CONSERVATION COMMISSION
February 9, 2011
7:00 PM
1130 Main Street
Holden Senior Center
MINUTES
Members Present: Matt Kennedy, Robert Lowell, Michael Krikonis, Michael Scott, Mark Helfrick, Anthony Costello, and Ken Strom
Staff Present: Pam Harding
Others: Timothy O’Reilly, NStar
The meeting began at 7:00 PM
REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY – N STAR Installation of pipe 1971-2077 Main Street. The Applicant would like to commence installation within four to six weeks. The trench will be paved approximately a week or two after installation. NSTAR has not received final approval from the client, Holden Trap Rock, to start installation.
The Applicant stated typical erosion controls will be present and it cannot be determined if the pipe installation will occur below or above the culvert. The Commission would require a dewatering plan and would like the start date to commence later in the summer months when the water table is lower. The Commission also would like the pavement patch to occur within two days for installation occurring in regulated areas. K. Strom made a motion to issue a negative determination with the following conditions:
- Construction cannot commence prior to July 1, 2011.
- An Erosion Control and dewatering plan must be submitted to the Commission for approval prior to the commencement of work.
- Pavement patch must be conducted within 24 hours for areas within the roadway and regulated area.
M Scott seconded the motion, the motion passed 7-0.
WETLAND BYLAWS AND REGULATIONS – The Commission reviewed Wetland Bylaw Regulations, which incorporated a specific definition for Vernal Pools, the establishment of a 25’ no disturb zone, and the elimination of certified abutter notification for RDA’s. The Commission agreed to amend the Vernal Pool definition in the Bylaws and take it out of the Regulations.
There was length discussion on the format requirement for electronic submissions. The format may be cost prohibitive for smaller projects. It was requested to determine what format would be compatible with the Holden GIS system. The requirement of (NAD83) / NAVD88 or NGVD29 vertical datum may be cost prohibitive for smaller projects, requiring this data for larger subdivisions and/or areas within the flood zone may be an option.
M. Scott had issue with requiring the applicant flag all wetlands within 200’ of the property, it may cause trespassing issues and the requirements should incorporate a condition stating as best as possible. M. Scott requested additional information be added to NOI plan submission requirements including utility and septic system locations.
The Commission would like a clean version of the by-law to review at the next meeting. A public hearing should be scheduled to adopt the Regulation and By-law changes.
Documents presented during review:
A draft of the Wetlands Bylaw Regulations dated 1.24.2011
can be viewed at the Department of Growth Management Conservation Agent’s Office
APPROVAL OF MINUTES –
R. Lowell made a motion to accept the minutes of September 8, 2010, M. Kirkonis seconded the motion, vote passed 4-0 in favor, Anthony Costello, M. Helfrick and Michael Scott abstained.
M. Scott made a motion to approve the minutes of November 3, 2010, A. Costello seconded the motion, the motion passed 5-0 in favor, M. Helfrick and M. Krikonis abstained.
- Costello made a motion approve the minutes of December 1, 2010, K. Strom seconded the motion passed 5-0 in favor, M. Helfrick and R. Lowell abstained.
R. Lowell made a motion to approve the January 5, 2011 minutes, M. Helfrick seconded the motion, the motion passed 5-0 in favor, A Costello and K. Strom abstained.
M. Scott made a motion to adjourn. M. Krikonis seconded the motion. Vote was 7-0, all in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 2, 2011.
The February 9, 2011 Minutes were approved on March 2, 2011.
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Pamela Harding, Conservation Agent
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