TO: Franklin Conservation Commission
FM: George Russell, AICP
Conservation Agent
RE: Agent’s Report
DATE: June 24, 2014
1.0. PROJECTS
1.1. Cooks Farm NOI: The most recent comments from the town engineer are both related to work in jurisdictional areas. These comments need to be addressed and I would recommend that if necessary, that the hearing be kept open until such time as the town engineer is “satisfied” that his comments have been adequately addressed. The engineer’s comments are:
1. Where the plans call for filling in a portion of the floodplain, I believe the plans should provide for compensatory storage within the same area of the floodplain.
2. The proposed wetland replication area should be contiguous to the existing wetland system, and separate from the stormwater management basin. It also appears the replication area does not meet the 2:1 ratio required.
3. Better details showing the proposed culvert piping and overflow structure at the stream crossing should be provided.
These concerns mirror some of the concerns raised by DEP.
I would recommend that all special conditions be attached to any approval.
2.1. Minor buffer Zone Activities
None
2.2 Permit modifications/extensions
2.2.1. 236 Daniels: A request for release from conditions was made and it was my recommendation that this not be granted due to significant erosion problems on the site. (See letter below.) I have met with the property owners and talked to their consultant. They are proposing a modification that will address the erosion issue and more importantly, prevent transport of the soil into the wetlands. I would recommend that the request for release is held for action until such time as any new authorized work is complete or the slopes are completely stabilized.
2.3. Certificate of Compliance
2.3.1. 1153 West Central St.: All is in order for the release. The “deviations” from the originally approved NOI are minor and in my opinion do not rise to the level or holding up the release.
2.3.2. 67 Hancock: All is in order for the release.
2.3.3. 656 King St.: The applicant has requested a modification to the orders along with a request for partial release. The modification is to reduce conflict and redundancy in the conditions. I am very much in favor of eliminating any confusion and redundancy. Changing all of the dates for the continuing conditions to June 30th as suggested by the applicant makes continued compliance much easier for all parties.
Numerous field inspections have been made to the site, the most recent being 6/24/14. It would appear that the vegetation for the wetland replication areas, to both the right and left of the access drive, on either side of the road culvert, have not been planted, or have been planted and are not growing or have been planted and are covered over with grasses. I suspect that the areas are not as wet as was hoped. In addition, on the originally approved plans, on sheet 7 of 10, there are planting plans for both “replication areas” and “rain garden” and these plans are different. I do not see the latter feature on the as-built plans.
The project’s wetland scientist has submitted a report, which was received today. This report indicates that the plants originally planted in the replication areas have not survived. If the Commission wishes to have these areas become true mitigation areas, then a partial release should not be granted until these areas are re-established.
I would also recommend that the black silt fencing be removed as soon as possible. It is not functioning as designed in many areas and is no longer needed in any areas. I have given permission to the property owner to remove the erosion control.
Some of the evergreens that were planted as part of the most recent amendment to the plans are showing some signs of distress. We need to make sure that if it should prove necessary, that the replacement of these trees is retained as a continuing stipulation.
The following special stipulations from the original approvals should remain in force: 46, 47, 49, 50 (with a reduced amount of $10,000) and 55-60 and with all dates for submission of reports changed to June 30th.
2.4. Discussion items
2.4.1. Bench Policy: You have received the latest revision to the policy via e-mail. If there are no further changes, this is ready for adoption.
2.4.2. Annual Report: The final number of applications thru the end of the month still needs to be added. The Commission needs to decide on which, if any, photos they would like included in the report. Once this is decided, I will put the “final” report together and send it out for review. FYI, the photo “Emma the Lumberjack” has generated very favorable comments from the staff.
2.4.3. Webpage: As a follow-up to my e-mail, the Commission needs to decide if they want the members’ names on the Commission’s website. It is recommended that these not be listed. One of the real world problems is that members of the public can e-mail the members concerning pending or open applications and legally the members should not respond to these e-mails. This is currently happening with a member of the public contacting the Chair and has happened with the issues surrounding 727 Washington Street. The members’ names are listed in the “Municipal Officials” book and are available from the town clerk.
In addition, please let me know there is anything you want added to or deleted from the current webpage.
2.5. Minutes
2.6. Violations:
None
- Chair and Commission Comments
4.0 EXECUTIVE SESSION
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