Inland / Wetlands & Water Courses Agency

Chair Joseph Carta (’23) Vice-Chair Ken McClellan (’23) Members Fred Terrasi (’21) Trevor Davis (’23) Inland Wetlands David Pritchard (’23) Jennifer Greenberg (’22) Jammie Middleton (’23) Brian Gartner (’22) And Alternates Steven Skultety (’22) Jack Pieper (’24) Vacant Paul Dyka (’25) Watercourses Agency Vacant Vacant Vacant Staff James Sipperly, Environmental Planner REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 3, 2021 Council Chambers & Virtual on WebEx 7:00 P.M. Present: Joseph Carta Ken McClellan David Pritchard Jennifer Greenberg Paul Dyka Steven Skultety Absent: Trevor Davis Brian Gartner Jack Piper Jammie Middletown Fred Terrasi Staff: Marek Kozikowski, AICP, Director of Land Use A. Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm. B. Public Hearing 1. Construction of a road and five single-family homes on lots 12-0106, 12-0110, 12-0193, 12-0194, and 12-0195 Nathan Hale Road. Applicant/agent Joseph Mazzotta 2021-7 Continuation from September 1 & October 6. Must close public hearing. Christopher Bell, P.E. described additional materials included as part of the proposal including a drainage maintenance plan, a conservation easement map, and a Conservation Easement and Restrictions document. Scott, LeBlanc, 73 Phedon Parkway, expressed concerns about the water table and potential basement of the proposed house located close to the wetlands, and the result of moving the wetlands will put new properties within the 100 ft upland review area. Mr. Bell reported that the buildings will be designed with a foundation drain system. Chairman Carta inquired about the location of the pool in reference to observed conditions during the site walk. Motion: To close the public Hearing. Moved by Ken McClellan; seconded by Steven Skultety passed unanimously. Motion: To keep the item open until the December 1st meeting. Moved by Ken McClellan; seconded by Jennifer Greenberg passed unanimously. Page 1 of 3  2. Repair culvert and roadway due to storm damage and install 20 ft of new pipe with flared end with fill above located on George Street +/- 450 ft north of Middlefield Street. Applicant/agent City of Middletown Public Works Department W2021-11 Christopher Holden, PE, Deputy Director of Public Works presented the application. The proposal includes extending an existing drain pipe an additional 20 ft, installing a new catch basin, a new headway with a flared end that empties into the wetland. The intent is for this to be temporary improvements to improve drainage and road safety in this area while they plan for permanent solutions to address flooding in the area. Tony Dibendetto, 512 Boston Road, inquired about permits for filling in the brook in the last few months, and noted erosion on his property and nearby properties. Nermina Isakovic, 49 George Street noted significant erosion on her property caused by the brook and erosion is getting closer to her home. She noted that there are pipes installed on her property that is exasperating the flooding and erosion issues on her property. Also, clearing and filling on a nearby property may be making the situation worse. April Heppenstall, 37 George Street, noted that the flooding came after the Knoll Crest development was built. She had a meetings with city staff and inquired about the timeline for this and the long term project. Richard Sweet, 32 George Street, inquired if any work was being proposed on his property. Carole (Czepas), 57 George Street, noted there is a pipe on her property under a retaining wall and noticed an increase in flow through the pipe in recent years which is causing flooding. Ron Griswold, 505 Boston Road, noted that the brook has grown over the years and noted the history of erosion and work done to rebuild the brook. Christopher Holden noted that the city has hired a company to analyze the watershed to so that they can properly size the pipes as part of a permanent drainage solution. He acknowledged that the pipes noted in the public comment were probably old farm pipes and does not know why they are there. He also noted that the detention pond on George Street had to be cleaned to meet the design. Chris further noted that we have experienced two 100-year storms this year and the city’s drainage system is designed for a 25-year storm. He reiterated that the city will make permanent improvements once the analysis of the area is complete. Motion to continue the public hearing. Moved by Ken McClellan; seconded by Jennifer Greenberg was withdrawn. Motion to close the public hearing. Moved by Ken McClellan; seconded by Jennifer Greenberg passed unanimously. Motion to approve the repair culvert and roadway due to storm damage and install 20 ft of new pipe with flared end with fill above located on George Street +/- 450 ft north of Middlefield Street and include closing of pipes located on an adjacent property. Moved by Ken McClellan; seconded by David Pritchard passed unanimously. C. Old Business None. D. New Business 1. Adoption of the 2022 Regular Meeting Schedule Page 2 of 3 Motion to adopt the 2022 regular meeting schedule. Moved by David Pritchard; seconded by Steven Skultety passed unanimously. E. Agency Review 1. Installation of a new 12ft x 16ft shed within the 100ft upland review area on property located at 15 Azalea Drive. Applicant/agent Kevin Elak W2021-12 Director Kozikowski described the proposal. The proposed was designated for agent review by consensus. F. Reports of Officers and Committees None. G. Public Open Forum Multiple members of the public came to discuss activity and a drainage issue near their homes on Brown Street. Gene Salvatore, 48 Brown Street discussed a drainage issue near his home that is attracting geese and mosquitos. David Steuerwald, 73 Brown Street also discussed the drainage issue reporting that the area doesn’t dry up anymore. Carlos Rosa, 38 Brown Street noted that in addition to the increase in mosquitos, the area now attracts coyotes, ticks, and frogs. Russel Rubinow, 85 Brown Street noted that his property is directly affected by the issue. H. Minutes – October 6, 2021 Motion to approve the minutes of the October 6th meeting. Moved by David Pritchard; seconded by Jennifer Greenberg passed unanimously. I. Communication and Bills 1. Citing Council Application for Environmental Compatibility and Public Need- 499 Mile Lane Director Kozikowski displayed the correspondence received regarding a citing council application for environmental compatibility and public need for a tower proposed at 499 Mile Lane. J. Adjournment Motion to adjourn. Moved by Ken McClellan; seconded by Steven Skultety passed unanimously. Page 3 of 3