Inland Wetlands, Water Courses & Conservation Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2021 CITY OF NORWICH INLAND WETLANDS, WATERCOURSES AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION VIRTUAL/REMOTE MEETING A. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Richard Morell called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. B. ROLL CALL and SEATING of ALTERNATES: Present: Chairman Richard Morell, Swarnjit Singh Bhatia and Peter Chalecki. Absent: Vice Chairman Douglas Lee, Michael Lahan, Brandon Hyde and Robert McCoy. Also Present: Dan Daniska, Assistant City Planner and Katherine Rose, Recording Secretary. C. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Peter Chalecki put forth a motion to APPROVE the September 2, 2021 Special Meeting minutes as presented. Swarnjit Singh Bhatia seconded. Peter Chalecki, Swarnjit Singh Bhatia and Richard Morrell voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. D. COMMUNICATIONS: Dan Daniska reported he had new issues of the Connecticut Wildlife and Eastern Connecticut Conservation District newsletters available for members. Dan Daniska stated that as of August 18th, 2021 Richard Morrell and Douglas Lee were reappointed to the commission. Mr. Daniska asked that the other commission members please submit their applications in order to renew their appointments. E. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. F. OLD BUSINESS: None. IWWCC #19-19M – 177 Otrobando Avenue – Modification of a Previously Approved Plan (IWWCC #19-19) to add an expanded building addition. Located within the 100 Foot Upland Review Area. Property and Application of JTMG Company LLC. Assessor’s Map 66, Block 1, Lots 8,9,10. Zone BP. Dan Daniska stated the application was a modification of a previously approved plan to add an extended building addition. Norm Thibeault, Professional Engineer from Killingly Engineering Associates, stated he was assisting the Norwich Veterinary Clinic with expansion plans and the permitting process. Norm Thibeault explained that another element of the expansion, in accompaniment with the already complete addition on the right hand side of the building and parking lot expansion, was another addition proposed to be built atop an existing 12 by 26 foot concrete pad. Norm Thibeault stated it was determined that the existing concrete pad was not structurally sound so the modified plan called for the replacement and enlargement of the existing foundation, in an area that was previously disturbed and developed. Norm Thibeault explained that the success of the business has required more office and storage space which the addition would house. Norm Thibeault added that much of the existing addition was currently in use and overcrowded. Norm Thibeault discussed drainage in the area and noted that the storm basin was designed for the 100 year storm. Norm Thibeault discussed where the ENS controls would be installed along the edge of the parking lot and sidewalk during construction, as well as the construction of the footing for the addition. Dan Daniska stated that the proposed Erosion & Sediment Controls were deemed sufficient to protect the nearby wetlands. Peter Chalecki made a motion that the application was not a significant activity and did not require a public hearing. Swarnjit Singh Bhatia seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. Swarnjit Singh Bhatia made a motion to APPROVE IWWCC APPLICATION #19-19M with the inclusion of ENS control locations and the following conditions:  That the original approval remains valid for FIVE YEARS and will expire on 01/09/2025.  That a bond, in an amount satisfactory to the City Engineer, be submitted for Erosion and Sediment Control and Site Restoration. The previously approved bond may be in place and deemed sufficient.  That the Erosion & Sediment Control location be added to the plan sheet.  That the Review Comments from the City Engineer in an email dated 10/04/2021 be addressed before the final revised plans be submitted and reviewed by City Staff.  That final revised plans be submitted and reviewed by City Staff.  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.  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 stormwater 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. Peter Chalecki seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. G. NEW BUSINESS: None. H. OTHER BUSINESS: Peter Chalecki made a motion to accept the 2022 Wetlands Calendar. Swarnjit Singh Bhatia seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. I. VIOLATIONS: None. J. ADJOURNMENT: Swarnjit Singh Bhatia made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 PM. Peter Chalecki seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Katherine Rose, Recording Secretary