TOWN OF RUTLAND
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES: JUNE 2, 2015
MEETING OPENED: 7:05 PM
Attendance
Board Members Present: Joe Dell’Aquila, Chairman; Shawn Moore; Eric Bigelow; Willard Cannon; Peter Craine; Scott Landgren
Board Members Absent: Nancy Nichols
Guests
Peter & Joyce Hitchcock
Application Submissions
NONE
Votes
Minutes from May 19, 2015 – Motion to approve minutes made by Shawn, seconded by Willard; vote unanimous at 7:08 PM.
Shawn nominates Joe as Chairman for another year – Motion made by Shawn, seconded by Willard; vote unanimous at 8:10 PM.
Joe nominates Peter for Vice-Chairman for the year – Motion made by Joe, Willard seconded; vote unanimous at 8:13 PM.
Motion to close meeting – Motion made by Shawn, seconded by Eric; vote unanimous at 8:19 PM.
Hearings
NONE
Discussions
Irish Lane, Bushy Lane & Barrack Hill Road
The Board of Selectmen has voted to proceed with millings on the road. Joe said one advantage is this will be better for the environment. Usually we have to only have a say if they are going into wetlands, but this is not the case.
Joe explained that DPW’s get a lot of exemptions from the laws and that is to make it easier to do their jobs. This qualifies as emergency maintenance and general maintenance. They notify us and they protect the wetlands very well. The Board of Selectmen voted to go ahead with the work. Peter H. has been there for over 50 years and doesn’t see why this needs to be done. Joe stated Brintnal and Sassawanna Roads are the only designated dirt roads, and Irish Lane is not considered a historical road.
Scott said this is milling, not paying. Joyce said that the Board of Selectmen already told her they will be paving in 4-5 years. Joe said it is not the same as dirt, but milling is good.
Peter H. said that leeching carcinogenic & hazards could go into the wetlands. Joe told him that because milling is used stuff most if not all of the toxins will be out so he doesn’t think this will be an issue. Also he passed a map around of the area with the wetlands highlighted. Joe explained what the Conservation Commission’s job is and what falls under our purview; our primary purpose making sure that the wetlands are not damaged or infringed upon. Some projects we can condition, but cannot stop a project. Joe said Irish Lane was going to be reserved as the last one to be done because of the Conservation Commission’s area of concern.
Peter H. said he thought Irish Lane would be first according to what Gary Kelleher told him. Joe said that we will watch and make sure the wetlands are good. Peter H. asked about the runoff. Scott believes it will be the same as it is now with it running on the sides. Scott said he has milling in his driveway and it is great, even great to plow. Currently they have to grade Irish Lane and this will not have to happen after the milling is put down. Eric thinks that with all the traffic on Irish Lane the milling may shift and move. Joe believes that silt fencing will be put up to protect the wetlands.
Joyce said that people are saying there is a vernal pool around there. Joe said it would matter as far as the road milling work. Peter H. asked about what impact this would have on wells and septic systems; Joe said that they should speak to the Board of Health for those questions.
Request for Determination of Applicability
Heifer International. There is a certified vernal pool in the area. Site walk before next meeting.
Reviewed Mail
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen Wamback
Secretary
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