1986/05/06 Unapproved minutes . Approved minutes may be obtained after the next regular
meeting of the Commission .
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TOWN O F BERLIN
p;% ,tm c INLAND WETLANDS AND WATER COURSES COMMISSION
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ORPORAS�
May 6 , 1986
A meeting of the Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission was
called to order by Chairman Selner at 7 : 31 p .m. at the Town Hall .
Those in attendance were: Chairman Selner , Commissioner Gombotz ,
Commissioner Murphy , Commissioner Phaneuf , Commissioner Palasek ,
Commissioner Szczepanik, Commissioner Zbrosek and Mr . Joseph
Paskiewicz , Agent for the Commission.
The following items were discussed :
1 . Application 86-9W. Public Hearing . Application by Arthur Urban
to fill a wetlands area on Lot 81A and 89 , Block 10 , located on
the west side of Chamberlain Highway , 200'± southwest of Harvest
Hill Road . Chairman Selner introduced the members of the Com-
mission and read the legal notice which appeared in The Herald .
Mr . Urban stated that the area consists of approximately 30
acres of land of which they propose to develop 25 acres leaving
four or five acres to the west , bordering the golf course , as
an open space wetland area . He further stated that they propose
to construct 29 building lots ranging from 21 , 000 sq . ft . to
38 , 000 sq . ft . The proposal consists of a new road from the
Chamberlain Highway directly west intersecting with an extension
of South Slope Drive with the extension of South Slope Drive
continuing to a cul-de-sac . Sewers are in the planning stage
but will be available . Mr . Urban stated that there presently
exists some drainage problems . They propose to install a system
of storm drains diverting some of the water back to the present
swamp area and also create a new water detention area . He
further stated that they intend to keep trees and vegetation
other than what is necessary to install a road .
Mr . Joseph Cermola , Engineer, stated that they propose to
control storm water in order to create a "0" impact on down-
stream properties . He further stated that out of the 28± acres
15 acres are wetlands with 11 acres being low and wet - 5 . 7
acres of wetlands are to be filled of which 4 . 3 are designated
low and wet . One acre of wetlands is to be created resulting
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in a 4 . 7 acre loss . He stated that he felt that this proposal
would improve drainage to the south . Mr . Cermola stated that
flagging of the wetlands has been done and were found to be
essentially the same as on the Town map . The size of the pro-
posed detention was discussed and it was noted that this pro-
posal is only in the sketch plan stage .
Mr . Joseph Dubuc , 50 South Slope Drive , questioned the
amount of wetlands to be filled and also the areas that are
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mapped as low and wet on the map presented . He felt that a
greater area is definitely low and wet and indicated a number
of lots he felt should have been classified as such . He stated
his concern for the brook which runs twelve months a year and
also the elevation proposed at the end of South Slope Drive . He
further stated that this is a beautiful and valuable wetlands
which should not be destroyed and presented pictures of the area
to the Commission.
Mrs . Caron, 49 McMurray Drive, stated that she was concerned
about the proposed wetlands to be created .
Mr . Robert Olesak, 35 McMurray Drive, stated that the water
problems continue to get worse as developments are constructed
above and wants assurance that this proposal would not add to an
existing problem. He questioned what effect this proposal would
have on the water table.
Mrs . Mary Salerno, 55 Glenview Drive , stated that as an
environmental biologist she felt that this wetlands should be
protected for the good of the Town as well as for future genera-
tions to benefit from the variety of plantlife found in this
wetlands .
Mr. Jim Devery , 95 Harvest Hill Road , questioned whether any
calculations as to water retention and drainage had been done and
was told that this proposal was only a conceptual sketch plan at
this time.
Approximately thirty-eight people attended the public hear-
ing portion of the meeting. The hearing adjourned at 8 : 22 p .m.
2 . Application 86-4W. Public Hearing . Application by Carabetta
Enterprises to fill a wetlands area on Lots 25 and 28 , Block 153 ,
located on the east side of Wilbur Cross Highway , south of #2447 .
Chairman Selner read the legal notice which appeared in The
Herald . Mr. Sam Carabetta and Mr. Rod Hewitt, Engineer, attended
the hearing . Mr . Hewitt stated that this application was origin-
ally presented at the March, 1986 meeting . That application in-
cluded a request to fill approximately 41 acres of wetlands for
the construction of a large warehouse building . He stated that
this use for the property has since been discontinued . Mr .
Hewitt stated that there exists a network of roads on this pro-
perty which cross three wetland areas . Mr . Carabetta requests
approval of these temporary culverts and the fill that was placed
for these roads . A new map was presented and Mr . Hewitt pointed
out the wetland areas and where filling has taken place . He
noted that the water course has been piped (15") at four cross-
ings . It was noted that this property is being considered by
the Zoning Commission for new uses and that this road pattern
would be used or further developed at a later date depending up-
on the zoning changes .
Chairman Selner read a letter from the DEP in response to a
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request from this Commission for their technical assistance . U ny
• of their comments pertained to the previous application .
Mr . Hewitt stated that this revised proposal does not divert
any water .
Approximately two people attended the public hearing portion
of the meeting and the hearing was adjourned at 8 : 50 p .m.
3 . Application 86-8WF . Application by Nadeau Brothers to build a
building in a floodway on Lot Z20 , Block 91 , located on the south-
east side of Washington Avenue, 600 '± southwest of Farmington
Avenue . Mr . Bart Bovee , Engineer , represented Nadeau Brothers .
He stated that this proposal is slightly different from the ori-
ginal proposal presented at the April 1 , 1986 meeting in that the
building is smaller - 30'x60 ' . The proposed building would be
used as a garage and small office for a concrete business . A map
was presented and Mr . Bovee indicated that the site is approximately
150'x50 ' and relatively flat . He pointed out the wetlands line on
the map and stated that this parcel is located within the floodway .
They propose a finish floor at elevation 44 which is 2 ' below the
100 year flood elevation . A sump pump would be installed as well
as waterproofing provided . Mr . Bovee stated that minimal grading
and parking provisions are proposed . He further stated that a
swale would be installed in accordance with the Town Engineer . It
was noted that concrete forms and equipment would be stored on the
site.
4 . Application 86-10WF . Application by Joseph Tricka to place fill
and appurtenances in a wetlands and flood hazard area on Lot 15 ,
Block 17 , located on the west side of Chamberlain Highway , 400 '±
south of Old Hatchery Road . This application was tabled at the
April 1 , 1986 at the request of the applicant . Mr . Bart Bovee ,
Engineer, represented Mr . Tricka . He presented a map and stated
that this is a proposed subdivision which consists of approximately
60 acres located in a R-86 zone . This property is in the flood
plain. The proposal involves two permanent cul-de-sacs and one
temporary one. Mr . Bovee stated that they propose to develop 25
building lots . A gas right-of-way and an overhead transmission
line run across the property . There are three streams on the
parcel and they propose to cross two of the streams , constructing
culverts designed to handle 100 year runoff and filling areas in-
dicated on the map . He noted that there would be minimal dis-
turbance of the streams and stated that covenants would be written
into the deeds to protect the stream from any activity or filling .
Mr . Bovee stated that this proposal is still in a conceptual phase .
At this point they propose to do some filling in three areas -
none being larger than one acre.
5 . Application 86-11W. Application by New England Building and
Development Institute to place and remove material in a wetlands
area on Lot 6 and 8 , Block 144 , located on the west side of Main
Street - 200 '± and 500'± south of Route 72 . This application was
tabled at the April 1 , 1986 meeting pending additional information.
Mr . Rod Hewitt, Engineer, represented Mr . Kavarsky . He presented
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a map and reviewed that this property is primarily a soil-type
wetlands . He stated that the key to successful development of
this type of a parcel is to insure that foundations are adequately
drained and/or make sure that they are above the ground water
table . He further stated that there are two other soil types
found along Bradley Brook which they do not intend to disturb .
Mr . Hewitt noted that Mr . Kavarsky met with the Mayor since the
last wetlands meeting in regard to deeding land to the Town as
open space which included the dam on the property . The Mayor in-
dicated that the Town is not interested in acquiring this area .
Mr. Kavarsky is now considering buying an adjacent parcel (6-7
acres) and attaching this parcel to the wetlands area to construct
a small estate. They propose to do some work on the dam to insure
safety . The pond would remain as part of the proposed estate with
maintenance belonging to the owner . Mr . Hewitt stated that they
intend to drain into Bradley Brook and felt that the water course
would not be affected nor would retention be required . He further
stated that there is no special type of wildlife or plant species
involved in this wetlands .
6 . Application 86-12W. Application by Kenneth Nelson to place fill in
a wetlands area on Lot 1A, Block 140, located on Bishops Curve and
Wilbur Cross Highway . Attorney Luther Propst of Robinson & Cole
attended the meeting accompanied by Mr . Rod Hewitt and Mr . Kenneth
Nelson . Attorney Propst stated that they have revised their plans ,
which were originally presented at the Public Hearing on April 1 ,
1986 , to accommodate the concerns that were expressed and the con-
cerns of the Commission. He stated that they now propose to fill
approximately 1200 cubic yards on the north end of the parcel and
create a pond (215 'x225 ' ) on the south side . The total area to be
filled has been cut back to 35% of the original proposal . Mr .
Hewitt presented a map and indicated the proposed pond depicting
shallow sloping sides to a depth of 7 ' . He noted that they pro-
pose to make this a fish pond . An inlet box (elevation 156) is
proposed with an 18" pipe extending out to Bishops Curve.
Mr . Hewitt stated that they propose to excavate the pond area
removing the muck and Scarboro type soils on top - the gravel soils
underneath would be moved to the northern part of the site and used
to fill the wetland area . He further stated that they propose to
fill to allow for the surface water to run to the present drainage
systems . In summary , Mr . Hewitt stated that they propose to fill
150 ' back from the road and construct an irregular shaped pond to
the back part of the site .
Attorney Propst stated that the primary purpose of this
application is to fill to allow for a driveway to obtain access
to the property up the hill .
Attorney Lynne Ustach represented Mr . and Mrs . Alan Ladd and
Mr . and Mrs . Stanley Killinger . She stated that they are opposed
to any filling of the wetlands and request the following conditions
if this application is permitted : 1) Assurances that this develop-
ment be the last of any changes of any wetlands on this parcel ;
2) A flowage study be done based on a 100 year storm; 3) Require
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Mr . Nelson to disclose the amount of his liability insurance for
the proposed operation which is permitted under Section 11 of the
Wetlands Regulations .
Mr . John Kazersky stated that he is opposed even more to this
proposal than to the original one due to the proposed pond . He
stated that he is most concerned with the wells in the area .
Mrs . Virginia Killinger , 45 Mary Ann Court , stated that she
was concerned with the possibility of pollution of the existing
wells which is their only source of water and submitted a letter
stating opposition to this proposal by both herself and her husband .
The question of possible pollution of the pond from the park-
ing lot (capacity for 62 cars) for the golf course was discussed
and Mr . Hewitt stated that , in his opinion, the quality of the
water would not be affected .
7 . Application 86-13WF . Application by Rowland , Inc . , to construct
an industrial road and industrial complex in a wetlands and flood
hazard area on Lots 7 and 8 , Block 127 , located on the west side
of Wethersfield Road , south of the Sebethe River . Mr . Jeff Cugno ,
Economic Development Director for the Town, and Mr . Bart Bovee,
Engineer, attended the meeting . A map was presented and Mr . Bovee
stated that this parcel was deeded to the Town a few years ago and
now the Town is in the process of developing this property for in-
dustrial purposes . He stated that Rowland has expressed interest
in possibly constructing a 38 , 000 sq . ft . building . Mr . Bovee
noted that they propose to construct an industrial roadway and
parking lots and stated that the road location was determined in
order to insure possible future development and also to bring out
of the flood area . One stream crossing is proposed as well as
cleaning the stream for cosmetic and aesthetic value . Mr . Bovee
further stated that the proposed building would be at elevation 46
which would set the building at a minimum of 9 ' above the 100 year
flood elevation . He noted that the only area that they propose to
fill is a small corner which would be compensated by removing fill .
Mr . Cugno stated that the Town is attempting to get an in-
dustrial access to this parcel as well as the adjacent property .
He noted that Rowland would pay for the construction road and would
then acquire the entire 17 acre piece - part of which would be
deeded to the Town and would not be developed but maintained as
wetlands . It was noted that this property is serviced by sewers .
8. Application 86-14WF. Application by Ralph Simeone to fill a wet-
lands and flood hazard area on proposed lots 2KK and 2LL , Block
118 , located at the intersection of Elizabeth Road and Ralph Drive,
Cedar Acres subdivision off Orchard Road . Mr. Bart Bovee, Engineer ,
represented Mr. Simeone and presented a map . He noted that they
have been to this Commission before in regard to crossing this wet-
lands with a proposed culvert . He stated that they now propose to
clean up loose ends which involves a small corner of the wetlands .
He further stated that this area had been disturbed sometime ago
when gravel was being removed . They propose to do some cosmetic
grading which may involve encroachment of the flood fringe area
and some filling in the wetlands .
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•
'9 . Application 86-15WF . Application by KS Partnership to improve an
• existing driveway in a wetlands and flood hazard area on Lot 15A ,
Block 15 , located on the west side of Chamberlain Highway north of
#1606 . Mr . Bart Bovee, Engineer , represented KS Partnership . A
map was presented and he stated that this is a three lot sub-
division. The site is crossed by a stream and they propose to
improve a dirt driveway (8 '-10' ) which has an existing culvert .
There was a question as to whether an application was necessary
for this proposed work. Mr . Paskiewicz recommended that they come
to the Commission. Mr . Bovee stated that they intend to use the
same culvert crossing and to improve the driveway with gravel .
10 . Application 86-16W. Application by Michael K. Patenaude and
Anthony F . DiFabio to fill a wetlands area on Lot 3 , Block 118 ,
located on Toll Gate Road , south of Orchard Road . Attorney Anthony
DiFabio attended the meeting accompanied by Mr . Rod Hewitt , Engi-
neer . A map was presented and Mr . Hewitt stated that originally a
100' scale map was submitted to the Commission. The map presented
tonight depicts more detail - scale : 1" = 40' . He stated that they
propose to fill two areas to provide for the minimum 3/4 require-
ment , straighten out the brook (which is shown on the plan as
meandering) to lot lines where it will join existing brooks . Mr .
Hewitt stated that the drainage area that drains down through this
brook comes from the Spruce Brook Park area and up along Lamenta-
tion Mountain . He submitted a report outlining the flow and the
drainage area . He noted that the existing culvert is adequate for
a 100 year storm. He added that flooding is not an issue in this
area . A pond or pool that is created by water that goes through
this area was pointed out on the map . The amount of fill proposed
is 2390 cubic yards . The grade proposed for the slope is 2/1 .
11 . Application 86-17W. Application by Henry Budney to make altera-
tions in a wetlands area on Lot 7F , Block 153 , located on the
north side of New Park Drive, 918 '± east of the Wilbur Cross High-
way . Mr . Ozzie Torres , Engineer , represented the Budney Company .
He stated that they originally came before this Commission last
December . The revised proposal requests permission to construct a
pond . Approximately 200 cubic yards of fill would be required .
He stated that a small berm is proposed which would help to raise
the land around the pond for the detention of storm water from the
parking areas and the roof of the building . The brook would con-
tinue along side of the pond to handle the upper watershed . The
pond would be a permanent pond with a depth of 8 ' and would be
more for aesthetics than drainage .
12 . Application 86-18W. Application by the Town of Berlin Water Con-
trol Commission to install a culvert across existing intermittent
water course on Lot 29 , Block 153 , located on the east side of
Wilbur Cross Highway, north of #2447 . Mayor Ward and Mr . Paskiewicz
represented the Town . A map was presented and Mr . Paskiewicz ex-
plained that Wood Road comes in from the Carabetta property . The
Town proposes to construct a road with a culvert across an exist-
ing intermittent stream. The road is necessary for work to be done
for the storage tank to be installed at the base of Lamentation
Mountain. Mayor Ward stated that this would be a permanent main-
•
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tenance road in the future.
• Commissioner Zbrosek made a motion to recess to Tuesdny ,
May 13 , 1986 , at 7 : 30 p .m. Seconded by Commissioner Gombotz .
All in favor . Motion carried .
Meeting adjourned at 10: 50 p .m.
Respectfully submitted ,
/ /_
Nancy Dubuc
Secretary
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