Redding Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, Connecticut 06875-1028
MINUTES
Tuesday, December 3, 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 7:33 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Meeting of November 19, 2019;
-Site Walk Minutes, November 24, 2019, Ed and Christine Larkin, 68 Wood Rd.
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of S. Green, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 11/19/19 Meeting Minutes as amended: 7th item under “Chairman’s Report”, change to “S. Robinson reported that the Northeast Natural History Conference is taking place in Stamford this year, April 17-19 and there is an opportunity for Redding to host a field trip for participants in 2020.”; Page 2, third paragraph, last sentence, change to “D. Pattee stated that the priority was to keep material from going into the river.”
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of W. Hill, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 11/24/19 Site Walk Minutes.
II. REGULATORY
Application #19-08, Ed and Christine Larkin, 68 Wood Road. To receive and discuss an application for brush clearing within the regulated area. Site Walk 11/24/19.
Mr. Larkin was present. Site Walk findings were reviewed. Mr. Green added that the restoration/remediation should include leave removal. He also noted that this is a great opportunity to plant screening or transitional plantings since it is a unique ecosystem.
Mr. Larkin confirmed that gravel will get scraped out and put into a drier area.
D. Pattee stated that wetland vegetation and shrubs will diversity the ecosystem. He noted that the DEEP website can be used for plant selection. New England Wetland Plants, Inc. and Earthtones were also suggested.
Mr. Pattee stated that the pile of fill should be taken away and the leaves should be removed in the spring. Wetland plants should cover the disturbed area with shrubs in the back. Mr. Larkin will contact the Land Use Office when he has a completed proposed planting plan.
Notice of Violation issued for property located at 10 Diamond Hill Road, Tara N. and Scott J. Karlson. Discussion re clearing and filling done in an area that is within the review area of a watercourse, and possibly also within wetlands.
D. Pattee reviewed the report he received from WEO/ZEO A. Pardee. Tara Karlson was present. She stated that no filling was done and reviewed the history of the activity leading to the Notice of Violation.
Ms. Karlson reviewed a proposed planting plan in detail. She will submit a map depicting the planting plan details. She was referred to Highway Superintendent J. Hanson re: storm drain outlet.
A site walk is scheduled for Sun., 12/15/19 at 9:00 a.m.
III. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The Commission discussed the need to get the word out re: regulatory requirements.
S. Green provided an update re: estimates for Lonetown Marsh boardwalk repair. Mr. Green will request a breakdown on estimates that include costs for dumpster use and pick up of wood. He will email Commissioners when he receives details in order to expedite the repair.
Discussion re: 65 Diamond Hill Road. D. Pattee stated that tree removal is under the purview of the Zoning Commission and permitted cutting is listed as ½ acre during a 12-month period. Greater clearing requires a landscape management plan.
The Western Connecticut Regional Plan of Conservation and Development is holding a public meeting 12/4/19.
Tina Miller will review the Town Plan of Conservation & Development with the Open Space Plan.
D. Pattee reviewed the upcoming budget process in terms of items that need to be
included.
On the motion of T. Miller and the second of W. Perlman the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly