Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2022
7:30 p.m. – via Zoom
Present: David Pattee, Chairman; Stuart Green; Bill Hill; Tina Miller; Wally Perlman; Susan
Robinson.
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Conservation Officer; Applicant J. Cutler.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Meeting of February 1, 2022.
S. Green stated that he wished to correct the last sentence of the Chairman’s Report as he had incorrectly reported that the town had paid for tree removal. He said that, instead, the
tree being discussed had been removed from wires by Eversource, then had been cut up by trail tenders, before being picked up by the town.
On the motion of W. Perlman, and the second of S. Green, the minutes were unanimously approved with the noted correction.
Site Walk Minutes February 6, 2022: Mr. & Mrs. E. Staunton, 15 Cross Highway. On the motion of W. Perlman, and the second of B. Hill, the minutes were unanimously
approved.
II. REGULATORY
Application #22-02, Edward & Cecilia Staunton, 15 Cross Highway. Received 2/01/2022. Discussion and possible and possible vote on an application to construct a four-season porch to the main house within the regulated area. Site Walk 2/6/2022.
After a brief discussion, W. Perlman moved that the application be approved. B. Hill seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
II. REGULATORY (continued)
Application #22-03, Jonathan & Jennifer Cutler, 106 Peaceable Street. To receive and discuss an application to construct a cottage and install a new septic system within the regulated area.
Mr. Cutler was present to discuss the application with the commission. He explained that he wishes to build a garage with living space on his property. Due to the age of his existing septic, and the resultant lack of information about it, he plans to replace the septic. He said that they have been able to find the septic tank but not the fields; he will be working with the Health Department to abandon the existing septic and build a new septic system east of that system.
The Chairman noted that the Health Department had suggested that the new proposed septic is outside of the regulated area but that the commission has the discretion to review the new septic system if it is felt that the construction of the system could impact wetlands. Due to the proximity of the new septic system uphill from the wetlands on site, he stated that the commission would be exercising that discretion.
The commission and the applicant discussed the slope of the property and S. Robinson asked for clarification regarding a ridgeline. S. Robinson also asked if the garage/cottage would be built on a slab; Mr. Cutler said that it would. Mr. Green asked about parking; Mr. Cutler stated that the existing asphalt drive would be extended to the garage.
The Chairman suggested a site walk and asked Mr. Cutler to stake out both the septic system and the proposed garage/cottage. The commission scheduled the site walk for 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022.
III. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The Chairman reported that, although he had tried to walk the Redding portion of the
Norwalk River Valley Trail, it had been too snowy. S. Green also noted that the parking
for the trail is icy, but he further noted that he had been able to mark the location where
bollards will be installed to keep vehicles off the trail.
T. Miller asked if meetings would continue to be held via Zoom. Ms. Pardee stated that
she is awaiting guidance from the State and the Redding Health Department.
S. Green asked about holding a Trail Tenders meeting this spring. After a discussion, it
was decided that the best location for the gathering would be the Town Hall Hearing
Room.
Hearing no further discussion, T. Miller moved that the meeting be adjourned. W. Perlman seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously, closing the meeting at 8:08 p.m.
Submitted by,
Aimee Pardee