TOWN OF GRANBY
INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES COMMISSION
MINUTES
October 13, 2010
PRESENT: Chairman David Tolli, Neil Kraner, Aurelle Locke, Deb Sheahan, Craig Perry, Wayne Cahoon and David Askew. (Mr. Cahoon left the meeting at 7:40 p.m.)
Chairman Tolli called the meeting to order and confirmed a quorum at 7:05 p.m.
MINUTES
Ms. Sheahan observes that the minutes of the September meeting were incorrectly dated September 14. The meeting date was September 8, 2010.
ON A MOTION by Mr. Kraner, seconded by Ms. Locke, the commission approved the minutes of the September 8, 2010 meeting. (6-0-0)
NOTED FOR THE RECORD
Aurelle Locke discloses that she had a relationship with Alford Associates, Inc. There is no such relationship at this time.
Craig Perry is a previous employee of Alford Associates, Inc. (10 years ago).
PUBLIC HEARING
2a. Wetland Boundary Change Request, 69 Hartford Avenue
Christian Alford, Alford Associates, Inc. presents the request. The property consists of 57 acres, 39 acres of which is designated wetlands. The East and West Branches of Salmon Brook converge on the site. There are currently 3 tobacco barns on the property. Revised wetland maps have been submitted post site walk with the wetland agent. The changes reflect a minor change in the flood plain delineation. Mr. Perry asks if the proposed layout has changed. Results of the soils report are awaited.
The hearing is opened to public comments.
Ed Voskowsky, 65 Windmill Drive, asks where the flood plain change is. He says the area floods every 3-4 years. Wetland plains and flood plains are different. The area floods higher than the wetlands. Mr. Voskowsky also asks if there are any plans to preserve or change the old historic canal bed that runs through the property.
Myles Kuchas, 91 Hartford Avenue, asks if the application would be approved at this meeting. The soils report has not been submitted and the application cannot be approved without it.
ON A MOTION by Aurelle Locke, seconded by Mr. Cahoon, the commission continues the hearing to next month while awaiting the soils report. (6-0-0)
2b. 12-lot Subdivision Permit Application, 69 Hartford Avenue
Christian Alford, engineer, presents the request. The proposed single family homes would have individual wells and septic systems. The proposed road would be 800 feet long. The site slopes from Hartford Avenue toward the brook. A rain collection system is planned. The only direct impact to regulated areas is a proposed pipe and rip rap at the end of the proposed cul-de-sac. The activity would enter 20’ into the wetland. The disturbance would be temporary, while installing the pipe.
Mr. Cahoon asks how far from the rip rap to the stream. It is proposed at 25’. There is concern that the overflow enters the stream at one point rather than over a wider stretch of the course. Mr. Kraner requests greater detail for what is proposed at the end of the cul-de-sac for water retention and disbursement. Additional questions regarding specific water retention and disbursement mechanics were asked by commission members. They suggest that anything that would reduce potential contaminants reaching the brook are advised and encouraged. It is noted that Salmon Brook has received the highest water quality rating in the state. Suggestions of protection for the stream banks include conservation and changes in lot lines.
The hearing is opened to the public.
Myles Kuchas, 91 Hartford Avenue, asks what the proposed lot sizes are. The minimum lot size is proposed at 30,000 square feet and the maximum proposed lot is approximately 3 acres.
Mark Davis, 86 Hartford Avenue, says he is familiar with the brook. Flooding happens yearly. The brook overflows its banks.
Eileen Fielding, of the Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA), voiced similar concerns as others in attendance. She spoke of the water quality of the brook and the need to provide a naturally vegetated buffer. Her comments are attached to these minutes.
ON A MOTION by Mr. Perry, seconded by Mr. Kraner, the commission continues the hearing to next month. (5-0-0)
WETLAND BOUNDARY CHANGE REQUEST
3. 69 Hartford Ave
This matter is continued. The soils report has not been submitted.
APPLICATION
4. 12 Lot Subdivision Permit Application, 69 Hartford Avenue
This matter is continued. The Wetland Boundary Change Request has not been approved.
VIOLATION
5. 44 Silver Brook
No progress has been made on this matter. The commission expected the owner to present an application for remediation for this meeting. There is a time constraint concern in getting this resolved (weather).
ON A MOTION by Mr. Kraner, seconded by Ms. Locke, the commission authorizes the wetlands agent to file a cease/desist order on November 1, 2010 unless an engineered plan for remediation is submitted. The agent is further authorized to work with an engineer on the plan and initiate progress for remediation prior to next month’s meeting. (5-0-0)
DISCUSSION ITEM
35 Notch Road
David Askew reports on the activities at the site. He submitted photos and a site sketch to illustrate the activities. The landowner put out a sign for clean fill. A neighbor put stumps into the area. By the time Mr. Askew questioned the owner, she had already consulted a contractor to fix the problem. The area was cleaned out, a swale created and trap rock installed. The project was well done and to the satisfaction of the wetlands agent.
MISCELLANEOUS
4a. CACIWC meeting highlights
4b. CAWS meeting highlights
Chairman Tolli will entertain any questions resulting from the materials distributed. Ms. Locke commented on the length of permits due to a recent case. The commission will defer to state law since it overrides local regulations. Adjustments to town regulations are not necessary at this time.
ANY OTHER PROPER BUSINESS
Chairman Tolli advised commission members on the annual CACIWC meeting to be held on November 13, 2010. Registration forms are available on the website and interested parties should submit forms to Fran Armentano for processing.
Commission meetings must be scheduled through the town. The commission agrees to continue meeting on the second Wednesday on the month.
The next monthly meeting is November 10, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall meeting room.
ON A MOTION by Mr. Perry, seconded by Ms. Sheahan, the commission unanimously agreed to end the meeting at 9:45 p.m. (5-0-0)
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Yost
Recording Secretary
*Attachment included
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