Redding Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, Connecticut 06875-1028
MINUTES
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
7:30 p.m. – Via ZOOM
Present via video: David Pattee, Chairman; William Hill; Tina Miller; Stuart Green; Wallace Perlman; Claire Matzke; Susan Robinson.
Also present: Aimee Pardee, Land Use Director
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Meeting of November 16, 2021
-Site Inspection November 23, 2021-50 Seventy Acre Rd., Mr. Boccarossa
Mr. Perlman motioned and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion to approve the 11/16/2021 Meeting Minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
Mrs. Miller motioned and Mr. Perlman seconded the motion to approve the 11/23/21 Site Inspection Minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
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; 10/19/2021; 11/16/2021. Awaiting additional information.
Mr. Boccarossa was present via ZOOM in addition to landscape consultant Michael Boice. Site Walk findings were reviewed. It was noted that the test dig on the woodchip area had been conducted prior to the site walk as planned. Observations were also noted re: repair to the stone wall area. Mr. Perlman questioned if the area behind the house is stable, noting that it appears steeper. Mr. Boccarossa responded that the area is stable with stone packed into the hill and topsoil filled in the crevices. Susan Robinson stated that the Commission purview is the wetlands, not aesthetics. W. Hill stated that he’d like all the added material including 200 yards to the right of the driveway taken off site.
Mr. Pattee stated that the proposed planting plan addresses the issues that are currently of concern and suggested utilizing winter rye for stabilization. Mr. Boccarossa stated that he has spread winter rye and hay and has installed sediment and erosion controls. The Commission discussed whether legal actions and/or penalties are an option. A. Pardee confirmed that the Commission has a legal budget. Mr. Green suggested clarifying the areas of impact on wetlands noting that clear cutting occurred in the wetlands. Mr. Pattee stated that the issue is not cutting dead trees but the manner of cutting. Mrs. Miller reviewed the activity on the site to set the record straight as to the observed wetland activities, length of time the on-site activity has been observed and the amount of time that has been required of Land Use Director A. Pardee.
Mr. Boice stated that he’s confident all the proposed plants will do well if there is excessive rain again this summer.
The Commission will consider language addressing a bond, planting plan, staging of the plan, suspension and penalty for review at the next meeting.
Mr. Boccarossa will put together a cost estimate and a plan of action. Mr. Boice confirmed the use of winter rye and straw with rhus aromatica/sumac in the back. Test holes will be conducted again and Mr. Boccarossa will contact A. Pardee so Commissioners can observe on Mon., 12/13 at 9:00 a.m.
Application #21-19, Nicole & Robert Denkin, 65 Hopewell Woods Road. To receive and discuss an application to construct an in-ground pool and pool deck with fence and pool equipment pad.
Michael Mazzucco was present for the applicant via ZOOM. He screenshared the plan and reviewed the proposal.
A site walk is scheduled for Sat., 12/11/2021 at 9:00 a.m. D. Pattee requested stakes at the four corners of the proposed pool location. Mr. Mazzucco was requested to submit the plan to the Health Department for their review.
Application #21-20, Susan Buzaid (owner), Jay Buzaid (agent), 143 Cross Highway. To receive and discuss an application to construct a swimming pool, pump/heater within the regulated area.
Mr. Buzaid was present via ZOOM. The proposal was reviewed and a site walk is scheduled for Sat., 12/11/2021 at 9:30 a.m.
Referral to Planning, 36 Whortleberry Road. To discuss Open Space donation. The proposed open space donation was discussed. Victor DeMasi called in to review the important history of the vernal pool on the property.
Mr. Perlman motioned and Mr. Green seconded the motion to send a recommendation to the Planning Commission accepting the open space donation as proposed. Susan Robinson abstained. Individual votes were taken for confirmation.
Ken Slater confirmed that the consultants will preserve the areas along the road to protect the vernal pool near the road.
IV. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Mr. Pattee reviewed the meeting schedule for 2022.
D. Pattee reported on his attendance at the FOI meeting with Tom Hennick.
Mrs. Miller will review the contract language for the Lonetown Marsh repair project.
Mr. Green provided a status on NRVT.
Mrs. Miller motioned and Mr. Perlman seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:28 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly