Members Present: Jeffrey Walsh, Joe McGrath, Chip Burkhardt, Mark Coakley
Members Absent: Charlene Franz
Others Present: See Sign-In Sheet
Recorder: Melanie Rich
Mary Ann Dipinto (DEP) to discuss 9/23 Site Meeting at Sewall Pond/Brook – Ms. Dipinto has been working with the residents and the Commission concerning the fluctuating water level. Russ Cohen from the Riverways Program was also present at the site visit. Ms. Dipinto explained to the audience that to work in the stream, bank, wetland or within 100’ of the buffer, an application must be submitted to the Commission. She showed the members some slides. She noted there is a rock structure that sticks out which keeps it from undercutting the channel. She showed the dam in question and said there is a pool behind it and a stormwater outlet. She said the amount of water does not change; what is put in there does. She provided a list of useful links for the
residents. She also said that if the beavers contribute to the water problem, there are water flow control devices that can be installed. If they do this, she suggested they contact a person with expertise. They can also contact the Board of Health who can issue an Emergency Certification form. David Kalinowski (132 Nicholas Avenue) said the dam was never there. He asked what happens if a person applies to put in a dam. Ms. Dipinto said they could appeal to DEP. The only notification would go to direct abutters, unless they were to form an association and request they be notified. Don Hoffses (126 Nicholas Avenue) asked what the purpose was for damming the pond. Chip does not agree that the dam was never there. There are structures that have been there a long time. There has been above normal rainfall since June. Mr. Hoffses said the pond is going down now. Mark Coakley said there has been tree clearing
upstream which would make the water move faster. It is also used for town wells. Chip said when he walked the site, it does become elevated. It appears that gravel could have been dumped at some point. Ms. Dipinto said that Russ Cohen thought it was a stable site. It was suggested that it would be in the best interest if the residents work together.
Ron Aspero (Informal Discussion) – 199 Sewall Street – Scott Goddard (Goddard Consulting) and Mr. Aspero were present. Mr. Goddard submitted a Request for Determination of Applicability to be heard at the November meeting. The proposed project is to divide the ANR lot into three separate lots. Lot 2 will contain the existing dwelling. All work is located outside of the 100’ buffer and 200’ riverfront area. It will be on the November 21st Agenda at 7:00 p.m.
On another matter, Mr. Aspero asked to speak about Redwood Circle. Three rain gardens are in and functioning well. He is asking for permission to create the fourth one (by the golf course) after the road has been accepted by the town. He was told he could apply for a Partial Certificate of Compliance.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
Vouchers were approved.
Correspondence was reviewed.
Farooq Ansari contacted the office today. He said that Don Parker has asked him to help the DPW by putting in a turnaround at the end of lower Stiles Road. It will involve moving cement blocks and some leveling of the area. The Commission agreed to let him proceed.
Chip attended the meeting for the new Selectmen on the 3rd and updated them of ongoing/upcoming projects.
Mark mentioned that some stormwater structures in town are not being maintained. Melanie will compile a list with contact information of subdivisions that have Homeowner’s Associations and those that require stormwater monitoring so a letter can be sent reminding them of their responsibility.
Jeff Walsh made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes dated September 19, 2011; Joe McGrath seconded; all agreed.
Chip Burkhardt made a motion to issue a Certificate of Compliance to Paula Sonntag, 495 Cross Street, (DEP #115-347) pending a site visit; Joe McGrath seconded; all agreed.
Chip Burkhardt made a motion to adjourn; Joe McGrath seconded; unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
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