Inland Wetland Minutes - September 10, 2001

Inland and Wetlands

September 10, 2001

Board Members Present: Chairman Arnold Koehler, John Kaufman, Brian Doody, Lawrence Gomez
Alternates Present: Harold Bernier
Absent Members: David Holley, Steven Skrebutenas (Alt.)
Others Present: Bill Donovan, Land Use Inspector

Chairman Koehler called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Harold Bernier was seated for David Holley.

Approval of Minutes: Chairman Koehler read the unapproved minutes of August 13, 2001 meeting. Motion by J. Kaufman, seconded by H. Bernier to approve the minutes of the August 13, 2001 meeting as presented. Unanimous.

Communications:

  1. Institute for Wetlands & Environmental Education & Research, Inc. - Upcoming Wetlands Courses.
  2. Connecticut Federation of Lakes, Inc. - CFL News, September 2001.
  3. Connecticut Bar Association Planning & Zoning Newsletter - July 2001.
  4. Connecticut Association of Conservation & Inland Wetlands Commissions, Inc. - Notice of Meeting on "Assessment, Restoration & Management of Streams: Linking Land Use Decisions with Stream Flow & Aquatic Biology."
  5. Rivers Alliance of Connecticut - Letter dated August 2001 re: Identifying Potential Inland Wetland Areas for Restoration.

Old Business:
a. Aaron Semrow, 10 Birchwood Terrace. Application for a New House and Septic within Regulated Areas. Jim Kulpa of Milone and MacBroom represented the applicant. Mr. Kulpa reviewed modifications made to the site plan since the last meeting. The house has been reduced in size by 4 feet so it is no longer within the regulated area. A seepage envelope of crushed stone wrapped in filter fabric has been added at the driveway crossing. The applicant is now proposing a crawl space rather than a full basement, which will require less excavation and less fill. Chairman Koehler noted that there is a seasonal watercourse in the area of the driveway crossing. The applicant agreed to install a 12" pipe under the driveway. The existing roadway drainage swale will be cleaned to allow for proper storm drainage. Motion by J. Kaufman, seconded by H. Bernier to approve Application #01-01, Aaron Semrow, 10 Birchwood Terrace, for a wetlands driveway crossing and a septic within a regulated area as amended and with the stipulation that revised drawings be submitted to Bill Donovan as soon as possible. Unanimous.

New Business:
a. Thomas Battiste, 38 Industrial Road. Discharge of Storm Drainage from Building within a Regulated Area. Terry Meyers of Meyers Associates, P.C., representing the applicant, presented an application for a self-storage facility being proposed for property located at the end of Industrial Road. The entire storage area will be fenced and the proposed facilities are at least 100 feet from any residential property. Regulated activities would be grading within a regulated area and discharge of catch basins into existing wetlands for a fee of $366.00 and $10.00. Drainage calculations were submitted. Motion by L. Gomez, seconded by J. Kaufman to accept Application #02-01, Thomas Battiste, 38 Industrail Road, for discharge of storm drainage from storage buildings within a regulated area as presented. Unanimous. A site walk was scheduled for Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at 6:00 p.m.

Public Hearings:
a. Prospect Sportsdome, LLC, 155 Union City Road. Application #19-2000 for a Sports Complex with Septic, Detention Pond and Building within a Regulated Area and a Stream Crossing and Site Walk within a Watercourse and Wetland Area. Chairman Koehler opened the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. and read the Notice of Public Hearing as it appeared in the Waterbury Republican American. A letter was received from the applicant's attorney, Steven Feinstein, acknowledging consent from the applicant to a twelve (12) day extension for action on this application to allow for commencement of the public hearing. Stephen Giudice, of Harry E. Cole & Son, representing the applicant, gave an overview and brief history of the property. Mr. Giudice presented a USGS map showing the various drainage basins in the area, explaining the drainage route for this site. Cynthia Rabinowitz, soil scientist, commented on the wetland soil and vegetation on the site. Mr. Giudice then reviewed the sports facility as proposed when the application was accepted. A major concern that the Commissioners had at that time was the impact on the wetlands that a proposed 10-12 foot cut for construction of the building would have. In response to these concerns, Mr. Giudice looked at prudent and feasible alternatives and presented the Commissioners with a corner to be moved out of the wetlands and to design to be based on exisiting grades, eliminating the need for a cut.The entrance to the site has been moved to the far easterly side of the property, significantly reducing the impact of the stream crossing and driveway construction. The amount of fill needed for the project has been reduced by almost 50%. The modifications also propose that the detention basin be established as a wetland. Total square footage of the building has been reduced from 79,200 to 71,500 square feet. The finished floor has been raised to accommodate the change to site. Mr. Giudice that he is still working with health department to ensure that the septic system will be sufficient. Chairman Koehler suggested that another site walk be held. The Town's Engineer still has to review the revised plan. Chairman Koehler read a letter dated September 10, 2001 from Josephine Collins questioning the proposed entrance/exit for the proposal. A letter from Christopher Anderson, head football coach for Woodland Regional High School, stating that the sports complex would be a positive addition for the Town was read. The public was invited to comment. Paul Violette, Jr., 147 Union City Road, stated his concern with access to the property and the impact to the wetlands. Don Ensero, 11 Rockridge Terrace, and John Chiarella, Alison Court, stated their support for the proposal stating the applicant appears to be addressing wetlands issues. Patricia Parker, 159 Union City Road, was concerned with negative effects the proposal would have on the brook behind her home. Jean Reilly, 179 Union City Road, stated she is not against the sports complex, but she is concerned with her pong. Tony Ministro, Bronson Road, was concerned with the traffic entering the complex due to the drop off from the road and disturbance to the brook because of the amount of fill needed at the entrace. There were no further comments from the public. Mr. Giudice clarified where the proposed entrance would be and reviewed the sedimentation controls and plunge pool that could be scheduled for biannual maintenace cleanings to help reduce some of the silt from Route 69 down to the stream. A site walk was scheduled for Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. Bill Donovan asked Mr. Giudice if he could consider moving the building further south because the modified proposal does not allow a 50-foot buffer from the residential property to the north. The public hearing was continued to September 24, 2001 at 7:30 p.m.

Enforcement Hearings: None

Land Use Inspector's Report: Bill Donovan stated that the first draft of the Plan of Conservation and Development was avaible and encouraged the Commissioners to look over before it is sent to a public hearing, possibly in mid to late January 2002.

Public Participation: None

L. Gomez stated that he has a close friendship with the applicant for the sports complex and felt he should excuse himself from any discussion and voting on that particular application.

Motion by J. Kaufman, seconded by L. Gomez to adjourn at 8:37 p.m. Unanimous.

Arnold Koehler, Chairman