Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes

OPENING: The regular scheduled meeting of the Conservation Commission opened at 7:00 p.m.  Attendance is as follows:

 

7:00    Christopher Pratt, Chairman, opened the meeting.

Commissioner Pranka made a motion to accept the minutes of 06/05 /17.  Vice Chairman Kellogg seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Andrew Reardon

7:10 1 Hudson Drive -  RDA  

Mr. Reardon attended the hearing to present a plan for approval that had previously been approved, but expired.  The proposal is for the construction of storage sheds.  The presented plan included site grading, drainage, a utility plan, and erosion and sedimentation control.  Mr. Reardon explained that there is a small patch of skunk cabbage on the parcel only during very wet conditions.  There is a portion of the project within the 100 foot buffer zone.

Chairman Pratt made a motion to find a negative determination on the project.  Commissioner Pranka seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

 

Ms. Eve Crampton

7:20  56A Berkshire Avenue - RDA   Ms. Crampton requested the removal of 2 trees and their stumps hanging within the 100 foot buffer zone.  Coordinator Clark stated that the Tree Warden had conducted a site visit and did determine that the trees were healthy.  Ms. Crampton stated that the roots have mounded out of the ground indicating that the trees are beginning to uproot.  Chairman Pratt called for a site visit and a continuation of the hearing until July 17th.

Mr. Edward Moszynski

7:36 132 Berkshire Avenue - RDA  Mr. Moszynski requested the removal of three trees and the trimming of one tree which are within the 100 foot buffer zone.  The trees are very close to the house and have caused damage to the roof.  The stumps will remain.  However, Mr. Moszynski did state that due to the close proximity of the trees to the house, they may be very difficult, if not impossible, to remove.  There is a tree in the Town right of way that would need to be removed before the trees on Mr. Mosznyski’s property can be removed.  However, DPW denied Mr. Moszynski’s request to have the tree in the right of way removed.   Commissioner Soleimani made a motion for a negative determination on the project.  Commissioner Pranka seconded the motion.   None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

    

Mr. Paul Fleury, Property Owner

Mr. Jon Goddard, R. Levesque & Associates

7:48  32 Sam West Road NOI (continued)    Mr. Goddard stated that he is still awaiting DEP approval.  All options for the storm water basin have been exhausted.  There is a very limited space to implement the construction inclusive of the septic system, the building and the parking area.  Mr. Goddard requested a continuation of the hearing, and further requested that the Conservation Commission conduct a special meeting if all preparations and approvals are met prior to the next meeting on July 17^th.   Chairman Pratt stated that a special meeting could be conducted dependant on the availability of the Conservation Commission members. Commission approved continuation until July 17th.

DISCUSSION

Mr. & Mrs. Massarelli

92 Davis Road  Coordinator Clark and Commissioner Soleimani conducted a site visit at the location.  Mr. Massarelli presented a video of the Massarelli’s neighbor Mr. Deveno reported to be filling in a driveway over an intermittent stream crossing to provide better access to a potential building lot was shown to the Commissioners.  Coordinator Clark did talk with Mr. Deveno who stated that he would do whatever was needed to correct the situation.  The 5 acre parcel has a right of way on Davis Road and frontage on College Highway.  Chairman Pratt did advise Mr. Massarelli that, as the co-property owner of the right of way, he may be responsible for any wetland violations, even if someone that was not authorized to be on the property creates a wetland violation.  The easement on the property is as a public way passing, not for construction.  Mr. Massarelli did contact the Police Department, who had made a report.  

Chairman Pratt stated that a cease and desist order can be issued until a restoration plan can be submitted to the Conservation Commission.  

Route 57 Culvert  Coordinator Clark showed the members a picture of the culvert near the library.  Due to the condition of the culvert and the minimal water flow, DEP is requesting that instead of replacing the culvert, a liner be installed.  The slip liner would not require additional permitting.  Chairman Pratt made a motion to approve the slip liner.  Vice Chairman Kellogg seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

146 South Loomis Street – Wetland Violation  Chairman Pratt made a motion to ratify the Enforcement Order for the wetland violation relative to the forest cutting.  Commissioner Pranka seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

 

13 Robin Road – Partial Bond Release   Coordinator Clark stated that Mr. Jason Puzey requested the partial release of his bond.  It was agreed that once the majority of the work was completed, $7,500.00 of the $10,000.00 bond would be released.  Chairman Pratt made a motion to process the partial bond release.  Vice Chairman Kellogg seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

 

2 Iroquois Drive – Partial Bond Release   Coordinator Clark stated that the retaining wall for this project is complete.  It was agreed that once the majority of the work was completed, $7,500.00 of the $10,000.00 bond would be released.  Chairman Pratt made a motion to process the partial bond release.  Vice Chairman Kellogg seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

107 South Loomis Street – Enforcement Order  Coordinator Clark stated that a plan and narrative have been issued to support the restoration.  The property owner and his son (for the purpose of translation) will attend the meeting on July 17th.  The restoration plan will include conditions for weekly report and a monitor.  The 2 inches of mulch near the brook will remain, but disturbed areas will need to be seeded.  A stone wall will also need to be constructed to block access to the wetland area so it may not be disturbed again.

Mr. Jon Goddard, R. Levesque Associates

8 Charles Johnson Road – Potential Violation  Mr. Goddard, R. Levesque Associated, stated that the plans should be completed for presentation at the July 17th meeting.

Mr. Edward and Mrs. Wendy Gaunt

642 College Highway – Potential Violation  Mr. Goddard, R. Levesque Associates, stated that his firm has not been formally engaged to represent the property owner/renter.   Mr. & Mrs. Gaunt stated that they may be interested in purchasing the property to expand their business.  Chairman Pratt advised Mr. & Mrs. Gaunt that they need to be aware of the conditions and requirements relative to conservation issues and suggested that they contact a consultant who can define any existing or potential future issues relative to an expansion of their business.  The Conservation Commission cannot make a determination on a “potential” project.   

   

Water Golf Tournament – Louie’s Lakehouse  Coordinator Clark received a flyer for the tournament beginning June 24th.  The Conservation Commission members were concerned with golf balls being hit into the lake.  Coordinator Clark will attend the event to determine the actual activities.

Pros & Cons  Chairman Pratt spoke to Select Board member Doug Moglin who agreed that the documents should not have been handed out, and he will take measures to ensure that it does not happen in the future.

Jet Skis North Pond  Coordinator Clark Stated that the ban on jet skis in North Pond has been reinstalled with the exception of the one resident who resides on that portion of lakes.

Commissioner Pranka made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.  Vice Chairman Kellogg seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________    

Jean Nilsson, Secretary