The Conservation Commission held a meeting in the Basement Mural Room of Town Hall on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Members present were Chairman Friend Weiler, Samuel Butcher, Thomas Gill, Brendan Halligan, Anne Hill, Mark Mahoney, Arthur Vautrain, and Joseph Grady, Conservation Administrator.
1. PH, EMERSON, 44 WIRT WAY, RENOVATION, SE 18-1156
Representing the applicant were Daniel Orwig of Orwig Associates and the property owner, Michael Emerson. Mr. Orwig described the project, which was to rebuild the existing dwelling in the same footprint and add a second story. Mr. Grady reported the existing dwelling is on the salt marsh and in a velocity zone. He asked if the foundation would be rebuilt. The applicant responded he would replace the foundation only if the Building Inspector required it. The Commission asked the applicant to consider moving the structure off the marsh and constructing it on sonotubes. Mr. Emerson reported that if he moved the structure then the Building Inspector could require him to decrease the square footage in order to conform to zoning setbacks. The Commission recommended the applicant and the Conservation
Administrator meet with the Building Inspector to discuss the option of relocating the structure. Mr. Mahoney made a motion that was seconded to continue the public hearing to September 24, 2002 at 9:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
2. PH, DUXBURY CONSTRUCTION CO., 48 HICKS POINT RD., SE 18-1161
Mr. Mahoney recused himself from this hearing. Representing the applicant was Freeman Boynton. The proposed project was a septic system upgrade in the buffer to bordering vegetated wetlands. The Board of Health had approved the project since this was the best location. Mr. Butcher made a motion that was seconded to write the Orders of Conditions. The vote was 6 - 0. The motion passed.
3. CONT'D. PH, HERMAN, 154 BIRCH ST., LANDSCAPING, SE 18-1160
The applicant, Mark Herman was present for the discussion. The Commission continued its discussion on whether to permit vegetative cutting of an old cranberry bog. Mr. Butcher was concerned that mowing would significantly alter the resource area. Mr. Grady commented that a bog is a form of habitat that is diminishing and thought the Commission should evaluate the project as a means of maintaining a type of wildlife habitat. Sheila Lynch-Benttinen of West St., a landscape architect, spoke on the importance of maintaining the bog as habitat. The Commission discussed allowing limited hand pruning and allowing judicious trimming of vegetation that appears above the ice-flooded surface. The Commission also recommended the issue be reviewed in one year. Mr. Mahoney made a motion that was seconded to write
the Orders of Conditions to allow limited vegetated cutting to maintain the open space at the former cranberry bog. The vote was 6 in favor and one opposed (Butcher). The motion passed.
4. PM, LYNCH-BENTTINEN, 344 WEST ST., TRAIL
The applicant, Sheila Lynch-Benttinen explained the project, which was to create a walking trail on her 2.4-acre property. The work would be done by hand. The work included construction of a small bridge over a pond and a boardwalk over a wetland. Mr. Grady reported there would be minimal impact to the wetlands. Dr. Gill made a motion that was seconded to issue a negative determination that a Notice of Intent was not required. The motion passed unanimously.
5. PM, MACDONALD, 388 SUMMER ST., SEPTIC
Representing the applicant was Paul Brogna from Seacoast Engineering Co. The proposed project is to replace a failed septic system. The only work within the buffer to bordering vegetated wetlands is installation of the septic system. The soil absorption system would be 123 feet from the wetlands. Mr. Mahoney made a motion to issue a negative determination that a Notice of Intent is not required. The motion passed unanimously.
6. PH, DUXBURY CONSTRUCTION CO., 130 LAUREL ST., SEPTIC & POOL
Mr. Mahoney recused himself from this public hearing. Representing the applicant was Freeman Boynton. The proposed project is installation of a septic system and construction of a swimming pool. The only work within the buffer to bordering vegetated wetlands associated with the septic system is grading. The proposed swimming pool would be 73 feet from the wetlands. The project conforms to the regulations. No DEP file number had been issued. Mr. Butcher made a motion that was seconded to continue this hearing to September 10, 2002 at 9:11 p.m. The motion passed 6 - 0.
7. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
The Commission postponed action on the request for a Certificate of Compliance for SE 18-1062 since the Conservation Administrator was unable to do a site inspection.
Mr. Vautrain presented an update of the Conservation Fund. A motion was made and seconded to spend $667.56 from the Conservation Fund for vehicle maintenance. The motion passed unanimously. A motion was made and seconded to spend $885 from the Conservation Fund for printing of trail maps. The motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
| 
