02/07/2023 CC/IWWA Minutes

Meeting date: 
Tuesday, February 7, 2023

CONSERVATION COMMISSION/INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES AGENCY

REGULAR MEETING February 7, 2023, 7:30 P.M. HELD Main Meeting Room Simsbury Town Hall

I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL

Chairman Winters called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.

Present: Director of Community Planning and Development, George McGregor, Andrew Bade, Jason Berman, Joseph Campolieta, Donald Eaton, Jason Levy, Charles Haldeman, Kyle Testerman (Alternate), and Cailyn Welsh (Alternate)

II. NEW APPLICATIONS FOR RECEIPT AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE

Application CC #23-03 of Earthlight Technologies, LLC, Applicant, Stephen Sepulveda, Owner, for the installation of a +/- 1,050 sq. ft. solar rack in the wetlands, at 1 Highwood. (Assessor’s Map G13, Block 142, Lot 003C) Simsbury, CT 06070. Zone R-80.
• Mr. Campolieta inquired whether the location of the solar rack is on wetlands that have been previously disturbed. Mr. McGregor confirmed that the area has been previously disturbed.
• Ms. Winters inquired if the area north of the pond is mowed grass. Mr. Sepulveda noted that the area past the existing fence is allowed to grow and not mowed. In the area between the fence and the solar rack location is a field that is mowed. Ms. Winters advised that it would be beneficial to allow that area to grow naturally.
• Mr. Levy inquired if there would be any tree trimming or removal. Mr. Sepulveda noted that the benefit of the proposed location of the solar rack is that there would be no tree removal or trimming required.
• Mr. Haldeman inquired if Earthlight is concerned with the run-off from the solar panels. Mr. Sepulveda noted that the area is on a slope where there is natural run-off. Rock will be installed to ensure there is no pooling of run-off and/or erosion.
• Mr. Eaton inquired why the solar panels are not being installed on the roof. Mr. Sepulveda noted that the roof is not sloped, and therefore, would not provide sufficient power capacity for the home. Additionally, the home’s roof was recently replaced and any penetration from a solar panel would void the roof warranty.

Motion: Mr. Haldeman moves to receive Application CC #23-03 of Earthlight Technologies, LLC, Applicant, Stephen Supelveda, Owner, for the installation of a +/- 1,050 sq. ft. solar rack in the wetlands at 1 Highwood. (Assessor’s Map G13, Block 142, Lot 003C) Simsbury, CT 06070. Zone R-80. The Commission determines that the regulated activity is not a significant activity and schedules CC #23-03 for action at the 02/21/2023 Regular Meeting of the Commission. Mr. Levy seconds.

All in favor, no opposed, no abstentions. (7-0-0)

III. PUBLIC HEARING AND/OR ACTION ON APPLICATIONS

The Public Hearing for Application #22-29, 446 Hopmeadow St. of Vessel Holdings, LLC, has been postponed until a future date, to be determined.

IV. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS

Minutes: January 17, 2023

Motion: Without objection, Mr. Levy motioned to approve the January 17, 2023 minutes for the Regular Committee meeting once the following edits are made:
• Include Mr. Waters’ concern that the Commission’s meeting on January 17, 2023 was the first opportunity for public comment on the Tariffville Connection Multi-Use Trail. The Commission recommends Town Staff take this point under consideration.
• Replace Mr. Levy with Mr. Campolieta as the Commissioner who motioned on Line 61.

All in favor, no opposed, no abstentions. (7-0-0)

V. AGENT ACTIONS

Application #23-02 of Chris Atiyeh, Applicant, Steven Lepowsky, Owner, for the installation of a generator and two LP tanks +/- 80 ft. from the wetlands, at 11 Climax Road. (Assessor’s Map C19, Block 510, Lot 001) Simsbury, CT 06070. Zone R-40.

VI. CONSERVATION BUSINESS

POCD Update
• Mr. McGregor noted that there was a Community Meeting on January 30, 2023 that went well and was attended by approximately 102 citizens. He noted that the town boards and commissions were well-represented.
• Ms. Winters commented that the town open space was identified as an area of priority for the citizens who attended the Community Meeting, which should be taken under consideration during the POCD update process.
• Ms. Winters advised Commissioners to provide comments over the next month to Mr. McGregor who will consolidate and send out to the Commission.
• Ms. Winters provided Town Staff with the Stamford and Newtown Dark Sky regulations, which she would like to provide to the Zoning Commission for consideration.

VII. PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT UPDATES

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

Motion: Mr. Campolieta made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Haldeman seconded.

All in favor, no opposed, no abstentions. (7-0-0)

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Cara Blackaby
Commission Clerk