Representative Town Meeting Budget Hearing and Special Meeting Day 3 (linked)

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TOWN OF WATERFORD
FY2026 BUDGET REQUEST
DEPARTMENT: CONSERVATION COMMISSION
BUDGET FUNCTION
The Waterford Conservation Commission serves as the Inland Wetlands Agency; reviewing
applications, issuing permits and enforcing activities affecting inland wetlands and
watercourses in accordance with the Waterford Inland Wetlands and Watercourses regulations
and CT General Statute’s 22a-36 through 22a-45. The Conservation Commission also carries
out the statutory responsibilities of a municipal Conservation Commission, maintaining a survey
of natural resources, reviewing land use proposals and making recommendations to other
Boards and Agencies on natural resource identification and protection, and Open Space
preservation.
The Conservation Commission conducted 18 regularly scheduled meetings and 1 special
meeting in FY 2023/24 and rendered decisions on 13 applications to conduct activities in and
adjacent to inland wetlands and watercourses. Inland Wetland permits authorized the
permanent loss of 0.018 acres of wetland, and the temporary disturbance of 0.002 acres of
wetlands which are required to be restored following completion of construction. Mitigation
for the permanent wetland disturbance was required and consists of creation of 0.039 acres of
wetland on the project site.
MEMBERS
Richard Muckle, Chair
Tali Maidelis, Secretary
David Lersch
Geneva Renegar
Wade Thomas
Matthew Keatley
Keith Kriet
ALTERNATES
Ivy Plis
Matthew Shea
1 vacancy

TOWN OF WATERFORD
FY2026 BUDGET REQUEST
DEPARTMENT: CONSERVATION COMMISSION
FEES
FEES — Application Fees Generated from Inland Wetland Permit Applications
Fiscal Year Total Fees Collected
FY 2020/2021 S 800
FY 2021/2022 S 700
FY 2022/2023 S 1,600
FY 2023/2024 S 1,050
FY 2024/2025 — 4 months S50
The Waterford Conservation Commission requires an additional fee when public hearings are
required. The fee off-sets the cost for publishing the two legal notices of public hearing
required by State statute.

TOWN OF WATERFORD
FY2026 BUDGET REQUEST
DEPARTMENT: CONSERVATION COMMISSION
BUDGET SUMMARY
CONSERVATION COMMISSION: Proposed Fiscal Year 2026
SERVICES:
10114-52010-101-010-14-00-52 ADVERTISING 1,500
10114-52020-101-010-14-00-52 POSTAGE 125
10114-52030-101-010-14-00-52 PROFESSIONAL FEES 3,500
10114-52031-101-010-14-00-52 PLANNING SERVICES 12,000
10114-52050-101-010-14-00-52 DUES,CONFERENCES & EDUCATION 600
10114-52060-101-010-14-00-52 PRINTING 25
TOTAL 
17,750
MATERIALS & SUPPLIES:
10114-53020-101-010-14-00-53 OTHER SUPPLIES 500
TOTAL 
500
TOTAL 
18,250
Advertising Line 10114-52010
S 1,800 Requested
The advertising account covers the cost of all legal notice requirements required by State
statute. This includes publication of notices of public hearings, enforcement orders and notices
of decision on all Commission inland wetland agency actions. Advertisements for public
hearings and decisions of the Commission are required to be published in a newspaper having
general circulation in Waterford. To off-set publication costs, the Commission requires an
additional fee of $400.00 when a public hearing is required for the legal notices. The costs for
legal notices of decision placed in The Day newspaper for FY 2023/2024 were $1,069.36. The
requested budget amount is consistent with that approved for the FY 2024/25 budget.

Lae \UOUSTAY
TOWN OF WATERFORD
FY2026 BUDGET REQUEST
DEPARTMENT: CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Postage Line 10114-52020
S 125 Requested
Postage expenditures include certified letter mailings required for notice of Commission
decisions on applications and for enforcement proceedings, correspondence to Town residents,
and referrals to municipal, State and Federal agencies. The requested budget amount is
consistent with that approved for the FY 2024/25 budget.
Professional Services Line 10114-52030
S 3,500 Requested
The professional services account is used to obtain professional technical reviews, retain expert
witnesses, chemical laboratory analyses and other professional technical assistance unavailable at
the municipal or State level that are required to conduct the duties of the inland wetlands agency
and the Conservation Commission. These services may include assisting the Commission with
technical expert reviews of application documents, investigating complaints of wetland, soil or
water quality impacts, documenting violations of the inland wetlands and watercourses regulations,
providing expert testimony in court proceedings, or assisting the Commission in preparing natural
resource surveys.
To carry out the responsibilities of the Inland Wetland and Watercourses Act, it is critical that the
Commission have the ability to retain expert witnesses for determination of impacts to wetlands
and watercourses in order to reach and maintain defensible decisions. Court case law has
established that the finding of adverse impacts and justification for conditions of approval requires
technical expertise and expert evidence in the application record. The Commission uses the
expertise of staff members, and regional and state technical offices when available, however
specific technical expertise may be required during the application process within a limited time
frame. Having sufficient funding available to procure services when expert review is needed is
essential in consideration of the strict time frames established by State Statute for rendering
decisions on inland wetland applications.
The fee schedule for Inland Wetland permit applications allows the Commission to charge the
applicant for third party expert reviews and technical evaluations deemed necessary to assist in the
review of complex permit applications. However, the Commission continues to require funds for
obtaining professional expertise on items other than those duties associated with complex permit
applications.
Expenditures under this item are difficult to predict and are related to the number and complexity
of permit applications, public hearings, enforcement proceedings and technical needs of the
Commission. The requested amount will fund an estimated 25 -35 hours of professional service at a
rate of $100 - $150/hr.
The requested budget amount is consistent with that approved for the FY 2024/25 budget.

TOWN OF WATERFORD
FY2026 BUDGET REQUEST
DEPARTMENT: CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Planning Services Line 10114-52031
S 12,000 Requested
The Conservation Commission conducts a water quality monitoring program of freshwater streams
and ponds in Waterford. Samples are collected at 30 locations in the early summer and late fall of a
calendar year to track water quality over the growing season and monitor changes in quality over
time. Sampling is conducted on Jordan Brook, Nevins Brook, Fenger Brook, Hunts Brook, Stony
Brook, Oil Mill Brook and its tributaries, Millstone (Beebe) Brook, Green Swamp Brook and a
tributary stream to Goshen Cove. Water quality parameters monitored include total coliform, e.
coli and enterococci bacteria, temperature, pH, and nutrient loadings from nitrogen compounds
and phosphorus.
The surface water quality monitoring program has been conducted for the past 24 years by the
Conservation Commission and has generated comprehensive data on the quality of the town’s
water resources. This data is used to evaluate potential impacts of land development on stream
health and to track changes in water chemistry over time. It also provides a scientific basis for the
Conservation Commission to establish required levels of stormwater treatment for development
proposals, and water quality mitigation goals for enforcement proceedings.
Jordan Brook, Oil Mill Brook and Stony Brook support native trout and high quality waters. Habitat
requirements for these fisheries include cool, oxygenated waters with suitable substrate conditions
to provide food and aquatic habitat. Alteration of adjacent lands, loss of vegetative cover, soil
erosion, flow alterations, septic system discharges and stormwater run-off can adversely impact the
biological conditions of these watercourses. The monitored temperature, nitrogen and phosphorus
levels in these streams continue to indicate high quality surface waters.
The 2022 State of Connecticut Integrated Water Quality Report, submitted by CT DEEP to the EPA,
identifies Alewife Cove, Jordan Cove, and areas of Niantic Bay and the Niantic River as impaired
estuaries that do not fully support designated uses of habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife.
Fenger Brook is listed as not supporting designated uses for aquatic life and recreation. The section
of Hunts Brook downstream of the Miller Pond dam is listed as not supporting fish and aquatic life
habitat. The lower reach of Stony Brook south of Route 1 is listed as impaired for recreational use
due to bacteria. The State is developing restoration policies to improve water quality and habitat of
impaired waters.
The Commission continues to monitor bacteria, nitrogen and phosphorus levels in stream reaches
that discharge to Alewife Cove, Jordan Cove, and the Niantic River, including Hunts Brook, Fenger
Brook and Stony Brook. This long-term water quality monitoring is a critical part of the natural
resource inventory work the Commission conducts and allows tracking of trends in water quality
from land use changes and provides an indication of where water quality may be affected. Town
staff conducts the sampling to minimize costs. Cost variations are linked to the number of water
samples collected.
The requested budget amount is consistent with that approved in the previous fiscal year.

TOWN OF WATERFORD
FY2026 BUDGET REQUEST
DEPARTMENT: CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Dues, Conferences and Education Line 10114-52050
S 600 Requested
Expenditures from this line item include membership dues, commission and staff training,
attendance at seminars and workshops. The Connecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses
Act [CGS 22a-36 - 22a-45a] recommends members of inland wetland agency complete a
comprehensive training program developed by the CT DEEP. Commissioners also attend
environmental education conferences and legal seminars regarding inland wetlands to keep
informed of changes to State Statute or case law affecting application review practices, public
hearing records and decision-making for Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Regulations
application. The Commission satisfies the minimum required training recommended by CT
DEEP for inland wetlands agencies.
The Commission is requesting the same amount for this item as approved in the previous fiscal
year to maintain the level of training of its members and staff.
Printing Line 10114-52060
S 25 Requested
Expenditures under this line item include printing of oversized documents, maps and colored
copies, which cannot be printed or are unavailable at Town facilities. As a result of changes in
court procedures, some printing funds may be necessary to reproduce, in paper or digital
format, large documents and files. The amount requested under this line item is the same as
approved in the previous fiscal year.
Other Supplies Line 10114-53020
S 500 Requested
Funds in this account are used to purchase and maintain environmental testing/monitoring
equipment, safety equipment, survey flagging, and Conservation Easement and Non-
Encroachment Boundary Line markers for field markings. This equipment allows the
Conservation Commission with its professional staff to perform wetland identification, water
testing, natural resource inventory and conservation easement boundary marking that would
otherwise require contracting for outside professional services.
The amount requested under this line item is the same as approved in the previous fiscal year.

TOWN OF WATERFORD
FY2026 BUDGET REQUEST
DEPARTMENT: CONSERVATION COMMISSION
S MOUSTAYS
FY2024
FY2023
Conservation Commission Development Commission
5 Year History of Expenditures
FY2022
FY2021 FY2020
ORIGINAL FY2024 ORIGINAL FY2023 ORIGINAL FY2022 ORIGINAL FY2021.~—«OORIGINAL _—FY2020
| BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET = ACTUAL_~=s BUDGET _—ACTUAL
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
SERVICES:
| 10114-52010-101-010-13-00-52 ADVERTISING 1,500 1,069 1,500 1,599 4,500 4,105 1,500 989 1,500 902
| 10114-52020-101-010-13-00-52 POSTAGE 125 112 125 4112 125 84 125 106 4125 104
10114-52030-101-010-13-00-52 PROFESSIONAL FEES 3,500 7 3,500 : 3,500 - 3,500 3,500 3,500 3,500
- 10114-52031-101-010-13-00-52 PLANNING SERVICES 12,000 7,804 12,000 6278 12,000 6,357 12,000 12,000 12,000 —«-12,000
| 10114-52050-101-010-13-00-52 DUES,CONFERENCES & EDUCATION 600 295 600 315 600 275 600 295 600 455
| 10114-52060-101-010-13-00-52 PRINTING 25 - 25 - 25 : 25 : 25 .
Total SERVICES 17,750 9,280 ‘17,750 8304 ‘17,750 7,821 17,750 16,890 17,750 16,961
|MATERIALS & SUPPLIES:
| 10110-53020-101-010-10-00-53 OTHER SUPPLIES 500 0 500 253 500 0 500 366 500 8
'~atal MATERIALS & SUPPLIES 500 0 500 253 500 0 500 366 500 8
TOTAL 
18,250 9,280 18,250 8557 «18,250 7,821 18,250 17,256 18,250 16,969

CONSERVATION COMMISSION: Proposed Fiscal Year 2026
SERVICES:
10114-52010-101-010-14-00-52 ADVERTISING
10114-52020-101-010-14-00-52 POSTAGE
10114-52030-101-010-14-00-52 PROFESSIONAL FEES
10114-52031-101-010-14-00-52 PLANNING SERVICES
10114-52050-101-010-14-00-52 DUES,CONFERENCES & EDUCATION
10114-52060-101-010-14-00-52 PRINTING
TOTAL
MATERIALS & SUPPLIES:
10114-53020-101-010-14-00-53 OTHER SUPPLIES
TOTAL
TOTAL
1,500
125
3,500
12,000
600
25
17,750
500
500
18,250

7 2 RR
MEETING MINUTES 2 § 3
Conservation Commission nti) 7 es
October 10 2024, 6:30 p.m. Sy © 35
Auditorium, Waterford Town Hall hy 0 ee
rah 39
Membets Present: Matthew Keatley, David Letsch, Tali Maidelis, Chaitman Big Ms
Mickle, 2
Wade Thomas ‘ 3
Membets Absent: Keith Kriet (notified), Geneva Renegar (notified)
Alternates Present: Ivy Plis
Alternates Absent: Matthew Shea, (1 Vacancy)
Staff Present: Mauteen FitzGerald, Environmental Planner; Kim Powell, Recording Sectetary
1, CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Muckle at 6:31p.m. I. Plis was seated for K. Kriet
2, APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Motion: Made by T. Maidelis seconded by W. Thomas to approve the September 26, 2024
meeting minutes.
Vote: 5-0-1 [D. Lersch abstained]
3. NEW APPLICATIONS
Thete were none.
4, APPLICATION REVIEW
C-24-09 — 234 Bloomingdale Rd, Quaker Hill: New Residential Construction; Integrity
Properties, Applicant; Michael Jezierski, Owner; CLA Engineers, Agent
The applicant's agent requested this item be tabled to allow time to respond to staff comments.
5. VIOLATIONS
12 Perkins Farm Road: Revised Consent Order signed and retutned. Corrective work to be
completed in 60 days
Staff noted the consent order was signed by the property owners and returned on October 1,
2024.
6. CORRESPONDENCE
Commissioners wete reminded to notify staff if they plan to attend the CACIWC Annual
Conference so registrations can be submitted at the discounted rate. Commissioner Muckle
noted he would like to be registered for the conference.
D. Lersch invited members of the Commission to attend the Waterford Land Trust Annual
Meeting on October 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the Stacy Batn. A guest speaker will be discussing
forested habitat for birds.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
2025 Conservation Commission Meeting Schedule
Motion: Made by T. Maidelis seconded by I. Plis to approve the meeting schedule for 2025.
Vote: 6-0

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 — Page 2
2023-2024 Draft Annual Report
Staff presented the Draft Annual Report and explained the water sampling gtaphs in the report.
Water monitoring efforts have proven to be valuable for the Commission when reviewing
petmits prior to approval and to enforce regulations.
Staff will prepate the 2025-2026 Annual Budget for Commission teview at the next meeting. The
budget is due to Board of Finance November 1, 2024.
Motion: Made by T. Maidelis seconded by W. Thomas to accept the draft annual report and
staff to forward the final annual report to the Board of Finance.
Vote: 6-0
, ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Made by T. Maidelis seconded by I. Plis to adjourn.
Vote: 6-0 Meeting was adjourned at 6:57 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kim Powell, Recording Sectetary