Conservation Commission - Minutes - 07/09/2020

MEETING MINUTES
Conservation Commission 2026 JUL 16 PH 3:49
July 9, 2020
6:30 PM
Zoom Remote Access Only ‘
Members Present: Dave Lersch, Tali Maidelis, and Michael Stankov (2 Vacancies)
Members Absent: Richard Muckle and Geneva Renegar
Alternates Present: Julie Wainscott (1 Vacancy)
Alternates Absent: Wade Thomas
Staff Present: Maureen FitzGerald, Environmental Planner
Katrina Kotfer, Recording Secretary
1. CALL TO ORDER AND APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
T. Maidelis called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Julie Wainscott was seated for R. Muckle.
2. APPROVAL of the June 11, 2020 2020 Meeting Minutes
Motion: Motion made by M. Stankov, second by J. Wainscott to approve the June 11,
2020 meeting minutes.
Vote: 4-0
3. APPLICATION REVIEW
C-20-08 15 Leary Drive — In-Ground Pool — Kimberly Devlin/Robert Brule — Owner &
Applicant
R. Brule was present for the discussion. Staff reviewed a wetlands report prepared by James
Cowen, Cowen EcoDesign, LLC. T. Maidelis asked if the previously requested trees have been
removed. R. Brule responded that they are waiting to see if they can get approval for the
proposed pool and do the work all at the same time. T. Maidelis asked how much disturbance
has occurred on the property from previous work. Staff responded 400 sq. ft. for the shed and
1,800 sq. ft. from when the house was built. Staff read Section 4.1(b) of the regulations and
noted the application is for a regulated activity. She reviewed her memorandum dated July 6,
2020.
Commissioners questioned if alternatives have been considered to reduce the area of wetland
impact and temporary disturbance. R. Brule replied he can move the area east for better drainage
but he requested the amount of temporary construction disturbance as shown in case it is needed.
He stated he wants to maintain the vegetation between the pool and the neighboring property.
he lot. Commissioner s recommended he minimize the area of disturbance during construction.
M. Stankov requested that if the sweet pepperbush does not re-generate after disturbance, that
supplemental plantings be installed to restore the wetlands temporary affected.
T. Maidelis asked how large is the wetland. R. Brule stated that is a very robust and dense
wetland.
Motion: Motion made by M. Stankov, second by J. Wainscott to have staff prepare a draft
permit for approval.

Conservation Commission Minutes
July 9, 2020
p. 2 of 3
D. Lersch asked about a physical barrier for the limit of disturbance. R. Brule noted that he is
using the fence line as the barrier. D. Lersch expressed concern with the proposed activity in
wetlands and asked what impact can be minimized.
Vote: 4-0
C-20-11 Hunts Brook Road — Two Lot Subdivision — Ellen Degaetano, Owner, Evan
Degaetano, Applicant, Florek Surveying, LLC, Agent
Brian Florek, LS, David Cooley, PE and Evan Degaetano were present for the application.
B. Florek explained that the applicant is looking to resubdivide the land and create an additional
lot for a single residence house with a septic system. Efforts have been made in the design to
minimize impacts and no wetlands should be disturbed. J. Wainscott asked if rain garden could
be created near the stone wall to provide a buffer to wetland flags 3-4. B. Florek agreed.
Commissioners had questions about the sliver of land that extends to the east towards the
Waterford Country School. E. Degaetano noted that the land area is heavily wooded and the
only access to the part of the land is through the Waterford Country School.
Commissioners will make arrangements with staff to walk the property prior to the next meeting.
4, CORRESPONDENCE
Notice of Violation — Inland Wetland Permit #C-13-5, Excavation & Fill in Inland Wetlands, 16
Susan Terrace, Waterford, CT
Staff reviewed with the Commission that she had received a planting completion report.
Commissioners asked if it conform to standards. Staff will close out the violation as the
Commission concurs with her findings that the violation has been rectified.
Report of Commission Action: 446 Boston Post Road — Inland Wetland Permit #C-20-09
Staff noted that this was forwarded to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Niantic River Watershed Protection Plan — Update
Staff reminded the Commission to forward any review comments on the updated plan to staff.
Staff noted that a new application had been received but the agenda had been posted and packets
distributed. The application for trail maintenance and a bridge is received and under review.
5. PAYMENT OF BILLS
Motion: Motion made by M. Stankov, second by J. Wainscott to approve the bill for
$20.00 from the Arbor Day Foundation.
Vote: 4-0
Motion: Motion made by T. Maidelis, second by M. Stankov to add a bill from The Day
for $78.75 to the agenda.
Vote: 4-0

Conservation Commission Minutes
July 9, 2020
p. 3 of 3
Motion: Motion made by M. Stankov, second by J. Wainscott to approve the bill from The
Day for $78.75.
Vote: 4-0
6. ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Motion made by M. Stankov, second by D. Lersch, to adjourn at 7:23 p.m.
Vote: 4-0
Britis.
Katrina Kotfer
Recording Secretary