TOWN OF GRANBY
INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES COMMISSION
MINUTES
June 10, 2009
PRESENT: Chairman David Tolli, Eric Lukingbeal, Richard Martindale, Richard Van Nostrand, and Barry Avery and David Askew, Technical Advisor to the Commission
Chairman Tolli called the meeting to order and confirmed a quorum at 7:05 p.m.
MINUTES
The April 8, 2009 meeting minutes were reviewed. There was discussion regarding if the proper map in reference to this matter was used. It was determined the correct map, filed in the Town Clerk’s office, is the one with the Revision date of April 11, 1988. Discussion continued regarding this map and if the Commission had all the information needed. B. Avery stated the map presented for this matter doesn’t agree with the map of April 11, 1988. He feels the approval was based on a map that doesn’t agree with the official wetland map.
B. Avery made a motion to approve the minutes of April 8, 2009. There was no second, therefore the motion failed.
May 13, 2009 minutes were reviewed.
ON A MOTION by B. Avery, seconded by Dr. Martindale, the minutes of the meeting of May 13, 2009 were accepted (4-0-1) as written. E. Lukingbeal abstained.
PUBLIC HEARING
- Dan Dumais – 100 Lost Acres Road, 10-lot subdivision
The public hearing opened at 7:24 p.m. E. Lukingbeal recused himself.
Dan Dumais appeared and presented his plan to create a 10-lot subdivision at 100 Lost Acres Road along with his business partner, Garry Swain. With total acreage of approximately 87 acres, 35 acres will go into open space, and the remaining 50 acres will be divided into 10 building lots. There are approximately 21 acres of wetlands on this site.
James McMahon, Soil Scientist appeared and showed maps with plans, designated wetlands and watercourses, swampy land, intermittent watercourses, wetland crossings, and other details. Plans for runoff, catch basins, and flood control were also discussed. The proposed conditions and functioning wetlands will continue to function as they do today.
Brian Denno, Denno Land Surveying and Consulting LLC appeared and spoke about the storm drain system on the site. Swales will be put in to catch water and run through vegetation before it gets to the road. Catch basins will be installed where necessary. These will be between 65 and 85’ from the nearest wetland. Regarding the crossings, 24” pipe will be used at the first crossing and 30” pipe will be used at the second crossing.
B. Avery asked if there was anything stated to prevent property owners from clearing their lots. The response was, as lots come up with plot plans this limit of clearing should be stated then.
The open space layout has been discussed with F. Armentano, Director of Community Development and Kevin Clark, Town Engineer.
B. Avery questioned the upland review area, noting the plans were shown at 100’ from watercourses and this should actually be 200’ from watercourses. It was suggested all the lots be checked and this information corrected where necessary.
John Jenkins, 62 Lost Acres Road, spoke in favor of this proposal. He requested that the map from April 1988 be used for this project.
John Day, 96 Lost Acres Road, spoke in favor of this proposal.
Virginia Wutka, 130 Lost Acres Road, also spoke in favor of this proposal.
Chairman Tolli continued this hearing to next month pending calculations for sediment to figure how big a unit is needed and to see the change made on the plans showing watercourse setback at 200’, not 100’.
ON A MOTION by B. Avery, seconded by R. Van Nostrand, the commission voted (4-0-0) to continue this public hearing to the July 8, 2009 meeting.
The public hearing closed at 8:00 p.m.
WETLAND BOUNDARY CHANGES
None.
NEW APPLICATIONS
4a. Dan Dumais – Lost Acres Road, 10 lot subdivision.
Not addressed at this time.
CEASE ORDER:
5a. Cynthia Anne Berkowitz, 63 Cooley Road (11/2/05)
The court case has been settled. A procedure is being put together as to how to correct the issues in question. The Cease Order will continue in existence at this time. Dr. Martindale asked who will watch over this work to make sure things are returned to where they should be. D. Askew will monitor the progress. B. Avery asked that D. Askew provide a report on the work.
REPORT OF DESIGNATED AGENT
6a. Requests for Review – Signed
- 84 Lost Acres Road, farm pond for vineyard, redux
Chairman Tolli asked for input as to what the next step for this matter might be. B. Avery didn’t recall where spoilage is to go, and D. Askew answered it is to go outside the upland review area. The map shows wetlands close to the proposed pond area and the commission wants to make sure the spoils will be place outside of this area. B. Avery questioned the need for a pond. Could the necessary water come from wells? Dr. Martindale agreed with this comment.
The applicant, Michelle Niedermeyer, spoke, referring to an article she has about water use for growing in a vineyard. Water is absolutely necessary for new growth. In order to have enough water available for the plants, if more than one well were necessary it would be cost prohibitive. She showed a copy of an Invoice, for the purchase of the grapevine plants, to the commission members. Chairman Tolli asked that she provide a copy of this to the commission for the file. She agreed she would do so.
B. Avery commented he would like to see D. Askew monitor any work that might be done here. Ms. Niedermeyer stated she felt this was unnecessary. D. Askew will, however, review any fill near the wetland areas.
John Day spoke, saying he was pleased the commission members were thorough with this issue.
John Jenkins continues to dispute the map issue.
E. Lukingbeal recused himself.
He showed maps to the commission noting the differences in the designated wetland areas. After review of the maps and much discussion, it was made clear to all parties that the “correct” map is the one titled: Proposed Wetlands Line prepared for Sidney D. Pinney, Jr., ETAL Lost Acres Rd. Granby, CT, dated September 1, 1987 with the most recent Revision April 11, 1988 Additional Wetlands per S.S.& E.S. Letter.
The Commission grants permission for the designated agent to sign the Request for Review. For the record, B. Avery continues to abstain from this matter.
Request for Review signed.
6b. Request for Review – Pending
- 211 Salmon Brook Street, stabilize bank of West Branch in Salmon Brook Park near dog park
D. Askew showed a sketch of the area in question. Kevin Clark, Town Engineer will review this. Natural stone is proposed to be used for this project and native plant material.
This is continued to the July meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS
Nothing to report.
ANY OTHER PROPER BUSINESS
There was more discussion on the minutes of April 8, 2009. John Jenkins asked for a copy of the minutes of tonight’s meeting. He was referred to the Town of Granby website, or he can ask for a copy through the Town Manager’s office. He would also like a copy of the recording of tonight’s meeting. He was referred to F. Armentano for this.
ON A MOTION by R. Van Nostrand, seconded by B. Avery, the Commission voted to accept the Minutes of April 8, 2009. The motion failed (2-2-1). Mr. Tolli and Mr. Van Nostrand voted yes. Dr. Martindale and Mr. Avery voted no. Mr. Lukingbeal abstained.
ON A MOTION by R. Van Nostrand, seconded by B. Avery, the Commission voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn at 8:55 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be July 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Christian
Acting Recording Secretary
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