glidden stated that the main staffing concern was with the steep driveway and the possibility of sediment leaving the site.  Mr. Glidden added that matting and seed will be required and should stabilize the site in order to avoid any sediment issues.

 

The representative added that it will be imperative to check and plan around a 3-4 day weather forecast when rain is not probable. This will ensure sediment control.

 

Glidden also stated that there will be a pre-construction meeting on site prior to any digging.

 

Motion: Erosion Sediment Control

McCusker stated that the erosion and sediment control is adequate and conforms to the standards of Chapter 128 in the Town Code. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Morrison. The motion passed unanimously at 7:55pm.

 

Motion:

Commissioner Rieger made a motion to advise the Planning Commission that there is no reason not to accept the proposal. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Levy, and the motion passed unanimously at 7:57pm.

 

                               

       VII.        GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS

Michael Glidden stated that Assistant Town Planner, Robin Newton, will be present for meetings going forward.

 

Michael Glidden stated that he will send an email out regarding FEMA. They will start ground surveys to update the flood insurance map starting this month and will continue into the spring.

 

1. Approval of the November 20, 2018 regular meeting minutes. The following alterations should be made.

 

o             Charles Haldeman should have been written in as an alternate.

 

o             Line 41 “Commission McCusker” should read “Commissioner McCusker”

 

o             Line 157: Motion should read that Henry James project conforms to Chapter 128 of the Town Code, not that is it a well-regulated activity.

 

Rieger discussed three (3) past requests (via email) that have been made from the Conservation Committee. The requests were made to the town and were regarding the below listed items:

 

(1) The Commission discussed the inconclusive pesticide spraying application.

(2) A proposed amendment to “Chapter 85-6.1 to permit the Commission to access an expert when a complicated question is put to them.” Commissioner Rieger stated that the Commission has not received any updated information regarding this request. 

(3) Commissioner Rieger also stated that there are perceptions that there are apparent violations that have gone on at the Performing Arts Center.

       

      VIII.       ADJOURNMENT

                               

              Motion: 

Commissioner Rieger made a motion to adjourn the meeting.               

Commissioner McCusker seconded the motion.                               

The motion was passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10pm.