Stow Conservation Commission
Minutes
August 6, 2013
A meeting of the Stow Conservation Commission was held at the Stow Town Building, 380 Great Road, Stow, Massachusetts, on August 6, 2013 at 7:30 in the evening.
There were present: Ingeborg Hegemann Clark, Chair
Dave Coppes, Vice-Chair
Cortni Frecha
Serena Furman
Jeff Saunders
Andy Snow
Absent: Doug Morse
comprising a quorum of the Commission; also
Present: Pat Perry, SCC Coordinator
Maureen Trunfio, SCC Secretary
The Conservation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.
Approve Minutes
Dave Coppes made a motion to approve the minutes of July 2, 2013 as drafted and amended. Serena Furman seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Notice of Intent
170 Hudson Road (R-11 #7)
At 7:35 PM Ingeborg Hegemann Clark opened the public hearing for a Notice of Intent filed by Thomas Coffey for the installation of a Title V compliant septic and associated grading work on a property located at 170 Hudson Road. Coffey and Kirk Fitzpatrick of Civil Solutions was present at this meeting. Ingeborg Hegemann Clark. Cortni Frecha and Andy Snow reviewed the filing and conducted the site inspection on behalf of the Commission. The current septic system is fully within the 35-foot No Disturb Zone (NDZ).
Fitzpatrick presented the plans to the Commission. He explained that the wetlands had been located and soil borings were completed. Coffey’s well is located in the front yard. The abutting neighbor, Robert Goldstein’s, well, shown on the plan, is very close to Coffey’s property line and is within 100 feet of the proposed septic system. The Board of Health (BoH) has been involved with this process and Fitzpatrick said that both wells meet BoH parameters at present.
Abutter Robert Goldstein of 174 Hudson Road addressed the Commission. He stated that the BoH determined that his water will be tested after the new septic is installed, as a condition of approval. Goldstein questioned who would be responsible if something is wrong with his water. Hegemann Clark explained the Commission’s jurisdiction, and suggested that Goldstein speak with BoH about this concern.
The public benefit, required by the variance for the 35-foot disturbance, is the removal of the failed septic system from the wetland and out of the water table.
Dave Coppes made a motion to close the public hearing. Cortni Frecha seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Dave Coppes made a motion to issue a Negative 3 Determination for the installation of a Title V compliant septic and associated grading work on property located at 170 Hudson Road. Serena Furman seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Pilot Grove 2
NEI General Contracting Phasing Plan
Greg Roy of Ducharme & Dillis, Cecil Andrews of Granby Consultants, Mitch Finn, Project Superintendent with NEI General Contracting and Brandt Wajda, Project Manager with NEI presented to the Commission. The group addressed the phasing plan narrative proposed in their Memo dated August 1, 2013 and are seeking approval of the proposed phasing plan at this meeting. The changes noted below are in response to the Commission’s Memo dated August 1, 2013.
Phase 1 was accepted as noted in the narrative. Regarding Phase 2, the Commission required a notation that NEI was requesting permission to create a temporary access road to remove logs and chippings at West Acton Road. Phase 3 was accepted as noted in the narrative. Phase 3A changed with notation of details regarding a proposed utility trench. NEI noted that additional erosion control material will be onsite for the duration of this task. They addressed the preparation and construction of the retaining wall and added that they will provide erosion control mats during the construction of the retaining wall and slope stabilization. They added to the notation regarding the delivery, placement and grading of septic sand for the leaching field area by saying that they would provide check dams and divert
the lower section of the entrance road runoff to a temporary detention basin located at the proposed cut. NEI committed to coordinate with the Stow BoH during construction to review conditions of newly installed septic sand and use during temporary storm water runoff measures. NEI committed to remove and replace any unsuitable material as required by the BoH.
While discussing Phase 3B, NEI added that dewatering would occur onsite as required during the wetland crossing installation with regard to the excavation preparation for the installation of the arch pipe at the culvert. NEI added a notation to their memo stating that the Commission required additional erosion control measure be onsite at the time of this process.
Phases 3C, 4, 5 6 and 7 were accepted as presented without any addition input from the Commission.
Dave Coppes made a motion to approve the Construction Phasing Plan for Pilot Grove 2 Apartments submitted by NEI General Contracting. Cortni Frecha seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Draft Comprehensive Permit Policy
The Commission has been asked to review the updated poicy and provide comments to Karen Kelleher of the Planning Board (PB). After discussion the Commission felt it would be prudent to suggest that PB include a clause regarding the addition of outdoor recreation space for children.
Letter to Cemetery Committee
The Cemetery Committee requested the Commission’s input regarding the possible purchase of land adjacent to the present cemetery on Gleasondale and Box Mill Roads. As a result of their site visit, the Commission did not identify any additional wetlands other than the know wetlands. The Commission informed the Cemetery Committee that they did not review the flood plain maps. The property is within the 200 foot riverfront due to the Potash Brook as well as the Elizabeth Brook on the front of the parcel.
Serena Furman drafted a letter to the Cemetery Committee explaining the Commission’s views on the property. The Commission reviewed the letter, and offered their input. Pat Perry offered to finalized the letter and mail it to the Cemetery Committee.
57 Barton Road
The property at 57 Barton Road has a Conservation Restriction (CR) on a portion of the property abutting Bailey Brook and the Assabet River. The Stow Conservation Trust (SCT) was made aware that trees were removed in violation of the CR, including a possible wetland violation. The trees were 60 feet from the Bailey Brook. It is reported that they were cleared to enhance the owners’ view and Pat Perry recommended that a letter be sent to the homeowners notifying them that they may have violated the WPA and Stow Bylaws and request that they notify the Commission regarding a site inspection. It was determined that the Commission will allow the SCT to begin discussion with the owners and will be available for any support required.
Derby Woods Open Space
The Commission discussed the acceptance of Quitclaim Deed for the transfer of land to the Town of Stow under the management of the Conservation Commission. Pat Perry asked Town Counsel, Jon Witten, to review the document prior to the Commission’s signature and the Board of Selectmen (BoS) acceptance. It was discussed by the Commission and determined that after approval by Town Counsel, a notary will need to attend a Commission’s meeting at which time they would vote and sign the document and have it notarized.
Proposed Hemenway Farms PCD at Walcott Street (R-1 #64A & 63)
Pat Perry reported that PB has received a filing for a PCD proposed for Walcott Street. Perry informed the Commission that they will soon be receiving a NOI filing from Mark White of Bentley Builders for a proposed development off Walcott Street. Rich Harrington of Stamski & McNary will be working with White. The Commission agreed that more than one Commissioner should review the filing and be present at the site walk. Andy Snow explained that she is an abutter to the project and will need to recuse herself from all discussion.
Request for Red Line Changes to OOC #299-0541
128 Barton Road (U-2 #7)
Contractor, Bernie Christopher, visited the office and explained that he would like permission to install a 10x30 foot deck at the rear of the house instead of the proposed stairs. The deck would be supported by a maximum of 5 sono tubes and would run the length of the house at the rear. The deck would be well away from erosion controls.
The Commission advised Perry to request a revised sketch from Christopher and an explanation of what will happen to the steps.
Delaney Parking Lot
The Commission received a letter from Connie Schwartzkopf regarding debris from beer and wine bottles at the south end of the Delaney Project parking lot. She stated that she is concerned that someone may be trying to remove the gate post at this site. The BoS has responded to her and sent a copy of the letter to Fisheries and Wildlife as well as the Stow Police Department.
Developments in Heritage Lane Water Search
Dave Coppes mentioned that he spoke with Bob O’Connor of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) regarding the process. Coppes said that they are preparing to file legislation soon. Coppes said that he would send copies of sketches that Jesse Steadman of PB had compiled to O’Connor. He said he would copy Kathy Sferra and Bill Wrigley on the correspondence.
Adjournment
Cortni Frecha made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 PM. Serena Furman seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
The Commission adjourned at 9:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Trunfio
Stow Conservation Commission Secretary
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