Inland Wetlands Commission

CITY OF TORRINGTON INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES June 20, 2023 Present: Jay Bate, Jr., Chair Christine Altman, Vice Chair Joe Paganini, Member Randall Stelma, Member Also Present: Nate Nardi-Cyrus, Assistant City Planner and Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer Not Present: Adrienne M. Barbe, Member Emily Jury, Member 1. Call To Order: Chair Jay Bate, Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:14 p.m.; Room 218, City Hall Auditorium, 140 Main Street, Torrington, CT. The meeting was also remote via Microsoft Teams meeting. 2. Roll Call and Announcement: Chair Bate announced present and serving this evening are Commissioners Christine Altman, Randall Stelma and Jay Bate. Commissioner Joe Paganini was in attendance and serving remotely. Also present is Nate Nardi-Cyrus, Assistant City Planner/Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer. 3. Minutes for Approval: a. April 18, 2023 MOTION by Ms. Altman to approve the April 18, 2023 minutes, seconded by Mr. Stelma, unanimously carried. 4. Old Business: none 5. New Business: a. Applicant: Pinbro Associates, LLC Location: 887 Migeon Avenue and 895 Migeon Avenue Activity: Modifications to existing Inland Wetlands Permit  Mr. Nardi-Cyrus reviewed the background and permit history of this site, and the current Agent Determination Inland Wetlands Permit will be modified to reflect the minor modifications the applicant is proposing to the site. There is no vote needed on this agenda item per Mr. Nardi-Cyrus. b. Applicant: Randall Stelma Location: Newfield Road, Assessor Map 231 Block 001 Lot 026 Activity: Farmstand within regulated area Applicant Randall Stelma recused himself from the Commission for this application. Mr. Stelma discussed and reviewed details of his application for agricultural use at this site. There was a trailer pre-existing on this site for approximately 25 years. A gravel driveway built to City standards and a handicap spot will be added, and an additional pad is proposed to be used for grand opening, pumpkin sales, possibly a food truck location. The possibility of a “high tunnel” structure was discussed by Mr. Stelma for tomato growing, which extends the growing season for the crop. Mr. Stelma reviewed site details and the unusual shape of the lot, much of which is regulated area. Mr. Nardi-Cyrus noted a Special Exception application will be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission at their upcoming meeting on June 28, 2023. There is a small stream on the property and there will be a silt fence installed along the stream. Maps and plans were presented on the screen and discussed by Commission Members. Mr. Nardi-Cyrus stated the Land Use Office is recommending this proposal be treated as an agricultural activity. MOTION by Ms. Altman make a favorable recommendation and approve: Applicant: Randall Stelma Location: Newfield Road, Assessor Map 231 Block 001 Lot 026 Activity: Farmstand within regulated area Finding this proposal is for agricultural purposes and is an as-of-right activity. Motion seconded by Mr. Paganini, motion carried (with Mr. Stelma abstaining from voting). Mr. Randall Stelma returned to the Commission as a seated member at this time. c. Discussion: Wetlands Citation Ordinance Mr. Nardi-Cyrus reviewed the possibility of enacting a new ordinance to allow Wetlands Citations to be issued by the Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer, under the direction of the Inland Wetlands Commission. Mr. Nardi-Cyrus recommended discussing this matter further at a future meeting when more Commissioners are present. He will put together a written proposal for this Commission’s review, and eventual presentation and recommendation to City Council. City of Torrington Inland Wetlands Commission Minutes June 20, 2023 – Page 2 of 4  d. Legislative Update No updates for review. 6. Staff Report: a. Enforcement Report: . 137 Babbling Brook Road Mr. Nardi-Cyrus reviewed some background history on this site. The wetlands consultant for this project has not been responsive as of late, possibly due to his office move and relocation. The property owner created a new lawn in the regulated area without any permits. The property owner has been cooperative. If there is no response from the consultant by next month’s Commission meeting, the Commission can consider requiring the property owner to seek a new consultant. (Comments by Mr. Paganini via phone were inaudible.) . 3226/3222 Torringford Street No new information to present per Mr. Nardi-Cyrus. . 169 Scoville Street No new information to present per Mr. Nardi-Cyrus. Mr. Nardi-Cyrus noted on 160 Mr. Pleasant Terrace work was performed in a regulated area that is unstable, and he is working with the owner to bring this site into compliance with a restoration plan. . Eagle Ridge, Alfano Mr. Nardi-Cyrus reviewed what had occurred on this site. Wetlands had been disturbed and cleared, and a stockpile was placed over the wetlands. The owner will be looking for a Certificate of Occupancy, and the owner will bring in a wetlands ecologist with a restoration plan, and the After-the-Fact violation fee will be $725.00. The owner has been cooperative and has shown plans and evidence of resolving this issue. In response to Commissioner’s inquiries, Mr. Nardi-Cyrus reviewed the City’s process for obtaining a Zoning Permit and other permits for new house construction. b. Agent Determinations: . 552 Wood Duck Drive, Mary Cappucio, shed and fence within upland regulated area . 132 Pierce Street, Michael Godburn, front porch addition within upland Regulated area City of Torrington Inland Wetlands Commission Minutes June 20, 2023 – Page 3 of 4  Mr. Nardi-Cyrus noted these Agent Determinations were handled by Jeremy Leifert, City Planner, during his absence. Mr. Nardi-Cyrus provided a brief background history on 3226 and 3222 Torringford Street and 169 Scoville Street for new Commissioner Randall Stelma. Comments via phone by Mr. Paganini were inaudible. 7. Adjournment: MOTION by Ms. Altman to adjourn at 7:40 p.m., seconded by Mr. Stelma, unanimously carried. Land Use Office City of Torrington City of Torrington Inland Wetlands Commission Minutes June 20, 2023 – Page 4 of 4