Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes

 

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

Commissioner Mizanoglu made a motion to accept the minutes of 06/20/16 as amended.  Chairman Pratt seconded the motion.  None opposed, motion passed unanimously.

7:11 RDA 164 Berkshire Avenue – Proposed removal of existing structure and trees

Mr. Paul Vezina, Owner

Chairman Pratt opened the hearing by reading the public notice as posted in the Westfield News.  

Mr. Vezina stated that he wished to remove the existing dwelling structure which is in an advanced state of disrepair and three trees, two of which are within the 100 foot buffer zone.  The structure is approximately 700 square feet, built in the 1930, and has not been maintained for several years.  Mr. Vezina is proposing to construct a 1288 square feet chalet type structure 110 feet from the lake.  The existing structure and the block type foundation will be removed by a contractor using an excavator.  The water and sewer lines have been marked.  The trees to be removed will be impacted by the installation of the new foundation as it will kill the root balls.  Coordinator Clark already viewed the property and recommended that the Conservation Commission accommodate the requests.  There will be erosion barriers in place during construction.       

Hearing Closed 7:21

Commissioner Soleimani made a motion for a negative determination inclusive removing the existing structure, and removing the two trees within the buffer zone.  Commissioner Kellogg seconded the motion.  None opposed, motion passed unanimously.  

7:20    Echo Street Congamond Heights Association – Proposed removal of existing tree within the buffer zone of Middle Pond.

Mr. Roger Cataldo, Vice Chairman Congamond Heights Association

Chairman Pratt opened the hearing by reading the public notice as posted in the Westfield News.

 

Mr. Cataldo is requesting the removal of 6 trees.  Allied Tree service did an evaluation and determined that 4 of the trees were rotting, and one is hanging over the dock.  The largest of the trees is approximately 18 inches in diameter, the others are all 4 to 5 inches in diameter.  Mr. Cataldo also requested that some pruning be done on a tree in the picnic area.   

Commissioner Mizanoglu made a motion to close the public hearing.  Commissioner Kellogg seconded the motion.  None opposed, motion passed unanimously.

Hearing Closed 7:31

Commissioner Kellogg made a motion for a negative determination.  Commissioner Mizanoglu  seconded the motion.  None opposed, motion passed unanimously.  

7:33    41 & 51 John Mason Road – Disc golf facility

Mr. Randy Brown

Ms. Freda Brown

Mr. Brown presented a diagram showing some changes from the original plan.  One change is the location of the parking area which is 900 feet off of the road, provides 33 parking spaces, and is outside of the buffer zone.  The fire and police departments also requested a pull off area large enough to turn large vehicles around.  The construction entrance and pull off areas will have hay bales and silt fencing to minimize erosion.  There is a grassy area for practice, a shed for payables, porta potties, and a 9 mini disc playing area for young adults.  Mr. Brown also noted two foot bridges that will be 30 inches wide over intermittent streams.  One of the foot bridges will replace an existing crossing used throughout the years by ATV’s, dirt bikes etc.   The paths that will be used by the participants were formerly used for logging and there will be very little trimming of undergrowth and some limited vista pruning.

Commissioner Mizanoglu made a motion to grant a continuance of the hearing until August 1, 2016.  Commissioner Mizanoglu seconded the motion.  None opposed, motion passed unanimously.  

 

 

Coordinator Clark stated that he was contacted concerning the Certificate of Compliance.  Coordinator Clark notified Kudlic Brothers that the project is now under the control of DEP and the Conservation Commission no longer has control.

Coordinator Clark stated that the 2^nd request letters were a great success.  Some participants paid for their yearly permit while others called or emailed with corrections.  The letters were a step in correcting data for next year’s mailings.

North Pond Land Grant   

Coordinator Clark stated that the grant was completed.  All specific criteria has been met so there should not be any reason why the grant would not be approved.  Coordinator Clark will expect an answer on the application in September or October of this year.

Mr. Moglin requested permission to remove weeds at this location.  Members of the Conservation Commission will need to do a site visit to determine what plant species are prevalent and if they can or cannot be removed.   

Coordinator Clark stated that Mr. Bill Hawkins, Suffield Town Planner issued an email stating that the Suffield lakefront residents have concerns over a 2^nd request letter issued by the Conservation Commission concerning dock and boat fees.  The email indicated that payment of the fees was voluntary only.  Mr. Hawkins included a copy of the minutes from the Board of Selectmen minutes of May 5, 2010 in which it is stated “Chief Administrative Officer, Karl Stinehart, of the Town of Southwick who said the fee would be voluntary for Suffield residents”.  Of the 55 Suffield and West Suffield residents issued a renewal notice, 35 paid, 5 were removed as the fee was no longer applicable to them.  Some of the Suffield and West Suffield residents that paid have boats docked at Sanders, Congamond Lake Shore Association and TRI-PBJ Marina.  The fees are for lake improvements, water treatments, police details ect.   All of the waters in Congamond lakes belong to Massachusetts.  A letter will be issued to Mr. Hawkins once more data is obtained.

Coordinator Clark was requested to release the bond at this location.  The trees that had been removed in error have been replanted.  A site visit will be coordinated with members of the Conservation Commission, Mr. Goddard, and Coordinator Clark for Thursday July 21^st at 5:30 p.m.

Coordinator Clark related information of a complaint from an Island Pond Road resident concerning no movement of water in the canal, sludge build up, and an offensive odor.  There is a man made canal that may need to be dredged due to a buildup of material throughout the years.  Commissioner Mizanoglu noted that standing water attracts mosquito activity which is the cause of viruses included the Zika virus.  The Conservation Commission will research data relevant to the canal before making a suggestion for a resolution.

Coordinator Clark stated that Ms. Zolewski is requesting a dock at her location.  There would be no issue relative to wetlands.  The Conservation Commissioners agreed to send an application allowing the installation of the dock.

Commissioner Kellogg made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:20.  Commissioner Mizanoglu seconded the motion.  None opposed, motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

___________________________    

Jean Nilsson, Secretary