Minutes of Meeting
September 6, 2012
To: Town Clerk
cc: Members
File
Present: R. Ballantyne, A. Tolland, R. Willis, J. Fournier, M. DePoto, P. Stolfa, Associate Member, Andrew Riordan, Associate Member, Michele Grenier, Conservation Agent
Absent: M. Allen, J. Livingstone
Ms. Michele Grenier’s Agent’s Report has been appended to the minutes.
Minor Buffer Zone Activity: 59 Chestnut Street
Mr. John Guerra, the contractor for the project, appeared before the Commission for the removal of the existing deck and construction of a new landings and stairs. Mr. Guerra provided several photos of the proposed work.
Ms. Grenier, Conservation Agent, stated that the proposed work is located outside of the 100 ft. buffer zone and outside the 200 ft. riverfront. The work is located outside of Conservation jurisdiction.
There was a motion to issue a Negative Determination with no special conditions. The motion was seconded and accepted with a vote of 5-0-0.
Discussion: Eagle Scout Project
Mr. Chris Rich, Eagle Scout, appeared before the Commission to discuss a possible Eagle Scout project. He suggested working at the DelCarte property for trail and signage. Also, he observed that a bridge is out.
Mr. Rich suggested constructing a kiosk or blazing or trail work. The Commission members suggested a kiosk would be of the greatest benefit at this time for the project. A possible location was in the parking area near Flintlocke Road.
Mr. Rich will submit a plan to the Conservation Office with his proposed plans for the site along with a map depicting the location of this work. He is also willing to do trail work and cleaning up of trash on the DelCarte site.
Trail maintenance work was also met with approval from the Commissioners.
Mr. Rich informed the Commission members that his goal is to get his project completed before June 2013 and can start in April.
Public Hearing – Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation – 1330-1342 West Central Street – Acme Jazz – CE159-1037
Mr. Ray Willis, Conservation Commission member, recused himself from this public hearing.
Mr. Ryan Bianchetto, a representative of Allen & Major Associates, appeared before the Commission for verification of delineated areas in the buffer zone of bordering vegetated wetlands on this site.
Mr. Bianchetto informed the Commission that he found 1,686 linear feet of BVW on the site primarily in wooded areas. There is no primary or estimated habitat located on the site.
Mr. Ron Doloff, an abutter to the site, stated that there is a right-of-way that runs through this site to the State Forest for fire access and believes that this right-of-way should remain in place.
A Commission member raised a question regarding the form for flag 19; why select this flag over the others? Mr. Bianchetto’s response was that it is about halfway through the series and it is representative of the wooded area.
Michele Grenier will visit the site on Tuesday, September 18th, at 10 a.m. to confirm the wetland line.
There was a motion to continue the hearing until September 20th meeting. The motion was seconded and accepted with a vote of 4-0-1; 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Abstention.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Discussion: 34/Lot 2 South Street
Mr. Robert Halterman, homeowner, appeared before the Commission to obtain clarity on a fence that was approved by the Commission. He requested that the Commission waive the requirement for this fence as the slope located there is difficult to mow. His preference was not to put up the fence; however, if it is required he would also like a 2-rail split fence instead of a 3-rail as well and shorten it to 120 ft. in length to allow room for mowing and trimming.
The Commission reviewed the existing Orders of Conditions.
Mr. Halterman will contact Michele Grenier, Conservation Agent, to schedule a date and time to visit the site and report back to the Commission with her findings and recommendations.
Discussion: Lot 34A Daniels Street
Mr. Jason Coras, the applicant, appeared before the Commission to discuss the matter of obtaining a Certificate of Compliance for this site. There are presently 2 Orders of Conditions on this property. The work is located outside of jurisdiction but 2 Certificates of Compliances are needed for the closing on the property. The buffer zone is located at the rear of the property.
Mr. Coras is seeking a partial Certificate of Compliance in order to satisfy the closing attorney which is taking place on September 21st.
The Conservation Agent, Michele Grenier, stated that she will write the letter and visit the site on Tuesday, September 18th, at 10 a.m.
Discussion: Linda Lane Maintenance
Mr. Bill Yadisernia, Town Engineer, appeared before the Commission for the drainage outfall at the end of Linda Lane. At the end of the headwall, there is a drainage ditch which runs underneath the access road. The proposed work will be conducted outside of the buffer zone and the riparian zone.
Mr. Yadisernia stated that under the agreement between the DPW and the Conservation Commission, the DPW is required to notify the Conservation Agent as is stated in the maintenance agreement. Mr. Yadisernia stated that he has recently visited the site with Michele Grenier and recommends that the clearing of the ditch should be done to enhance the flow and to enhance the function of the culvert.
The consensus of the Commission was that this maintenance work should be performed and informed Mr. Yadisernia to inform the DPW that they may proceed with the work.
Discussion: Populatic Street Tree Cutting
Mr. Yadisernia informed the Commission members that there are about 12 trees on Populatic Street and the Tree Warden deems it necessary for them to come down as they are overhanging the power lines. Some of them are dead.
Cutting of trees in the buffer zone requires notification to the Conservation Commission under the maintenance agreement. Mr. Yadisernia stated that he has recently visited the site with Michele Grenier, Conservation Agent, and the trees are all flagged
Michele Grenier informed the Commission members that several of the trees are not located in the buffer zone; some are dead or diseased and are in danger of falling in the road. She recommended that these trees be taken down and leave the stumps remaining.
The consensus of the Commission members is that the DPW should take these trees down and be allowed to proceed with the work.
Signed Determination of Applicability
Determination of Applicability (Negative) 59 Chestnut Street – Guerra
There was a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded and accepted with a vote of 5-0-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathleen Celorier
Conservation Secretary
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