Inland Wetlands Commission

City of Torrington Inland Wetlands Commission Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2024 Present: Christine Altman, Vice-Chair Joe Paganini, Member Adrienne Barbe, Member Randell Stelma, Member Steven Thompson, Alternate Staff: Nate Nardi-Cyrus, Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer Not Present: Jay Bate, Jr., Chair 1. Call to Order: Ms. Altman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in-person at City Hall Auditorium Room 218, 140 Main Street, Torrington, CT. The meeting was also conducted via Teams online. 2. Roll Call and Announcements: Ms. Altman stated present and serving in person this evening are Commission members Joe Paganini, Adrienne Barbe, Randell Stelma, and Stephen Thompson 3. Minutes for Approval: a. 9/10/2024 MOTION by Mr. Paganini to approve the 9/10/2024 minutes, seconded by Ms. Barbe, unanimously carried. 4. Old Business: a. Applicant: Stephen Mazzarelli Location: Mountain Road (Assessor Map 231 Block 001 Lot 019) Activity: Jurisdictional Determination – Constructed pond improvements Mr. Nardi-Cyrus informed the Commission that Mr. Mazzarelli has withdrawn his application. He has shared communications with NRCS regarding farm testing to determine Christmas tree viability and hopes to obtain more information as a part of his planned resubmission in Spring 2025. b. Applicant: Lucianne Lavin Location: 755 Riverside Ave (Assessor Map 222 Block 004 Lot 004)  Activity: Enhancement of existing perennial watercourse driveway crossing and associated drainage swale Mr. Nardi-Cyrus reviewed the discussion at the prior meeting. There were no additional questions from the Commission. MOTION by Mr. Paganini to grant the permit with standard conditions, seconded by Mr. Thompson, unanimously carried 5. New Business: a. Applicant: City of Torrington Location: Sawmill Hill Road Activity: Culvert replacement and road repair Paul Kundzins, City Engineer and Deputy Public Works Director, presented the culvert replacement project to the Commission. Improvements were made to the dewatering activity based on Mr. Nardi-Cyrus’ comments prior to submittal. The Commission asked multiple clarifying questions to Mr. Kundzins regarding the project. MOTION by Mr. Paganini to accept the application with a finding of no significance, seconded by Mr. Thompson, unanimously carried. b. Applicant: City of Torrington Location: Church Street Activity: Bridge and Road Repair Paul Kundzins, City Engineer and Deputy Public Works Director, and his consultant from VHB presented the project to the Commission. The proposed activity is one of two options for contractors to bid on. Option 1 (preference for the City) has no wetland impacts but Option 2 does require minimal activities in the Naugatuck River. The Commission asked multiple clarifying questions to Mr. Kundzins regarding the project. MOTION by Mr. Paganini to accept the application with a finding of no significance, seconded by Mr. Thompson, unanimously carried. c. Applicant: Jonathan Miller Location: 2480 Newfield Road (Assessor Map 230 Block 001 Lot 001) Activity: Relocation of storm piping connected to 15” RCP originating across Newfield Road. Mr. Nardi-Cyrus explained that this application would permit an emergency stormwater diversion that discharges into a regulated wetland. In addition, there is a failing septic system that must be replaced, but the pipe crosses the area designated as the new leach field. Consultant Jonathan Miller, Nickerson, explained that they did the work without the permits but wants to work with the City to correct any issues with the Inland Wetlands Commission. Elements of the project were discussed, and it was agreed that Mr. Miller must work with the owner and the Torrington Area Health Department to develop a new design to integrate both stormwater and septic on the site. MOTION by Mr. Paganini to accept the application with a finding of no significance, seconded by Ms. Barbe, unanimously carried.  d. Applicant: Diana Dylan Location: 33 Chestnut Hill Road (Assessor Map 143 Block 003 Lot 013) Activity: Changin permit applicant to new owner Mr. Nardi-Cyrus explained that Diana Dylan is the new owner of 33 Chestnut Hill Road, and therefore needs permit #WC 21-03-01 to be transferred into her name so she can move forward to construct a single family home there. This is an administrative task that only the Commission can authorize. MOTION by Mr. Thompson to change the name on permit # WC 21-03-01 approved 5/18/21 to Diana Dylan, seconded by Mr. Paganini, unanimously caried. 6. Enforcement Report: Mr. Nardi-Cyrus reported on enforcement actions at 2904 and 3350 Winsted road and an agent determination at 79 Brookside Ave for a volleyball court in the URA. 7. Adjournment: MOTION by Mr. Paganini to adjourn at 8:04 p.m., seconded by Ms. Barbe, unanimously carried. Nate Nardi-Cyrus _________________________ Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer City of Torrington, Land Use Office