Redding Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, Connecticut 06875-1028
MINUTES
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
7:30 p.m. – Via Zoom
Present via video: David Pattee, Chairman; Claire Matzke; William Hill; Stuart Green; Susan Robinson; Tina Miller; Wallace Perlman.
Also present: Aimee Pardee, Land Use Director, via video
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Meeting of April 7, 2020
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of S. Green, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the April 7, 2020 Minutes as amended: Page 2, second paragraph under “Chairman’s Report”, second line, change to “6’x 6’x 6’.”
II. REGULATORY
1. Application #20-05, Arianit Krasniqi, 280 Ethan Allen Highway. Received 3/03/2020. Discussion and possible vote on an application for construction of parking area, banquet hall, storage warehouse, and relocate drainpipe within the regulated area. Site Walk 3/08/2020.
Mr. Krasniqi was present via video. Land Use Director A. Pardee reported that the application was deemed incomplete by the Zoning Commission and denied without prejudice. A list of missing items was given to the applicant in February 2020. Missing items included a landscaping plan as well as drainage and septic details. D. Pattee stated that part of the property is in the FEMA flood zone.
Mr. Krasniqi reported that the only work he started involves grading. D. Pattee reiterated that grading is under Conservation jurisdiction. Mr. Green questioned if this is a request for an application renewal. D. Pattee stated that this is a new application however there is no requirement to do soil tests that had already been completed. A. Pardee confirmed that the original application was presented in 2006.
Mr. Perlman suggested making the railroad aware of the proposed septic location. A. Pardee reported that Metro North has been informed of the Zoning application. Per D. Hartline, the septic review process has to start over. D. Pattee reviewed D. Hartline’s letter dated 2/25/20.
Mr. Krasniqi was asked the quantity and location of fill. He responded that his engineer has to work with the Town engineer. W. Perlman noted that more information is needed. It was noted that the proposal being considered consists of only the work with complete information on the plan.
On the motion of S. Robinson and the second of W. Perlman, the Commission voted unanimously to approve Application #20-05 as presented on 3/3/20 per the plans accompanying the application.
2. Application #20-06, Roger and Carolyn Lancaster (owners), LandTech (agent), 130 Topstone Road. Received 4/07/2020. Discussion on an application for activities associated with a proposed 4-lot subdivision to include Single Family Residences within the regulated area.
Mr. Lancaster was present on Zoom along with Tom Ryder and Curt Lowenstein from LandTech. Mr. Ryder stated that the dedicated open space will be removed from the plan per State Statute allowing for a family subdivision. Revised plans will be resubmitted.
Concern was noted about the 4th lot. W. Hill stated that he’d like to see the dedicated open space proposal now. T. Miller agreed and confirmed that Mr. Lancaster will have Lot 1 and Lots 2 and 3 are for his children.
A written opinion will be provided by Atty. Peter Olson re: remaining parcel.
A Site Walk will be conducted with the permitted number of participants and via Zoom for the remaining Commission members on Sat., 5/9/20 at 9:00 a.m.
3. Application #20-07, Fred A. Hernandez, 207 Poverty Hollow Road. Received 4/07/2020. Discussion on an application to install a bathroom in existing garage requiring trenching from garage to septic within the regulated area.
Tom Quinn, Peak Engineering, was present on Zoom.
No new information was presented.
A Site Walk will be conducted with the permitted number of participants and via Zoom for the remaining Commission members on Sat., 5/9/20 at 9:45 a.m.
4. Application #20-08, Philip S. Curatilo and Tammy L. Weiner, 14 Whortleberry Road. Received 4/07/2020. Discussion and on an application for new residential construction to include asphalt driveway, drainage, tree removal, grading, topsoil and seed, and construct walls within 500 ft. of a delineated vernal pool.
Tom Quinn and Mr. Curatilo were present on Zoom. Mr. Quinn screenshared and reviewed the plan. He noted that 10% of the property is being used. Direct roof area and other areas will run into Cultec units.
A Site Walk will be conducted with the permitted number of participants and via Zoom for the remaining Commission members on Sat., 5/9/20 at 10:15 a.m. Mr. Quinn requested Commissioners to take note of the number of ash trees and trees covered in vine as it pertains to the proposed tree removal plan.
5. Application #20-09, 65 Diamond Hill Road LLC (owner), McChord Engineering Associates, Inc. (agent), 65 Diamond Hill Road. To receive and discuss an application for a proposed gravel driveway and removal of existing gravel driveway, cottage and garage within the regulated area.
Tom Nelson from McChord Engineering and Ross Nazzaro were present via Zoom. The existing conditions map was screenshared and reviewed. He noted a 7200 square foot reduction in driveway and an additional 1200 square feet for removal of the cottage.
Mr. Nazzaro reported that the pile of stone has been removed and topsoil and grasses are scheduled for this week. Work on the pond is on hold.
The proposed planting plan was reviewed. S. Robinson stressed that native plants should be on the plant list.
A Site Walk will be conducted with the permitted number of participants and via Zoom for the remaining Commission members on Sat., 5/9/20 at 10:45 a.m.
6. Discussion of possible solar panel sites on open space parcels. Discussion 3/03/2020.
Discussion with Julia Pemberton is pending.
III. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Tina Miller reviewed budget items cut from the Board of Selectmen’s budget as discussed at the 4/27/20 BOS meeting. The need to recruit volunteers was discussed. John McLeran will be requested to get a rough estimate for field mowing. Remaining funds from this year and partial funds from next year can be combined to continue field maintenance.
Removal of lumber from W. Hill’s garage was discussed.
S. Green reported that Trails Day has been cancelled.
A large beaver dam is causing rising water in danger of flooding Route 7. Discussion re: hiring a trapper will continue.
On the motion of T. Miller and the second of S. Robinson, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:58 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly