Redding Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
7:30 p.m. – Via ZOOM
Present via video: David Pattee, Chairman; William Hill; Stuart Green; Claire Matzke; Tina Miller; Wallace Perlman; Susan Robinson.
Also present: Aimee Pardee, Land Use Director
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Meeting of 3/2/21
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of S. Green, the Commission voted to approve the 3/2/21 Meeting Minutes as amended: Page 2, second item under “Chairman’s Report”, change second sentence to “S. Green stated that he’d like the GPS positioning field to be tablet enabled.”
II. REGULATORY
Application #21-01, Aaron & Rebecca Meyers (owners), Ralph Merlo, Jr. (agent), 427 Newtown Tpke. To receive and discuss an application for septic system repair within the regulated area. Site Walk 3/7/2021.
No one was present for the applicant. The Site Walk findings were reviewed.
T. Miller motioned and S. Green seconded the motion to approve Application #21-01. The motion passed unanimously.
III. Order to Cease & Restore: Peter Boccarossa (owner), 50 Seventy Acre Road. To discuss earthmoving without a Wetlands Permit within the regulated area.
Mr. Boccarossa was present via ZOOM. Land Use Director A. Pardee reviewed the prior Zoning permit and GIS mapping indicating the presence of wetlands. Reports were received from neighbors noting earth-moving activity near and encroaching on wetlands. Mr. Boccarossa reported on the permits received for interior and exterior construction work including electrical and HVAC. He stated that a permit was not requested for earth-moving activity. D. Pattee stated that the State of CT GIS mapping is not for regulatory purposes.
Mr. Boccarossa was requested to submit a restoration plan to address extensive filling and earth-moving behind the house. The Cease & Restore order will remain in place until the restoration plan is received and approved by the Commission. Mr. Boccarossa reported that silt was removed from the house basement.
Mr. Pattee suggested obtaining an A-2 survey and consulting a soil scientist to delineate the wetlands. A. Pardee will forward a list of soil scientists and the existing survey to Mr. Boccarossa.
Mr. Pattee motioned and W. Hill seconded the motion to keep the Cease & Restore Order in place until the restoration has been completed to the Commission’s satisfaction. The motion passed unanimously.
A follow-up Site Walk will be scheduled when the restoration is complete.
IV. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Re: Lime application at Couch Hill Preserve, W. Hill noted that the fields have been too hard and wet. D. Pattee would like the lime application completed before the birds arrive. Mr. Hill will inspect the fields to determine if the lime can be applied.
T. Miller’s email re: possible leash-free dog areas was discussed. S. Robinson reviewed her discussion with John McLeran. Mrs. Miller clarified that the charge is to determine if there is an existing open space area that would be appropriate for dogs to be off leash, not to create a recreational area for dogs. C. Matzke noted the prior Planning discussions regarding creation of a dog park. The Commission concluded that Park & Rec allows dogs to be off leash at Topstone.
Stuart Green stated that fresh signage is critical to spreading the word that dogs must be leashed on open space. He continued that the requirement should be on the town website.
D. Pattee discussed a possible new kiosk at Saugatuck Falls Natural Area. S. Green stated that he would like a larger, double shed design since this is the “crown jewel” for the town.
On the motion of T. Miller and the second of W. Perlman, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly