Conservation Commission - 595 (10/12/2023)

MEETING MINUTES
Conservation Commission
September 14, 2023, 6:30 PM
Auditorium, Waterford Town Hall
Members Present: 
Matthew Keatley Tali Maidelis, Rich Muckle, Wade Thomas\* :
Members Absent: 
Dave Lersch (notified), Geneva Renegar (notified), (1 vacancy),
Alternates Present: Ivy Plis, (2 vacancies)
Staff Present: 
Maureen FitzGerald, Environmental Planner; Kim Powell, oe Sécretary
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1, CALL TO ORDER AND APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Muckle at 6:33PM. I. Plis was seated for D. Lersch.
2. APPROVAL OF THE August 24, 2023 Meeting Minutes
Motion: Made by T. Maidelis and seconded by W. Thomas to approve the August 24, 2023 minutes.
Vote: 
4-0-1 M. Keatley Abstained
3. NEW APPLICATIONS
C-23-07: Timber Harvest Section 4.1.a; 130R and 88 Old Colchester Road and 34, 34R Millers
Pond Rd
Staff received the timber harvest plan for the four separate properties. Only 130R Old Colchester Rd.
involves temporary wetland crossings. Best management practices will be used to protect stream
channels, minimize soil erosion and promote stabilization of exposed soils following completion of
the harvest.
Motion: Made by W. Thomas and seconded by T. Maidelis to find the timber harvest is a permitted
use as of right per Section 4.1.a of the regulations.
Vote: 
5-0-0
4. APPLICATION REVIEW
C-23-5 268 Niantic River Road — Slope stabilization and protection of pre-1995 residence:
Geraldine & Stephen Kuenkler, Owner/Applicant; H&H Engineering Associates, LLC, Agent;
received 8-10-23
Staff reviewed the draft permit.
Motion: Made by W. Thomas and seconded by M. Keatley to approve the permit as written.
Vote: 
5-0-0
C-23-6 577 Vauxhall Street - Construct 14 x 14 Stone Patio: Raymond Lenart, Owner/Applicant;
Revised Plan received 8-30-23
Staff reviewed the revised plan and draft permit.
Motion: Made by M. Keatley and seconded by W. Thomas to approve the permit.
Vote: 
5-0-0

Conservation Commission Agenda
September 14, 2023
Page 2 of 2
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.
No discussion.
52 Gurley Road: Notice of Noncompliance -Unauthorized Grading & Clearing of Stream Channel
The Commission reviewed the notice of noncompliance and photographs of the stream channel.
Activity conducted without authorization involves clearing vegetation and grading along a portion of
the stream channel. Staff is working with the property owner on a stabilization and restoration plan.
The stream is down gradient of the 21 Gurley Road development and extends through the 52 Gurley
Road property and is generally bordered by maintained lawn. To stabilize the channel, the owner may
need to place some rip-rap and revegetate the channel banks.
It was the consensus of the Commission to have staff continue to coordinate with the owner.
6. OTHER BUSINESS
Staff presented a request from the owner of 167 Niantic River Road to install a pool enclosure fence
along and partly within a designated conservation easement area boundary on the property. The
Commission reviewed photographs of the boundary area where large boulders had been placed. The
request is to construct a chain link fence outside of the boulder wall, which in places would occur
slightly within the easement area. Staff stated the Commission may authorize the fence within the
conservation easement area per the provisions of the easement agreement.
Motion: Made by M. Keatley and seconded by T. Maidelis to find that the installation of the
enclosure fence as requested does not involve activity detrimental to water quality, soil conservation,
slope stability or wildlife and to approve the proposed fence.
Vote: 
5-0-0
7. CORRESPONDENCE
There was no correspondence.
8. PAYMENT OF BILLS
Motion: 
Made by W. Thomas and seconded by I. Plis to pay the bill from The Day of $113.08.
Vote: 
5-0-0
9. ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Made by W. Thomas and seconded by I. Plis to adjourn at 6:33 PM.
Vote: 
5-0-0
Submitted By:
Kim Powell, Recording Secretary