Inland Wetlands, Water Courses & Conservation Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes August 2, 2018 CITY OF NORWICH INLAND WETLANDS, WATERCOURSES AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION Lower-level Conference Room 23 Union Street, Norwich, Connecticut A. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Richard Morell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. B. ROLL CALL and SEATING of ALTERNATES: Present: Richard Morell, Chairman Art Sharron Peter Chalecki Michael Lahan, Alternate Robert McCoy, Alternate Absent: Douglas Lee, Vice Chairman David Poore Brandon Hyde Also Present: Deanna Rhodes, IWWCC Agent, and Linda Lee Smith, Recording Secretary Richard Morell stated that all members in attendance were to be seated. C. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: A motion was made by Art Sharron to APPROVE the minutes of the July 5, 2018 regular meeting as amended to include Robert McCoy as being present. Peter Chalecki second. The motion passed unanimously. D. COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Deanna Rhodes presented a Wildlife magazine and asked if anyone wanted to read it. 2. Deanna Rhodes stated she had received an Email from Mark Tremblay with the status on the timber harvest at 300 Canterbury Tpke. She stated that the activity has been sporadic; logging is still continuing on Lawler Lane, they haven’t started working on Canterbury Turnpike yet; the tracking pad is working well; and Deanna has been going out once a month and touching base with Mr. Tremblay weekly. 3. Deanna Rhodes stated Milone & MacBroom are working on behalf of the City on a DEEP water diversion permit application. Deanna hadn’t had a chance to review it, they’re requesting for authorization from the State and both CCP and IWWCC were sent the applications. Deanna will call Mark Decker at NPU to ask him about it and report back next month. Peter Chalecki asked to take the application how to review it. E. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None F. OLD BUSINESS: 1. IWWCC18-06: 97 Weber Farm Road (aka Chasey Lane). Proposed land disturbance activities associated with grading, installation of underground electrical and telecom utilities, drainage system, public water, footing drains, septic systems, guardrail, relocated fire hydrant, and construction of a portion of a private access road for 6 proposed dwellings to be located within a conservation residential development. Application of William Lampe/Chasey Lane LLC. Property of Stony Woods at Weber Farm. Assessor’s Map 99, Block 2, Lot 2 Pete Parent, CME Associates, 33 Wilbur Cross Way, Mansfield, CT 06268 introduced himself as representative of the applicant. He gave a brief review of last month’s meeting presentation. He stated the intent is to complete the incomplete development per the revised plan under the new regulation for a common interest community. He stated they have updated the road to be a cul-de-sac with underground utilities, water, gas and electric. He stated there are no sewers available, so there will be onsite septic systems. Mr. Parent stated they will be providing infiltration chambers under the road to handle the storm water. Based on a comment received from Mr. McLaughlin, they relocated the outlet of the detention system about 12’ back from the edge of the wetlands to provide more buffer. Additional test pits were required by the Uncas Health District which requires that the septic system for unit 4 be rotated counterclockwise. The main system stays outside the regulated area, but it pushes the reserve septic system slightly into the regulated area. As there was some shallow ledge found on test hole 308, the system for unit 8 was slid down slope 10 feet which put the reserve system into regulated area. Pete Parent stated none of the grading, utility lines or unit layout has changed. Richard Morell then asked how far into the regulated area are the proposed septic system. Pete Parent stated 8 feet and Ms. Rhodes clarified that meant 92 feet from the wetlands. Peter Chalecki asked if there was any city sewer available located in that area. Peter Parent said not in the general area and that it could be about a half mile away. Deanna Rhodes stated that the wetland applications get referred to Norwich Public Utilities and Uncas Health District. Deanna stated she hadn’t received any comments from NPU about requiring a connection. Pete Parent said that his present notes and requirements are for the condo ownership to keep records of the maintenance of the detention system. They are willing to provide the City with those documents but need specifics regarding which department is to receive them and how often. They would revise their notes to include this information. Pete Parent said they discussed the first phase is to construct the main road and the underground utilities. The lots can will be built individually, if necessary. Pete mentioned that Deanna’s memo pointed out that the septic system for units 5, 6 &7 are intertwined and run parallel to each other. He stated that they would install all the septic systems that are interconnected when they build the first of those units. Ms. Rhodes then asked if the drainage is going in on the first phase with the road. Peter stated yes. Deanna Rhodes asked the Commission what they felt about passive activity within the proposed private conservation easement. Richard Morell asked what the terrain was like. Mr. Parent responded that it’s pretty hilly but could provide access with a path. A discussion ensued and it was determined that a gravel path should be shown on the revised plan extending from the end of the cul-de-sac to the area that already has an existing visible pathway. 2 Ms. Rhodes then read recommended conditions, from her 08/02/18 memo, into the record for the consideration of the Commission. Michael Lahan made a motion to Approve IWWCC18-06 with the following conditions: • That the approval is valid for FIVE YEARS and will expire on 08/02/2023. This includes both Phase 1 (roadway, underground utility mains, drainage and service stubs) and Phase 2 (construction of the 6 individual dwellings and associated site improvements including septic systems, etc.) • That the $20,570 bond for Erosion and Sediment Control be submitted in the form of a check or letter of credit prior to filing of the mylars for the project. • That the IWWCC letter of approval be placed on the cover sheet of the plan set. • That the removal of the two existing temporary power poles occur prior to initiating any land disturbance activities. • That the stockpiles of garbage/debris located on the site be removed prior to initiating any land disturbance activities to avoid being deposited into the nearby wetlands. • That the maintenance schedule for the catch basins by the Homeowners Association be reviewed by the City Engineer and filed on the land records. • That all site activities shall be conducted in accordance with the plans, specifications and documents of record. Any deviation from the approved plans or construction sequence shall be cause for enforcement action by the Inland Wetlands, Watercourses and Conservation Commission. • That the permittee shall notify the Inland Wetlands Agent prior to the commencement of work and upon its completion. • That all work and all regulated activities conducted pursuant to this authorization shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of this approval. Any structures, excavation, fill, obstructions, encroachments or regulated activities not specifically identified and authorized herein shall constitute a violation of this approval and may result in its modification, suspension, or revocation. Upon initiation of the activities authorized herein, the permittee thereby accepts and agrees to comply with the terms and conditions of this approval. • That no equipment or materials including without limitation fill, construction materials, or debris, shall be deposited, placed, or stored in any wetland or watercourse on or off site unless specifically authorized by this approval. • That the General Provisions stated in Section 11.9 of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Regulations are applicable to this permit. • That the permit shall not be assigned or transferred to another entity without the written permission of the Commission. 3  • That all erosion and sediment control measures shall be in accordance with the Connecticut Guidelines for Erosion and Sediment Control. Erosion and sediment control measures shall be installed and inspected prior to site disturbance. It is the permittee's responsibility to schedule the inspection with the Norwich Planning Department. Additional erosion and sediment control measures shall be installed if determined to be necessary by the Designated Agent. The permittee shall take such necessary steps consistent with the terms and conditions of the approval, to control storm water discharges and to prevent erosion and sedimentation and to otherwise prevent pollution of wetlands and watercourses. • That this permit will be strictly enforced. The Commission may suspend or revoke this permit, may direct the Commission's Agent to issue a cease and desist order or may require the applicant to modify, extend, or revise the site work or restore the area to its original condition if it finds that the applicant has not complied with the conditions set forth in this approval or if the applicant exceeds the scope of this approval as set forth herein or if the intended use or actual use of the general site is not as represented by the application or the plan of record. • That access be provided to the existing woodland trail from the end of the roadway to the conservation area for the exclusive use of the residents of the condo association. Art Sharron seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 2. IWWCC18-07: Connecticut State Route 97 (Baltic Road, Norwich to Main Street, Sprague). Proposed installation of public water line extension to Sprague which includes 2 wetland crossings. Application of Norwich Public Utilities. Property of State of Connecticut (State Route 97). Bob DeLuca, of CLA Engineers, represented Norwich Public Utilities. Bob stated the project is a water main extension project from Bridge Street/Canterbury Turnpike to TJ’s on Route 97 in Baltic. He said there is a 12 ft. pipe line being installed in the roadway, and the only area not being installed in the roadway is where it crosses Byron Brook in 2 locations. They are within 100 ft. of the flagged wetlands along the Shetucket River. At Byron Brook they are installing a bridge type structure with a foundation and a support pipe. The bridge was replaced about 5 years ago. Peter Chalecki stated that it was in 2012. Bob DeLuca handed out photos of the present condition of the bridge shwoing planters and riprap. He referred to a comment from Pat McLaughlin’s memo about E&S and explained that they are putting in some steel sheeting because it’s a steep slope and they will have to dig down to put concrete foundation on either side for installation of the pipe. Michael Lahan asked if the water line would run along the side of the bridge. Bob said yes, but it will have its own structure as DOT was very specific that they didn’t want to attach it to the bridge. Bob stated the excavation is limited to within the sheeting and they will take care of whatever Pat McLaughlin requests for erosion & sediment control, if needed. Bob DeLuca showed where the floodplain was located and indicated that the road goes in and out of the 100 year flood plain. Deanna Rhodes asked if he wouldn’t be working in the 4 floodplain. Bob said they were not displacing anything in the floodplain, but they do need to send a coordination letter to DEEP because of the state funding involved. Deanna Rhodes informed the Commission that Sprague was notified and that the City did not receive any correspondence from them. Ms. Rhodes noted that the E&S bond estimate hasn’t been submitted. Mr. DeLuca asked if it was necessary for a bond as it’s a City project. A discussion ensued and the board determined that an Erosion and Sediment bond would not be necessary as the contractor would need to have a bond in place for the project with NPU. Ms. Rhodes reminded the commission of her recommended conditions from her memo. As the applicant had a copy of her memo and was aware of the recommendations, the Commission waived the reading of these into the record. A Motion was then made by Art Sharron that IWWCC18-07 does not constitute a significant activity requiring a Public Hearing. Michael Lahan second. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Peter Chalecki to APPROVE IWWCC18-07 with the following conditions from the Planner’s memo dated 8/2/18: • That the approval is valid for FIVE YEARS and will expire on 08/02/2023. • That the IWWCC letter of approval be placed on the cover sheet of the plan set. • That all site activities shall be conducted in accordance with the plans, specifications and documents of record. Any deviation from the approved plans or construction sequence shall be cause for enforcement action by the Inland Wetlands, Watercourses and Conservation Commission. • That the permittee shall notify the Inland Wetlands Agent prior to the commencement of work and upon its completion. • That all work and all regulated activities conducted pursuant to this authorization shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of this approval. Any structures, excavation, fill, obstructions, encroachments or regulated activities not specifically identified and authorized herein shall constitute a violation of this approval and may result in its modification, suspension, or revocation. Upon initiation of the activities authorized herein, the permittee thereby accepts and agrees to comply with the terms and conditions of this approval. • That no equipment or materials including without limitation fill, construction materials, or debris, shall be deposited, placed, or stored in any wetland or watercourse on or off site unless specifically authorized by this approval. • That the General Provisions stated in Section 11.9 of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Regulations are applicable to this permit. • That the permit shall not be assigned or transferred to another entity without the written permission of the Commission. 5  • That all erosion and sediment control measures shall be in accordance with the Connecticut Guidelines for Erosion and Sediment Control. Erosion and sediment control measures shall be installed and inspected prior to site disturbance. It is the permittee's responsibility to schedule the inspection with the Norwich Planning Department. Additional erosion and sediment control measures shall be installed if determined to be necessary by the Designated Agent. The permittee shall take such necessary steps consistent with the terms and conditions of the approval, to control storm water discharges and to prevent erosion and sedimentation and to otherwise prevent pollution of wetlands and watercourses. • That this permit will be strictly enforced. The Commission may suspend or revoke this permit, may direct the Commission's Agent to issue a cease and desist order or may require the applicant to modify, extend, or revise the site work or restore the area to its original condition if it finds that the applicant has not complied with the conditions set forth in this approval or if the applicant exceeds the scope of this approval as set forth herein or if the intended use or actual use of the general site is not as represented by the application or the plan of record. Michael Lahan seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. G. NEW BUSINESS: • Receipt of New Applications - None H. OTHER BUSINESS: 1. Staff Report: None 2. Reminder – Next POCD PIC Meeting September 12, 2018. Deanna Rhodes said she will send out the agenda next month. 3. Violations: None 4. New Business: Deanna Rhodes stated she received notification about a DEEP for trails grant. She stated that she’d like the City to apply and has sent an email to the Mayor, Lee- Ann Gomes, and Ryan Thompson and attached the recommended priorities that the Commission came up with for open space acquisition and trail locations. The grant application is due in October. At this time, she has only heard back from Lee-Ann. She will contact the Mayor again to discuss the grant application and confirmed that Richard Morell would like to be in attendance. Since several of the properties are owned by NPU, she thinks they should also be invited. I. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Art Sharron to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 p.m. Seconded by Peter Chalecki. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lee-Smith Recording Secretary 6