Bolton Inland Wetlands Commission approves FY25–26 budget, reviews project updates

The Bolton Inland Wetlands Commission approved its proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget unanimously at its virtual meeting on Nov. 19, 2024, and heard updates from Wetlands Agent Alyssa Barroso on multiple local projects.

The vote to adopt the proposed FY25–26 budget was moved by Vice Chair James Loersch and seconded by Alternate Member Diane DeNunzio; the motion passed unanimously, 5-0. Earlier in the meeting the commission also approved the Oct. 22, 2024 minutes after a spelling correction to a name identified by Barroso.

Wetlands Agent Alyssa Barroso reported on a string of site updates. She told the commission the permit for 310 Hop River, originally approved in June 2020, remains valid under a previously granted 14-year extension and that the project has not started; she said she will continue to monitor the site. On 1079 Boston Turnpike, Barroso said she completed a final check on the sub‑driveway and that "F. Davis did a fantastic job with the completion of the project." Chair Ross Lally encouraged commissioners to drive by and inspect the finished work.

Barroso said work at 180 Bolton Center has been sporadic but that the septic system was being dug and the driveway had been poured the day of the meeting; she said she will ensure soil is stabilized around the septic. At 1048 Brandy, an inground pool installation that the commission delegated to the Wetlands Agent had initial issues with the silt fence and soil placement that the owner corrected after Barroso's inspection.

Barroso also reported discovering brush and water from an unknown drainage pipe in a wetlands area; she spoke with the owner, who was unaware of the wetlands designation and fixed the issue. At 65 Shoddy Mill she shared photos showing the owner had removed fill from the wetlands and seeded the slope with winter rye; commissioners discussed potential erosion during rains and the use of erosion‑control blankets. Barroso said the owner will monitor the restoration for three seasons to confirm stabilization.

On 271 Hop River Road, Chair Lally said a proposed connection to the regional rail trail appears to require a stream crossing; the commission asked that the applicant amend the application to include stream‑crossing plans and advised that Planning and Zoning be involved. Regarding 1 Notch Road, Lally said the lot appears to be for sale and that reactivation work on the gravel pit may not be completed by the current owner; commissioners raised runoff concerns from a neighboring property and Barroso said she will follow up to ensure temporary controls and site stability.

Members who attended the recent CACIWAC conference — Lally, Member Michael McDonnell and Barroso — reported bringing back training and enforcement guidance. McDonnell said he purchased a UConn Clear manual titled "What's Legally Required—A Guide to Legal Rules for Making Local Land Use Decisions in the State of Connecticut" and recommended the commission obtain copies; Lally said he would purchase a copy for the commission. Barroso said she is preparing a general wetlands brochure to share at the next meeting.

The commission took no additional formal actions on project amendments at the meeting. The commission will continue routine monitoring of permits and projects and will discuss outstanding regulation revisions at upcoming meetings.