HANSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC MEETING OF JULY 24, 2007
TOWN HALL, 542 LIBERTY STREET, HANSON, MA
Called to Order at 7:30 PM under M.G.L. Chapter 131, s.40 and the Hanson By-Law 3-13, s.5. by Philip R. Lindquist, Chairman, in Meeting Room A at the Town Hall
Present: Philip R. Lindquist, Chairman
Frank Schellenger, Vice Chairman
John Kemmett, Clerk
Ron Grattan, Member
Dave Harris, Member
Also Present: Richard Vacca, new Agent
Rebecca Nehiley, Administrative Assistant
Ratification of New Agent
Mr. Vacca gave a brief summary of his background to the Commission, most recently as the Conservation Agent and Environmental Planner for the Town of Franklin. Mr. Vacca is also a practicing licensed Attorney specializing in land use law. The Commission welcomed Mr. Vacca and expressed their appreciation for the knowledge and expertise that he will be bringing to the Town of Hanson.
Motion to ratify the hiring of new Conservation Agent, Richard J. Vacca: David Harris
Second: Ron Grattan
Vote: 5-0-0
Minutes
Motion to approve minutes of July 10th, 2007: David Harris
Second: Frank Schellenger
Vote: 5-0-0
Mr. Vacca’s Agent’s Report has been appended to the Minutes of July 24, 2007
Discussions
CPA – meeting scheduled Thursday, 7/26/07 with Liz Gimson, CPA Coordinator
Ms. Nehiley informed the Commission of those who would be attending and that the location was Meeting Room A at the Town Hall.
Open Space
Mr. Vacca had started to review the previous Open Space and Recreation plans (1979 and 1996 versions). His intent is to review the Request for Proposals (RFP) prepared by former Agent, Janine Delaney and have a report at the next meeting with more detail as to what direction to go with input from the Commission.
Taunton River Watershed Pilot Wetlands Bank
· Addendum to Call of the Wild’s report - reviewed
· Response Letter from John Goldroson of Kopeman & Paige - The Commission reviewed the letter from Town Counsel. A discussion ensued over whether or not to pursue litigation in regards to upholding the By-Law and enforcing the applicability of the fees. Mr. Schellenger commented that the project will eventually cost the Town in terms of time and expense of the Commission as well as consultants to monitor the project. Mr. Harris suggested that the issue was moot unless the Selectman authorize spending the money to go to Court.
· Message from Steve Barrett of BlueWave Strategies regarding ACOE site walk 7/25/07 at 8 AM – Frank Schellenger will attend the site walk and ask Steve Barrett when more money will be forthcoming for further consultant review.
Pilgrim Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. (RC & D), 5 Year Area Plan – Questionnaire - This item was reviewed by the Commission, but not discussed.
Activities/Agent Report
Letter from concerned citizen about situation at Oldham Pond
A letter was received from residents of Oldham Pond with a complaint of recreational, high-speed boats causing excessive wakes that allegedly erode the shoreline and disturb fish habitat. Mr. Vacca will follow up.
Memo from Treasurer/Collector regarding Drumlin Farms Tax Title Land
The Commission reviewed the Assessor’s Maps demonstrating the parcels that are in question and surmised that Parcel “C” is a detention basin that should be accepted by the Town and that Parcel “B” held no intrinsic value in terms of Open Space. In response to the Treasurer/Collector, the Conservation Commission holds no position on the matter.
30 Holmes Street – letter from Wetland Scientist, Ken Thomson
Mr. Thomson requested a modification to the orientation of the outlet location for the mitigation area. He proposed that it is reconfigured to connect to an existing wetland, purportedly to minimize impact to a neighbor’s property and to allow for a better hydrological connection than the previous design. Mr. Vacca had met with Mr. Thomson and Mr. Coots on site to inspect the erosion control and to discuss the changes to the plan. He suggested the Commission decide whether the change was minor or if it was significant enough to require an Amendment to the Orders.
Motion to require that applicant submit a revised plan demonstrating a minor change: David Harris
Second: Frank Schellenger
Vote: 4-1-0 (John Kemmett against)
Scope of Permit Review
Mr. Vacca requested clarification on a couple of sections of the By-Law and the Regulations.
Ransom Road Re-Filing (Re-flag)
Mr. Vacca informed the Commission that a new Notice of Intent had been received for the completion of the stormwater management system for the subdivision as well as mitigation around the stormwater outlet where sedimentation into the BVW had occurred. The previous Order of Conditions had expired. Mr. Vacca questioned as to the appropriate fees and whether the BVW should be re-flagged as it had also expired. The Commission advised that the fees were applicable and the wetland should be re-flagged.
Memo from Board of Health regarding 122R Indian Head Street
The office received a complaint from an abutter regarding a camper parked at the edge of Indian Head Pond. Mr. Vacca had observed the trailer from the street. There is nothing in the Local by-law that precludes a camper from parking within jurisdiction. Apparently, there is conflict between the size of the tanks that are there and the pumping records. The Board of Health is not aware of a tight tank or other facilities, so they are seeking clarification. Mr. Vacca will update the Commission at next meeting.
Bay State Gas- Mr. Vacca had met with Carl Aiello of Bay State Gas to review the plan for the replacement of the gas main along Maquan Street (Route 14) as well as an Environmental Protection Plan. He felt satisfied that the project could move forward as proposed.
26 Wagon Trail - Mr. Vacca had conducted a site inspection in response to a Building Permit application. His advice to the homeowner was to have the Riverfront Area and the BVW flagged as there was a possibility that the project would fall within the jurisdiction of the Rivers Protection Act.
14-4 Reed Street - Mr. Vacca had inspected the erosion control. Everything seemed to be according to plan.
489 Spring Street – Mr. Vacca had made a site inspection in response to a Building Permit application.. No filing was necessary.
Certificate of Compliance Request
Request for Certificate of Compliance for the Hanson Police Station, 775 Main Street, Map 34, Lot 10 (DEP #SE175-518)
Mr. Vacca had made a field inspection and found the project to be in substantial compliance with the exception that an oil water separator was missing in one of the catch basins. The Conservation signs and posts were installed all around. The Commission requested that Mr. Vacca check on the modification that was made to the drainage on Main Street and continue to the next meeting.
Determinations of Applicability
Determination of Applicability for the construction of a deck off a single family home at 257 Lakeside Road, Map 79, Lot 15 for John Bailey - signed previously
Old Business/New Business
Payroll – signed
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn 9:00 PM: David Harris
Second: Ron Grattan
Vote: 5-0-0
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