November 12, 2025
Members present: Nick Dethlefsen, Susan Okie, John Laudati, Fred Jones, Vickie Dirienzo, Aurelle Locke. Also present: IWWC Agent Kate Bednaz, Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre.
Show Cause Hearings
249 Silver Street, B. Nickelsberg. Conducting a Regulated Activity without a valid IWWC Permit.
Bednaz spoke on behalf of the property owners, as they were unable to attend the meeting. Town staff was notified of tree clearing underway adjacent to an existing pond at the subject property. Based on conversations with the owners, approximately 23 trees were cut down, along with some vegetation primarily consisting of invasive species. No stumps have been removed, all logs have been hauled away and the exposed soils have been seeded with annual rye grass. The owners were seeking to create a better view of the pond from their home, unaware of the IWWC regulations, and are working with Horticulturalist Mark Lavoie to develop a mitigation plan.
The commission voted 6-0-0 to uphold the enforcement order.
142R and 186 Case Street, M. Reale c/o Scottinaleece, LLC. Conducting a Regulated Activity without a valid IWWC Permit.
Since the first Enforcement Order (EO) was issued on Oct. 1, town staff has observed additional activities being conducted without a valid permit/determination. The property owner, Matt Reale, has stockpiled fill on-site and created a dam using concrete and pipe. Reale showed a short video regarding the installation of the concrete dam and how it functions. He indicated that he created the structure himself without drawings or calculations approved by a licensed engineer; however, one will be retained. A soil scientist will be on-site within the next few days to begin the wetland delineation process. Attorney Janet Brooks has also been retained by Reale to assist with rectifying the situation. Laudati reiterated for the record that all activity is to cease on site and noted that other state agencies are now involved.
The commission voted 6-0-0 to uphold the enforcement order.
December 10, 2025
Members present: Nick Dethlefsen, Dave Tolli, John Laudati, Fred Jones, Aurelle Locke, Sue Okie. Also present: Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre, IWWC Agent Kate Bednaz.
Show Cause Hearings
249 Silver Street, B. Nickelsberg. Conducting a Regulated Activity without a valid IWWC Permit.
As stated in the Nov. 12 minutes, the homeowners are working with Horticulturalist Mark Lavoie to develop a mitigation plan. The mitigation plan was provided to the commission for consideration and Bednaz recommended keeping this item on the agenda, as she continues monitoring the site throughout winter.
The commission voted 6-0-0 to approve the mitigation plan and continue the show cause hearing so staff can continue to monitor the site and provide updates as necessary.
142R and 186 Case Street, M. Reale c/o Scottinaleece, LLC. Conducting a Regulated Activity without a valid IWWC Permit.
This show cause hearing is a continuation from the Oct. 8 and Nov. 12 meetings. Attorney Janet Brooks provided updates on behalf of her client, Matt Reale, regarding the enforcement order and actions that have been taken to date. On Dec. 9, Reale was issued a Notice of Violation from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and has 60 days to comply with the corrective measures outlined. Brooks stated that jurisdiction now lies with DEEP and once action is taken and finalized, then the town’s jurisdiction kicks in, if determined necessary.
Soil Scientist David Lord reported that his first site visit was on Nov. 13 and he was retained to conduct wetland studies that will indicate functions and values, current conditions and an impact assessment. Bednaz expressed concerns regarding weather conditions this time of year and meeting the 60-day deadline from DEEP. She also discussed the need to maintain erosion and sediment control measures and requested that the wetlands delineation include margins. Laudati indicated that the town attorney will review the Notice of Violation from DEEP, as well as the case law referenced. The show cause hearing was continued, and Brooks will provide updates, as necessary.
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