Eastham Conservation Commission
Eastham Town Hall
2500 State Highway
June 11, 2013
MINUTES
Commissioners Present: Chairman Stephen Smith, Steven LaBranche, Linda Haspel, Fred Rollinson and Vivien Cook.
Commissioners Not Present: Michael Harnett.
Staff Present: Shana Brogan, Nan Balmer.
Also Present: Peter Markunas of Markunas Environmental, Mike Ball and Doug Guey-Lee of Wilkinson Ecological Design.
6:01PM
Chairman Smith opened the meeting.
Continuation of Notice of Intent filed by the Department of Fish and Game. Applicant proposes replacement of boat ramp, removal and repaving of parking area, replacement of floats, renovation to existing pier, and installation of stormwater rain garden with outfall at Rock Harbor, 631 Dyer Prince Road, Map 19, Lot 120.
Fred Rollinson MOVED to continue to July 9, 2013, Steven LaBranche SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
Continuation of Notice of Intent filed by Dean and Mireille Bajorn. Applicant proposes deck expansion and stairway, proposed addition and removal of invasive and vista pruning at 25 Blue Bill Lane, Map 17, Parcel 519.
Mike Ball and Doug Guey-Lee of Wilkinson Ecological represented the project. Mike Ball discussed revisions to the proposed site plan notably the determination that one cedar tree proposed for removal is not on the applicant’s property therefore it is no longer proposed for removal. The type of herbicides proposed to be used was specified and discussed.
The proposed work start time is planned for fall of 2013 and the proposed mitigation for cedar tree removal is four cedar trees. An 830 square foot area of existing lawn is to be used for the mitigation plantings. Linda Haspel was concerned with the proposed use of herbicides and questioned why the vegetation cannot be mechanically removed. Mike Ball responded that mechanical removal requires more activity and disturbance in the buffer zone with root removal, they do not want to disturb ecologically beneficial leaf litter and it would require going in multiple times. Stephen Smith asked for the volume of herbicides the answer was not defined. Linda Haspel noted the commission has adamantly denied the use of herbicides and did not want to move from that position. Stephen Smith noted mechanical removal could result in
erosion problems with disturbed soils and because of the applicant’s expertise, removal will be done correctly. Fred Rollinson asked how long it takes for herbicides to dissipate. Mike Ball explained how long in days how long it stays within the system and said the chemicals break down by microbial action, certain herbicides stay in decaying vegetation for three months and then move into the soil. Doug Guey-Lee said they would use a spray bottle and the technicians are licensed applicators and trained on invasive plants. Linda Haspel recalled past projects and not allowing the use of herbicides and she does not want to move away from and lose ground on how they have acted in the past and they need to be consistent. Stephen Smith said they can condition applicators have copies of their licenses on site. Stephen Smith said this is a true management plan and the wetland restored to better than it is right now and over time it is a benefit.
Mike Ball said the project is benefiting the wetland and the buffer zone. Vivien Cook said they are looking for the least disturbance and the least amount of herbicide use as possible and Mike said a large portion of the method is mechanical and it is labor intensive. It was suggested that a condition on the permit be added so the commission can ask the applicators for their herbicide applicator license. Mike Ball indicated the equipment staging and parking would take place in the cul-de-sac, using hand carts and they will not use more than a mini-excavator in order to preserve the lawn using mats and the like.
Fred Rollinson MOVED to approve, Vivien Cook SECONDED.
Steven LaBranche Abstained.
MOTION CARRIED.
Notice of Intent filed by EKG Properties. Applicant proposes reconstruction of beach access stairway and vista pruning and ongoing vegetation maintenance 15 Sunset Lane, Map 13, parcel 138.
Notice of Intent filed by EKG Properties. Applicant proposes vista pruning and ongoing vegetation maintenance at property located at 40 Bayshore Lane, Map 13 Parcel 136F.
Peter Markunas of Markunas Environmental represented the project and said they propose to reconstruct beach access stairs at 15 Sunset Lane. He continued to explain that the property was damaged in a storm and they tried to replace the stairway however it was more than 50% damaged so Jeff Thibodeau had the applicant file a notice of intent. It is proposed to replace some posts and a few steps using non pressure treated wood.
Vista Pruning was proposed to trim coastal bank vegetation down to 30” on both properties. Stephen Smith informed the applicant that typically the commission has the applicant pick a view window and noted the area it looks as if it has been pruned in the past. Stephen Smith requested a time table for vegetation removal and said it would be cut annually, a defined view corridor and specific information for what type of shrubs are proposed to be cut. Stephen Smith commented that there currently exists a view. Steven LaBranche noted there is extensive invasive vegetation as well as numerous cedar trees and the bank is unstable and recommended bittersweet vegetation is removed.
Stephen Smith requested a construction drawing for the stairs at 15 Sunset Lane, and information showing the type of material to be used. Steven LaBranche asked about the sand fencing.
Applicant requested to continue both projects to July 9, 2013
Vivien Cook MOVED to continue to July 9, 2013, Fred Rollinson SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
Vivien Cook MOVED to continue to July 9, 2013, Fred Rollinson SECONDED
ALL IN FAVOR.
Administrative Reviews
51 Longstreet Lane, Map 10, Parcel 344.
Stairway Repair
Materials to be hand carried up an existing path, no excavation, or machinery to be used and work to be done by hand. Applicant to use non-pressure treated wood.
Fred Rollinson MOVED to approve, Steven LaBranche SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
N. Sunken Meadow Road
Memorial bench installation by the roadside by Eastham DPW.
Fred Rollinson MOVED to approve, Vivien Cook SECONDED
ALL IN FAVOR.
7:00PM
Adjournment
Steven LaBranche MOVED to adjourn, Fred Rollinson SECONDED.
ALL IN FAVOR.
Respectfully Submitted as prepared by,
Shana Brogan
______________________
Stephen Smith
Conservation Commission Chairman
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