Minutes approved 12-15-05
Page 1 of 4
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
78 Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749
(978) 568-9625
Martin Moran, Chairman David Esteves, Member Misty-Anne Marold, Member
Paul Byrne, Member Joseph Rodrigues, Member Judith Sabourin, Member
W. Minot Wood, Member
Minutes
November 3, 2005, 7:00 P.M.
1.0 Preliminaries
1.1. Marty Moran opened the meeting at 7:00 PM
1.2. Roll Call: Marty Moran, Paul Byrne, David Esteves, Misty-Anne Marold, Judy Sabourin, Joe Rodrigues. Also in attendance Katrina Proctor, Conservation Agent. Minot Wood Absent.
1.3. Additions or deletions to the agenda
2.0 Hearings and Appointments 7:00 P.M.
2.1 Discussion: Danforth Lot w/Tony Marques, Director of Public Works
Tony Marques was not in attendance. Dave Howard from Dufresne & Henry presented to the Commission. Dufrensne & Henry began investigating with ENSR’s previous investigation. There are 7 bedrock wells and this is the last chance for the town to find a good groundwater supply. Groundwater is better than surface water. They have performed geophysical studies throughout town and would like to drill at the Danforth Lot. Other potential areas of interest are Gates Pond and another near Walmart by Fort Meadow Reservoir.
Judy Sabourin stated that she would hate for the Town to give up conservation land.
Mr. Howard noted that the well must maintain a 400 ft. protective radius.
The town would start with a 6” well and then ream it to an 8” which would be sufficient for the testing. The pumping test would last 10 days. Mr. Howard presented maps. The water from the pumping test would be discharged into the river. If the well was approved, an access road would be needed and a small pumping station (20’ X 30’). He noted that the property could still be used for passive recreation. There was reference to the Water Management Act. The access road would not necessarily need to be paved or permanent.
Marty Moran noted that if the Commission were to consider allowing the pumping test to go forward, a Notice of Intent would need to be filed.
2.2 Continuance - Notice of Intent (DEP #190-457
Applicant/Owner: Todd Marsh, Paramount Construction
Location: Coolidge Street Map 19 Parcels 214 & 215
Project Description: Construction of a retail store, associated parking lot and retaining walls within the Buffer Zone of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands.
New plans received 10/28/05. It was noted that the Operation and Maintenance plan was not submitted. Steve Poole needs to send the plans to Alan Wells of SEA Consultants for the peer review. Poole noted that the Planning Board met on the project Tuesday night and would like to perform a site visit. The next Planning Board meeting is December 6th. There was discussion about the 18ft. wide paved fire lane being paved and also the snow area. Poole stated that the Fire Chief has required the fire lane to be paved. Dave Esteves made a motion to write a letter to the Fire Chief asking him to reconsider allowing the fire lane to be constructed with pavers to allow for pervious drainage. The motion was seconded by Judy Sabourin with all in favor.
Marty Moran made a motion to continue the hearing on December 15th, seconded by Joe Rodrigues with all in favor.
2.3 Continuance Hearing - Notice of Intent (DEP 190-463)
Applicant: David J. Quinn
Project Description: construction of a gravel access driveway from Old North road to the proposed building site of Lot #2, including work in the Buffer Zone and a “limited project” wetland crossing.
New plans received 10/28/05.
The Commission was in agreement with the change of plans for an alternative wetland crossing. The first crossing has 2570 sf wetland alteration with the loss of 27 large trees. The alternative includes approx. 50 sf more wetland alteration, however ½ of the trees will be lost.
Dave Crossman wetland scientist was present for the hearing.
Poole noted that the Planning Board is waiving construction of the subdivision road until such time when the owners of both lots are not related. The applicant has not yet received permission from the gas company to cross the gas line. It was noted that the storm water note needs to be taken off the plan. The Planning Board will meet on this project again on December 6th.
Paul Byrne made a motion to continue the meeting on December 15th, seconded by Judy Sabourin with all in favor.
2.4 Notice of Intent
Applicant: Paul Blazer, Town of Hudson
Location: South Street and Houghton Street
Description: reconstruction of South Street within existing right-of-way and reconstruction of
Town owned parking lot within limits of existing lot. Associated work includes removal of all overhead utilities within limits of project and construction of new underground utilities. Landscape amenities include period lighting, trees and tree grates, brick accent strips and a destination feature gazebo in the municipal parking.
Michelle Ciccolo, Community Development Coordinator was present for the meeting.
The South Street Park will begin construction early spring.
Tannery Brook project was funded for construction only. The town needs to design the project on a tight time frame. Money must be spent by June 30th.
The project stated a couple of years ago.
This project proposed this evening includes reconstruction of the existing right-of way from Washington to Main St. to South St to Broad Street.
It is proposed that South St. will have new sidewalks, vertical curbing, trees in the municipal parking lot . The project falls under the Commission’s jurisdiction in 4 areas within the 200 ft. Riverfront Area.
The commission discussed ongoing problems with snow removal at the municipal parking lots and also the use of salt. As this is an existing condition, the Commission will need to discuss this with Tony Marques, DPW Director.
Another improvement includes moving the three catch basins further into the parking lot and installing deep sumps (Vortex). Granite curbing will be utilized around the entire parking lot.
Stormwater Management Policy and Plan was discussed. DPW has agreed to clean the Vortex systems which requires a special vacuum truck. At this time the town subcontracts for this maintenance. Paul Byrne recommended that the parking lot be swept every year given that it is so close to the Assabet River.
The Commission expressed concern with the dumpster at Horseshoe Pub.
Paul Byrne made a motion to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions.
Marty Moran in favor of the motion.
Paul Byrne in favor of the motion.
Judy Sabourin in favor of the motion.
David Esteves in favor of the motion.
Joe Rodrigues in favor of the motion.
Misty-Anne Marold opposed.
Minot Wood absent.
Vote 5-1-0 motion carried.
2.5 Request for Determination (HUD#318)
Applicant: Bruce Lafreniere
Location: 85 Fort Meadow Dr.
Description: (After-the-fact filing) A 12’ X 12’ shed was built on a cement pad and 10 trees were cut within 100 ft of Fort Meadow Reservoir without a permit.
Katrina Proctor explained she has been working with the applicant and required him to file an “after the fact” filing for tree cutting and construction of a shed.
Mr. Lafreniere explained that when he bought the house there was a 36” deep cement slab. He constructed the shed on top of the slab. He bought the property September 2004. He said that one of the neighbor’s trees was leaning over his house. His intention is to double the size of the existing home. Plans are being developed at this time. He stated that some of the trees he cut were hollow and not well. He explained that he did not know that he needed a permit to cut the trees down.
The Commission discussed erosion problems and the need for a new planting plan.
Paul Byrne made a motion to continue the hearing to November 17th at 7:00 PM, seconded by Joe Rodrigues with all in favor.
3.0 Work Session
3.1.1 Paul Byrne made a motion to accept the minutes of October 20, 2005 as amended seconded by Misty-Anne Marold with all in favor.
3.2 Vouchers – none.
3.3 Proposed Budget FY’07 to be discussed at the next meeting.
3.4 Oakwood Group – Chestnut St. – Proctor and Byrne updated the commission on the small subdivision on Chestnut St. DPW was not concerned with the clear water running onto Chestnut St. Proctor saw clear water. Earlier Byrne witnessed turbid water running off site. The developer reported that he had not connected the catch basins because the detention area did not have enough established vegetation to withstand the storm.
3.5 Portuguese Club – David Esteves reported that the Portuguese Club is a disaster and needs a site visit to gain compliance with the Order.
4.0 Correspondence
5.0 Pending
5.1 Enforcement Order River’s Edge Zina Farms (DEP 190-0440)
5.2 Create an Order of Conditions inspection sign off card.
6.0 Advertisements and Conferences
6.1 American Public Health Association Annual Meeting Philadelphia, PA 12/10 – 12/14.
7.0 Commentary
8.0 Adjournment - Marty Moran made a motion to close the public hearing at 9:30 PM, seconded by Paul Byrne with all in favor.
Minutes respectfully submitted by:
Katrina Proctor, Conservation Agent
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