The Inland Wetlands Commission met Wednesday evening to discuss various issues. Most issues were discussed quickly but several issues took the spotlight. Here's a recap of what was discussed:
- Brooksvale Avenue over Jepp Brook Bridge Replacement: A five-year extension on the project was approved, and the commission agreed it would be the last extension granted.
- Tuttle Avenue over Mill River Bridge Replacement: Tabled pending a site inspection.
- The 's application to remove trees and to create a buffer area with a maintenance plan: The Hartford Turnpike club has a westerly border with Lake Whitney and there are many trees the club wants to thin out. The big surrounding the plan revolves around a large white pine tree the Country Club wants to remove, calling it “a lone pine.” The Commission discussed the tree at length and felt it was part of the buffer zone. Andrew Brand, a commission member, said “Pine is one of the more picturesque trees, why remove it?" By removing the tree, the Country Club argued, it would improve drainage along with the planting of tall grass as a buffer. The commission decided to do a site inspection to decide whether to remove the tree. The application was approved with the exception of the removal of the pine tree.
- The commission will take up the issueof a a notice of violation at 64 Rocky Top Road on April 12.
- The next lengthy issues was the removal of a fence on 790 Main St, which the commission feels is too close to a water course. The property was used to house dog kennels that have since been removed. All that remains is the fence that separates the property from the water course. The Commission would like the fence moved because of the vegetation and wild life there and the danger of fertilizer in the water course. The commission decided they needed a site inspection to better decide on the issue.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to do a site inspection with the Commission of property at 251 Welton St., the site of an oil spill. That will take place next month.
- Commission chairman Nancy Rosenbaum questioned why Mayor Scott Jackson has not reappointed four Commissioners whose appointments expired almost a year ago. Dan Kops, Assistant Town Planner, said “You serve until you are replaced. Call the Mayor I am sure it can be resolved.” Rosenbaum responded, “The number represents more than half of the panel.” The loss could delay decision making efforts, she said.
- The meeting ended with the reminder Earth Day will be held April 30.
