October 8, 2025
Members present: Nick Dethlefsen, David Tolli, John Laudati, Fred Jones, and Vickie Dirienzo, IWWC Agent Kate Bednaz and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre.
Public comment
Maureen Eberly, 37 Silkey Road, spoke on behalf of the Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA) and updated recent federally-funded projects. One, a kiosk at Salmon Brook Park near the entrance to McLeans, outlines the Salmon Brook resource area and FRWA’s role in the community.
Show cause hearing on 142R and 186 Case Street – M. Reale c/o Scottinaleece, LLC—Conducting a regulated activity without a valid IWWC permit.
Property owner Matt Reale was present. In 2024, Reale submitted an RFR for timber harvesting at 142R and 186 Case Street, and the commission determined the proposed activity to be permitted as of right. Town staff, recently contacted regarding activity at the subject properties, investigated and determined the activities exceeded those allowed under the RFR. Reale stated that he created a farm pond and fields for future cattle and has been working with Conn. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on the development of the property. Bednaz, building official and Commissioner Okie conducted site visits and issued an Enforcement Order on Oct. 1, 2025. Based on observations, the following actions were taken without a valid IWWC permit:
Clearing of timber outside of the approved harvest boundary area; creation of an access road when only a skid trail was approved; skid trails are not in approved locations; extensive excavation, diversion, and filling of a watercourse and wetlands to create a pond and driveway crossing; woody debris/fill has been placed within wetlands and watercourses in locations beyond the watercourse crossing.
Reale was directed to stabilize the site and cease all activities until proper permits were obtained. Reale does not want to retain a soil scientist, saying that he is waiting for NRCS to re-open once the government shutdown ends. Laudati said the enforcement order clearly states a soil scientist be retained and the commission cannot wait for the government shutdown to end for NRCS to respond. Bednaz stated that the commission needs clear documentation indicating the “what was, what is, and what will be” conditions of the site and impacts on resource areas. The commission extended the November material submission deadline to Dec. 3, to allow the property owner to submit documentation from NRCS or provide a contract with a soil scientist.
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