Conservation Commission
August 21, 2008
Minutes
Land Use Meeting Room
Members present:
Chair Neal Carpenter, NC; Joe Strauch, JS; Tim Flanagan, TF; Vince Ammendola, VA; Rose Fitzgerald Casey, RFC; David Lane, DL;
Absent with notification: Dick Ferren, DF
Kate Harding - Lenox High School - "Project Nature". Ms. Harding described a project for an eighth grade class in which the class would clean a detention basin on the site of the Lenox Memorial Middle and High School. JS suggested that the students include in their project a map of the basin and plant identification. TF suggested that Ms. Harding use this opportunity to teach the students that wetlands are protected, though this is not a jurisdictional wetland.
Request for Determination of Applicability, Jennifer Sagalyn 40 Sargent Brook Road, Map 1 Parcel 29. Construction of a 10 foot by 12 foot shed.
There was a site visit on August 15, 2008 that was attended by TF, JS and NC. VA and DL went to view the site on another date.
Eric Melle of Greylock Design Associates presented the RDA. Due to drainage concerns, the Commission opposed the original plan submitted to locate the pre-constructed shed (already on the site) on the right hand side of the property. Mr. Melle amended the RDA and plans to show the location on the other side of the lot, at the front of Ms. Sagalyn’s driveway. (The plan dated May 25, 2007 was revised on August 20, 2008 to reflect the new location.)
DL made a motion to issue a Negative III Determination with the shed being moved to the other side of the property as it is shown on the revised plan. JS seconded the motion. The Commission approved 6-0.
7:45 pm Notice of Intent, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Hallowell Meadows, East St., Map 4 Parcel 29. Hiking trail.
Emily Stockman of Stockman Associates, Bryan Emmett of Berkshire Natural Resources Council and Commissioners JS, TF and NC attended a site visit on August 15, 2008.
Bryan Emmett presented the NOI. He stated that there is access to Hallowell Meadows from East St. To get to the back side of the area, hikers would have to cross a wetland. He explained that the meadow is a complex area of wetlands, so they chose the narrowest spot to place a bridge for crossing the wetlands.
At the site visit, the Commission requested that the area for proposed mitigation and enhancement be calculated based on the entire footprint of the bridge structure. The footprint of the sills accounts for 39 square feet of impact and the planks will count for another 111 square feet of impact. BNRC plans to provide for approximately 300 square feet of enhancement-control of woody invasive plants at the wetland site.
RFC made a motion to issue the Order of Conditions and TF seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 6-0.
8:00 pm Notice of Intent, Richard Heiss, Sargent Brook Road, Map 1 Lot 2 of Parcel 35, (aka Clearview). Continue to mow an existing 6’ wide grass path through the buffer zone and BVW to Laurel Lake; mow a 12’ by 12’ sitting area; install a boat rack, 2 pipes for attachment of removable floating dock, weed wack parcel two times a year and remove invasive shrubs.
Ms. Ceresia presented the NOI. Present were three parties who share ownership. NC discussed the history of violations of clearing this property. Since 2006 he has approached individuals who were clearing and advised them to cease the work. The owners denied responsibility stating that they did not own the property at the time.
The Commission explained that this property is all wetland and is protected on the lake side of the delineation markers.
Offering a compromise, Ms. Ceresia suggested a reduction of the mowed path. The Commission felt that the path should not be wider than three feet, but still had reservations due to the fact that usage would destroy vegetation. The applicants did not have specifics as to the size of the boat rack and capacity, how much abutting area would be disturbed by retrieving and replacing the kayaks. The Commission did not look favorably upon a cleared area for placement of lawn furniture. It was decided that since the plan lacked specifics, the hearing would be continued. The applicants were instructed to present a planting plan, and specifics on other items requested.
8:00 Notice of Intent, Mass Highway 270 Main St., Map 17 Parcel 57. Capping of an inactive solid waste disposal area. Continued from August 7, 2008. (Originally on the April 17, 2008 agenda.) Continued to September 4, 2008.
August 7, 2008 Minutes: DL made a motion to approve the minutes as presented and VA seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 6-0.
Other business:
· JS provided every one a copy of the Open Space Five Year Action Plan. The Commissioners reviewed and discussed.
· GE-Housatonic-Critical environmental concerns. VA will compose a letter and present at the next meeting.
RFC made a motion to adjourn and VA seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
| 
