Redding Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
7:30 p.m. – Old Town House
Present: David Pattee, Chairman; William Hill; Stuart Green; Susan Robinson; Tina Miller; Wallace Perlman.
Absent: Claire Matzke
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 T Miller, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 12/3/19 Meeting Minutes as amended: Page 2, third paragraph from the bottom, change second sentence to “Mr. Green added that the restoration/remediation should include removal of leaves.”; Page 1, fourth line under “Chairman’s Report”, change to “S. Robinson reported that the Northeast Natural History Conference is taking place in Stamford April 17-19 and there is an opportunity for Redding to host a field trip for participants in 2020.”; Page 2, second paragraph under “Notice of Violation”, third sentence, change to “She stated that no filling or clearing was done and reviewed the history of the activity leading to the Notice of Violation.”
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of T. Miller, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 12/15/19 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. Discussion 12/3/19.
Mr. Larkin was present. He submitted and reviewed his proposed planting/landscaping plan.
On the motion of S. Green and the second of W. Perlman, the Commission voted unanimously to approve Application #19-08. Mr. Larkin was instructed to contact the Land Use office after the planting is complete for a site walk.
Application #19-09, Tara and Scott J. Karlson, 10 Diamond Hill Road. Discussion re clearing and filling done in an area that is within the review area of a watercourse, and possibly also within wetlands.
Tara Karlson was present. Site Walk findings were reviewed, and the planting plan was reviewed.
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of W. Hill, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the planting plan. Ms. Karson was instructed to contact the Land Use Office upon commencement of the work so a site visit can be scheduled.
Application #19-10, Robert and Sarah Schilde (owner), Juliano’s Pools (agent), 8 Church Hill Lane. To receive and discuss an application to install a new in-ground pool with safety fence.
Tim Goodell from Juliano’s Pools was present. The application was reviewed in detail including proposed sediment and erosion controls. Mr. Goodell confirmed the proposed use of a cartridge filter.
D. Pattee informed Mr. Goodell of the need to obtain a permit from the Health Department. A Site Walk is scheduled for Sun., 1/12/20 at 9:00 a.m.
Application #19-11, Paul Rutkowski (owner), Nazzaro, Inc., Gene Nazzaro (agent), 60 Diamond Hill Road. To receive and discuss an application for pond restoration.
Gene Nazzaro was present for the applicant. He reviewed the pond restoration plan and a Site Walk is scheduled for Sun., 1/12/20 at 10:00 a.m.
Notice of Violation issued for property location at 123 Sunset Hill Road, Garry Avery and Elizabeth Xavier. Discussion re: work being done in an area within the regulated area of wetlands and within wetlands and a watercourse.
Mr. Avery and Ms. Xavier were present. Mr. Avery reviewed the history of the presence of material near the wetlands and submitted photographs that were reviewed by Commissioners.
Mr. Pattee stated that based on Mr. Avery’s past history with the Commission, he should have known that work being done in the wetland with a piece of equipment would require a permit.
A Site Walk is scheduled for Sun., 1/12/20 at 9:30 a.m.
Permit #10-27, Linda Rachele Burke, 207 Lonetown Road. Request to extend/renew Permit.
D. Pattee reviewed the circumstances leading to the request for a permit extension.
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of S. Green, the Commission voted unanimously to approve Permit #10-27.
III. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
An FOI Seminar is being held by Tom Hennick at the Town Hall on 1/28/20 at 6:00 p.m.
D. Pattee and A. Pardee have a budget meeting with the Board of Selectmen on 1/10/20. Advocates re: Lonetown Marsh boardwalk reconstruction will be attending. T. Miller clarified that the item has to make it into the budget so voters can vote on it. She noted that advocates need to know they’re advocating for the item to be placed in the capital expense budget.
Stuart Green reported that the boardwalk is completely flooded. The Commission discussed anticipated repair costs that now exceed the $15,000 allotted in the open space maintenance line item.
Mr. Green reported that the contract for the Redding mile of NRVT has been counter signed.
S. Robinson and Victor DeMasi will be leading a field trip in April and are looking for access to a vernal pool. D. Pattee stated that there is a vernal pool on Topstone and he requested Ms. Robinson to investigate whether the town has liability insurance for an activity such as the proposed field trip. Ms. Robinson confirmed the Northeast Natural History Conference, April 17-19 in Stamford.
Tina Miller will submit her review of the Open Space Plan and changes made in the final version of the Town Plan of Conservation & Development for discussion at the next meeting.
S. Green questioned the status of 65 Diamond Hill Road. D. Pattee stated that A. Pardee was requested to visit and request the owner to attend a meeting. D. Pattee will follow up.
On the motion of T. Miller and the second of W. Perlman, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly