Inland Wetlands, Water Courses & Conservation Commission

March 1, 2012 Regular Meeting Minutes CITY OF NORWICH INLAND WETLANDS, WATERCOURSES AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION Lower-level Conference Room, 23 Union Street, Norwich, Connecticut Agenda Items A, B & C – Call To Order, Roll Call, Determination Of Quorum: Chairman Raymond Baribeault called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Raymond Baribeault, Chairman Richard Morell, Vice-Chairman Ralph Page Barbara Rothstein Brandon Hyde Arthur Sharron, Alt. Robert McCoy, Alt. Absent: Douglas S. Lee Jeremiah Lowney Also Present: Peter Davis, Director Linda Lee Smith, Recording Secretary It was determined there was a quorum and all members present would be voting. D. Minutes: Upon motion by Richard Morell and second by Barbara Rothstein the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE the minutes of the February 2, 2012 regular meeting. E. Communications: NONE F. Public Hearings: NONE G. Old Business: IWWCC #12-01 – Forest Land Investment, LLC, 214 Vergason Avenue Ext. aka Forestview Drive – activities associated with the completion of existing multi-family development within 100 ft upland review area Peter Davis explained the condominium complex is a modification of an existing plan. The original site plan units proposed showed changes made because of a utility issue, units were relocated with one unit deleted than was originally approved. There is 6/10 of an acre of disturbance which was approved under the original site plan. The disturbance for the construction of pavement and units would be short term in nature. They have erosion control proposed and inlets are clean and not much has been changed from the original plan just the repositioning of the units. Peter said its all within the 100’ upland review area, at the closest point 15’ of disturbance associated with the construction of walls. Tom Cummings, Engineer from CLA Engineers gave a brief overview which was originally approved in 2001. Bob Russo, soil scientist re-inspected to make sure the wetland flagging and delineation was still valid and there was absolutely no change. The drainage on the original is what is proposed today and has been installed. The pump station in 2001 was much closer to the wetlands than now and that was the need to configure it because of the location of the pump station and the new requirements that changed to 2 ½ parking spaces per unit. Peter Davis stated that most of the comments from other City departments were not for inland wetlands issues. Upon motion by Richard Morell and seconded by Arthur Sharron the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE application IWWCC #12-01 activities associated with the completion of existing multi-family development within 100 ft upland review area. IWWCC #12-02 – Hammond Ledge, LLC, 24 Hammond Avenue – activities associated with the construction of a single family house and barn within 100 ft upland review area. Peter Davis explained the subdivision was approved last year and they decided not to file as a subdivision but construct a single family home and barn instead. There is an existing access drive for the house which they are proposing to branch off of it for access to the barn. A corner of the barn is in the wetland buffer area. Mr. Davis noted that the grading for the access drive to the proposed barn as well as the trenching for underground utilities were not included on their application. The activities are within the buffer area but they are not significant enough to require a modification of application. The closest area of disturbance for the construction of the barn would be 70’ – 75’. The nature of any potential impact is short term and silt fence will be installed down gradient of any disturbance. Norm Thibeault, Killingly Engineering Associates was representing the applicants. The plans had been slightly revised based on Pat McLaughlin’s comments. Peter Davis said that most of the comments weren’t applicable to inland wetlands. Mr. Thibeault said NDPW wanted the silt fence extended down the driveway and also added 30’ flared piping for under driveway to keep concentration of flow of water from going over driveway. The barn will house equipment owned by the applicant. They have approvals from Uncas Health District for the septic system. It’s an 18 1/2 acre property that previously applied for 4 lot subdivision that could at some point re-apply for the subdivision for two more dwellings. If they upgrade road later, the proposed pipe will accommodate any additional drainage. Parking area around the barn is going to be gravel. 2  Peter Davis said the other City agencies comments were not applicable to the inland application. For the on-site septic there were few conditions. If there are any changes they have to contact Uncas Health District, has to conform with state requirements and be installed under direct supervision of a licensed installer who is responsible for verifying location of the system. Upon motion by Brandon Hyde and seconded by Richard Morell the commission voted unanimously to APPROVE application IWWCC- 12-02 with conditions as stated by Uncas Health District for the construction of a single family house and barn which is within 100 ft upland review area. H. New Business: None I. New Business items submitted after agenda preparation and prior to the submission deadline: IWWCC #12-03 – Chelsea Gardens Foundation, Inc., Wilderness Road – activities associated with the Public gardens requires access drives and walkways within 100 ft upland review area. Peter Davis stated he just received IWWCC #12-03 for the Chelsea Gardens Foundation. CLA Engineers will get the full size plan sheets to the Planning Office next week. This is all buffer area and project has been downscaled. Upon motion by Ralph Page seconded by Richard Morell, the commission voted unanimously to TABLE the application until the next regular scheduled meeting of April 5, 2012, in order to comply with the required 30 day public petition period. J. Other Business: NONE K. Violations: NONE L. Adjournment Upon motion by Richard Morell and seconded by Brandon Hyde it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lee Smith, Recording Secretary 3