FINAL
Present for the Conservation Commission and attending the meeting were: Pam Goff, Andrew Fischer, Helen Parker, Virginia Dyer, Rusty Walton and Chuck Hodgkinson. Christine Flynn (MVC), Lenny Jason and Kristen Fauteux also attended. Richard Steves, Bruce Bartels and Dick Smith were absent.
Ms. Goff opened the meeting as acting Chair at 12:30 PM and appointed Alternate Commissioner Helen Parker as a voting member for the day’s agenda. The site visits for today’s meeting took place on February 17.
CHRISTINE FLYNN MVC DISCUSSION: Ms. Flynn thanked the Commission for its time and summarized the MVC’s plan to create an Agricultural Alliance or Commission. It will have no regulatory or permitting authority. It’s purpose is to provide a consolidated forum for all of the island’s agricultural and aquaculture businesses and interests which represent approximately five percent of the island’s economy. While this is a small segment, both endeavors are important to preserving the island’s rural character and heritage which has great value to residents and visitors alike. Mr. Jason mentioned that the County Commissioners endorse the program and are helping the MVC establish the organization. The Commission appreciated the cause and efforts and
thanked Ms. Flynn and Mr. Jason for explaining the program.
KRISTEN FAUTEUX FOR SHERIFF’S MEADOW FOUNDATION; NOI SE 12 – 574; AP 17-23; 23-5, 6: Ms. Goff opened the public hearing at 1:02 PM. Ms. Fauteux summarized the plan to restore and maintain a mixture of sandplain grassland and heathland habitats, some of which fall within the 100-foot buffer zone of a bordering vegetated wetland. The brush cutting will be done annually. Mowing will occur sometime between November 1 and April 30. The fields may be brush cut during the growing season if needed to control woody vegetation. The prescribed burning will take place in a 3 to 5 year rotation. The preparation for the burns will involve mowing and clearing of fire
breaks around the perimeter of the areas. The Foundation will also be accepting proposals for agricultural use of the Tipson Pond Lot in the near future. The Foundation also seeks permission to treat invasive species such as Phragmites with an appropriate and approved herbicide. Spot treatments will be used unless there is a dense, homogenous stand. In this case they will work with Politan Ecological Services to use a spray treatment on the Phragmites. Most of the Phragmites currently found on the site can be treated using the spot method by Sheriff’s Meadow staff. Ms. Fauteux closed by indicating they are asking for an indefinite Order of Conditions for the on-going maintenance plan.
The Commission complimented the plan and its attention and care to details. With no comment from the audience a motion to close the hearing at 1:10 PM was made, seconded and unanimously approved. A subsequent motion was made to approve the plan as presented with the condition that any future maintenance plans are shared with the Commission or Conservation Officer and all prescribed burns will be coordinated with the Fire Chief before the work begins. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
GLENN JOHNSON FOR MARIANNE MEYER AMENDED ORDER OF CONDITIONS; SE 12 – 514; AP 29-6: Ms. Goff opened the public hearing at 1:14 PM. Chuck H. explained that the current valid Order of Conditions expires in June 2009. The applicant is asking for an Amended Order that is valid indefinitely – provided all of the previous conditions are adequately met. Photographs of the beach stairway for each of the past three seasons were reviewed by the Commission. Mr. Walton commented that the applicant has faithfully and successfully met all the conditions as outlined in the current Order. After brief discussion a motion was made to close the hearing at 1:28 PM. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved. A subsequent motion was made to approve the Amended
Order of Conditions as outlined. The motion was seconded and approved with three in favor and one opposed (Ms. Dyer).
Mr. Walton explained that the existing gravel-covered walkway leading to the beach stairway runs through a wetland and recommended this be removed and replaced with a raised walkway. The Commission agreed. A motion was made to ask Mr. Walton to issue an Enforcement Order outlining these requirements. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
TOWN OF CHILMARK BEACH COMMITTEE; RFD AP 29-9: Chuck H. summarized the Beach Committee’s request to replace the existing beach shed that is located in the Lucy Vincent Beach parking lot with a new shed. It will have electric and phone service just as the current shed. The shed is within the 100-foot buffer zone of a bordering vegetated wetland. The footprint of the new shed will not be any closer to the wetland than the current structure. He added that the high school students will build the shed off-site and place it on foundation blocks. After brief discussion a motion was made for a negative determination. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
ADMINISTRATION: The meeting minutes for January 7 and January 21, 2009 were reviewed. Ms. Goff declared the minutes acceptable as presented. Discussion of the draft Conservation Restriction for the Kohlberg property (AP 24-192, 193) was deferred to the next meeting.
The following documents was signed and notarized as needed:
Order of Conditions: SE 12 – 574; AP 17-23; 23-5, 6.
Amended Order of Conditions: SE 12 – 514; AP 29-6.
Determination of Applicability: AP 29-9.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting is March 4th @ 12:30 PM. The site visits will take place on March 3 @ 12:30 PM.
With no further business to conduct the meeting adjourned at 2:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted by Chuck Hodgkinson, C.A.S.
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