IWWC
Inland Wetland and Watercourse Commission
40 Old Farms Road, Willington, CT 06279
September 24, 2018
Meeting Minutes
Members Present:
Dave Schreiber – Chairman
Tess Gutowski – Co-Chairman
Mark Drobney
Patrick Lord
Members Absent:
Also Present:
Emily Perko
W2018-13 Application for construction of single family home driveway, septic, well & site grading within upland review area at 20 Kollar Road (Map 24 Lot 21-1 Zone R80) Owner/Applicant: John Holden (Received May 14, 2018 Public Hearing or decision within 65 days)
Tess noted the application and plans were prepared prior to the 2009 regulations. She recommended denying the application submitted and requesting a new application and site plan be submitted per the 2009 regulations. The Commission looked at the plans and a discussion was held.
T. Gutowski motioned to deny W2018-13 Application for construction of single family home driveway, septic, well & site grading within upland review area at 20 Kollar Road without prejudice. M. Drobney seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.
T. Gutowski said the applicant can resubmit an application according to the current regulations in effect.
Discussion on the meeting with DEEP Forestry regarding the Town of Willington’s adopted Forest Practices Regulations. Follow up action will be required.
A copy of the letter to the Land Use Department with DEEP’s comments was provided to the Commission. E. Perko and T. Gutowski said they met with Doug Emmerthal and Liz McAuliffe to go over their recommendations.
T. Gutowski said there was a lot of conversation on Buffers and the Basal Area. She said some portions of these types of trees can be harvested and they have to take a step back and allow for some of this to occur. T. Gutowski and E. Perko will work on revisions and then bring it back before the Commission.
T. Gutowski said DEEP suggested changing the wording of watercourse to perennial stream and suggested adding the wording of a waiver. A discussion was held on the removal of trees in 50% of the Basal Area and the Commission agreed to this.
A discussion was held on Erosion. T. Gutowski said they suggested replacing hay bales and mulch with invasive free hay and mulch. A discussion was held on annual and perennial seeding to establish vegetation. P. Lord suggested the following wording; Seeds that will allow for seedling development.
A discussion was held on Tree Marking. T. Gutowski said it was suggested to add in language on exempting Silviculture Plans and also adding in language about marking in dangerous conditions or areas.
The Commission discussed Hours of Operation and T. Gutowski said DEEP would like to see them allow for backhauling but not cutting on Sundays and State & Federal Holidays. The Commission agreed to add the hours of 8 – 4 for backhauling only on Sundays and Holidays.
In the sections of Regeneration Harvest and Artificial Regeneration and Application Requirements, T. Gutowski said Doug from DEEP would provide wording suggestions.
A discussion was held on topographical maps, overlays and base maps. E. Perko will come up with suggestions to provide to the Commission.
T. Gutowski said they can go through the revisions at the next meeting and possibly set a Public Hearing at the October meeting.
Minutes
P. Lord asked, in regards to application W2018-12, if there was any work done within 150 feet of the watercourses. E. Perko said was not aware of any and it was previously approved by Staff.
P. Lord motioned to approve the minutes of 7/25/18. M. Drobney seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.
Correspondence
The Habitat Spring/Summer Edition
Memo from Susan Yorgensen to the Town Departments regarding driveway alterations and parking lot improvements.
Staff Report and Discussion
E. Perko said she received a complaint from 115 Tinkerville Hill Rd regarding tree cutting at 121 Tinkerville Rd. She then received a 2nd complaint. Both complaints were concerned about the tree cutting and the wetland area / Kidder Brook. They both believe the cutting is diverting the water and extending the wetland area. E. Perko said she took a look at the site and the clear cutting could be diverting the water or it could o be caused by the large amount of rain we have received. She added that they were also concerned about the water color of Kidder Brook.
The Commission looked at the map and agreed they should take a look at the property. A site walk was scheduled for October 1th.
T. Gutowski said she has started to draft an application form for Forestry. She reported that the Land Use Department is in the process of implementing an online permitting system called ViewPoint and she will be sitting with M. DuPilka to work on the application form.
T. Gutowski said the CACIWC Annual Meeting is scheduled for November 17th and suggested the Commission attend.
A discussion was held on the IWWC vacancies and Staff will contact the Board of Selectmen to see what spots are open.
Meeting adjourned at 9:02.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele Manas
Michele Manas
Recording Clerk