Conservation Commission (linked)

MEETING MINUTES
Conservation Commission
November 9, 2023, 6:30 PM
Auditorium, Waterford Town Hall
Members Present: Matthew Keatley, Dave Lersch, Tali Maidelis, Rich Muckle, Wade Thomas
Members Absent: Geneva Renegar (notified), (1 vacancy)
Alternates Absent: Ivy Plis (notified), (2 vacancies)
Staff Present: Maureen FitzGerald, Environmental Planner; Kim Powell, Recording
Secretary
1, CALL TO ORDER AND APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Muckle at 6:30 PM.
2. APPROVAL OF THE October 26, 2023 Meeting Minutes
Motion: Made by M. Keatley and seconded by W. Thomas to approve the October 26, 2023
minutes.
Vote: 3-0-2 R. Muckle and T. Maidelis abstained.
3. NEW APPLICATIONS
No new applications received.
4, APPLICATION REVIEW
C-23-8: 33 Kenyon Road, New Construction; Congregation Beth El Temple, Inc. -
Applicant, Wayne S. Garrick, AIA ~ Agent
Staff reviewed a letter from the applicant’s agent W. Garrick received 11/8/23 requesting and
consenting to an extension of the application review period up to 65 days from December 1,
2023. Staff explained the applicant is working on revised plans. The Commission agreed to
the request.
C-23-9: 295 & 313 Willetts Ave.; 16 & 18 Boston Post Road - Proposed hotel and
associated parking and storm water management systems; Woodsprings Suites — Applicant,
CLA Engineers, Inc. — Agent
Ellen Bartlett, PE. and Bob Russo, Soil Scientist from CLA Engineers, Inc presented the
application. Plan sheets 2A and 13 high-lighted with colors were distributed to the
Commission for discussion of the existing and proposed conditions.
E, Bartlett explained the project area consists of 4 parcels which will be combined if the
project is approved. The site is 4.8 acres and includes 0.6 acres of wetlands. The property is
zoned commercial. Existing buildings on the lot will be removed. The proposed hotel is a
four story building with 122 efficiency rooms. The parking meets the zoning regulations to
accommodate 1 car per room and 7 employees. Due to traffic issues, the main entrance is
agcelven Fon RECORD ////6 20 23
4, ATTEST TOWN CLERK

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes
November 9, 2023
Page 2 of 3
proposed from Boston Post Road and emergency vehicle access will be from Willetts
Avenue. The building will be on public water and sewer. Stormwater run-off from the
building roof is directed to an underground infiltration system designed to contain up to the
100-year storm event. Infiltration tests were performed on the site.
Two storm water basins are proposed and are designed to exceed the ESC Guidelines for
temporary sediment traps, The basins will be converted to permanent stormwater quality
basins. Basin 1 contains up to the 5-yr storm event; basin 2 contains up to the 25-yr storm
event. Basin design exceeds the CT Stormwater Quality Manual recommendations for water
quality volume by more than 3 times the volume. E. Bartlett stated the stormwater treatment
system provides greater than 99% pollutant removal. The basins will be fenced and have
gates for maintenance access. A guardrail will be added in the parking lot.
B. Russo reviewed the wetland location and described it as an isolated pocket, not connected
to any other wetlands in the area. He reviewed the vegetation observed in the wetland, noting
there are a lot of invasive species. He described the wetland function include stormwater
renovation and local wildlife habitat. There are no direct impacts to the wetland. Grading is
proposed on the eastern edge. During and after construction erosion controls and stormwater
controls will be in place to protect the wetland. He noted that they have received review
comments from staff and will address them.
W. Thomas suggested a bionet — type contro] netting used for temporary slope stabilization
instead of polypropylene. He requested isolator rows be added in the subsurface infiltration
design.
E. Bartlett will add isolator rows to provide infiltration and runoff protection and pollutant
removal. This will provide easier cleaning and maintenance.
Commission members requested clarification regarding the wetland wildlife functions. Mr.
Russo clarified the wetland is too small for a lot of wildlife. It is about 6-8” deep in the
spring and then dries up. The wildlife population includes green frogs and common
backyard birds. He did not see any ducks, heron, salamanders, bullfrogs or snakes in the
area. The silt fence barriers and temporary swale proposed will protect the wildlife existing
in the wetland area.
Revised plans will be submitted prior to the next scheduled meeting.
C-23-10: 52 Gurley Road - Stream channel restoration - Owner/Applicant, Jeff Reagan
Review Draft Permit
Motion: Made by W. Thomas and seconded by M. Keatley to approve the draft permit as
presented.
Vote: 4-0-1 T. Maidelis abstained.
C-23-11: 49 Niantic River Road — Modify portion of non-encroachment area —
Ownet/Applicant Steven and Cheryl Heard - Review Draft Permit

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes
November 9, 2023
Page 3 of 3
Staff reviewed the history of the requested modification with the Commission and the revised
plan submitted at the October 26 meeting. W. Thomas explained the modifications were for
site line for the rear of the property and maintenance reasons.
Motion: Made by W. Thomas and seconded by M. Keatley to approve the draft permit as
presented application.
Vote: 4-0-1 T. Maidelis abstained.
5. VIOLATIONS
577 Vauxhall Street Extension: Notice of Violation & Corrective Actions - Issued 6-14-23
Unauthorized Activity within Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, Restoration required by 11-
1-23.
Staff reviewed photographs of the wetland restoration area and reported the work is almost
complete. The homeowner has requested more time to finish the removal of stone.
Motion: Made by T. Maidelis and seconded by W. Thomas to extend the time to complete
the restoration to December 7, 2023 the next Commission meeting.
Vote: 5-0-0
6. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
7. CORRESPONDENCE
None received
8. ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Made by W. Thomas and seconded by T. Maidelis to adjourn at 7:16 PM.
Submitted By:
Kim Powell, Recording Secretary