Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes

 

The members of the Conservation Commission reviewed and corrected the minutes of 3/21/16.

7:20    41 & 51 John Mason Road – Disc golf facility – no attendance

The Conservation Commission members discussed comments from DEP concerning the possibility of a high water table that may be a perennial stream.  The project is currently still in the process of Planning Board review.   The Natural Heritage will need to be submitted a second time as the Letter of Intent was not included with the original submission.  The project will be continued until the next scheduled meeting.

7:30    625 College Highway – proposed expansion of a parking area – no attendance

A letter was composed to Mr. George Karanian, 12 Island Pond Road, making note that the dock must be located in accordance with the Local Permitting Program 2.0 Application Requirements.  The dock was surveyed and found to be in violation.  Mr. Pratt signed the letter.

The members of the Conservation Commission reviewed the banner for the Annual Green & Clean project.  Two banners will be ordered, one of which will be paid for with Conservation Commission budget.

Mr. Clark presented pictures of the dock at 16 Shore Road.  The dock was dangerous and should not have been in the water.  As of this meeting, the dock had been removed.

Mr. Clark presented pictures of the dock at 18 Shore Road.  The dock should have been removed.  The dwelling is for sale and the current owners, requested more time to comply with the removal, due to a hardship.

Mr. Clark presented pictures of a floating dock at 135 North Lake Avenue that was not removed.  The owner would need to obtain a Chapter 91 permit from the State in order to have it remain in the water year round.  The location of the dock would require extraordinary means to remove due to the topography and the fact that the homeowner does not own the land between the dock and the dwelling.  

Mr. Clark received an anonymous complaint of trees being cut down at 100 Berkshire Avenue.  The property is privately owned.  The cutting appeared to be thinning of trees rather than a clear cut.  Members of the Conservation Commission will conduct a site visit for further evaluation.

Mr. Clark stated that a well for the Community Garden could be installed at a cost of $1,500.00.  the location is considered open space and is under the purview of the Conservation Commission.  Mr. Clark stated that there were sufficient funds in the budget to cover the cost of the well and fencing.   Mr. MacWilliams stated that composting bins, made out of wood, may be constructed then donated.

The Conservation Commission members will review the pamphlet for the North Pond project.  The 144 acres is under consideration for preservation as open space.

As there was no further business to discuss, Mr. MacWilliams made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m.  Seconded by Mr. Phelps – unanimous.

Green & Clean                           April 16th

Tractor Rally                           April 23rd

Mother’s Day Bird Walk                May 8th

Respectfully submitted,

_________________________    

Jean Nilsson, Secretary