HANSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC MEETING OF DECEMBER 14, 2010
TOWN HALL, 542 LIBERTY STREET, HANSON, MA
Called to Order at 7:30 PM under M.G.L. c 131, §40 and the Hanson By-Law 3-13, §5 and Rules and Regulations by Philip R. Lindquist, Chairman, in Meeting Room A at the Town Hall.
Present: Philip R. Lindquist, Chairman
Frank Schellenger, Vice Chairman
John Murray, Member
John Kemmett, Clerk
David Harris, Member
Also Present: Phil Clemons, Associate Member
Rebecca Nehiley, Administrative Assistant
Richard Vacca, Agent
Minutes
Motion to approve minutes of November 30, 2010: David Harris
Second: John Kemmett
Vote: 5-0-0
The Executive Session Minutes of November 30, 2010 were passed over until final review.
Public Hearings
7:30 PM Notice of Intent for the repair of a septic system within 100 feet of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland at 988 East Washington St., Map 113, Lot 14-10 for AndMoll Realty Trust and Wilma Hodges, owner represented by Grady Consulting, LLC, 71 Evergreen Street, Suite 1, Kingston, MA 02364 (DEP #SE175-0600) (New Hearing)
John Kemmett read the Public Hearing Notice and the abutters were verified. Gary Wolcott of Grady Consulting made the presentation for the repair of a septic system. He offered the following information: that the wetland was delineated by a botanist on 11/1/10, that the plan (dated 11/11/10) depicted the 50’ and 100’ buffer zones, that perc tests were conducted in the front yard and a request for variance (dated 12/14/10) was made to pump and fill the existing septic tank. Mr. Lindquist asked if there were questions from abutters. Those present were:
Pamela McElroy, Old Pine Drive – had concerns with odor, sewerage in the basement and possible impact to the wetlands. Mr. Wolcott elaborated by saying that the new system was much further away from the wetland than the previous system and in addition, an impermeable membrane would be installed to prevent breakout.
Jessica & John Trimble, East Washington Street – asked what would happen if the system proved to be problematic. Mr. Wolcott answered that the Board of Health was responsible for the problems concerning the function of the system.
Charles Lewis, Surrey Lane – No comment
Mr. Vacca reported that all requested documents had been submitted and reviewed. These included a Functions and Characteristics Statement (12/14/10) and Wetland Data Form (11/1/10) He recommended approval.
Motion to grant a variance from the 50’ buffer zone setback to pump and fill the existing septic tank and the connection between the house and septic: David Harris
Second: Frank Schellenger
Vote: 5-0-0
Motion to close the hearing and approve and issue an Order of Conditions: Frank Schellenger
Second: David Harris
Vote: 5-0-0
Requests for Certificates of Compliance
Request for Certificate of Compliance for 22 Industrial Blvd.(formally known as LOT 13, Industrial Blvd.), Map 59, Lot 17-13 for Chris Pongratz (DEP #SE175-0426)
Mr. Vacca reported that the applicant had removed sedimentation from the detention basin and installed gas traps in the catch basins. However, the detention basin was not completely stabilized. For that reason, Mr. Vacca recommended a Partial Certificate of Compliance.
Motion to approve and issue a Partial Certificate of Compliance: David Harris
Second: John Kemmett
Vote: 5-0-0
Request for Certificate of Compliance for 23 Commercial Way (formally known as 162 Industrial Blvd.), Map 17-7 & 17-8 for Chris Pongratz (DEP#SE175-466)
Mr. Vacca reported that the detention basin within jurisdiction was functioning properly and the roadway was stable. He recommended approval.
Motion to approve and issue a Certificate of Compliance: David Harris
Second: Frank Schellenger
Vote: 5-0-0
Request for Partial Certificate of Compliance for Union Park Street, Map 2, Lot s 358 & 361 for Elko Construction Corp. (DEP #SE175-0586)
Mr. Vacca recommended a partial Certificate of Compliance pending stabilization of the lawn.
Motion to approve and issue a Partial Certificate of Compliance: David Harris
Second: Frank Schellenger
Vote: 5-0-0
Discussions
Amended By-Law Fee Schedule
Motion to approve as amended: Frank Schellenger
Second: David Harris (Mr. Harris suggested that the fee schedule was a “work in progress” and should be reanalyzed on a yearly basis.)
Vote: 4-1-0 (John Kemmett against)
December Meeting Schedule – Ms. Nehiley informed the Commission that a meeting was scheduled for December 28, 2010 because a Request for Determination of Applicability had been filed.
Town Report – Frank Schellenger volunteered to write the Town Report. Ms. Nehiley will forward the statistics to Mr. Schellenger.
Old Business/New Business
Reimbursement to Bluewave Strategies, LLC
Motion to close hearing for the Burrage Pond Wetlands Banking Program: Frank Schellenger
Second: David Harris
Vote: 5-0-0
Motion to return unused portion of consultant fee: Frank Schellenger
Second: John Kemmett
Vote: 5-0-0
Mr. Lindquist asked for a report on the King Street water main project. Mr. Vacca replied that it had been brought to his attention last week that some residents were concerned that the erosion control had not been removed. Mr. Vacca had contacted Mr. Neil Merritt of the Water Department. Mr. Merritt informed him that they had cut open the biodegradable fabric, but the material inside was frozen solid and could not be raked out. He gave Mr. Vacca his assurance that someone would be out within the week to finish the job.
Mr. Murray inquired about the removal of the erosion control for the East Washington Street restoration project. Mr. Vacca said that the removal should wait until spring after the area has re-vegetated.
Mr. Harris asked if any work had been done at the restoration area on Pleasant Street (placement of the boulders, erosion control). Mr. Vacca answered that he had not been down there this week, but will check on this.
Mr. Schellenger asked if any Revenue Projections had been calculated based upon the new fee schedule. Mr. Vacca replied that over the past couple of years, we have held pretty steady, fee-wise. Using the old fee schedule, it was likely that we would see a 7% reduction in revenue in Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 because of a decline in permits. However, using the new increased fee schedule, he calculated that revenue would remain steady despite the decrease in filings. Mr. Vacca stipulated that only the fees that go into the General Fund were used for this exercise.
Mr. Lindquist inquired about our Open Space tasks for FY12. Mr. Vacca answered that office staff would be working on Management Plans for the Brian M. Gaffey Property and Adams Circle. Also, the intent is to post all four completed Management Plans on the Town Hall website. Furthermore, Mr. Vacca said that data collection and water sampling for the Pond Study will be continued into the Spring and Fall. Office staff shall continue to collaborate with the High School Science teacher to certify Vernal Pools. Mr. Lindquist suggested that the Commission notify the other Committee’s who participated in planning the Open Space and Recreation Plan to remind them of the implementation of the various Goals and Objectives outlined in the 7 year Action Plan.
Mr. Clemons reported to the Commission that he recently attended a workshop for the Wildlands and Woodlands Partnership, which is a consortium of conservation groups across New England interested in the New England landscape. The discussion revolved around the opportunity to permanently protect our forests with a vision to protect s much as 70% as Open Space. Mr. Clemons said that it gives a high level perspective to and validates what we’re doing locally here in Hanson with regard to our Open Space Plan such as building corridors with other Towns and establishing Conservation Restrictions. Now that he is retired, Mr. Clemons volunteered to come into the office approximately once a week to ask for very specific tasks regarding our Open Space properties.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn at 8:50 PM: Frank Schellenger
Second: John Murray
Vote: 5-0-0
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