Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes

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

 

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

Commissioner MacWilliams made a motion to accept the minutes of 03/06/17.  Commissioner Mizanoglu seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. John Westcott attended the meeting to discuss the wetlands walkway also known as the “swamp trail” located behind Town Hall.  A grant was issued in the amount of $75,000.00 of which approximately $60,000.00 was used.  Unfortunately, the balance of the grant is not available due to a timing issue.  Mr. Westcott stated that there is another $15,000.00 needed to complete the project including decking and piping for hand rails.  Mr. Westcott is in the process of soliciting donation and requested the endorsement of the Conservation Commission.  Chairman Pratt made a motion to sponsor the project and apply for any grants within the Conservation Commission prevue.  Commissioner MacWilliams seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

   

Mr. Brian Callaghan

Mr. Louis Maggio

7:15 156 Berkshire Avenue - RDA Mr. Callaghan presented a plan for removing 4 trees and clearing overgrown brush.  Replacement plantings will include juniper, holly and ornamental grass and the stumps will not be removed to help prevent erosion as there is a steep slope to the water.  The dwelling on the property had been abandoned for approximately 3 years and is in disrepair and at some point in the future will be renovated.   The Conservation Commission members stressed that the trees to be cut must be clearly marked with orange paint, and only the trees as marked on “plan A” submitted will be permitted.  Commissioner Mizanoglu Soleimani made a motion for a negative determination to remove the “clearly marked” trees.  Commissioner Soleimani seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.  

Mr. Robert Slattery

Mr. Jon Goddard, R. Levesque Associates

7:30 12 Iroquois Drive – NOI  The public hearing opened with Chairman Pratt reading the notice as posted in the newspaper.  Mr. Goddard presented a plan for a site improvement including replacing a retaining wall and construction of a patio and fire pit.  The retaining wall will essentially be located in the same area as the existing concrete wall, but be replaced by stone and will include steps to the water.  The patio and fire pit will be stone pavers.  A shallow swale will also be constructed to redirect water flow as the land is very flat.  During construction, silt fencing including hay bales will be installed to prevent material from entering the lake.  Coordinator Clark and Commissioner Pranka did view the site and found the plan to be accurately depicted on the amended plan and appeared to be a worthy  improvement.  

Commissioner MacWilliams made a motion to close the hearing at 7:44 p.m.  Commissioner Mizanoglu seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

Vice Chairman Kellogg made a motion to approve the proposal with a bond in the amount of $10,000.00 of which $7,500.00 will be released once the retaining wall is completed and the balance of $2,500.00 released when the project is completed.  The applicant must wait 10 days pending notification to DEP and post the bond before the project can begin.  Commissioner Mizanoglu seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.  

Mr. Jon Goddard, R. Levesque Associates

Mr. John Dziengelewski. Crestview

Bran LeDuc, Crestview

7:45 25 Industrial Road NOI  DEP # 292-0338  The NOI opened as a continuation at 7:45.  Mr. Goddard explained that the project was revisited due to the location of the brook changing because of a beaver dam.  The bank near the brook also changes during high and low water flow. The Commissions reviewed the amended plan with the new Mean Annual High Water location and the location of the proposed building that was also amended to be kept out of the Riverfront but is located in the buffer zone.  The structure will be used for dry storage, trucks and supplies.  The applicant requested that the Commission sign a Certificate of Compliance for the current Order of Conditions (DEP# 292-0262) issued on Oct 2005 as the paving of the area was never done. Commissioner MacWilliams made a motion to sign the Certificate of Compliance to close out the original NOI.  Vice Chairman Kellogg seconded the motion.   None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

The applicant proposed large boulders and trees will to be placed as a barrier between the parking area and the brook.  The Commissioners approved of this buffer area barrier.  

Commissioner Mizanoglu made a motion to close the hearing at 8:02.  Commissioner MacWilliams seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.  

Commissioner MacWilliams made a motion to approve NOI (DEP# 292-0338) with a bond of $10,000.00 to be paid prior to beginning the project.

Commissioner Mizanoglu seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.    

107 South Loomis Street  Coordinator Clark stated that the timeline for the Enforcement Order could not be completed due to snow.  The consultant, R. Levesque Assoc. requested another extension until 04/17/17.   Commissioner Mizanoglu made a motion to grant the extension.  Vice Chairman Kellogg seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.  

   

5 Kline Road  Coordinator Clark revisited the site and found the silt fencing to be repaired.

27 Eagle Street  Coordinator Clark stated there has been no change in the proposed construction as of this meeting.

9 Lakeview Street  Harbormaster Ricardi issued a letter stating that the placement of 4 docks at the location may suggest a commercial business.   Coordinator Clark mentioned that there has been multiple docks at other lake locations that are not commercial.   The placement of the 4^th dock does not appear to be a navigational issue.  Coordinator Clark will contact Mr. Liquori to relate the information on the letter from Harbormaster Ricardi.

Land Grant Status  Coordinator Clark received the appraisal for just the portion for the Town.  The appraised value for 61.63 acres was $3,250,000.00.  

107 Point Grove Road  Coordinator Clark presented pictures of the tree that was accidently removed.  The tree was rotted and very close to the dwelling.  The property owner has 3 years to cut the tree that was originally permitted.

Community Garden  Coordinator Clark stated that applications were being issued to the participants from last season.  Commissioner MacWilliams stated that the Boy Scouts will segment the plots once the land is tilled.

Pumpkin Valley Farm  Coordinator Clark met with Mr. Arnold who suggested that a cement block be constructed for Mr. Brzoska’s tractor.  The block would be a simple solution to resolve the issue.

Canal Brook Beaver Dam Removal     Coordinator Clark stated that the snow storm delayed the use of the hydro rake in removing the dam, but should be completed this week.

Commissioner MacWilliams made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m.  Vice President Kellogg seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________    

Jean Nilsson, Secretary