MINUTES
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
7:30 p.m. – Via ZOOM
Present via video: David Pattee, Chairman; William Hill; Stuart Green; Claire Matzke; Susan Robinson, Tina Miller.
Absent: Wallace Perlman
Also present: Aimee Pardee, Land Use Director; Julia Pemberton, First Selectwoman
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Meeting of 6/15/21
Site Walk Minutes, June 21, 2021
-Suzanne England, 205 Umpawaug Rd.
-Christine Filanowski, 17 Umpawaug Rd.
Mr. Green motioned and Ms. Robinson seconded the motion to approve the 6/15/21 Meeting
Minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Green motioned and Mrs. Matzke seconded the motion to approve the 6/21/21 Site Walk Minutes. Mr. Hill abstained.
II. REGULATORY
Application #21-10, Suzanne England (owner), Alex Dachenhausen (agent), 205 Umpawaug Road. Received 6/15/2021. Discussion and possible vote on an application to dredge a pond and remove excavated material from the pond. Site Walk 6/21/2021.
No one was present for the applicant. Site Walk findings were reviewed.
Ms. Robinson motioned and Mr. Green seconded the motion to approve Application #21-10. The motion passed unanimously.
Application #21-12/Order to Cease & Restore: Christine Filanowski, 17 Umpawaug Road. To receive and discuss an application for pond dredging and associated work. Site Walk 6/21/2021.
Mr. and Mrs. Filanowski were present via ZOOM. Site Walk findings were reviewed. Christine Filanowski confirmed that she does not have a planting plan at this time. Mr. Green noted that some plantings might help stabilize the pond. Mr. Pattee noted the presence of electrical wiring and an aerator. Mrs. Filanowski stated that electricity is no longer supplied to the area.
Mr. Green motioned and Mr. Hill seconded the motion to approve Application #21-12 for the permit for completed work. The motion passed unanimously.
Application #21-13, Town of Redding/John Read Middle School (owners), Darrell Bradford (agent), 486 Redding Road. To receive and discuss an application for excavation and placement of earth, removal of trees, placement of drainage culvert in watercourse, construction of headwalls and inlet and out stone, and construction of pavilion within the regulated area.
Tom Quinn, Peak Engineering, was present in addition to Darrell Bradford and Jackie Dyer, co-presidents of the PTA, via ZOOM.
Mr. Quinn screen shared and reviewed the proposed plans for an outdoor amphitheater to be used for instruction and possibly recess access. A site walk is scheduled for Sun., 7/11/21 at 9:00 a.m.
III. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Mr. Green reported on the preliminary discussion between the Land Trust and Nature Conservancy to combine resources and purchase the Granskog property. The Commission will submit a letter in support of the proposal.
First Selectwoman Pemberton noted concern that all levels of seating at the proposed amphitheater have an unobstructed view. Mr. Pattee stated that the drawing seemed to depict a full view for all risers.
Julia Pemberton reported on the receipt of a $200,000 grant. A meeting is scheduled for 7/12/21 at 6:30 p.m. at 1 N. Main Street in the conference room. The first phase of the dam inspection will commence in August.
Stuart Green reported that The Norwalk River Valley Trail recently received a construction grant through support from the Town of Ridgefield, and WestCOG.
Mr. Green reported on the concept of logging training. First Selectwoman Pemberton will confirm if there are liability issues.
The Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group is considering an invasive outreach day.
Re: Lonetown Marsh, Mr. Green has reviewed original estimates and will contact the probable contractor John Fahan to confirm the estimate, scope of work, and schedule an on-site meeting. D. Pattee suggested getting started with the previously purchased lumber. The current increased lumber prices are likely to decrease.
Mr. Green suggested a Trail party considering a new group of volunteers.
First Selectwoman Pemberton confirmed that the Town Hall is open and masks are not required. It is suggested that those who are not fully vaccinated wear a mask. More information is needed regarding hybrid rules.
Mrs. Miller motioned and Mr. Hill seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly