Inland / Wetlands & Water Courses Agency

REGULAR MEETING OF THE INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES AGENCY MIDDLETOWN CONNECTICUT August 7, 2019 Present: Commissioner Joe Carta Commission Robert Whitney Commissioner Fred Terrasi Commissioner David Pritchard Commissioner Constance Kisluk Commissioner Jammie Middleton Commissioner Kayleigh Pratt Commissioner Paul Dyka Absent: Commissioner Trevor Davis Commissioner Jennifer Greenberg Commissioner Ken McClellan Commissioner Trevor Larrubia Commissioner Gabriel Russo Commissioner Jack Pieper Staff: Christine Raczka Marquis, Planning/Environmental Specialist A. Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance. All members are voting members. B. Public Hearing 1. Proposed expansion of a vehicle storage facility within the upland review area at 113 Tuttle Rd. Applicant/agent DATTCO Inc. 19-04 (Date of receipt 7/3/19; July meeting was cancelled and by email vote, it was approved to accept and schedule a public hearing on 8/7/19) Brian Panico, Plainsfield CT, Engineer from Harry E. Cole and Son gave an overview of the property and the proposed application. Brian Panico reviewed the applicant’s previous application which was approved in 2013 but the applicant missed the extension deadline. Chairman Joe Carta asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to speak. He then opened the public hearing up to the commission. Chairman Robert Whitney asked if the applicant had received the comments from the City Engineer, Tom Nigosanti, had made on the project. Brian Panico, said that yes they did receive 1 the comments. Chairman Robert Whitney asked what was the applicants thinking in regards to the City Engineer’s comments? Brian Panico, said that the applicant was in agreement with the City Engineer and would incorporate the comments into the site plan. Chairman Robert Whitney said it’s interesting that you have a number of catch basin on site already and they are shallow and currently filled. Just curious as to why there is a gravel parking area instead of an asphalt parking area. Jim Paladino, Property Manager for Dattco, responded that the parking area and its current structure was existing when he came on board. There is a proposal to pave the area once the proposed improvements are made. Chairman Robert Whitney stressed that as you move closer to the wetlands it’s better to have asphalt to ensure that the run off and sheet flow is caught and treated appropriately. He also stated that he would like to make that a condition of approval provided you have no objections. Jim Paladino stated that he had no objections but he would defer to their engineer. Brian Panico stated that in general they treat asphalt and millings the same way in regards to run off. However, millings from a maintenance perspective is easier to maintain. He did state that he does not see a problem paving the whole parking lot if the commission prefers. Chairman Robert Whitney just out of curiosity were the wetlands reflagged for this permit. Brian Panico stated that they have not been reflagged. The Chairman stated that is normally not acceptable since a lot can change in six years. He also asked if there was a wetlands report. Brian Panico stated that he did not have the report but they could reflag the wetlands if needed. Brian Panico stated that at this point in time they would like to leave the public hearing open so they can address the town engineers written comments and the commissioner’s comments. Chairman Joe Carta asked if there was an oil and grit separator. Brian Panico said yes there is an oil and grit separator before the outfall and after that there is a water quality basin to collect any sediment before it reached the wetlands. Chairman Joe Carta said that their were a fair amount of car parts on site. Is this going to be cleaned up? Brian Panico stated that yes it will be cleaned up and part of the problem is that the applicant is running out of space to put things. Chairman Joe Carta asked are they bringing in more buses? The applicant responded no they are not. Chairman Joe Carta asked the current buses and parts on site are not going to be dragged to the end of the parking lot and left there are they? The applicant responded no. Chairman Joe Carta asked is there a chain link fence proposed for the property? Brian Panico responded that yes there is a chain link around the entire property. Chairman Joe Carta asked if it is paved will their be curbing? Brian Panico said that yes we could curb the property and that would stop the water from escaping the site. Brian Panico stated that as we address the comments from the Commission and the Town Engineer we will update the stormwater management plan. Chairman Joe Carta suggested also including a management and maintenance plan for the site. 2 Brian Panico stated that they will have to work with the town since the wetlands are on the town property. Chairman Robert Whitney made a motion to keep the public hearing open until September 4th . The motion was seconded by David Pritchard and passed unanimously. C. Old Business 2. Request for a 5 year extension for a previously approved Inland Wetlands application for construction of an addition for storage between two existing buildings at 1397 Newfield Street. Applicant/agent Freeman Enterprises 15-01 Christine Raczka Marquis, Planning/Environmental Specialist reviewed the permit with the Commission. Commissioner Robert Whitney made the motion to approve their request for a five year extension for a previously approved Inland Wetlands application for construction of an addition for storage between existing buildings at 1397 Newfield St (Freeman Enterprises 15-01). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Paul Dyka and passed unanimously. D. New Business E. Agency Review Christine Raczka Marquis, Planning/Environmental Specialist, reported to the Commission that the Westfield fire department received a grant to build two dry fire hydrants. One will be placed near the pond in Old Farms South and the other will be placed on private property on Atkins Street. The fire department does not need a permit because the activities are covered under state statute. F. Reports of Officers and Committees and WEO Report Christine Raczka Marquis, Planning/Environmental Specialist, gave the Commission an update on the construction and dredging of a small pond on Millbrook Rd. G. Public Open Forum None H. Minutes- June 5, 2019 The Commission reviewed the minutes from the June meeting. Commissioner Kayleigh Pratt requested a change to the minutes. Commissioner Constance Kisluk made a motion to approve the minutes with the proposed changes. The motion was seconded by David Pritchard. Commissioner Kayleigh Pratt, David Pritchard, and Robert Whitney abstained from voting. The motion passed with six yes votes. I. Communication and Bills 3 NA J. Adjournment Commissioner David Pritchard made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Fred Terrasi and passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Christine Raczka, Environmental Planning Specialist 4