Meeting Minutes
May 24, 2011
6PM
Earle Mountain Room
Eastham Town Hall
Present: Vivien Cook, Sandra Larsen, Linda Haspel, Steven LaBranche, Fred Rollinson.
Not present: Chairman Stephen Smith
Staff Present: Deputy Natural Resource Officer Amy Usowski. Shana Brogan Administrative Assistant.
Also Present: David Lajoie of FELCO Engineering, George Reilly of Cape Land Design.
Steven LaBranche opened the meeting at 6:00PM.
6:02PM
Presentation by Volunteer Bill Allen, Mass Audubon volunteer about the state listed threatened species diamondback terrapin turtle. Bill Allen said nearly ¾ of turtle species are threatened in Massachusetts, the primary reasons being habitat loss, predation, and road kill. He then explained the importance of the use of turtle gardens to help terrapins find a nesting place not far from their marsh habitat, otherwise, it will wander further until it finds a suitable place which likely means crossing a road. He continued saying the turtle gardens cannot be placed anywhere, they have to be located where turtles are
known to nest. He said that their numbers of successful hatchlings are stabilizing and not declining. He also spoke about the severity of road kill in Eastham on roads like Samoset, Dyer Prence, Bridge Road and Widgeon to the species because for every female killed 200 hatchlings or 20 nests need to survive to replace her. He then explained that if someone finds a turtle in the road, they should pull over safely, and then carry the turtle across the street in the direction it was heading.
6:45PM
Continuation on Notice of Intent filed by James and Amanda Baughman. Applicant proposes removing existing concrete wall retaining wall and replacing with a field stone wall at property located at 300 Samoset Road, Map 14, Parcel 135. George Riley said that they put in drywells to catch runoff from the street, and modified the planting plan. Sandra Larsen stated that the list the Conservation Commission had of plants were listed for the habitat value and she doesn’t see much difference in the native and ornamental ratio and she understands the applicant wants some ornamentals. Amy Usowski said that the Commission should decide if the project meets the performance standards. Steven LaBranche commentated he thought the applicants did not have an overly large patio, they incorporated drywells, and it is mostly natural around
the house, he wondered about the survivability of the plants. George Riley said he would come back to the Conservation Commission at a later time with a planting plan in the 0-50’ buffer zone. Amy Usowski reiterated that the applicant knows there will be conditions that the plants survive.
Fred Rollinson MOVED to approve the project with the provision only native plantings from the Eastham Conservation Commission’s plant list could be used, Vivien Cook SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
6:55PM
Continuation on Notice of Intent filed by Richard Westlake. Applicant proposes relocating an existing dwelling landward onto an open-pile foundation on a barrier beach at property located at 65 Harmes Way, Map 1, Parcel 100. David Lajoie represented the applicant and provided a work protocol, explained he spoke with Mike Winkler who would use two cranes to move the house taking three to four weeks and 40-45’ timber pilings would be driven during the process. He said they would then connect to the existing septic system. Linda Haspel asked if there were any future plans to add to the building and Dave Lajoie said there were not, they just wanted to move the building from the resource area and fill where the current foundation is. Amy Usowski said that when work is to commence she wants a more detailed construction
timeline. Linda Haspel asked if the house was in bad shape or in danger. Dave Lajoie replied the waves crash against it in the winter, and it has been flooded from the salt marsh behind. Amy Usowski said the beach grass should be saved before construction begins for replanting after, and Steven LaBranche wanted the cedars to not be cut down. It was agreed to have a pre-construction meeting as well as weekly on-site meetings during construction, as well as vehicle parking to be under the house so the perimeter can establish more vegetation. It was also agreed to phase the work limit and that any modifications to what is presented currently will have to be a new notice of intent. Amy Usowski said that if any emergencies occur one could be issued for fill but it cannot be reoccurring, it can only be done in good faith that the building will be moved.
Vivien Cook MOVED to approve the project, Fred Rollinson SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
The Commission agreed to draft an order of conditions for the Westlake project at the next meeting.
7:30PM
Other Business
Administrative Reviews
Administrative Review permit requested by Mark Sullivan, 35 Sharon Circle, Map 11, Parcel 38.
The Commission agreed to a 3-1 replanting ratio. For every tree taken down three one-gallon shrubs must be replanted close to the pond.
Fred Rollinson MOVED to approve the project, Linda Haspel SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
7:35PM
Administrative Review permit requested by Allison and Anthony Young 85 Blueberry Lane. After the fact filing for grading yard. The applicant said he put in silt fence and has
reseeded his yard. There was discussion for the applicant to replant rhododendrons, add plantings, and use native mix for lawn.
Fred Rollinson MOVED to approve the project, Vivien Cook SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
8:10PM
Administrative Review permit requested by Ronald DePoalo, 30 Lee Court, Map 11, Parcel 180. Applicant proposes replacement of rotted deck beam, remove deck area, add stairs to grade and adding one concrete pier for beam support.
After discussion about lawn fertilization, underground irrigation, and frontage violations,
Vivien Cook MOVED to approve the project, Fred Rollinson SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
8:25PM
Minutes Approval
April 26, 2011
Vivien Cook MOVED to approve the minutes with corrections, Fred Rollinson SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
March 22, 2011
Vivien Cook MOVED to approve the minutes with corrections, Fred Rollinson SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
Work Session, May 10, 2011
Fred Rollinson MOVED to approve the minutes with corrections, Linda Haspel SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
May 10, 2011
Vivien Cook MOVED to approve the minutes with corrections, Fred Rollinson SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
8:40PM
Massasoit Hills Homeowner Association extension permit request for fill maintenance.
Sandra Larsen MOVED to approve the three year extension, Vivien Cook SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
8:45PM
Amy Usowski said she would get the draft denial for the Bianco project to the commissioners at the next meeting.
Discussion on treated or non-treated beach access stairways.
It was determined that the Conservation Commission vote on the McDurmott project stands and in the future the Commission will need to have a policy that either allows or prohibits treated wood products for beach access stairways. Sandra Larsen said the Commission should determine what the hardship is before they make a policy and streamline it so it does not appear arbitrary. Linda Haspel said that they cannot go by just the information provided by the manufacturer. It was agreed that the Commission should take more time to educate themselves on new products. Amy Usowski said that she strongly suggested the Commission come up with a policy before any further decisions are made, and in the future they should have a dock and pier as well as coastal access stairs town bylaw.
9:10PM
Vivien Cook MOVED to adjourn, Linda Haspel SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
Respectfully Submitted,
Shana Brogan
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