Inland Wetland Minutes - July 9, 2001
Inland and Wetlands
July 9, 2001
Board Members Present: Chairman Arnold Koehler, Brian Doody, John Kaufman
Alternates Present: Harold Bernier, Steven Skrebutenas
Absent Members: David Holley, Lawrence Gomez
Others Present: Bill Donovan, Land Use Inspector/Acting Clerk
Chairman Koehler called the meeting to order at 7:14 p.m. Harold Bernier was seated for
Dave Holley
Approval of Minutes: Chairman Koehler read aloud the Unapproved Minutes of the June 25, 2001
meeting. Motion by B. Doody, seconded by H. Bernier to approve the minutes of the June 25,
2001 meeting with one correction. Unanimous.
Communications:
a. Summer 2001 issue of "The Torrent", published by the Connecticut Department of Environmental
Protection.
b. Summer 2001 issue of "River Rundown", a newsletter of the CT DEP's Watershed Management
Program.
c. Connecticut Association of Conservation/Inland Wetlands Commissions, Inc. Membership
Application
Old Business:
a. J.N.J. Realty, LLC, 97 Waterbury Road. Application #12-2000 for a Car Wash/Quick Lube
Facility. The public Hearing on this application was closed at the June 11, 2001 meeting. Chairman
Koehler stated he wanted clarification on the sizing criteria of the detention basin and
requested David Carson of O.C.C. Design Consortium, LLC to address this issue. Mr. Carson
related that the detention basin is sized to hold and gradually release the increase in
storm water runoff resulting from the proposed on-site paved areas. Chairman Koehler
related that he feels the proposed storm water drainage system in general is a significant
improvement over existing storm water runoff conditions now affecting this parcel. A Draft
Resolution of Approval was distributed to the Commissioners for consideration. Motion by B.
Doody, seconded by H. Bernier to approve the Draft Resolution as presented for Application
#12-2000. Discussion: J. Kaufman related his concern that there are no follow-up requirements
in the Resolution to ensure the facility and water treatment system are functioning as
described. After some discussion, it was agreed there would be required on-site water
quality testing over the next five years to establish a record or starting point on which
to measure levels of potential contaminants associated with the Car Wash Operation, and
also to provide data to measure against how well the water treatment system and storm
water system are functioning. Item #7 was consequently added to the Draft Resolution
to address the need for on-site water quality testing. Motion by B. Doody, seconded by
H. Bernier to approve the Draft Resolution as amended. Commissioners Koehler, Doody,
Kaufman and Bernier voted to approve the Draft Motion, Commissioner Skrebutenas voted
to deny. Reasons: B. Doody related the application meets the requirements of Section
6.2; A. Koehler feels the proposal complies with Section 6.2 and improves existing
storm water runoff conditions; H. Bernier believes the application satisfies Section
6.2 and the small area involved is not a significant risk; A. Kaufman agrees the
proposal follows requirements of Town Regulations and the risks of operation are
minimal given the well designed facility; S. Skrebutenas stated the potential of
future contamination from this proposal is too significant. Motion to approve was
carried.
b. Prospect Sportsdome, LLC, 155 Union City Road. Application for an inflatable sports
dome and site work within regulated areas, one driveway crossing over a watercourse,
construction of a septic system within a regulated area and development on wetland
designated locations. Chairman Koehler stated a Site Walk did take place on Thursday,
June 28th. Stephen Giudice of Harry E. Cole & Son as site engineer addressed the
Commission and presented a Preliminary Revised Site Plan developed in response to
concerns the Commissioners had on the Site Walk. The location of the Primary Septic
System has been relocated back to the original desired location because the soils
there are better. The detention pond has been shifted farther away from the septic
and a level spreader has been included in the design. Mr. Guidice mentioned the
soil scientist would re-flag the western portion of the site. The four corners of
the proposed structure and detention pond will be staked and also the location of
the septic area. Mr. Guidice mentioned that swales would be installed around the
building to contain and direct roof runoff into the detention basin. There are two
proposed restrooms and wash sinks within the structure. There are no showers. Also,
the parking area has been reduced in size from 110 spaces to 98 spaces. A second
Site Walk was scheduled for Tuesday, August 7, 2001 at 7:00 p.m.
Public Participation: Michael Dreher, 2 Stonefield Drive questioned why the Commission does
not call for more Public Hearings on applications that could have significant impacts on
regulated activities. Mr. Dreher believes the public is being left out of the review process
by eliminating Public Hearings on applications. Mr. Dreher also related his disappointment
in the Commission's approval of the Car Wash/Quick Lube Facility and was particularly
frustrated in that the Commissioners did not inspect the downstream wetland areas to see
first hand their unique values and location relative to the Car Wash. Chairman Koehler
responded he did in fact inspect these down-stream wetlands Mr. Dreher is referring to.
Paul Violette, 147 Union City Road questioned why he was not notified of the application
for the Sports Complex as he lives in close proximity to the proposed location. He feels
a Public Hearing on this application is needed.
Jean Reilly, 179 Union City Road is concerned with sedimentation of her pond if the proposed
Sports Complex goes forward. Wants to know what controls will be required to prevent harm to
her downstream property.
Land Use Inspector's Report: Bill Donovan mentioned a meeting scheduled for the July 18th
Planning & Zoning Commission with Harrall Michalowski Associates who are the Planners
contracted to develop the Town Plan of Conservation and Development. Bill encouraged
commissioners to attend the meeting to hear about the Plan and also offer comments or
suggestions.
Motion by S.Skrebutenas, seconded by B Doody to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. Unanimous
Arnold Koehler
Chairman