MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CORNWALL INLAND WETLANDS AND                WATERCOURSES AGENCY HELD ON           APRIL 4, 2006

 

A Regular Meeting of the Cornwall Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency was held at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 4, 2006, at the Cornwall Town Hall.  Present were: Chairman D. Stevenson Hedden, presiding; members, William Hurlburt, Roger Kane, Celia Senzer, and James LaPorta: Alternates Adam Fischer and Andrew MacDavid. No alternates were needed at the outset of the meeting.

 

The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 7, 2006 were approved as circulated.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Application #455         Paul L. Cornell, Ballyhack Road (James & Susan Vanicky, Applicants)

                                    Subdivision review and wetlands crossing for a driveway

 

Jim Vanicky presented the application.  The engineer has flagged the first and second pipes as well as the wetlands. The neighbor has agreed to grant an easement for a few feet onto her property. No subdivision plans have been submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission, therefore the Wetlands Agency is unable to do a subdivision review. The Agency can only act on the regulated activity, which is the wetlands crossing. One more extension could be granted, allowing the Agency to look at both the crossing and the subdivision review at the next meeting. It was unanimously voted to table the application.

 

Application #456         Adam VanDoren, Bradford Road, ((Kent Horticultural Services, Applicant)

                                    To implement a remediation plan for a disturbed wetland area

 

Mr. Matson, from Kent Greenhouse presented the application. He had explained the plans last month. He submitted a revised planting plan and types of materials to be used. Existing paths and streams are shown on the plans. They will be inserting clusters of native species compatible with wetland soils. They will revegetate to 50% coverage, which can not all be done with trees. Cynthia Rabinouits, a Soil Scientist from Bethlehem, has observed the wetland soils, the flow of the water and the habitat functions of the wetlands. The drainage is flowing unimpeded despite the changes that have occurred on the site. The pathways have not interfered with the watercourses. Species have been chosen with a high value for wildlife and shade. Mr. Matson explained that the wetlands would not restore itself if left alone, it would be taken over by invasive species. Only one of the existing species is the same as what is proposed. All proposed species do well in wetland soils. He stated that he will be working with the owner and checking to make sure there are no diseases or other problems. There will be no uprooting of plants or soil disturbance. Trees will be 5 feet tall and small holes will be dug with a shovel. They are fast growing species, but it will take several years for them to root in. It was unanimously approved, as revised, subject to the usual notice requirement. Karl stated that he will monitor the site on a monthly basis.

 

Application #458         Mark Kent, Burlwood Lane

                                    To construct a garage  

 

Mark Kent presented the application.  The actual dimensions of the garage will be 24Õ wide X 28Ó deep. It was unanimously approved, subject to the usual notice requirement and to the following additional conditions:        The silt fence shall be in place and inspected before construction begins.

 

 

Application #459         Patrick & Kim Redmond, Swifts Bridge Road

                                    To add to a dwelling

 

Pat Redmond presented the application. Additions are proposed to both buildings. Holes for the shed are to be dug by hand with a post hole digger. Mr. Redmond stated that the stream has never risen as high as the proposed shed, but he has set it back from the corner of the barn just in case it ever does. It was unanimously approved, subject to the usual notice requirement and to the following additional conditions:

            A silt fence shall be installed by the barn before digging begins.

 

 

Application #460         Karen Greenberg, Flat Rocks Road, (Tom Martinsen, Applicant)

                                    To repair dam, clear wooded area and create new pond

 

Tom Martinsen presented the application. There was an application for work on the same pond last year. Steve stated that more detail is needed. Beavers are likely to plug it and build over the dam again. Mr. Martinsen stated that the owner wishes to remove alders because they are sparse. He proposes replanting lots of vegetation which he listed. DEP has declared no jurisdiction. He has not contacted Army Corp. of Engineers. Karl stated that it is necessary and may be as simple as a signoff. The work on the previous permit has been done. Steve stated that the dam is a considerable concern and that no work can be done on it without a detailed plan, construction procedures, compaction procedures, an explanation about what will be done about a spillway, a plan for dealing with the beavers and a detailed planting plan for where the alders are to be removed. Mr. Martinsen explained that they will be removed with a chainsaw and a chipper. Detailed information was also requested for a proposed 15 foot diameter pool. It was unanimously voted to table the application.

 

 

Application #461         Coltsfoot Valley Association, Valley Road, (William Calhoun, Applicant)

                                    To reclaim pasture near Valley Brook

 

Will Calhoun presented the application.  The site is now marked. They have decided that it would be better to go in with a flail mower attached to an excavator because the weather is warmer and the ground is no longer hard. They will re-approach the issue again next winter. He wondered if they would need a full silt fence along the stream. Celia stated that it is not reclaiming pasture because nothing is being pastured on it. Will stated that the charge of the Association is to keep it as an open meadow. Roger stated that it should be hand cut as stated in the application.  Steve stated that the application should be withdrawn and the applicant should reapply when the conditions are better. Mr. Calhoun agreed and said that that is his intention. 

 

 

Application #462         Whitcomb Hill Associates, Whitcomb Hill Road

                                    (Patrick Hackett, Applicant)

                                    To construct a driveway and bridge

 

 

No one was there to present the application. Steve said that a construction procedure is needed. It was unanimously voted to table the application.

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Application #464         Stephen & Victoria Montifiore, Popple Swamp Road,

(Kent Horticultural Services, Applicant)

                                    To add to and modify an existing dwelling & construct a guest house

 

Daryl Cherniske, Kent Greenhouse presented the application.  The property consists of 6 acres on Popple Swamp Road. The owners plan to renovate the main house. A ZBA application will be withdrawn. All modifications will be interior. A new 26Õ x 36Õ guest house and 36Õ x 45Õ barn are also proposed, as well as two new pump septic systems for the guest house and studio. Utilities for the guest house would be underground. Engineer Ron George explained that they are not sure where the septic is located, but it is undersized and very old. The existing swimming pool will be filled in. They will remain at least 50Õ from all wetlands. There is no vehicle access to the guest house. A temporary bridge  will be installed or the existing walking bridge will be widened or strengthened in order to transport building supplies to the guest house site. The bridge would not be crossed with a concrete truck. The wetlands are flagged. The guest house and barn are not staked. Karl requested plans for the guest house and barn. Members requested the following:

1.     A construction procedure

2.     Details on plans for the bridge – temporary or upgrading

3.     Whether or not the lack of fire and emergency access to the guest house would be allowed

4.     A modified application reflecting the changes to the main house

5.     Stake all buildings

 

It was unanimously voted to table the application.

 

Application #465         Glen OÕBrien, Town Street, (Michael Trapp, Applicant)         

                                    To construct an inground pool            

 

Mary Dzenutis presented the application.  The proposed pool has been moved further from the stream since the application was submitted. The edge of the deck is now 25 feet from the stream. Steve requested the following information:

1.     A modified application adding the stream crossing

2.     Details of the stream crossing and a construction procedure for the bridge

3.     Construction procedures for the pool and wall.

 

Jim LaPorta stated that the pool location seems to be below the level of the stream. The applicant will submit engineered plans. It was unanimously voted to table the application.

 

Application #464         Kathy McMahon, College Street (Kent Horticultural Services, Applicant)

                                    To dredge 2 existing ponds, clean connecting spillway & add small boulders

 

Stephanie Barlon presented the application. The ponds are 30Õ x 30Õ and 20Õ x 20Õ. The owner wants the leaf litter cleaned from the ponds and 8 – 10 boulders or rocks added around the edges. Approximately 45 yards of material will be removed. Brush will be cleared, creating viewing pockets on the house side of the pond. It was unanimously approved, subject to the usual notice requirement and to the following additional conditions:

The silt fence shall be installed properly in the location shown on the plan.

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS        

 

Habitat newsletters were distributed.

 

Karl had sent a letter to John Van Doren regarding his dam. Steve read the letter to members. Mr. Van Doren has told Karl that it isnÕt really a dam. Karl has requested certification to that effect.

 

Vera introduced Colin Gold, who will be replacing her in the Land Use Office.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

                                    The Meeting was adjourned at 9:41pm

 

                                                                                                            Vera Dinneen, Clerk