Inland Wetlands, Water Courses & Conservation Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes April 11, 2024 CITY OF NORWICH INLAND WETLANDS, WATERCOURSES AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION HYBRID MEETING 23 Union Street - Lower Level & via ZOOM NORWICH, CT A. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Richard Morell called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. B. ROLL CALL and SEATING of ALTERNATES: Chairman Richard Morell stated that all members present, other than Deane Nason who was only observing, would be seated and voting during the meeting. Present: Chairman Richard Morell, Douglas Lee (ZOOM), Chris Seery (ZOOM), Peter Chalecki (ZOOM), Nicholas Fortson and Deane Nason. Absent: Brandon Hyde. Also Present: Katherine Rose, Recording Secretary; and Dan Daniska, City Planner/Wetland Agent C. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Douglas Lee put forth a motion to APPROVE the February 5, 2024 special meeting minutes. Peter Chalecki seconded. Chairman Richard Morell, Douglas Lee, Chris Seery, Peter Chalecki, Nicholas Fortson voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. D. COMMUNICATIONS: Dan Daniska reported that he received a letter from The Last Green Valley on February 5th for the offer of their expertise in assessing trails in regards to those with mobility challenges. Dan Daniska asked members to email any ideas for areas that could be assessed. Dan Daniska stated he also received a notification that the pond at 289 New London Turnpike was being treated. Richard Morrell suggested a review of the Fairview Dam area off Canterbury Turnpike. Dan Daniska stated that on March 29th the Aquarion Water Company announced different categories for the 14th Annual Aquarion Champion Awards and that submissions were due by May 3rd. Dan Daniska stated he would distribute the information to members. E. OLD BUSINESS: None. F. NEW BUSINESS: None. G. OTHER BUSINESS: None. H. VIOLATIONS: SHOW CAUSE HEARING: Unauthorized Land Disturbance 141 Dunham St. Norwich, CT 06360 Dan Daniska stated that he received notification of the disturbance at 141 Dunham Street from neighbors which was then confirmed by photos taken by Public Works. Dan Daniska stated that he visited the site the past week with the Zoning Enforcement Officer. Dan Daniska showed photos on screen to all to view. Dan Daniska stated there had been a wetlands issues years prior at the adjacent property 129 Dunham Street. Dan Daniska stated that at 141 Dunham Street there was a mini-excavator located within the watercourse behind the home, as well as extensive dumping and damage to the area. Dan Daniska continued that approximately five to six boats were located on the property, a portable bridge was placed over the watercourse, and a RV was parked directly next to the watercourse with its drainage placed there as well. Dan Daniska noted that items referenced in the original complaint had been removed but the area was driven through and damaged. Dan Daniska reported he issued a letter the prior week ordering the property owner to immediately stabilize any disturbed areas along the embankment; remove by hand all construction debris, household debris, or any other item that had been placed in the watercourse or immediate upland area; remove any vehicles that had been stored in the upland area to prevent the impact of soils and their watercourse function; and to work with an  environmental engineer to re-establish the limits of the watercourse and associated wetlands for remediation of damage that has occurred. Dan Daniska continued that the letter also requests the property owner submit an application to the IWWCC showing that the land disturbance activities and any and all restoration work to be performed on site, no later than 30 days from the receipt of the order. Dan Daniska stated he did not have a mailing slip acknowledging the order had been received and the applicant was not in attendance. Chris Seery made a motion to sustain the cease and desist order. Douglas Lee seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. I. ADJOURNMENT: Doulas Lee made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 PM. Peter Chalecki seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Katherine Rose - Recording Secretary