1987/06/02 .,
Unapproved minutes . Approved minutes may be obtained after the next regular
meeting of the Commission.
%Earn TOWN OF BERLIN
r4 INLAND WETLANDS
VA. a AND
4,-1 WATER COURSES COMMISSION
` 0`' 240 KENSINGTON RD. BERLIN, CT 06037
0
'�poaAtEO June 2, 1987
A meeting of the Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission was
called to order by Chairman Selner at 7:05 p.m. in Room 6 of the
Town Hall. Those in attendance were : Chairman Seiner, Commissioner
Murphy, Commissioner Phaneuf, Commissioner Szczepanik, Commissioner
Zbrozek and Mr. James Horbal , Assistant Town Engineer.
The following items were discussed :
1 . Application 87-13WF. Application by Knaus Building Company in
conjunction with the Town of Berlin to place fill in both wet-
lands and flood zone on Lots 7, 8 , 9 , 9B and 10, Block 127. Mr.
Robert Knaus , developer of the project, attended the meeting ac-
companied by Mr. Bart Bovee of MBA Engineering . Mr. Jeff Cugno
of the Economic Development Commission and Mayor Ward also at-
tended the meeting. Mr. Bovee stated that the property consists
of approximately 2;3 .9 acres located on Wethersfield Road adjacent
to the Mattabasset River. He noted that the site has frontage in
two areas . Mr. Knaus is in the process of putting together a
series of properties to develop for both residential and indus-
trial use . A portion of the property ( Lot 10) is owned by the
Town and Mr. Cugno is working with Mr. Knaus in an effort to sell
this property to Mr. Knaus who in turn would be responsible for
constructing an industrial road into the site .
Mr. Bovee briefly summarized a previous application for this
site by Rowland Products which was approved about a year ago.
This proposal in regard to the construction of the road and the
storm drainage is identical to the Rowland Products application.
Mr. Bovee stated that the site contains both floodway and
wetlands and presented a map. This proposal requires that a
small portion of the floodwav and flood fringe be filled (approxi-
mately 3500 ' ) to provide immediate access off Wethersfield Road .
He discussed the necessity of the location of the road to be as
shown and noted that this location was worked out with the Town
Engineer. Any filling would be compensated for in an area of
man-made soils .
Mr. Bovee stated that the wetlands have been field located
by a soil scientist and a copy of his report was submitted . The
site contains two areas designated as wetlands . The first is
immediately adjacent to the Mattabasset River. This application
does not propose any filling of these wetlands , and does propose
protection of these areas by use of conservation easements along
- 2 - June 2, 1987
the river. The second wetlands area is connected with a small
stream that drains through the site . The route of the drainage
course appears to be man-made and has been altered by previous
owners . Mr. Bovee stated that they propose to replace an existing
culvert and fill portions of the wetlands associated with the con-
struction of an industrial roadway (approximately 2000 ' ) into the
property. He further stated that the proposed road layout was
discussed with Staff.
In summarizing , Mr. Bovee stated that of the 43 .9 acres , ap-
proximately 14.2 acres are classified wetlands or 32% . They pro-
pose to fill 2.3 acres or 16% of the wetlands . He added that after
walking the site with Staff , it was found that the wetlands appear-
ed to be man-made and so disturbed that their value is minimal .
It was noted that the area is zoned R-21 and that the exten-
sion of the water and sewer is proposed which would also involve
some wetlands .
Mayor Ward and Mr. Cugno spoke in favor of the proposal.
Mayor 'lard stated that he felt that this proposal has less of an
impact than the Rowland proposal and makes Food use of this pro-
perty , as well as keeping the impact on the wetlands to a minimum.
Mr. Horbal recommended that the Commissioners view the site with
Mr. Bovee .
Chairman Selner made a motion to declare the application a
summary activity and it was seconded by Commissioner Murphy . It
was the consensus of the Commission that this proposal would have
an impact on the floodway and wetlands . Chairman Selner made a
motion to table Application 87-13WF to bring to Public Hearing on
July 7, 1987 and it was seconded by Commissioner Zbrozek. All in
favor. Motion carried . It was noted that the Commission requests
that the road be flagged as well as the residential development.
The Commissioners scheduled to meet with Mr. Bovee on Thursday,
June 11, at 6:30 p.m. to walk the site .
2 . Application 87-14WF. Application by Manafort Brothers Realty
Associates to continue filling clay pit pond , Lot 3B, Block 76A ,
Christian Lane . Mr. Manafort attended the meeting and presented
a map which shows the limit of fill to date . He stated that this
is a slow process and only clean fill is being dumped . The site
is maintained and closed off to the general public . He requested
permission to renew the permit issued in 1980 .
Mr. Horbal stated that Staff requests a Class A2 Survey re-
flecting the original conditions and the limits . Mr. Manafort
noted that five acres of water along Route 72 would not be filled ,
and it was the consensus that this five acre area should also be
shown on the map.
Chairman Selner made a motion that the application as pre-
sented is incomplete based on lack of information. The Commission
requests a Class A2 Survey showing the limits of fill and grading;
the limits of the floodway and the flood fringe . The map must
also depict all conditions of the amended permit . Seconded by
- 3 - June 2 , 1987
Commissioner Szczepanik. All in favor. Motion carried . The Com-
mission requests a clarification from Staff of the renewal process
as well as the intent of the bond that was required when the ap-
plication was originally approved . It was noted that the Commiss-
ion was also concerned with any other permits that may have been
granted concerning this proposal .
3 . Mr. Horbal informed the Commission of the maintenance program
planned by the Town for the Mattabasset River from Lower Lane to
the Farm Shop Restaurant . He stated that they plan to remove sedi-
ment and clear along the banks which hopefully will help the flow.
4. Mr. Horbal informed the Commission of complaints received concern-
ing filling on Middletown Road . After investigating , it was found
that the area has been filled and excavated . Upon further check-
ing , it was discovered that a permit was issued to fill approxi-
mately 125 ' running parallel to Middletown Road across the parcel .
The fill looks to be in this contained area; however, excavation
in another area appears to be for a future road . The Zoning En-
forcement Officer posted a "cease and desist . " It was the con-
sensus of the Commission that the property owner provide a map
showing the limits of fill and directed the Staff to take appro-
priate action.
5 . Mr. Horbal briefed the Commission of complaints as to work Mr.
Ciammella is doing in the wetlands at the Winding Meadow Subdivi-
sion. He stated that this work is being done in an area designated
to be regraded to compensate for filling . However, this work will
be inspected and the Commission informed as to any violations .
6. Mr. Horbal informed the Commission of filling taking place at the
end of 'mood lawn Road which involves two property owners . It was
the consensus of the Commission that the two property owners be
contacted and instructed that a map showing the limits of the wet-
lands and floodway be provided . The Commission directs Staff to
take appropriate action.
7. The minutes of May 5 , 1987 were approved as presented .
Meeting adjourned at 9 :16 p.m.
Respectfully al bmitted ,
71
((7'Cy C
(.%)
Nancy Dubuc , Secrt ar
a�. '= --s