Redding Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
7:30 p.m. – Via Zoom
Present via video: David Pattee, Chairman; William Hill; Stuart Green; Susan Robinson; Tina Miller; Wallace Perlman. Absent: Claire Matzke
Also present: Aimee Pardee, Land Use Director, via video
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Meeting of May 5, 2020
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of W. Hill, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 5/5/20 Minutes.
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of W. Hill, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 5/9/20 Site Walk Minutes.
II. REGULATORY
1. Application #20-06, Roger and Carolyn Lancaster (owners), LandTech (agent), 130 Topstone Road. Received 4/07/2020. Discussion and possible vote on an application for activities associated with a proposed 4-Lot subdivision to include Single Family Residences within the regulated area. Site Walk 5/09/2020.
D. Pattee stated that the applicant has requested tabling the application. The Commission discussed their desire to determine the designated open space. The family-type subdivision being proposed needs to be clarified.
Land Use Director, A. Pardee spoke to Atty. Peter Olson regarding a lot being approved for building as opposed to a parcel. Counsel will be asked for further interpretation of the subdivision regulation.
2. Application #20-07, Fred A. Hernandez, 207 Poverty Hollow Road. Received 4/07/2020. Discussion and possible vote on an application to install a bathroom in existing garage requiring trenching from garage to septic within the regulated area. Site Walk 5/09/2020.
Discussion tabled until the next meeting.
3. Application #20-08, Philip S. Curatilo and Tammy L. Weiner, 14 Whortleberry Road. Received 4/07/2020. Discussion and possible vote 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. Site Walk 5/09/2020.
Tom Quinn, Peak Engineering and Mr. Curatilo were present via Zoom. A new drawing was screenshared and reviewed by Mr. Quinn. The watershed sketch depicted how the water is flowing and the watershed area for the vernal pool. Mr. Quinn noted that the lawn, watershed area and vernal pool will be slightly smaller in size. It was clarified that the driveway will be paved.
Mr. Quinn stated that there’s a possibility of micro-blasting due to lowering the grade 7-8 feet. Tina Miller noted commended Mr. Quinn on the presentation.
On the motion of T. Miller and the second of S. Green, the Commission voted unanimously to approve Application #20-08.
4. Application #20-09, 65 Diamond Hill Road LLC (owner), McChord Engineering Associates, Inc. (agent), 65 Diamond Hill Road. Received 5/05/2020. Discussion and possible vote on an application for a proposed gravel driveway and removal of existing gravel driveway, cottage and garage within the regulated area. Site Walk 5/09/2020.
Tom Nelson from McChord Engineering and Ross Nazzaro were present via Zoom. Mr. Nelson reviewed revised plans. Commissioners received the new plans via email.
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of S. Green, the Commission voted to approve Application #20-09. Susan Robinson abstained.
III. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
D. Pattee reported that work observed at Huntington State Park was being done by DEEP.
In light of reduced budget funds, the need for volunteers was discussed. A solution is still needed re: removal of wood from W. Hill’s barn.
Construction of the Lonetown Marsh boardwalk was reviewed in view of how much wood is available. It is uncertain what the budget will be for next year.
Mowing needs and estimated yearly costs were discussed.
On the motion of T. Miller and the second of S. Robinson, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly