FINAL
Present for the Conservation Commission and attending the meeting were: Richard Steves, Chair, Pam Goff, David Flanders, Bruce Bartels, Ray Kellman, Associate Commissioner Russell Maloney, Rusty Walton, Conservation Officer and Chuck Hodgkinson. Also attending: David Norton for Blueberry Ridge Lane and Melanie Becker, Peter Wells for Molinari, Jay Lagemann. Absent: Pam White.
Mr. Steves opened the meeting at 1:30 PM and announced the Commission would make two site visits: Molinari – 53 Wequobsque Rd.; Blueberry Ridge Lane.
PETER WELLS FOR MOLINARI; SE 12 – 502; AP 30; 115, 116.1: Upon returning from the site visits Mr. Steves opened the public hearing at 2:18 PM. Mr. Wells summarized the plan for constructing a seasonal stairway down Wequobsque Cliff to the beach. This is a dynamic cliff face that is constantly changing. Mr. Walton mentioned he would plan to map the specific location for the stairs at the time of construction each spring. Mr. Walton also pointed out the site plan is ten years old (1995) and the contour of the cliff is significantly different today—with a loss of approximately 100 feet of land. Mr. Wells agreed. Mr. Walton suggested that based upon the earlier site visit, the most appropriate location would be on the east side of the footpath. The Commission
proposed visiting the site at the time of construction – if the application is approved.
Abutter Jay Lagemann questioned the necessity of the stairway and summarized the history of how the existing stairways have been sharing by the abutting neighbors. He is concerned that the potential proliferation of stairways on this fragile cliff face would be detrimental to the character of the area and town. He added the continued practice of spring stairway installation and fall dismantling will damage the cliff face that is already eroding at a rapid pace.
The Commission discussed the history of several existing stairways and the future of the cliff face and beach access. Mr. Wells asked for a continuance to February 15 @ 2:00 PM. A motion to continue the hearing to February 15, 2006 @ 2:00 PM was made seconded and unanimously approved.
DAVID NORTON FOR BLUEBERRY RIDGE LANE REPAIRS; NOI SE 12 - 504; AP; 8, 70: Bruce Bartels excused himself from the hearing as he is an abutter to Blueberry Ridge Lane. Mr. Steves opened the hearing at 2:50 PM and proceeded to read a written description of the proposed repairs for three sections of Blueberry Ridge Lane -- that were visited earlier in the day. Mr. Norton explained the need for slightly widening certain sections to support larger rocks that would be installed to visually mark the edge of the road. He added that a few cars have driven off the side of the lane into the ditch.
Melanie Becker added that “Area A” (culvert) and “Area B” (the straight section south of the culvert) have excess vegetation that hides the drop off on the side of the road. She added that “Area C” (the sharp turn section) is not wide enough for the service trucks with long wheelbases. These larger vehicles have been collapsing the inside edge of the curve.
Mr. Walton agreed an additional 1.5 feet of roadway on the inside edge of the curve would make the roads more stable. He suggested using filter fabric for this back filled area to help protect the wetland.
With no further comment the hearing was closed at 3:05 PM.
A motion to approve the repairs with the following conditions was made seconded and approved with a vote of five in favor with one abstention (Mr. Bartels). 1. An on site meeting will take place among the Conservation Officer, the contractor and Mr. Norton prior to construction to review the Order of Conditions and how each of the three road sections will be repaired. 2. The Conservation Officer will also direct the use and installation of the filter fabric. 3. Any old material that has fallen into the wetland will be removed.
LABAREE NOI; SE 12 – 503; AP 21, 36: Mr. Steves opened the public hearing at 3:15 PM. The applicant requested a continuance to April 19, 2006 @ 2:00 PM. The applicant wants to design an upgraded septic system for the property. A motion to continue the hearing to 4/19/06 @ 2:00 PM was made seconded and unanimously approved.
MINUTES JANUARY 18, 2006: The minutes for the 1/18/06 meeting were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes with a minor correction was made seconded and unanimously approved.
With no further business to conduct the meeting adjourned at 3:37 PM.
Respectfully submitted by Chuck Hodgkinson; C.A.S.
| 
