12/01/2020 Conservation Commission/ IWWA Minutes

Meeting date: 
Tuesday, December 1, 2020

MINUTES
CONSERVATION COMMISSION/INLAND WETLANDS
AND WATERCOURSES AGENCY

REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 1, 2020 7:30 PM

CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 PM

ROLL CALL: Present – Chairman Winters, Vice Chairman Morrison, Commissioners Eaton,
Levy, Campolieta. Alternate Haldeman was invited to sit. A quorum was established.

PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

NEW BUSINESS: None

OLD BUSINESS:

Application #20-17 Simsbury Fire District applicant, Kevin Kowolski Agent, 251 Hopmeadow Street – the construction of fire training structure with minimal wetlands impact.

After the last meeting upon the request of the commission Agent Hazel met with Mr. Kowolski in the field to review the conditions on the ground. The depression located on the property showed no inlet and no outlet. There was some minor tree staining at the base of the depression. Trees in the depression and surrounding area consisted of mainly oak and maple. The understory was dominated by bittersweet, prickers, poison ivy, and ragweed. There were noticeable piles of leaves and grass clippings at the edge of the depression. The history of the site was that it was a former military site and the walking trail behind the site was a formal railroad. This would be consistent with the NRCS soil data (Udorthents smoothed). The best conclusion that this was a manmade depression that in times of heavy rain would hold water for a short period of time. The habitat is very poor and surrounded by development. The functionality was minimal at best.
Mr. Kowolski mentioned that the idea of installing a dry hydrant to the depression was abandoned due to the fact that when they would fill the depression they could not get it to hold water. All this indicated to the agent that this was nothing more than a depression and that the project should include an expert to evaluate it for future questions associated with future projects. Mr. Kowolski agreed.
The commission deliberated on the exact encroachment to the depression and any possible filling needed. It appears to be grading only and the commission conditioned the approval to include silt fence at the toe of the sloe of the depression for any possible erosion during the disturbance.

MOTION: Commissioner Haldeman made a motion that this is a regulated activity Commissioner Levey Seconded (Vote 6-0-0) in favor

MOTION: Commissioner Haldeman Made a motion that this was a feasible and prudent proposal, commissioner Levey seconded (Vote 6-0-0) in favor

MOTION: Commissioner Haldeman made a motion to approve the application with the additional condition that silt fence be installed at the toe of the slope associated with the adjacent depression. (Vote 6-0-0) in favor

GENERAL BUSINESS:
Minutes: Minutes of November 17, 2020 – Commissioner Campolieta made a motion to approve the minutes, commissioner Haldeman seconded. Vote: Approved 6-0-0.

Agent Hazel proposed a revision to the October 20, 2020 minutes. They will be ready for review at the next regularly scheduled meeting. The commission agreed and will vote at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

AGENT ACTIONS: None

CORRESPONDENCE:
Commissioner Winter gave an update on work being done by the Open Space Committee in regards to town land holdings. Agent Hazel reminded the commission from a conservation aspect the Open Space Committee may be asking the commission for a letter of approval for some of their proposals.

ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Campolieta made a motion to adjourn at 8:00 PM, Commissioner Haldeman seconded. Vote: 6-0-0.