Conservation Commission - Minutes - 01/23/2025

RECEIVED FOR RECORD
WATERFORD, CT
MEETING MINUTES
Conservation Commission. 16 JiN29 A 827
January 23, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Auditorium, Waterford Town Hall ATTEST: 2
Members Present: Keith Kriet, David Lersch, Tali Maidelis, Ivy Plis, Geneva Renegar, Wade
Thomas
Members Absent: Chairman Richard Muckle (notified)
Alternates Present: David DeNoia, Matthew Shea
Staff Present: Maureen FitzGerald, Environmental Planner
Kim Powell, Recording Secretary
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by acting chair Tali Maidelis at 6:31 p.m. M. Shea was
seated for R. Muckle.
The Commission welcomed new alternate member David DeNoia.
2. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Motion: Made by K. Kriet seconded by 1. Plis to approve the January 9, 2025 meeting
minutes.
Vote: 6-0-1 [G. Renegar abstained]
3. NEW APPLICATIONS
There were no new applications.
4. APPLICATION REVIEW
C-25-01: 140, 160R 228, 238 Rope Ferry Road — Permitted Use Section 4.1.a— Timber
Harvest; temporary wetland crossings. Bejajah Farms, LLP - Owner, Eric H. Johnson -
Applicant
The Commission reviewed findings prepared by staff dated January 16, 2025.
Motion: Made by K. Kriet seconded by W. Thomas to find the timber harvest to be an as-of-
right activity in accordance with Section 4.1a of the Waterford Inland Wetlands and
Watercourses Regulations.
L. Plis asked where the loading areas are located. Staff noted the two proposed loading areas
are on Gardeners Wood Road and Rope Ferry Road. D. Lersch asked what is being done
with the treetops. Staff noted the plan indicates the tree tops will be left on site and the fire
wood harvested.
Vote: 7-0
C-25-02: 441 Boston Post Road - Construct New Fire Station, activity in Upland Review
Area. Town of Waterford — Applicant; Oswegatchie Fire Company #4, Inc. - Owner
Brian Phillips, P.E. of Langan Engineering was present on behalf of the applicant.
The Commission received copies of a letter dated January 22, 2025 from Langan responding
to staff plan review comments.

Conservation Commission Meeting
January 23, 2025
Page 2 of 2
B. Phillips reviewed the revisions incorporated into the plans to address the comments.
He stated that signage indicating a wetland protection area —- no dumping or discharge has
been added to the plan at the north edge of pavement. Construction phasing notes were added
to address protection of the rain garden area and clean-outs were added to the rain garden
underdrains. He reviewed the grading limits shown within the easement along the west side
of the site, noting it is for removal of the existing curbing and pavement. The stormwater
conveyance swale will be constructed within the limits of the property. Buffer plantings
have been included along the northern property boundary between the site and the off-site
wetland area.
Staff said all plan review comments have been addressed. The Commission reviewed a staff
memorandum dated January 21, 2025 addressing regulated activities and findings for
consideration per Section 10.2 of the inland wetland and watercourses regulations.
Motion: Made by K. Kriet seconded by W. Thomas to have staff prepare a draft permit
based on the review, findings and conditions in the January 21, 2025 memorandum.
Vote: 7-0
5. OTHER BUSINESS
No discussion.
6. CORRESPONDENCE
Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists (CAWS) Annual Meeting & Wetlands
Conference — Notice received.
Staff distributed a memorandum from J. Mullen, Planning Director issued to the Board of
Selectmen, Planning & Zoning Commission and Conservation Commission dated January
22, 2025 responding to concerns raised by citizens regarding construction at 111 Clark Lane.
The Commission received the correspondence
7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Made by W. Thomas seconded by K. Kriet to adjourn.
Vote: 7-0. Meeting was adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kin Gavel)
Kim Powell, Recording Secretary