HANSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC MEETING OF FEBRUARY 8th, 2011
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: Rebecca Nehiley, Administrative Assistant
Richard Vacca, Agent
Motion to recess and reconvene after meeting with the Selectmen: David Harris
Second: Frank Schellenger
Vote: 5-0-0
Motion to reconvene at 7:50 PM: David Harris
Second: Frank Schellenger
Vote: 5-0-0
It was noted for the record that the Selectmen voted 3-2 in favor of the revised By-Law Fee Schedule.
Minutes
Motion to approve minutes of January 11th, 2011: David Harris
Second: John Murray
Vote: 5-0-0
Motion to approve but not release Executive Session Minutes of January 11, 2011:
David Harris
Second: John Murray
Vote: 5-0-0
Discussions
Request for a Minor Correction to the plan at 81 Ocean Ave., Map 1501, Lot 2 for Kevin Smith to perform two (2) test pits (DEP #SE175-0591)
Mr. Vacca reported to the Commission that Mr. Smith intended to explore the possibility of installing a septic system and to initiate this by digging two test pits. Because he has an open Order of Conditions, Mr. Vacca suggested that the proposed work was minimal enough to be considered as a Minor Correction to his approved plan. If Mr. Smith eventually goes forth with a new septic, he would have to file for an Amendment.
Motion to approve two (2) tests pits as a Minor Correction: Frank Schellenger
Second: David Harris
Vote: 5-0-0
Old Business/New Business
Mr. Lindquist introduced the subject of a parcel of land located at the end of Pratt Place that the owners would like to divest themselves of by way of the Community Preservation program. The Conservation Commission has expressed interest in acquiring this piece as Open Space. Therefore, to facilitate the process, Conservation staff prepared a Pre-application on behalf of the owners to submit to the CP Committee. Mr. Clemons remarked that the purpose of the pre-app is to state the rational for acquisition by laying out the value of the particular piece.
Mr. Lindquist read a narrative description of the parcel that demonstrates how it fits in with our Open Space strategy. Mr. Kemmett was of the opinion that the asking price was unrealistic and that the nine-member Committee would turn it down for that reason alone. Mr. Lindquist disagreed and said that initially the CPC determines whether the proposal meets all the requirements of Community Preservation and that the price is not the deciding factor. Mr. Lindquist said that the next step is to get an appraisal from an outside source. Mr. Clemons anticipated that Self Help grants might be another funding source if the proposal met certain criteria.
Motion to submit the Draft Pre-Application to the Community Preservation Committee: David Harris
Second: John Kemmett
Vote: 5-0-0
While on the subject of Community Preservation, Mr. Clemons commented that the Town Forest Committee was putting together it’s own Pre-Application for a survey line at Town Forest that would make it possible to protect the 30+ remaining acres.
Mr. Vacca reported to the Commission that the road at Camp Kiwanee had collapsed. However, all Federal monies had been dispersed and the project for all intents and purposes was completed.
Mr. Lindquist was concerned about the mistake in the deed language for the Nathaniel Thomas Mill purchase. He was of the opinion that a letter should go to the Selectmen requesting it be corrected to match the wording of the Article that was approved at Town Meeting: that the Mill be placed under the “care and custody” of the Conservation Commission. Mr. Clemons vehemently agreed. He said it must be corrected and something like this should never happen again.
Motion to send a letter to the Selectmen: Frank Schellenger
Second: John Kemmett
Vote: 5-0-0
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn at 8:40 PM: Frank Schellenger
Second: John Murray
Vote: 5-0-0
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