TOWN OF CLINTON
ANDREWS MEMORIAL TOWN HALL
54 EAST MAIN STREET
CLINTON, CONNECTICUT 06413
TELEPHONE: (860) 669-6133 - FAX: (860) 664-4469
INLAND WETLANDS AND CONSERVATION COMMISSIONS
Minutes
Continued Public Hearing
December 4, 2007
Chair John Picard called the December 4, 2007 Continued Public Hearing for the Town of
Clinton’s Inland Wetlands and Conservation Commissions to order at 6:15 in the Rose Room
of the William Stanton Andrews Memorial Town Hall, 54 East Main Street, Clinton,
Connecticut.
Members present: Elizabeth Isaacson (arrived at 6:20 P.M.), Chair John Picard, David
Radka, Secretary Bertram Schmitz, Catherine Zamecnik and Student
Member Leah Houde
Members absent: Danielle Calini, Thomas Riccio and Alternate Richard H. Roess
Also present: Wetlands Enforcement Officer Thomas W. Lane (WEO Lane), applicant,
applicant’s agents and members of the public
1. IWC 07-010R: “Subdivision of Land of AMF, LLC”, Fairy Dell Road, AMF, LLC (Applicant &
Owner). Regulated Activity: Wetlands Crossings for Driveway, Storm Water Recharge
Systems and Roof Drain Recharge System for a Three-lot Subdivision. Assessor’s Map
64, Block 49 Lot 6. Zone: R-60.
Darcey Collins, PE, Doane-Collins Engineering Associates, and Soils Scientist Richard
Snarski, agents for the applicant, were present.
Collins SUBMITTED (Exhibit A) a revised plan thru December 4, 2007, addressing
comments from the last public hearing and from Certified Soils Scientist David Lord (Soil
Resource Consultants).
Schmitz READ the following documents into the record:
1. December 3, 2007 Report from Soil Resource Consultants (read in part)
(Isaacson arrived at 6:20 P.M.)
2. November 13, 2007 Comments from Manware (Clinton Volunteer Fire Department)
3. November 12, 2007 Letter from Collins to WPCC
4. November 30, 2007 Comments from the CRAHD
5. Minutes, WPCA November 20, 2007 Special Meeting (noted but not read)
6. December 4, 2007 E-mail from Collins to Schettino
7. December 4, 2007 Comments from Town’s Engineers (read in pat)
IWC – Minutes – December 4, 2007 Continued Public Hearing – Page 2 of 4
Picard READ the following document into the record:
8. December 4, 2007 Comments from the CRAHD
Collins had the following rebuttal to Lord’s (Soil Resource Consultants) December 3, 2007
Report:
As to Comment 3, upon consultation with Snarski, Collins changed the
reconfiguration of the pipe extension with a manhole so it will be level with the
existing pipe. She drew a rough sketch of what she was proposing. The details
are on the record plan. The driveway will be to the side of the manhole. Collins
and Snarski addressed inquiries of the Commission and WEO Lane concerning
construction details and anticipated water flow. (NOTE: This extension and
manhole were later DELETED from the plan).
As to Comment 3, the narrowing of the driveway, Snarski concurred with Lord.
As to Comment 4, it is noted on the revised plan.
As to Comment 5, upon consultation with Snarski, Collins relocated the driveway
slightly as noted on the revised plan.
As to Comment 6, Lord suggested a 50 foot conservation easement. The
applicant is creating a 60 foot conservation easement.
As to Comments 7 and 8, Snarski described and illustrated the construction of
the bank of the proposed vernal pool and the berm he is proposing as a
precautionary measure against sheet flow from the driveway reaching the vernal
pool when the ground is frozen. It is Snarski’s professional opinion that the
natural topography of the land should prevent sheet flow from reaching this area
when the ground is frozen.
As to Comment 9, Collins this will be flagged in the field by Snarski as noted on
the revised plan.
As to Comment 10, Collins advised it is noted on the revised plan
As to Comment 12, Collins advised infiltration measures will be in place as noted
on the revised plan. Snarski did not recommend the utilization of a rain garden
by individual property owners because of the difficulty in the maintenance of the
underground piping etc. required in order for the garden to function properly.
Failure to maintain them properly typically results in standing water that destroys
the vegetation and the area becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. He
further advised rain gardens are typically used on large commercial sites.
Radka, who had inquired about their use at the last public hearing, now
concurred with Snarski. Isaacson inquired if the use of city water will encourage
higher water use than if there were private wells. Snarski advised that any water
will be treated before it reaches the wetlands.
Isaacson, Radka, Picard and Zamecnik expressed their concern for Lord’s Comment 3
that the narrowing of the driveway would have no significant impact on the wetlands.
Members felt perhaps Lord did not understand that they wanted to know the impact if
the entire driveway length was reduced from 18 feet down to 12 feet. WEO Lane
advised Lord was given a copy of the current plan (at that time) and copies of the
Minutes of the Public Hearings. WEO Lane advised the question asked of Lord must be
specific since the clarification might be received after the close of the public hearing.
IWC – Minutes – December 4, 2007 Continued Public Hearing – Page 3 of 4
No new information can be received by the commission once the public hearing is
closed. A clarification of a specific statement in Lord’s report would be admissible.
WEO Lane was asked to contact Lord for a clarification of Comment 3 of his report.
As to the Town’s Engineers December 4, 2007 Comments, Collins stated they were
addressed in the revised plan.
Ralph Schmidt, 92 Fairy Dell Road, expressed his concern for the property lines. He
believed the town’s drain pipe is on his property and there is no easement for it. If that
is so, he will not permit an extension of the pipe. He stated he does not wish there to be
a change in any of the existing water levels. He SUBMITTED (Exhibits B and C)
photographs of the pipe. Collins stated that she and her surveyor believe the pipe is on
town property. She will investigate further and have legal documents drawn up if
necessary. Mr. Schmidt again stated his objections. Collins REVISED the plan to
delete the proposed pipe extension and manhole. Schmidt then asked what this will do
to his property. Collins advised there should be no adverse impact to this property
because there will be a low-level thru culvert under the proposed driveway. She
anticipates no hydraulic changes to the area. She noted that the area surrounding the
existing pipe has been cleaned out.
Amy Corbiere, 98 Fairy Dell Road, stated it was her understanding from reading DEP
documents that a vernal pool can become a mosquito pool and the requisite creatures
do not find them. Snarski stated he has created numerous vernal pools for mitigation
purposes and as long as the amphibians are in the area, they will find the vernal pools.
There is an existing vernal pool on site and they will be utilizing a portion of an existing
wetland area to create the new vernal pool. The amphibians are already in the area.
Corbiere stated salamander studies are done on a regular basis in Massachusetts and
inquired if a salamander study has been done. Snarski advised they are not done on a
regular basis in Connecticut and the only study he is aware of is one he did for a large
project at an area casino.
Picard inquired what feasible and prudent alternatives have been considered,
especially those which were brought up by the Commission at the last meeting including
the possibility of dedicating a portion of the property as open space. Collins advised
that the elimination of a lot or two was not reasonable for the applicant. Access the
upland area would then require a wetlands crossing which would be a significant impact
on the wetlands. Mitigation has been proposed. Professionals have testified that the
plan as proposed will function.
Zamecnik expressed her concern that the proposed vernal pool will fill in with leaves
and debris and the water would not be able to be diverted, she was not comfortable with
the lack of proposed open space and she was not sure three lots was the best plan.
Snarski advised that he is confident, with or without the berm uphill from the proposed
vernal pool, any sheeting of water over frozen ground will be diverted away from the
vernal pool. Zamecnik inquired how this will happen because of the loose stone
proposed. Snarski stated again, in his professional opinion, the water will be diverted
IWC – Minutes – December 4, 2007 Continued Public Hearing – Page 4 of 4
due to the topography of the area. Isaacson stated open space is a concern for the
Planning & Zoning Commission. Picard inquired if there were two lots if there could be
open space. Collins advised it was a possibility but the lots would have to have the
appropriate frontage on Fairy Dell Road which would require a wetland crossing. It was
noted that there is no contiguous open space adjacent to this parcel, it is across Fairy
Dell Road. Collins advised that it was mentioned by Town Hall Staff that the applicant
could ask for a fee in lieu of open space due to the acreage of this parcel. WEO
confirmed that it was mentioned as an avenue available to pursue (by zoning
regulation). It was not a recommendation. Commission members and WEO Lane
discussed in general ownership of open space.
Snarski stated for the record that he believed it was inappropriate for the IWC to
question the professional evaluations by the soils scientists, especially when they both
concurred (with the exception of a few minor details) on their evaluations of the quality
of the wetlands and the impact of the project as proposed.
There being no further testimony or public comment, Picard went on with the public
hearing.
There being no further business, Isaacson MOVED to close the public hearing. Schmitz
seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Isaacson Picard, Radka, Schmitz and Zamecnik.
Opposed: none. Abstentions: none. The motion was carried, 5-0-0. Houde was not eligible
to vote. The public hearing was closed at 8:10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Lee Hynes
Sherry Lee Hynes, Clerk
E-mail: Town Clerk
Board of Selectmen
Planning & Zoning Commission
Open Space Advisory Committee
WEO Thomas W. Lane
Wade Thomas
Members
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