Conservation Commission
Minutes of July 25, 2013
Public Hearings
Mashpee Town Hall
Waquoit Meeting Room
Commissioners: Chairman John Fitzsimmons, Vice Chairman Ralph Shaw, Mark Gurnee, Robert Anderson and John Rogers
Staff Present: Drew McManus (Conservation Agent) and Judy Daigneault (Recording Secretary)
Call Meeting to Order: 5:55 p.m.
The meeting was called to order with a quorum by Chairman Fitzsimmons at 5:55 p.m.
There was no public comment
Pre/Post Hearing Agenda:
Mark Burtis – Presentation of helical anchoring systems for floats.
Mark Burtis, Little River Boat Yard, along with his son Chris gave a presentation of the helical anchoring systems for floats. He demonstrated how the system operates. He explained that the State does not allow 10A floats to be fixed. He is proposing to bolt 3 or 4 inch pipes onto the system and eliminate the chain. He said this would prevent any damage to the eel grass which is now flourishing through the efforts of the Conservation Commission as well as the estuary people. He asked the Commissioners if he could install these which would hold the float in a fixed position. It would solve the sheering problem and ensure that the customer wouldn’t find their floats on shore.
Agent McManus felt that this is a much better anchoring system. Impacts to sheering of the eel grass are the scouring from the chains on the 10A floats. This would at least address one of the issues. There was a discussion if DEP needs to approve this. Drew McManus said he will check with DEP. Mr. Burtis noted that these are also effective on a mooring when a bungee cord is used with the anchoring system. The anchors would be removed for the winter. The price is equal to a bottom anchor mooring about $1200.
Mr. Burtis explained a 10A float is administered and issued by the Harbormaster. The goal is to have an anchoring system that will stop the scouring of the eel grass and a stronger anchor that will guard against storm damage. It is the same application for a boat with a swing instead of a fixed pipe. A chain or a bungee cord needs to be used.
There was a discussion on the 10A floats and the language in the regulations.
Drew explained the anchoring system is much more eco friendly. These would be on the footprint of the float and allow for a no chain application. Two are used for each float.
Mr. Burtis said the Harbormaster stated that if the Commission approves it, he is fine with it. The Commissioners wanted to wait on a decision until after Mr. McManus writes a letter to DEP showing the advantages of the system along with pictures.
HEARINGS
6:00 Theodore G. Ell and Maureen E. Creedon, 14 Pam Lane. Removal of three trees. Continued from July 11, 2013. Applicant requests continuance to August 8, 2013. RDA
Motion made, seconded and unanimously carried to continue the hearing to August 8, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.
6:03 Robert W. and Susan M. Hughes, 2 Shore Drive. Reconfigure floatation dock. RDA
Resource Area: Land Under Ocean, LSCSF
Material Submitted: 2 Shore Drive
Mark Burtis, Little River Boat Yard, represented Robert and Susan Hughes. He explained that they have a problem with shoaling with the existing float. Plans call for relocation of the dock out into deeper water and not have it on the bottom when the tide goes out. It is a reconfiguration of the existing structure.
Agent McManus stated that this is reconfiguration of the existing float and. recommended a negative determination. He stated that the Shellfish Constable has no issue with the proposal.
Mr. Burtis noted that everything will be upgraded and signage will be installed.
No comments from the public.
Motion made, seconded and unanimously carried for a Negative Determination.
6:06 David M. Ferris and Ana Salceda Ferris, 36 Seconsett Point Road. Install 4x65; elevated walkway over salt marsh.
Resource Area: Salt March, LSCSF, Bordering Vegetated Wetland
Material Submitted: 36 Seconsett Point Road, RDA
Mark Burtis, Little River Boat Yard, represented the Ferris’s. He referred to the picture showing the walkway they have been using for years. The intent is to use the flow through decking to build on top of the path to eliminate the scouring from the foot traffic. Mr. Burtis said he installation of another set of stairs would eliminate foot traffic and the all the vegetation to regenerate.
Agent McManus stated this is a straightforward application to eliminate foot tramping through the marsh. He said that the flow through decking which allows 70% sunlight through the material should promote regeneration of the vegetation. The material is plastic composite with holes in it. The Harbormaster is fine with it because it doesn’t go over water.
No comment from the public.
Motion made, seconded and unanimously voted for a Negative Determination
6:09 Burton M. Sack, Trustee, 37 Shoestring Bay Road. Remove two existing pipes and replace with installation of two 12” diameter pilings within same footprint. RDA
Resource Area: Land Under Ocean, LSCSF
Material Submitted: 37 Shoestring Bay Road
Mark Burtis, Little River Boatyard, represented Mr. Sack. Mr. Burtis stated that Mr. Sack has been through several of these pipes and it is not an effective way of holding the dock. A piling would ensure the dock would stay in place.
Agent McManus stated that it is standard procedure to replace metal pipes with 12” diameter wood piles in the same footprint in order to secure the piles in place so they don’t become storm water debris. No other changes are proposed.
No comments from the public.
Motion made and seconded and unanimously carried for a Negative Determination.
6:12 Robert J. and Jennifer Monteith,, 19 Manitoba Road. Pump and fill existing septic system and upgrade with installation of new gravity fed Title V septic system. RDA
Resource Area: Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flow, LSCSF
Materials Submitted: 19 Manitoba Road
Peter McEntee was represented the Monteith’s. A new Title V septic system will replace the existing 30 year old tank. He said for the record they are in the B Zone not the A and will submit a corrected plan.
Agent McManus read a letter from the Board of Health approving the plan on July 10 for a Title V Septic System.
No comments from the public.
Motion made, seconded and unanimously carried for a Negative Determination.
6:15 John R. and Loran B. Kovalcik, 48 Godfrey Road. Remove four diseased pine trees and prune 3 oak trees.
No one present. Drew asked for a continuance on behalf of the applicants for August 8 at 6:03.
Motion made, seconded and unanimously carried to continue hearing to August 8 at 6:03 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Motion, moved, seconded and unanimously voted to approve the minutes of June 27, 2013.
Drew McManus stated the July 11 minutes will be approved at a later date.
Wooden Guardrail Proposal for David G. Sharpe Conservation Area ($2,262.00)
Agent McManus showed a picture of the Wooden Guardrail at the David Sharpe Conservation Area at Santuit Pond The DPW installed the fence a few years ago. It has been vandalized and is now an eyesore. Rather than have DPW install a similar fence, Mr. McManus asked DPW Director Catherine Laurent to submit a proposal for the cost of a sturdier fence. He stated that the estimate for the fence is $2,262. The price includes materials and installation. He requested a release of funds and approval of the fence. It would come out of the Acquisition of Land and Maintenance Account.
Motion made, seconded and unanimously carried to approve the release of funds for the installation of guardrail fence in the amount of $2,262.
Louis DiMeo – Request to become Associate Commissioner
Agent McManus referred to a letter of interest to become an Associate Commissioner from Louis DiMeo. Drew stated he met with Mr. DiMeo and described to him what is involved in being an Associate Member. Mr. DiMeo sent his letter of interest to the Commission. He has environmental background.
Motion, made, seconded and unanimously carried to endorse Louis DiMeo to be an Associate Commissioner.
Agent McManus referred to an Order of Condition for 196 Captains Row. It was a coastal bank stabilization project rebuilding an old bank hill wall. The Order of Conditions with original signatures was misplaced, so he asked that the Commissioners sign it again. There is no change.
Mr. McManus noted there is a slight change in the Agenda. Certificates of Compliance are included so the Commissioners can ask questions and know what they are signing.
Agent McManus stated that Mr. Smith put the plantings too close to the salt area so they died. He will be working with Mr. Smith to put them further upland. He would not release the COC until compliance has been met.
Agent McManus stated he received grant application for the Cape Cod Extensions County Grant Program which is for conservation projects or environmental projects. Last year he received $4,000 for the Moody Pond regrading of the road and creating a 4 car parking lot. He asked the Board for any suggestions. He can apply for up to $4,000. Following a discussion, the commissioners suggested the guardrail previously discussed and an osprey nest on Gooseberry Island.
Motion made. Seconded and unanimously carried to adjourn. Meeting adjourned 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Daigneault
Recording Secretary
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