ADOPTED
CONSERVATION COMMISSION/INLAND WETLANDS & WATERCOURES AGENCY
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
December 15, 2009
I. CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Winters called the Regular Meeting of the Conservation Commission/Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency to order at 7:32 PM in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. The following members were present: Commissioners Nick Zackeo, Darren Cunningham, Ryan Mihalic and Donald Rieger. Also in attendance was Howard Beach, Conservation Officer.
II. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
Commissioner Winters appointed Commissioner Rieger to serve in the absence of Commissioner Sexton.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 6, 2009 and October 20, 2009
The October 6, 2009 minutes were tabled until the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Commissioner Cunningham made a motion to approve the October 20, 2009 minutes as written. Commissioner Rieger seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
IV. APPROVAL OF 2010 REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE
Commissioner Cunningham stated that the February 16th meeting is during school vacation. Commissioner Rieger suggested that, also, because of the holiday being observed on July 5th, the Commission meet on the fifth Tuesday in June and cancel their first meeting in July.
Mr. Howard stated that the Commission could change the official schedule or cancel or change the date to a special meeting when the time gets closer to the dates in question.
Commissioner Rieger made a motion to approve the 2010 Regular Meeting schedule as presented. Commissioner Zackeo seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
V. PUBLIC HEARING(s), DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE
a. Application of Brian J. Foley, Owner, Jeremy Vearil, Applicant, for an Inland Wetlands Permit for activities associated with the construction of a pond within the 100-foot regulated area of a wetland on property located at 51 Highwood Road. (Map H-14, Block 109, Lot 005) (opened and tabled at 10/6/09 mtg)
Mr. Beach stated that Mr. Vearil has withdrawn this application. They have decided to dredge out the existing farm pond. Because the pond is over the property line on a different parcel, notice needs to go out for a new public hearing, including notice to the new abutters.
Mr. Beach stated that the applicant has hired Michael Klein, Soil Scientist, to do the reports and testing regarding this new application.
Commissioner Mihalic questioned if the applicant would be expanding or dredging the existing pond. Mr. Beach stated that they would be expanding the pond. At one time, the applicant was concerned about losing a building lot, although now the pond will be in the setbacks of both properties.
VI. RECEIPT OF NEW APPLICATION(s)
a. Application of Ned Kendall, Simsbury Fish and Game, Applicant, for an Inland Wetlands Permit for activities associated with the draining of a pond located at Onion Mt. Park, on property located on West Mountain Road, West Simsbury (Map B-11, Block 404, Lot 8).
Mr. Beach stated that the old Fish and Game Club pond off of West Mountain Road has been having a major moss problem in the bottom of their pond from nutrient that have been washing downstream. They felt that the only effective way to kill the moss was to drain the pond and let if freeze in the winter. This would kill the moss off and when it refills in the spring, the moss will be gone. Mr. Beach stated that they have already drained the pond. Because a permit was needed for this work, they will be before this Commission for what has already been done.
VII. STAFF REPORTS
There were none.
VIII. DISCUSSION
Commissioner Winters stated that she has received an e-mail from a citizen regarding the Town using magnesium chloride on the roads for the snow and ice. She stated that phosphorous could be in this mix, which is a concern of this Commission. Mr. Beach stated that he will get the exact mix of what the Town is using; there are different mixes that have different proprietary chemicals in them. He stated that he would ask Mr. Sawitzke or Mr. Roy to come in to discuss this topic with the Commission. Commissioner Mihalic suggested this could be an educational forum for this Commission as well as the public. This is a great way to get more engaged with the community. Other forums that they could have might include: impervious asphalt, car washing, lawn chemicals and swimming pools.
Commissioner Rieger stated that he went to the CACIWC meeting in November, at which they praised the Tolland Stormwater Management Low Impact Development Policy. He stated that this policy can be found on-line. He suggested that all of the Commission members review this in order to have a discussion at a later meeting as to whether this Commission should urge the Town to adopt something along the same lines. Mr. Beach stated that he could have someone come in to talk to the Commission regarding this issue. Commissioner Winters suggested having a joint meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commissions for this discussion.
IX. CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Beach distributed a copy of Connecticut Wildlife to the Commission members.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Cunningham made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 p.m. Commissioner Mihalic seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Commissioner Ryan Mihalic, Secretary
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