HANSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC MEETING OF APRIL 9, 2013
TOWN HALL, 542 LIBERTY STREET, HANSON, MA
Called to Order at 7:00 PM under M.G.L. c 131, §40 and the Hanson By-Law 3-13, §5 and Rules and Regulations by John Murray, Clerk, in Meeting Room A at the Town Hall.
Present: John Kemmett, Chairman
Frank Schellenger, Vice Chairman
John Murray, Clerk
David Harris, Member
Phil Clemons, Associate Member (arrived at 7:05 PM)
Also Present: Laurie Muncy, Agent
Rebecca Nehiley, Administrative Assistant
Minutes
Motion to approve minutes of March 26th, 2013: John Murray
Second: Frank Schellenger
Vote: 4-0-0
Public Hearings
7:00 PM Continued Notice of Intent for the construction of a parking lot, Stormwater drainage and a commercial building with associated septic system, driveway, utilities and grading within 100 feet of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland at Franklin Street, Map 67, Lot 6A-18 for Steven Alexander represented by Webby Engineering Assoc., Inc. (DEP #SE175-0630)
Mr. Joseph Webby and Mr. Charlie Alexander attended the meeting. Since the last hearing, approval had been acquired from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) for site plan review pending changes to the Plan per Steve Wry of Land Planning, consultant for the town. Mr. Schellenger asked if they were seeking a variance from ZBA. Mr. Webby said that it was a Special Permit for usage and signage.
Mr. Schellenger commented that the drainage hadn’t been finalized so he recommended continuing the hearing. Mr. Alexander said that “Obviously, we’d like to see it closed tonight. We got an approval from the Appeals Board pending a few changes that Joe’s already made and we resubmitted plans back to the Board and they’re planning on signing that Thursday night.” Mr. Schellenger said that jurisdiction for Stormwater Management is with the Conservation Commission and what is needed is Mr. Wry’s final review and the resolution from his comments.
Motion to continue the hearing to April 23rd at 7:15 PM: Frank Schellenger
Second: John Murray
Vote: 4-0-0
Discussions
Smitty’s Bogs
Mr. Phil Clemons reported that he, Mr. Harris, Ms. Nehiley and Ms. Muncy met yesterday with the UDSA, Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) representatives at which time they presented the Final Wetland Restoration Plan of Operation for Smitty’s Bogs. It was signed along with the contract and appendices by Mr. Rene Read, Town Administrator, who was also present. Essentially, the plan is to remove some of the water control structures, leave others in place and install locks to keep boards from being installed. Also presented at the meeting was the Compatible Use Agreements (CUA) which gives permission to retain and maintain signage for the Bay Circuit Trail, to annually mow two vista areas and to install bird nesting
boxes. Last but not least is a CUA for the express prohibition of off road vehicles on the property. Mr. Clemons said that there was a slight increase in the amount of money overall for all of the tasks that were outlined in the project.
One other practical matter that came up was that when the Town goes out to bid for some of the tasks likely to commence this year, there is some very useful language in the plan that has made available to us as a word document and we also will be consulting with the Town of Pembroke who entered into the Wetlands Reserve Program about five years ago. Mr. Clemons added that, “We think we have a good starting point now on where we going to be going later this year.” Mr. Clemons met with the Recreation Commission to discuss the phragmite removal on Camp Kiwanee property. They are completely supportive of the money article and will speak in favor of it if necessary at town meeting, but do not wish to co-sponsor it.
Appointments
7:15 PM Appointment with Mr. Don Howard and Mr. Mike Duffy from the Water Department to discuss the water main on Monponsett Street
Mr. Duffy, Chairman of the Water Commission, explained that during this year’s blizzard, there was a major water main break on Monponsett Street. After unsuccessfully trying to locate the leak, the Water Department staff went up about 200’ in one direction and 200’ in the other and cut the pipes off and capped them so they could restore water to nearby residents. They had originally planned to fix the main right away, but there was a 30” snowstorm right after the blizzard and to complicate matters, the Water Superintendant recently resigned.
Presently, the south end of town is being fed by two 6” mains instead of a 12” main. After consulting with the Fire Chief, Mr. Duffy said they are asking for Emergency Status to restore water for fire protection by bypassing the 420” of broken main and connecting the two capped areas. Mr. Duffy submitted a sketch/plan depicting the proposed installation of a 12“ ductile iron main and the installation of the erosion control socks. Mr. Howard clarified that the Water Department will be doing all the work themselves. Mr. Duffy added that their Master Plan eventually calls for a new water main down all of Monponsett Street. At that time, the new water main will be connected with the pipe that they are replacing now.
Mr. Kemmett asked how long the project would take. Mr. Howard answered probably about 4 or 5 days. Mr. Howard said they’re proposing a 4’ wide trench that will be backfilled at the end of each work day. Traffic will remain open during construction. Mr. Kemmett asked how this situation is usually handled. Ms. Muncy answered that she had recommended a Notice of Intent and an engineered plan, but because this is an emergency situation, Mr. Duffy and Mr.
Howard were asking permission to start work as soon as they have the materials to do so. Mr. Duffy explained that their emergency fund for this year was just about depleted and prices for engineering topped $11,000. Their thought was to earmark that money towards the entire water main replacement which won’t happen for another 18 months.
Motion to grant emergency certification to install 420’ of 12” iron ductile main and submit an after-the-fact As-built when the entirety of the water main project is completed at a later date: David Harris
Second: John Murray
Mr. Schellenger wanted some clarification on the plan as to the location of the utilities, drainage, and the resource areas. Mr. Clemons pointed out that it’s the White Oak Brook corridor.
Vote: 4-0-0
Ms. Muncy asked if an After-the-Fact Notice was required. Mr. Harris said “yes, within 21 days.”
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn at 7:45 PM: John Murray
Second: David Harris
Vote: 4-0-0
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