Inland Wetlands, Water Courses & Conservation Commission

Hybrid Regular Meeting Minutes INLAND WETLANDS, WATERCOURSES & CONSERVATION COMMISSION THURSDAY, September 12, 2024 – 12:00 PM A. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Richard Morell called the meeting to order at 12:00PM. B. ROLL CALL and SEATING of ALTERNATES: Chairman Richard Morell initiated a roll call: Present: Richard Morell (Zoom), Douglas Lee (Zoom), Chris Seery (Zoom), Peter Chalecki (Zoom), Deane Nason (Zoom), Nicholas Fortson (Not Seated). Absent: Brandon Hyde. Also Present: Dan Daniska, AICP – City Planner/Wetland Agent C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Peter Chalecki put forth a motion to APPROVE the August 1, 2024 regular meeting minutes. Douglas Lee seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. D. COMMUNICATIONS: None. E. OLD BUSINESS: 1. IWWCC #24-10: 36 Huntington Avenue Application for the construction of a new single- family home in the Upland Review Area. Application and Property of Belmont Homes LLC, Richard O’Keefe, Principal. Assessor’s Map 50, Block 1, Lot 30. Zone R-20. Richard O’Keefe presented the application to the Commission. Mr. O’Keefe stated that he had purchased the lot from the City of Norwich, which had elected to tear down the existing home as it was deemed structurally unsafe by the building department. Mr. O’Keefe stated that a newer septic system had been installed prior to the demolition of the existing house, and that the septic field has been determined to be in working order by the Uncas Health Department. A new septic tank and pump chamber will be installed to connect to the existing septic field. Mr. O’Keefe stated that the proposed home and septic tank/pump chamber will be located in the Upland Review Area of the wetlands that are located to the rear of the property. The location of the existing viable septic field has pushed the buildable area toward the rear of the property. Appropriate erosion and sediment controls will be installed to protect the wetlands to the rear of the property, and the proposed home will be slab on grade to minimize disturbance in the upland area, and to achieve the required elevations needed for the septic system to function properly. Douglas Lee made a motion that the project was not a significant activity, and did not require a public hearing. Chris Seery seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed. Douglas Lee made a motion to approve IWWCC #24-10 with all of the conditions outlined on the associated City Planner’s Review Memo, as the proposed Erosion and Sediment controls are sufficient to protect the wetlands.  That the approval is valid for FIVE YEARS and will expire on 09/12/2029.  That the required bond, in an amount of $1,500 as deemed satisfactory to the City Engineer, be submitted for Erosion and Sediment Control and Site Restoration. Bonds must be submitted in a form acceptable to the City (check or letter of credit) prior to any land disturbance activities occurring.  That the City’s letter of approval be placed on the final revised plan set (cover page preferred), and that all plan sheets include the stamped seal and signature of the licensed professional.  This project is located within an area of high sensitivity area for archeological resources, therefore, should any item that appears historical in nature be uncovered during the improvement of the site,  notification shall be made to the City of Norwich Planning Department for further instruction and evaluation.  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. Chris Seery seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed.  F. NEW BUSINESS: None. G. OTHER BUSINESS: None. H. VIOLATIONS: Updates I. ADJOURNMENT Chris Seery made a motion to adjourn, Douglas Lee seconded. All voted in favor. The meeting adjourned at 12:12PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Daniska, AICP – City Planner/Wetland Agent