MONSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MARCH 12, 2008
MEMBERS PRESENT: Leslie Duthie, Glenn Colburn, Donald Lambert, Tom Faulkner, and Davis Johnson
7:10 The Commission received a copy of the decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals relating to Raymond Miller 224 Hovey Road earth removal operation. The Commission does not agree with comments made by Mr. Miller during the course of the hearings and Mr. Chaves in his written affidavit that it was aware that an earth removal operation was proposed/and or operating on the property. The Commission was informed of the removal of junk, tires and metal.
There are wetlands on the property and Mr. Miller must delineate the wetlands, outline the work that is proposed, identity any wetlands surrounding the property, and file a Notice of Intent. The Commission will send a letter to Mr. Miller to inform him that there should be no work taking place until he has filed with the Commission and received an Order of Conditions.
7:30 Lot #2 Moulton Hill Road. John Girard submitted a written request to extend the Order of Conditions DEP 228-246 for Lot #2 Moulton Hill Road. He stated he installed the silt fence and a well in 2006. Complications with a project he was working on in another Town prevented him from starting the house in 2007. The silt fence needs repair and that would be done before any work commences.
Leslie Duthie stated normally the Commission does not extend an Order of Conditions unless work has begun on the property. A well has been installed it is not a lot of work but it was sufficient to say that work has commenced. Ms. Duthie stated the Commission put a lot of work and thought into the Order of Conditions for this property and urged Mr. Girard to make sure any prospective purchaser read the Conditions very carefully because there are limitations on the property. The wetlands are extensive and the property owner must be aware of what they can or cannot do.
Glenn Colburn stated he believed it would be appropriate for the Commission to extend the Order of Conditions for two years. If Mr. Girard had not finished the project in that time he could request another extension but the Commission would expect that a significant amount of the work would be complete.
Leslie Duthie moved to extend the Order of Conditions for Lot #2 Moulton Hill Road for two years.
Glenn Colburn seconded the motion.
It was so voted unanimous.
MAIL
1. Various Building Permits
2. Copy of the decision of the Monson Zoning Board of Appeals Case No: C-2008, Raymond Miller, Hovey Road.
7:55 The Commission has two or three projects that are on hold because the ground was covered with snow, Stephen Phillips, Wilbraham Road, and David Mill, Wales Road. The Commission also received a request from the Monson Cemetery Department to meet with the Department head and/or a Commissioner to look at Hillcrest Cemetery with regard to a possible expansion at the rear of the property. The filing for Wales Road, David Mill is under review by Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program and the Commission will wait to hear from them. Since the snow has melted a site visit was scheduled for Stephen Phillips, Wilbraham Road, for Tuesday March 18, 2008 at 4:30 P.M. and then to Hillcrest Cemetery probably around 5:00 P.M.
Leslie Duthie stated the Commission still has some issues to resolve with Christopher Magill, Silver Street and she would like to set up a site visit fairly soon.
Leslie Duthie stated she received a telephone call from Chuck Adams, Town Farm Road he is interested in using land owned by the Town (formerly the Tetreault property) that abuts Monson Developmental Center on Upper Palmer Road to graze cows. He is starting to expand the organic meat production part of his business and is looking for grazing land. Mr. Adams also talked of establishing a community garden on the property. Ms. Duthie stated she reminded Mr. Adams that there is a water course running through the property and the Commission would not allow the cattle to be near the river.
Davis Johnson questioned if Mr. Adams wanted to lease the land?
Leslie Duthie stated she did not know any details because she has not yet set up a meeting with Mr. Adams. There are a lot of invasive species and maybe the Commission could negotiate a trade off to take care of the invasive species and organize and run a community garden in lieu of a leasing fee.
Leslie Duthie stated she also spoke with Mr. Adams regarding a foot-bridge he would like to put across a stream. He has a large field that he uses to grow and sell day lilies and would like to put in a foot bridge so that customers can park their cars off of the road in the field next door and walk across the bridge to the day lily field.
Glenn Colburn stated he believed Mr. Adams should file a Request for Determination.
Leslie Duthie stated she has received several enquiries about replanting the trees that were removed from Main Street. Most of the tree removal was on privately owned land and it would mean getting in touch with the various property owners. She stated she was in the midst of ordering trees at work and could incorporate these with the order. It is not an expensive proposition approximately $5.00 for a 5-foot high tree. The question is where to put them?
The Commission discussed various locations on Main Street particularly the old academy buildings. It would be nice to get permission from the land owner to replant those trees.
Donald Lambert stated he would suggest pin oaks they stay nice and compact.
Dave Johnson moved to accept the minutes of February 27, 2008 as written.
Glenn Colburn seconded the motion.
It was so voted unanimous.
8:40 Leslie Duthie moved to adjourn.
Donald Lambert seconded the motion.
It was so voted unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda A. Hull
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