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
December 1, 2005, 7:00 P.M.
1.0 Preliminaries
1.1. Chairman Marty Moran opened the meeting at 7:00 P.M.
1.2. Roll Call: Marty Moran, Paul Byrne, Dave Esteves, Joe Rodrigues and Judy Sabourin. Also in attendance Conservation Agent Katrina Proctor. Absent: Minot Wood and Misty-Anne Marold.
1.3. Additions or deletions to the agenda
2.0 Hearings and Appointments 7:00 P.M.
2.1 Continuance Request for Determination of Applicability (HUD#318)
Applicant: Bruce Lafreniere
Location: 85 Fort Meadow Dr.
Project 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.
Marty Moran said that the applicant needed more time to prepare the plan as requested by the Commission at the meeting on November 17th.
Marty Moran made a motion to continue the hearing to December 15, 2005, seconded by Paul Byrne with all in favor.
2.2 Request for Determination of Applicability (HUD#319)
Applicant: Thomas Otenti
Location: 81 Fort Meadow Dr.
Project Description: removal of 4 trees along the shoreline of Fort Meadow Reservoir and install 3 shrubs.
A site visit was performed by Joe Rodrigues, Marty Moran, Judy Sabourin and Katrina Proctor. Proctor read aloud Misty-Anne Marold’s comments sent by email. “ Only trees that pose a hazard should be removed. The WPA only permits a vista pruning exemption if you are more than 50 feet from mean annual high water and does not result in loss of more than 10% of canopy cover. The trees in question are within a few feet of the water and would probably reduce the canopy cover by greater than 10%. The reasoning of the applicant, to make a manicured lawn, is counter to the interests of the Act.”
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The canopy cover was discussed. The owner felt that the trees are going to eventually fall into the water. He said that the canopy does not shade the lake. He presented a plan indicating replacing the trees with three shrubs. Marty Moran said that the replanting plan is inadequate and he would like to see a row of shrubs. Katrina Proctor provided a copy of a planting plan from a previous Order of Conditions as recommended by the Commission.
Marty Moran made a motion to issue a negative determination to remove 4 trees with the provision that the owner plant 7 shrubs at the top of the slope per the planting plan, and with the following condition:
1) The applicant must notify the Commission of the date when the trees will be cut
2) The applicant must schedule and inspection with the Commission when the shrubs are planted.
The motion was seconded by Joe Rodrigues with all in favor.
Vote 5-0-0 Motion carried.
2.3 Request for Determination (HUD #320)
Applicant: Nikoleta Benander
Location: 21C Worcester Ave.
Project Description: abandon the existing cesspools and install a new, Title 5 compliance septic system outside the buffer zone of the lake. In order to accomplish this, it will be required to install a septic tank and pump chamber at the rear of the house to collect existing discharges and pump them up to the proposed leaching area. This will include short term excavation for the tanks and piping, which will be backfilled and loamed and seeded as soon as possible after completion.
Steve Poole explained that the Board of Health approved the septic system last night.
Paul Byrne made a motion to issue a negative determination, seconded by Marty Moran with all in favor.
2.4Discussion w/Deborah Woodcock re: forest research project at Tripp’s Pond.
Ms. Woodcock explained that she wants to put together a small urban forest study at Lamson Park/Tripp’s Pond. She explained that she’d like to take core samples of some trees. She explained that the process is noninvasive and core samples are taken using a hand auger. The core sample is less than 5 millimeters in size to the center core of the tree. After the extraction the hole is sealed with silicone. She explained the purpose is to study ecology and forest history. She explained that this area has a high diversity forest. She stated that this study may be interesting for forest management. She requested to sample and study three (3) plots and will write up all the information and share it with the Commission.
While the Commission had no problems with the core samples they informed Ms. Woodcock that the land is managed by the Recreation Department and stated that she would need permission from Linda Ghiloni the Recreation Director.
3.0 Work Session
3.1 Minutes
3.1.1 November 03, 2005 – tabled.
3.1.2 November 17, 2005 – tabled.
3.2 Vouchers
3.2.1 Paul Byrne made a motion to approve the voucher for John Scichilone, Constable Services to deliver Enforcement Order $35.00, seconded by Joe Rodrigues with all in favor.
3.3 Sign Order of Conditions (DEP #190-466) – signed.
Evergreen Homes, Lakeshore Dr./Lower Rd.
3.4 Commission appointment/reappointments
3.4.1 Marty Moran stated that he is not going to ask for reappointment and he would like to work an associate member with a focus on Conservation Land.
3.4.2 Minot Wood said he may renew his appointment.
3.4.3 Judy Sabourin explained that would consider staying on until another candidate is found.
4.0 Correspondence
5.0 Pending
5.1 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 – Paul Byrne made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 pm, seconded by David Esteves with all in favor.
Minutes respectfully submitted by:
Katrina Proctor
Conservation Agent
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