The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission held a Public Hearing/Public Meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 at 7:40 P.M. in the Town Council Chambers, Town Hall, Wethersfield, CT 06109.
| Members Present: |
Fred Clark, Chairman David Ambrose, Vice Chairman Lawrence Buck Tracey Gionfriddo Joseph Hallisey Antonio Margiotta William Randazzo Louis Sanzaro Michael Scenti |
|---|---|
| Also Present: |
Don Moisa, Wetlands Agent Michael J. Turner, Town Engineer |
No comments.
Commissioner Buck informed the Commission that although he was not present at the September 17, 2003 meeting he has listened to the tapes, reviewed the information and feels he is qualified to vote to sit in on this hearing item and participate in the decision.
Application No. 493-03 ES, Metropolitan District Commission, Requesting permission for installation of sanitary sewer on Town of Wethersfield Open Space along Ridge Road, south of Wells Road. Also seeking erosion and sediment control plan certification.
Michael Petty, Director of Engineering and Planning and Peter Miller, Project Engineer for the MDC represented the applicant. Roger Gibson, Soil Scientist, URS Corporation of Rocky Hill, CT was also present. Mr. Petty stated that a number of issues were raised at the last meeting and since then has submitted additional documentation 10-15 days prior to this meeting.
One issue concerned Mr. Petti's qualifications. Mr. Petty stated he holds bachelor and master's degrees in Civil & Environmental Engineering, Licensed Professional Engineer in the States of Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, Practicing for 23 years, Board Certified Diplomat Environmental Engineer in the American Academy of Environmental Engineers, Director of Engineering and Planning for the Metropolitan District Commission and responsible for all engineering products that are produced.
Mr. Petty stated that at the last session of the Public Hearing he described the reasons for this particular project beginning with a series of petitions from homeowners for sewer service. Paul Hutcheon, Director of Health for the Central CT Health District was present at the last meeting and described the necessity for sewer to avoid collapse or failure of septic systems in the area. He also described a number of concerns that the MDC has and the various alternatives that were considered. Building new sewers in the Ridge Road area completely but due to the rock and gas main proximity they would have to blast, creating numerous issues.
Two other alternatives were recommended at the last meeting:
Michael Turner, Town Engineer/Public Works Director stated that the Engineering Department received an email from Paul Hutcheon, Director of Health for the Central CT Health District. On October 3, 2003 Mr. Hutcheon received a complaint of a failed septic system @ 883 Ridge Road. He has investigated the complaint and determined that a repair was completed on the septic system back in 1996 and had failed on the property. He will be working with the homeowners and the representatives of the MDC to make necessary septic repairs or look for alternatives to get hooked up.
Roger Gibson, Soil Scientist, URS Corporation of Rocky Hill, CT reviewed the report on soil findings and vegetation (copy on file).
After much discussion, Chairman Clark opened the Public Hearing for comments at 8:45 p.m.
Earle Monroe, 855 Ridge Road (IN FAVOR) stated that this was his third public hearing that he has attended for sewers on Ridge Road. The initial one was about a dozen years ago, which he spoke against the sanitary sewers. The last one the MDC was proposing did not include any plans. This time plans were mailed by the MDC to homeowners, which included how much each property owner was being assessed for the sanitary sewers. Has some questions he would like answered.
Mr. Monroe stated that he is in favor and eventually the sanitary sewers have to be provided because the septic systems would not live primarily due to the leeching fields.
Ivan Kuzyk, 883 Ridge Road, was not unaware that he had a problem and the day after the meeting last month was informed about this. He wanted to thank the MDC today for helping that he has a fix in his back yard. Mr. Kuzyk stated that Mr. Petty is correct that the homeowners wanted to fix this problem twenty years ago. This problem has affected twenty-one (21) homes. The homeowners have a problem that will not go away. Explained his situation on his property and how it would affect it. Either way it is costing him money and will need to work with the MDC. Everyone in this neighborhood has been struggling with this issue for years. Would like the sewers but do not know the cost of it.
James Coughlin, 881 Ridge Road, (AGAINST) lives north of Ivan Kuzyk and owned property for 32 years. Had a septic tank installed in 2000 and was told this tank would last forever. Concerned about the cost before it reaches the lateral.
Jim Clynch, 903 Ridge Road (AGAINST) was upset that Ivan Kuzyk spoke against the sewers and then was cited the very next day for having a failed septic system. Found this very disturbing. Referred to the area in the wetlands as Thornbush Wildlife Refuge Preserve on Wells Road. He is concerned that the 40 ft swath through this area will destroy the wildlife. Mr. Clynch presented three copies of a testimony he presented to the Town Council. The Town Council does not endorse this project they just send it on to seek permission.
William Morrisey, 801 Ridge Road (IN FAVOR). 2 or 3 years was against the plan. Wetland area is a mess. The MDC will improve it with a 20-ft. greenway for the wildlife to graze in instead of his backyard. Ridge Road needs the sewers and suggests that the Commission approve this application and move forward with the project.
Myron Baldwin III, 891 Ridge Road, lives south of Mr. Kuzyk. In his back yard borings were done in 1999, quite shallow only 3 feet deep and that why they haven't connected to the manhole on the border of 903 & 891. This is a shallow area and this is the reason why this has not been done.
Richard Sexton, 821 Ridge Road is the residence that has the problem with being located on a 35 ft cliff. Was advised by Paul Hutcheon back in 1998 that his septic system was failing. Septic system has failed and every 4 weeks has septic pumped at a cost of $180.00. Has spoken with the MDC regarding his problem and is not for or against it.
Marie O'Rourke, 829 Ridge Road, (IN FAVOR) stated that we need to put the needs of human beings first before nature. She has lived in her home for 35 years and would like to live in her home another 35 years.
Gertrude Monroe, 855 Ridge Road (IN FAVOR) stated that they are no options for blasting in front of the homes. Would be a tremendous improvement to the wetlands.
Chairman Clark asked the MDC to address the questions from the audience.
Mr. Petty addressed the Commission and stated that the mission of the MDC is quite specific. MDC provides water and sewer services to the people of our member communities. The MDC mission is therefore to serve and expediate many resources on this project. The charges are straight forward and if the project moves forward and gets beyond your commission for a Public Hearing. The charges would be: Each homeowner will pay $1,655 outlet charge and $1,275 for a connection charge. In addition, there will be an assessment of $53.40 per foot feet of each property. The change to a homeowner if they have 100 feet of front property would be a total of $8,270. Mr. Petty recommended approval of the application and the applicant would be agreeable to several points raised as stipulations:
After much discussion, Chairman Clark asked that all exhibits presented at tonight's meeting by the Metropolitan District Commission be left with the Commission.
Motion by Commissioner Buck, seconded by Commissioner Hallisey to close the Public Hearing @ 9:33 p.m. Commissioner Ambrose abstained. All remaining Commissioners voted in favor.
Public Meeting opened at 9:34 p.m.
Application No. 493-03, Metropolitan District Commission, Requesting permission for installation of sanitary sewer on Town of Wethersfield Open Space along Ridge Road, south of Wells Road. Also seeking erosion and sediment control plan certification.
Motion by Commissioner Hallisey, seconded by Commissioner Randazzo for approval with the understanding that the Commission will be adhering to the plans and reiterate conditions of wetland restoration and plantings. The following Stipulations were cited:
Vote was 7 in favor, Commissioner Buck opposed and Commissioner Ambrose abstained. Motion Passed.
Motion by Commissioner Gionfriddo, seconded by Commissioner Scenti to certify the erosion and sediment control plan as submitted. All voted in favor. Motion carries.
Application No. 494-03, Town of Wethersfield, Requesting permission for road reconstruction & storm drainage installation on Church St. from the Silas Deane Highway to Main St. Also seeking erosion and sediment control plan certification.
Michael J. Turner, Town Engineer/Public Works Directors represented the town as the applicant. Mr. Turner explained that improvements would be made to the existing storm drainage system. The town will not be taking down any trees and the project will be going out to bid in November. Surface work will be started in the spring of 2004.
Motion by Commissioner Randazzo, seconded by Commissioner Sanzaro to approve the application as submitted.
Motion by Commissioner Randazzo, seconded by Commissioner Sanzaro to certify the erosion and sediment control plan as submitted. All voted in favor. Motion carries.
Chairman Clark presented to Past Commissioner Viani a plaque and gavel recognizing his twenty (20) years of superior service to the Commission.
Motion by Commissioner Scenti, seconded by Commissioner Margiotta to approve the minutes of September 17, 2003. All voted in favor of those present at the meeting.
No new information available.
Motion by Commissioner Morris, seconded by Commissioner Gionfriddo to adjourn the meeting at 9:58 p.m.
Don Moisa,
Wetlands Agent