January Inland Wetlands Commission Meeting Summary

The Inland Wetlands Commission conducted their initial 2024 meeting on January 4th at the Goshen

Town Hall and via Zoom. Present were Chair Tom Stansfield, Commissioners, Lorraine Lucas (via zoom), Devin Stillson, Donte Malanca, Ray Turri, Brandy Summerlin and Enforcement Officer Martin Conner. Alan Kinsella was excused.

Old Business:

The application for Brendon & Karen Sandor, Woodridge Lake Lot 477, 134 Sherbrook Dr., to construct a dwelling, driveway, well and utilities was approved by the Commissioners. The application was tabled at the December meeting to provide the Commissioners with time to review the updated Soil Scientist's report submitted by Ian Cole, LLC dated November 28, 2023. The application was approved by the Commissioners with conditions of approval that are highlighted in Martin J. Connor's November 2^nd communication to the Inland Wetlands Commission and the 5/11/04 original permit. The plan mirrors the zoning lot survey with proposed improvements by Berkshire Engineering & Surveying, LLC, dated 9/3/03, revised through 8/11/04. Commissioners Stansfield, Stillson, Malanca, Turri, and Summerlin voted to approve the application, Commissioner Lucas opposed. Motion passed.

Gary Giordano, Engineer, for Jeffrey Purcell Jr of property located on 90 Ivy Mountain Rd, was present to address any questions on the application to construct a driveway crossing into a regulated wetlands area. The Commissioners unanimously approved the application.

New Business:

Anna Bangay submitted an after the fact application immediately after receiving Martin Connor's enforcement letter for property located at 170 North Goshen Road. The application was for replacement of a culvert and driveway improvements damaged during the July 2023 heavy rainstorm. The Goshen Public Works Supervisor, Garret Harlow, notified Martin Connor of the new culvert and driveway improvements. Anna attended the meeting via zoom. A misunderstanding led to work being completed on the culvert and driveway without the submission of an Inland Wetlands application. The work was completed by the contractor in good fashion. The Commissioners accepted the application.

Election of 2024 Officers:

The Commissioners nominated and unanimously elected Tom Stansfield to remain the Inland Wetlands Commission Chair and Alan Kinsella the Inland Wetlands Commission Vice Chair.

Budget

Martin Connor mentioned that a request was made to submit a zero increase to the previous budget.

Based on traditional spending that was acceptable except for a slight increase in office expenses. The Inland Wetlands new budget is $5,472, a $30 increase from the prior budget. The Commissioners approved the new budget.

lnland Wetlands Enforcement Officers Report

Martin Connor completed a quick review, he reiterated that the Sandor application for 134 Sherbrook Dr, Woodridge Lake, is complete and the Bangay, 170 North Goshen Rd after the fact application was received. Martin will continue to track past permits.

Lastly, regarding correspondence and other business there was nothing to note, and the meeting was subsequently adjourned.