Redding Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, Connecticut 06875-1028
MINUTES
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
7:30 p.m. – Old Town House
Present: David Pattee, Chairman; Claire Matzke; William Hill; Stuart Green; Susan Robinson; Tina Miller; Wallace Perlman.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.
Claire Matzke was introduced as a new member of the Commission.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Meeting of January 15, 2018
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of S. Green, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 1/15/19 Meeting Minutes as amended: Page 2, fourth item under “Chairman’s Report”, change to “Stuart Green successfully submitted a grant proposal to the DEEP for the Redding Mile portion of NRVT and received $300,000 requiring a 20% match.”; Page 2, fifth item under “Chairman’s Report”, change to “Stuart Green reported on the Old Stagecoach trail and the MAG Preserve which is jointly owned by the town and the Land Trust.”
II. REGULATORY
Application #18-08, Bowen Zheng, 315 Black Rock Turnpike. Discussion and possible vote on an application to replace walls and flooring in the kitchen and living room of existing house due to a brook running through the entire property. New septic system location within the regulated area. Site Walk 9/23/18. Discussion 10/2/18; 11/20/18. Received e-mail granting 65-day extension. Discussion 12/4/18; 1/15/19.
Bowen Zheng was present along with his father. D. Pattee noted receipt of a letter from the Health Department approving the engineered septic design.
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of S. Green, the Commission voted to approve Application #18-08 based on the approval received from the Health Department. T. Miller and C. Matzke abstained.
Discussion: Possible violation of Inland-Wetland and Watercourse Regulations, 223 Gallows Hill Road.
Diane and Andy Knapp, owners of 223 Gallows Hill Road, were present. D. Pattee reviewed the report and photos of a berm of woodchips located on a hill above the Saugatuck River. Aimee Pardee noted in her report that there are no sediment and erosion controls at the location.
Mr. Knapp stated that the berm has been present for 10 years. He stated that additional woodchips have been added within the last six months. Mr. Knapp also stated that the berm was created to reduce visibility between neighboring residences.
A Site Walk is scheduled for Sat., 2/9/19 at 9:00 a.m.
III. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The Open Space Plan was reviewed in light of a recent property acquisition. A notation may be included to indicate additional parcels.
Open Space mapping was reviewed. D. Pattee spoke of the challenges of replicating the current hand-drawn Greenbelt map with GIS. The smallest watershed map on GIS comes close to matching the current Greenbelt map and CDM Smith will be requested to submit a map for review. C. Matzke stated that WestCOG provided mapping for the Town Plan and may be an option.
A quote for Lonetown Marsh boardwalk repair will be obtained and funds from the Open Space Management Fund will be utilized when needed. Options for contractors were discussed.
Re: Couch Hill, the fields have been mowed and hay bales moved. W. Hill reviewed prices for the purchase and application of lime when needed.
Stuart Green reviewed the need for additional trail signs at Couch Hill. Due to the presence of Bobolinks, a sign is suggested noting that dogs must be kept on a leash to prevent destruction or abandonment of nests.
Per S. Green, NRVT was presented to the Board of Selectmen who will provide the parking areas in kind. In addition, the trail builder will bring deposited tires to the road and the town highway department will remove them.
Mr. Green reported on the recent walk of Mary Anne Guitar property. REI has a hiking project app. A write-up of Turkington Falls is being added to the Book of Trails.
Susan Robinson confirmed that the Commission is not officially participating in the bee pollen project due to the commitment with the Black Swallow-wort biocontrol project.
On the motion of T. Miller and the second of W. Perlman, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly