Conservation Commission / IWWA Minutes 10/15/2019

Meeting date: 
Tuesday, October 15, 2019

CONSERVATION COMMISSION/INLAND WETLANDS
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019
SIMSBURY TOWN OFFICES - MAIN MEETING ROOM - 7:30 p.m.
725 HOPMEADOW STREET, SIMSBURY, CONNECTICUT

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

II. ROLE CALL
1. No appointment of alternates needed

Present: Margery Winters, Donald Rieger, James Morrison, Jason Levy, and Donald Eaton
Absent: Kevin McCusker, Chad Thompson, Grant Gritzmacher, Charles Haldeman
Staff Present: Michael Glidden, CFM CZEO Director of Planning and Community Development

III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. None

IV. OLD BUSINESS
1. None

V. NEW BUSINESS
1. Receipt of New Applications
a. Application #19-10 of Justin & Jessica Olewnik, Owners, for the placement of a 10’ x 14’ storage shed in the upland review area on the property located at 17 Saxton Brook Drive (Assessor’s Map H04, Block 403, Lot 006). Zone R-40.

Mr. Glidden presented application #19-10. He spoke about specifics of application. It is an application for receipt, he spoke of where the shed will be located, that it will be on mowed lawn, closer to the house. A request was made for the Commission to determine if it is considered significant activity.

MOTION:
Mr. Levy made a motion that this is not a significant activity. Motion seconded by Mr. Morrisson and the motion passed unanimously at 7:35 p.m.

The Commission noted that there are times when complete applications are not received, and the Commission is requested to make decisions based on partial information. Mr. Glidden stated that he would speak with staff to ensure that complete information is provided.

Chairman Winters asked if it is possible for the Commission to change a decision previously made if they were to receive new information on an application. Mr. Glidden recommended that if the Commission feels they do not have adequate information, that they exercise their right to table a decision until the next meeting when all information needed is submitted/reviewed.
Mr. Glidden also mentioned that there was a corrupt email that someone opened in the town offices, many emails did not go out as planned. He apologized for the late email with access to agenda and drop box materials.

VI. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS
1. Approval of the Minutes of the September 17, 2019 regular meeting
Mr. Rieger noted that his name is spelled incorrectly (Line 12) under Role Call. Meeting minutes were approved at 7:38 p.m. with spelling correction of Mr. Rieger’s name.

2. Request to modify Erosion & Sedimentation Control plan for 80 Climax Road
Mr. Glidden presented the Commission with the request to modify Erosion & Sedimentation Control plan for 80 Climax Road. He then introduced Michael Mansour, the developer of the property who spoke about the request. He spoke about trying to create better erosion control through seeding and eliminating the silt getting into the storm drains and retention ponds. He answered questions about where ryegrass will be applied and where they will seed. He spoke about the project progress, and how the property is graded. Storm drain system and road will be complete by next year. Mr. Mansour showed pictures to illustrate where the work would take place, and the current measures taken up to date. Mr. Mansour anticipates completion of project in two years.
Mr. Glidden made it clear that Mr. Mansour will not be stripping any lots except for construction.
MOTION:
At 7:58 p.m., Mr. Rieger made a motion that the Commission finds that the proposed modifications for Erosion & Sediment Control Plan are satisfactory and consistent with the requirements and regulations. Motion was seconded by Mr. Morrison, and the motion passed unanimously.

3. Proposed 2020 Conservation Commission Meeting Calendar
Mr. Glidden noted that if there are no applications during the August time frame, the meeting could be cancelled.
MOTION:
At 7:58 p.m. a motion was made by Mr. Levy and seconded by Mr. Rieger to accept the proposed 2020 Conservation Commission meeting calendar. Motion passed unanimously.

VII. CONSERVATION COMMISSION DUTY WORK
1. Chairman Winters noted that there is a posting on the Simsbury Police Department’s website informing the public how to deal with bears in the community. Chairman Winters is concerned as the advice given is to report all bear sightings. She wonders what the motivation is for reporting all the bear sightings and would like to see the public educated on how to coexist with our growing bear population. The Commission discussed the pros and cons of having an ordinance and/or a state law which would discourage the public from intentionally feeding the bears.
Chairman winters questioned whether there is a bear problem or a public behavior problem.
The Commission agreed that something should be posted on the Conservation website; something scholarly, giving guidance and suggestions for the public. Chairman Winters will write something up and submit it.

2. Commission was reminded about an upcoming CACIWC (Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetlands) Conference. Chairman Winters encourages Commission members attend if possible. Mr. Glidden asked that anyone wishing to attend let him know so he could register them. The conference is on November 23, 2019 in Cromwell.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Rieger made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting. Motion was seconded by Mr. Levy and motion passed unanimously at 8:12 p.m.