Board Members Present: John Kaufman, Charles Wentworth, Stephen Mulhall
Alternate Members Present: Stephen Sackter, David Michaud
Absent Members: Arnold Koehler, Charles Dorman
Others Present: William Donovan - Land Use Inspector, Diane Lauber - Clerk
Acting Chairman J. Kaufman called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The meeting was taped. S. Sackter was seated for A. Koehler and D. Michaud was seated for C. Dorman.
Approval of Minutes: December 11, 2006- Motion by S. Mulhall, seconded by J. Kaufman to approve the minutes of December 11, 2006 as amended. S. Sackter and C. Wentworth questioned the validity of action on items under "New Business" as they were not called back into the meeting after recusing themselves from discussion on "Prospect Estates Subdivision -Spreda Pond Restoration". J. Kaufman and S. Mulhall in favor, C. Wentworth and S. Sackter opposed and D. Michaud abstained. Motion to approve fails. S. Mulhall asked Mrs. Spreda if the necessary paperwork from Prospect Estates had been received to finalize the agreement for payment of reclamation of the pond. Mrs. Spreda stated that they have not received the paperwork yet and that it would probably be another couple of weeks before the agreement is finalized. Mrs. Spreda's attorney will need to review the agreement and a copy will be submitted to the Town attorney when finalized. W. Donovan stated that the Cease and Desist against Prospect Estates is still in effect and will remain until the signed written agreement is received by the Town Attorney. Prospect Estates is only allowed to work on completing the houses already under construction on Lots #4 & #5. January 8, 2007- Motion by S. Sackter, seconded by C. Wentworth to approve the minutes of January 8, 2007 as amended. Unanimous.
Communications:
1. Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists "Notice of Annual Meeting" and Membership Form.
2. Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commissions, Inc., "The Habitat", Fall 2006.
Old Business:
a. Application #12-06, Dwana DaSilva, 2 Laurel Lane. Septic Replacement. John McNulty, former owner of 1 Laurel Lane, representing Ms. DaSilva, stated that his septic installer still feels the back yard is the best location foi the new septic system. If the new system is put in the front yard, more fill would be required and there woulc probably be a mound over the new system. Mr. McNulty stated that he was at the site a week ago and the back yarc is getting dryer. J. Kaufman stated that although the back yard may be drying out now it could be very wet again ir the spring and he wouldn't want to see the new septic system fail again in five years. J. Kaufman suggested agair that the applicant withdraw the application to give more time to investigate other alternatives, possibly a new compact system that could be located in the front yard. W. Donovan stated that he spoke with Mayor Chatfiek regarding allowing a portion of the septic system to be within the Town's Laurel Lane right of way in the front yard The Mayor indicated he would not want to set a precedent by allowing a residential septic system on Town property J. Kaufman pointed out that the existing septic system is already partially on Town property, the back yard may b< unsuitable for a septic system in the spring due to a high water table, there is no reserve area for a new system anc he has concerns with the proximity of the wells at 2 & 4 Laurel Lane. W. Donovan will speak with the Mayor agair and agreed that the application should be withdrawn to allow time for more questions to be answered. W. Donovat stated that Chesprocott had indicated that the groundwater table in the front yard was higher than in the rear of thf house and ultimately the proposal currently before the Commission may be what the Health Department wants. Mr McNulty stated that the back yard was never wet until the unknown pipe was dug up. That pipe has not been cappec yet and Ms. DaSilva stated that the water is now flowing to the front yard. It's not known what type of water th< pipe is intercepting. J. Kaufman stated he would like to see two standpipes in the proposed septic area so Mr McNulty can note fluctuations in ground water table levels. J. Kaufman feels a newer designed system may work ii the front yard. Mr. McNulty withdrew the application and the Commission accepted the withdrawal withou nreindice. Mr. McNulrv will re-aoolv at a future date.
b. Application #11-06, Paulo DaCosta, 245 Straitsville Road. Install water service line in wetlands. Robert Knapp representing the applicant, stated that he had contacted a soils scientist as requested at the last meeting. Henn Moeller of HTM Soils Consulting Service submitted a soils report dated January 22, 2007. Mr. Knapp stated that hi scheduled the site visit by Mr. Moeller and unintentionally forgot to contact Bill Donovan with the date and time a: also requested at the last meeting. Mr. Knapp apologized for the oversight. Mr. Moeller described his review of thi soils along the proposed water line, including test pit data and wetland soil descriptions. Mr. Moeller stated that th< proposed operation should go smoothly with not a lot of problems with caving in due to soils that look fairly stable even with water. The brook crossing is extremely stony with boulders. Mr. Moeller proposed removing the boulder: and replacing them with coarse sand. Mr. Knapp stated that he looked into the Filtrex product as suggested by J Kaufman. Mr. Knapp is proposing to place a Filtrex tube parallel to the trench for erosion control and also placf two ringed tubes to be placed close to the road to allow water to be pumped into if necessary. Filtrex tubes will alsc be located before and after the driveway crossing. Mr. Knapp stated they would like to cross the brook when then is no flow. Mr. Moeller suggested late spring into summer. J. Kaufman asked that care be taken when cutting an) plants to leave the roots to prohibit invasive plants from taking hold. Mr. Moeller suggested planting perennial rye grass where any cutting takes place. Mr. Knapp stated he would mulch those areas as well. J. Kaufman stated that i permit from the Army Corps of Engineers is probably not required. He would like to see in writing a detailec sequence of construction procedures, as well as contingency plans including the Filtrex tubes. A copy of the plar should be given to the contractor who will install the Filtrex tubes to see what will work best. Mr. Knapp should also review the plan with the Public Works Department due to storm water discharge from Straitsville Road. W Donovan suggested placing markers along the installed piping, including the markers on the site plan and placing that plan on file with the Town. Mr. DaCosta asked the Commission to consider approving the application now tc allow Mr. Knapp to take advantage of any good weather in the coming weeks. C. Wentworth questioned Mr DaCosta on the current water quantity. Mr. DaCosta indicated he has plenty of water but the quality is poor. He ha: looked into different filtration systems but felt connecting to the water line would provide a more permanen solution. Mr. Knapp asked if the application could be approved with the stipulation that the work being done was consistent with what was discussed. J. Kaufman stated he would like to videotape the installation of the Filtrex tubes for consideration on future projects and instructed Mr. Knapp to report to W. Donovan when the installation is scheduled. C. Wentworth stated that he would prefer to have everything in writing before approving the application, allowing for addressing a wetlands bond and determining approval by the Water Company. J. Kaufmar stated the motion could stipulate conditions of the approval. Motion by C. Wentworth, seconded by S. Mulhall tc approve Application #11-06 of Paulo DaCosta, 245 Straitsville Road, for installation of a water service line ir wetlands and watercourse crossing with the stipulation that Mr. Knapp will contact Public Works, submit a site plar with erosion and sedimentation controls including the use of Filtrex tubes in two spots, securing the Filtrex in the brook area with stones, and two ringed areas placed close to the road, a detailed sequence of constructior procedures, install 4" X 4" posts over two inch pipe at two storm water locations as markers and one 4" X 4" pos where the pipe cuppling is, the markers will be put on the plan for future reference, back fill with coarse sand or pec stone, leave roots and trees where possible, stabilize the area towards the end of the project with perennial rye gras; seed and mulch, getting sedimentation controls in place and approved prior to excavating, notifying W. Donovar prior to installation of Filtrex tubes and having a wetlands bond in the amount of $5,000 in place. Unanimous. Mr Knapp will submit a final site plan map and written sequence of construction procedures to W. Donovan.
c. Toll Brothers - Prospect Commons, Scott Road. Site Plan Amendment/Watercourse Crossings. John Mancini 01 BL Companies and Tim Lucas, Project Manager for Toll Brothers, addressed the Commission regarding the sequence of events since last year. Mr. Mancini explained that Toll Brothers informally proposed a change in the watercourse crossings to a three-pipe crossing to W. Donovan that the Commission denied that request. Mr Mancini described the water crossings as skewed and that because the crossings are located at the road curve, the approved concrete culverts have to be specially cast for the crossing. The time frame for delivery would be extensive. Since the Commission was not in favor of the piped crossing, Toll Brothers is now requesting approva for aluminized steel arch crossings that can be cut on site to meet the curvature of the crossing. Mr. Mancin submitted drawings of the proposed amended crossings, explaining that the aluminized steel arch will allow ar additional 1 '/2 feet of open area above the watercourse. The depth of the footings is shallower than with the concrete The availability of the aluminized steel arch will allow Toll Brothers to get started sooner. The two crossings are not visible from Scott Road. Mr. Mancini stated they have re-designed a portion of the sanitary sewer installatior that crossed over wetlands by eliminating the crossing altogether, thus reducing the overall direct impact of wetland; disturbance to 4,185 square feet. S. Sackter stated the change is a win/win situation from a wetlands point of view Toll Brothers will be constructing temporary crossings following the 2002 D.E.P. Erosion Control Guidelines. C Wentworth asked for clarification of the temporary crossings. Mr. Mancini explained the need to bring in materia and detailed the procedures for installing the temporary crossings. The temporary crossings are phased out as the oermanent crossings are phased in. C. Wentworth asked if Mr. Lucas would be the engineer on site/contact person Mr. Lucas explained that as project engineer for Toll Brothers his primary purpose is to get in the infrastructure utilities and roadways prior to building homes. There will be an office on site. Mr. Lucas is responsible for erosioi control inspections and reports and will be the contact person for any emergencies. J. Kaufman asked Mr. Mancin and Mr. Lucas to consider the use of the Filtrex sleeve in the area of the temporary crossings as the Commission i evaluating the product and its usefulness for possibly requiring its use in future subdivision approvals. Mr. Mancin stated that the Filtrex sleeve might be useful when installing footings in conjunction with the temporary crossings D. Michaud asked if there is a change in the distances with the arch design. Mr. Mancini stated that the dimension will stay the same. J. Kaufman stated his concern with the three-pipe crossings is that it restricts deer crossing, a well as downstream concerns that were addressed by keeping open crossings. Mr. Mancini stated that thi aluminized arch crossings will allow the move from temporary crossings to a permanent situation to take place mucl faster. Motion by S. Sackter, seconded by S. Mulhall to approve the watercourse crossings to aluminized steel arcl crossings as shown on "Detail Sheets DN-12 & DN10A Phase I Construction Plans for Regency At Prospect, Scot Road", with latest revised date of January 22, 2007, noting that the change doesn't affect the flow of water an( allows more height for animals while improving the aesthetics at the crossings, with consideration being given to tin use of a Filtrex sleeve in the temporary crossing areas. Unanimous. Mr. Mancini signed and dated the revisec plans and submitted a copy to W. Donovan.
c. Earl & Jean Reilly, 179 Union City Road. Significant sedimentation in pond. W. Donovan stated that money ha: been made available to evaluate the Reilly pond and receive recommendations for proper reclamation. Bill wil contact George Logan to provide information on the pond in order to obtain a quotation for evaluating the pond. J Kaufman feels that Hank Berberat of Boulder Brook Estates should be called in after recommendations are made b; Mr. Logan. Motion by S. Sackter, seconded by S. Mulhall to consult with George Logan regarding the clean up o the Reilly pond. Unanimous.
d. Inland Wetlands Regulation Revisions.
Discussion on the revisions was tabled. A special meeting will be scheduled for February 26, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. witl the regularly scheduled meeting at 7:00 p.m. W. Donovan stated that the Commissioners should review th< revisions he previously distributed prior to the special meeting.
A brief discussion was held on a grease overflow problem at Old Schoolhouse Road and the Cease and Desist orde: in place for Prospect Estates, LLC. J. Kaufman asked W. Donovan to ensure that erosion controls are in place a Prospect Estates and if not the Commission may consider pulling the wetlands bond.
Public Hearings: None
New Business:
a. 2007-2008 Budget Request. The Commissioners discussed the 2007-2008 proposed budget. Increases will be requested for the following: Item #6400-01, Supplies, $50.00 for printing of projected revised regulations; Iterr #6400-02, Conferences, $50.00 for new commissioners to attend training seminars; Item #6400-04, Engineering $500.00 due to having exceeded the proposed 2006-2007 budget. All other items will remain at the current amount It was noted that the Mayor's office should be made aware of a possible increase in legal fees in conjunction with the Commission requiring more wetlands erosion and sedimentation control bonds. J. Kaufman stated that the Commission should also look into updating the wetlands fee schedule. The total proposed 2007-2008 budget i; $6,300.00 resulting in an overall increase from last year of $600.00. Motion by S. Sackter, seconded by C Wentworth to approve the proposed 2007-2008 budget as discussed. Unanimous.
Public Participation: None
Land Use Inspector's Report: None
Motion by S. Sackter, seconded by S. Mulhall to adjourn at 10:40 p.m. Unanimous.
John Kaufman, Acting Chairman