Conservation Commission / IWWA Minutes 09/03/19

CONSERVATION COMMMISSION/INLAND WETLANDS
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2019
SIMSBURY TOWN OFFICES – MAIN MEETING ROOM – 7:30 p.m.
933 HOPMEADOW STREET, SIMSBURY, CONNECTICUT

I. CALL TO ORDER-Margery Winters called the meeting to order at 7:30pm

II. ROLL CALL
1. Appointment of Alternates-None

Present: Margery Winters, Jason Levy, Charles Haldeman, James Morrison, Donald Rieger, Donald Eaton, Kevin McCusker
Absent: Grant Gritzmacher
Staff Present: Robin Newton, Assistant Town Planner

III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. None

VI. OLD BUSINESS
a. Application #19-07 of Town of Simsbury Department of Public Works, Applicant; Town of Simsbury, Owner; for regulated activities within the wetlands and upland review area related to drainage work in the road right-of-way near 125 Great Pond Road. (Assessor’s Map E07, Block 303, Lot 002) Zone R-80 (decision must be rendered by 9/19/2019)

Town of Simsbury is looking to re-grade the shoulder of the road and extend an existing pipe to the edge of the right-of-way. A new modified plunge pool will be installed in the upland review area. This project will impact 50 feet. Substantial sized rip rap will be used to deter it from washing away.

Commissioner Rieger stated that he would like to see pages 2, 3, and 4 included in every future application.

Commissioner Morrison asked what type of equipment will be used for the project. Robin Newton stated that the majority will be done by hand with the exception of equipment used for grading.
She stated that very heavy equipment will be difficult to use because of the wet terrain.

MOTION:
Commissioner Morrison made a motion that this is a regulated activity because it involves construction in the wetlands.
Commissioner Levy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously at 7:46pm.

Commissioner Morrison made a motion that this is not a significant activity because the construction will be to improve the drainage and condition of the wetland.
Commissioner Levy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously at 7:46pm.

Commissioner Morrison made a motion that the board approves the application subject to the conditions in the staff report, subject to the condition that there will be no heavy equipment that enters the wetland, and subject to the condition that the rip rap will be washed.
Commissioner Levy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously at 7:46pm.

b. Application #19-08 of Peter and Theresa Roe, Owners; for regulated activities within the wetlands and upland review area related to the replacement of an existing deteriorated steel culvert on property located at 40 Sunset Hill Road. (Assessor’s Map C18, Block 601, Lot 111). Zone R-40. (decision must be rendered by 09/19/2019)

Peter and Theresa Roe were present to discuss a plan to replace an existing deteriorated steel culvert with durable HDPE version.

The culvert size will increase from 24” to 30” to decrease the chances of the culvert from backing up.

The town engineer has reviewed this proposal and found that this is the best course of action for the homeowners.

Peter Roe stated that he was told that the project would take up to 3 weeks to be completed, and that the installation needs to occur when the weather conditions are dry.

MOTION:
Commissioner McCusker made a motion that this is a regulated activity within the upland review. Commissioner Morrison seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously at 7:59pm.

Commissioner McCusker made a motion that this is not a significant threat to the wetlands.
Commissioner Morrison seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously at 7:59pm.

Commissioner McCusker made a motion to approve the application subject to the conditions in the staff report.
Commissioner Morrison seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously at 7:59pm.

V. NEW BUSINESS
1. Receipt of New Applications
a. Application #19-09 of David Bordonaro, Applicant; George P. McLean Est. & McLean Affiliates, Inc., Owner; for regulated activities within the wetlands and upland review area related to the construction of a new building, new access drives and parking areas on property located at 85 & 95 Firetown Road, and 75 Great Pond Road. (Assessor’s Map E08, Block 147, 148, Lot 001). Zone R-40. (decision must be rendered by 11/07/2019)

TJ Donahue, attorney for McLean Affiliates Inc, was present to introduce Thomas Daley, Senior Project Manager with Milone & MacBroom. Mr. Daley discussed the proposal for a new independent building, new access drives, and parking areas. The project will take place within the 100ft upland review area.

Native species including 1200+ native plants will be included.
An emergency access loop will be included for vehicles and walking path.
Jason Levy asked where the snow will be plowed. Mr. Daley stated there will be no salt or sand, and the snow will be plowed to the side.

(The Conservation Commission decided that there is no need for a public hearing for application #19-09.)

GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS
1. Approval of the Minutes of the July 2, 2019 regular meeting. -The meeting minutes will be filed as-is.

2. Correspondence- North Central Conservation District Fireworks Road Violation Review
It was determined that removing the fireworks road will do more damage to the wetland area that leaving it as-is.

The fireworks road will be used in the future for events if the Girard property sells.

Commissioner Rieger suggested writing a letter stating that the town violated the law when the fireworks road was created. The Conservation Commission is interested in ensuring that mitigation takes place in the future when it comes to the conservation of the fireworks roadway areas.

Commissioner Rieger will draft the letter and send to Robin Newton for distribution to the rest of the board.

VII. CONSERVATION COMMISSION DUTY WORK

1. Carrie Vibert has gone to work for the Dept of Public Works.

2. Chair Winters discussed the Pollinator Pathways. Over 40 towns in southwest CT have been encouraging people to plant native plants. Chair Winters stated that the Conservation Commission should support and promote this project to town’s people. It is an educational program and it brings awareness.

Commissioner McCusker asked if the link promoting the Pollinator Pathways cause can be put on the website.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Jason Levy made a motion to adjourn the meeting. James Morrison seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously at 8:38pm.