HANSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 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 Kemmett, Chairman, in Meeting Room A at the Town Hall.
Present: John Kemmett, Chairman
John Murray, Clerk
David Harris, Member
Phil Clemons, Associate Member
Absent: Frank Schellenger, Vice Chairman
Also Present: Laurie Muncy, Agent
Rebecca Nehiley, Administrative Assistant
Minutes
Motion to approve minutes of September 10, 2013: David Harris
Second: John Murray
Vote: 3-0-0
Discussions
Enforcement issues
Ms. Muncy had a court hearing on Monday with the owner of 196 Main Street to discuss the unauthorized land clearing and ATV use on the shoreline of Indian Head Pond. The Clerk Magistrate requested a compromise from the two parties. Ms. Muncy said that the Commission had attempted at least three times to seek compliance. Ms. Muncy added that she would be willing to forgo the $300 fine if erosion control was installed immediately to protect the wetlands. The owner sought relief from the Enforcement Order for which Ms. Muncy said she was not in a position to negotiate and that the owner would have to come in and speak with the Commission.
The Clerk Magistrate then continued the hearing until 1/29/14. Ms. Muncy wants the haybales and silt fence installed right away and if the owner is not in full compliance by January, the fine will be reinstated and criminal charges may be brought at that point. Ms. Muncy is scheduled to meet with the owner onsite next Wednesday at 10 AM to show her where the 50’ and 100’ buffer zones are and to indicate where the erosion control should be placed.
Update from Phil Clemons on the Bid proposals for Smitty’s Bog and Camp Kiwanee
To begin with, Mr. Clemons mentioned that “progress continues” in regard to the Stone Property. The selectmen have signed the Purchase and Sales agreement which is contingent upon three things: A positive Town Meeting vote, funding from the State Grant, and a successful site assessment. The P & S was forwarded to Mr. Stone’s attorney and the fully executed original will be returned to the selectmen’s office.
Secondly, the selectmen’s office solicited bids by Request for Proposals (RFP) for the phragmites removal at Camp Kiwanee and phragmites removal and water control structure (WCS) removal at Smitty’s Bog. Four bids in total were received: one for Camp Kiwanee and three for the WCS removal at Smitty’s Bog. Mr. Clemons commented that because Camp Kiwanee is upstream, there is no reason not to start there with the invasive species control. He added that if the cost for the phragmites removal at Smitty’s Bog side is less than $25,000, than perhaps we can request a quotation rather than go through the RFP process again. Also, a determination has to be made on how to proceed with the Atlantic White Cedar Plantings and the
deer fencing.
Mr. Murray commented that the road into Smitty’s Bog needs to be re-graded. Mr. Clemons replied that the edge of the road must be legally defined so that people stop trespassing off of the Right-of-Way. Also, a specific plan for parking is needed. Mr. Kemmett suggested that the Commission hire Steve Wry of Land Planning to come up with a Plan so as to have details on paper with specifications. Ms. Nehiley was instructed to call Mr. Wry and ask him for an estimate.
Ms. Muncy mentioned that she has an issue with the dumping of trash at the boat ramp. She has been going weekly to the site based on complaints that were received. The last time she was there, she filled two construction bags with debris and was able to convince the Highway Department to pick them up. Also, Ms. Muncy asked the Police Department to make nightly patrols of the area as kids(?) were lighting fires on the boat ramp. Mr. Murray interjected to say that someone was using a chainsaw to cut trees at the Webster-Billings Conservation Area. Ms. Nehiley said that we still had No Dumping Allowed signs left over.
A discussion ensued as to who would present what articles at Town Meeting. Mr. Murray commented that he would not make the meeting of October 15th. Mr. Clemons added that he won’t be here on the 29th. Ms. Nehiley will check on Mr. Schellenger’s availability as this presents a quorum issue. Ms. Muncy suggested that the Commission take a look at the site at 116 Woodman Terrace which is on the next agenda as a public hearing.
Estimate from John W. Delano & Associates for review of 100 Hawks Ave., Litecontrol property – signed
Old Business/New Business
Order of Resource Area Delineation for 452-554 West Washington Street for Arthur and Richard Borgeson (DEP #SE175-0635) – signed
Order of Conditions to raze an existing dwelling and construct a new single family dwelling at 314 Woodbine Ave., Map 3, Lot 7 for Jeff Gosselin, Coastlines, LLP and owners Joseph and Irena Bertha Murphy (DEP #SE175-0634) – signed
Reimbursement/Invoice – signed
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn at 8:10 PM: David Harris
Second: John Kemmett
Vote: 3-0-0
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