Redding Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
7:30 p.m. – Via ZOOM
Present via video: David Pattee, Chairman; William Hill; Tina Miller; Stuart Green; Wallace Perlman; Claire Matzke.
Absent: Susan Robinson
Also present: Aimee Pardee, Land Use Director
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.
I.APPROVAL OF MINUTES –Meeting of October 5, 2021
Site Inspection of September 29, 2021-P. Boccarossa, 50 Seventy Acre Rd.
Mr. Perlman motioned and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion to approve the 10/5/2021 Meeting
Minutes as amended: Page 1, second paragraph under “Application #21-17/Order to Cease and Correct”, delete second sentence; Page 2, second paragraph, second sentence, change to “She suggested immediate removal and disposal though its removal may be moot at this point. Stilt grass in addition to worm activity on the site has made the soil highly friable.” The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Perlman motioned and Mr. Hill seconded the motion to approve the 10/11/2021 Site Walk Minutes. Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Matzke abstained.
II. REGULATORY
Application #21-17/Order to Cease and Correct—Peter Boccarossa, 50 Seventy Acre Road. To receive and discuss an application for clearing and grading work done within the regulated area without required permits. Discussion 8/17/2021. Site Walk 9/29/2021. Discussion 10/05/2021.
Mr. Boccarossa was present via ZOOM in addition to landscape consultant Michael Boice. Site Walk findings were reviewed. Mr. Boice noted that he submitted a preliminary plan last week. The plan was screen shared and reviewed. The removal of Japanese Stilt Grass was discussed and Mr. Boice reviewed his discussion with Land Use Director A. Pardee re: removal of the seed bag as a starting point next year.
Mr. Pattee asked if woodchip removal is part of the proposed plan. The quantity of woodchips that were placed is unknown and Mr. Boccarossa was given permission to utilize a small backhoe to dig a trench for the thickest part of the woodchips. A. Pardee noted reports of multiple trucks over many days and stated that digging would tell how deep the placement of woodchips is.
Mr. Boice stated that he came up with the plan prior to meeting with the Commission and A. Pardee on a site walk, therefore additional time is needed to work on the plan. He will finalize the plan and submit prior to the 11/2/2021 meeting. Mr. Boccarossa will submit a 65-day letter of extension. Mr. Boccarossa will be in contact with A. Pardee re: results of digging the trench.
Application #21-18, Kathlene Tracey & Nicholas Greiner, 163 Sunset Hill Road. To receive and discuss an application to construct a garage, adjust septic and driveway locations, construct retaining wall, level property and construct a pool/spa within the regulated area. Site Walk 10/11/2021.
Kathlene Tracey was present. Site Walk findings were reviewed. Woodchip removal was noted. Mr. Pattee stated that the raised grade behind the new retaining wall will need to be compacted well to support the weight of the pool. Placement of silt fence was confirmed.
Mr. Perlman motioned and Mr. Green seconded the motion to approve Application #21-18. The motion passed unanimously.
III. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Aimee Pardee reported on a violation on Woodland Road. Mr. Green reported that construction is re-starting for NRVT off Picketts Ridge. Rising supply costs will impact the final project cost.
Stuart Green reported on efforts to obtain a quote for the second half of the Lonetown Marsh boardwalk repair. A per-foot cost may be used to calculate the total cost. The start date is still projected to be the second week of December.
Mr. Hill will follow up re: lime application at Couch Hill. The weather conditions remain favorable for at least the next week.
Mr. Green reported on a phone call re: gravel at Pootatuck Archery. Mr. Pattee reiterated that additional details are needed and the applicant will need to comply with the established application process.
Mr. Green reported on an inquiry re: Scout project on open space. The inquiry will be referred to the Land Trust.
Mrs. Miller requested introduction of participants on ZOOM meetings.
Mrs. Miller motioned and Mr. Perlman seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly