Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes

 

7:02    Christopher Pratt, Chairman, opened the meeting.        

Commissioner Mizanoglu made a motion to accept the minutes of 10/17/16.  Commissioner Pranka seconded the motion.  None opposed, motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Soleimani made a motion to accept the minutes of 10/24/16.  Commissioner Mizanoglu seconded the motion.  None opposed, motion passed unanimously.

7:12 107 Point Grove Road

Mr. Kerry Granfield

Mr. Granfield attended the meeting to discuss tree removal at 107 Point Grove Road.  The trees are 50 to 75 feet from the lake.  Removing them will require a crane as access will not be possible through a neighboring property.  The members of the Conservation Commission agreed that an NOI will be required prior to removing the trees.

Mr. Granfield also stated that he has been contracted to remove 10 trees on 112 Berkshire Avenue.  One of the trees has already fallen into the lake.  The trees are on bordering properties with both neighbors joining efforts for removal/replanting.  Members of the Conservation Commission will conduct a site visit.

7:20 Lakemont Street - Brush trimming

Mr. John Senez

Mr. Bruce Mason

Mrs. Juliette Mason

Mr. John Senez approached the Commission to discuss clearing properties between two dwellings and a dock on Lakemont Street.  The brush will be replaced with blueberry and raspberry bushes with leaf drop in between the bushes to help prevent overgrowth.  There is native vegetation blocking access to the water. Mr. Bruce Mason, 46 Lakemont Street, stated that he has a deeded access to the lake front and the plantings will limit or eliminate his ability to access the lake.  There may be a rite of passage that will require any plant removal to be approved by the Conservation Commission; however, the Conservation Commission does not determine ownership.  Mr. Mason also stated that a guard rail to the passageway has been removed.   Mrs. Mason stated that she had talked to Mr. Randy Brown, DPW Director, who stated that a four foot section of the guard rail had been removed to allow access to the Lake.  Mrs. Mason also stated that she had video of Mr. Molin dumping leaves over the guard rail, which is not permitted.    Mr. Clark stated that Mr. Richard Grannells is in the process of contacting Town Counsel to determine ownership of the land and allowable lake access.  Until legal ownership is established, the Conservation Commission cannot make a determination on any action.

The Conservation Commission secretary was notified by the Select Board Office that their meeting should be tape recorded.  As of this meeting, not all Boards, Committees, or Commissions are mandated to tape record their meetings.  The members of the Conservation Commission in attendance did not see a need for taping the meetings at this time.

Coordinator Clark stated that an “all call” for lake front residences concerning dock removal will be requested.   The call will alert residents that all structures shall be removed from the water by December 1st.

Coordinator Clark met with the owners of 107 South Loomis Street at DEP headquarters.

The property owners had previously met with Mr. Slessler, Town Planner, to requested if they could conduct a tree farm business at the location.  Mr. Slessler advised the owners that the property could not be used as a tree farm as there was not sufficient acreage, and is not zoned for business.   

Chairman Pratt made a motion to appoint himself as a member of the CPC representing the Conservation Commission.  Commissioner Mizanoglu seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Mizanoglu made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 p.m.  Commissioner Pranka seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

 

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________    

Jean Nilsson, Secretary