Stow Conservation Commission
Minutes
November 3, 2014
A meeting of the Stow Conservation Commission was held at the Stow Town Building, 380 Great Road, Stow, Massachusetts, on November 3, 2014 at 7:30 in the evening.
There were present: Cortni Frecha, Chair
Andy Snow, Vice-Chair
Ingeborg Hegemann Clark
Sandra Grund
Jeff Saunders
Absent: Serena Furman
Doug Morse
comprising a quorum of the Commission
Also present: Kathy Sferra, Conservation Coordinator
Jacquelyn Goring, Conservation Assistant
The Conservation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.
Approve Minutes
Ingeborg Hegemann Clark made a motion to approve the Executive Session minutes of September 16, 2014 as drafted. Sandra Grund seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Andy Snow made a motion to approve the minutes of October 21, 2014 as drafted and amended. Sandra Grund seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Orders of Conditions (#299-0582)
220 Barton Road (U-2 #34)
At the Commission’s October 21, 2014 meeting the Commission closed the hearing for a Notice of Intent (NOI) filed by Steve Poole of Lakeview Engineering for removal and reconstruction of retaining walls, site grading and landscaping at 220 Barton Road. The Commission reviewed and amended a draft of the Order.
Andy Snow made a motion to approve and issue the Order of Conditions for the Notice of Intent filed by Steve Poole of Lakeview Engineering for removal and reconstruction of retaining walls, site grading and landscaping at 220 Barton Road. Jeff Saunders seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. Ingeborg Hegemann Clark was not present for the hearing therefore abstained.
Orders of Conditions (#299-0585)
553 Sudbury Road (U-6 #15-A)
At the Commission’s October 21, 2014 meeting they closed the hearing for a request for a Notice of Intent (NOI) filed by Blu Homes, Inc. for demolition and reconstruction of a single family dwelling, septic system and associated site work at 553 Sudbury Road. The Commission reviewed a draft of the Order.
Andy Snow made a motion to approve and issue the Order of Conditions filed by Blu Homes, Inc. for demolition and reconstruction of a single family dwelling, septic system and associated site work at 553 Sudbury Road. Sandra Grund seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. Ingeborg Hegemann Clark was not present for the hearing therefore abstained.
Request to Approve Plan Revision (#299-0583)
10 Ministers Way (U-10 #50-1)
Kathy Sferra reported to the Commission that she met with Patrick Ellsworth of McCarthy Pools to review the access issues to the backyard of 10 Ministers Way. Sferra noted that Ellsworth requested to change the grade in the access area because trucks will not be able to safely access the backyard. Ellsworth displayed a revised plan that proposed creating a level area for trucks to access the backyard. Ellsworth noted that the left hand side of the house is the only way to access the backyard due to the septic system located the right side of the home.
Ellsworth proposed creating a temporary level area inside the hay bales and removing three trees including a diseased oak, an unhealthy 8” maple and a healthy oak. Ellsworth noted that stone would be used to level the area at a three to one pitch to avoid material falling into the wetland. Cortni Frecha asked if the grass clippings in the area will be removed and if the leveling would require roots to be cut. Ellsworth confirmed that the grass clippings have been removed and the area can be stabilized without root cutting.
The pool is planned to be installed this fall and the patio work will be completed in the spring requiring the level stone area to remain through the winter. Ellsworth explained that no material will be higher than the erosion controls. Sferra noted that she confirmed the erosion controls had been properly placed during her site visit and that no grading will take place within the 35 foot no disturb buffer. Sferra confirmed with Ellsworth that the leveling would require removal of approximately one foot of material. Jeff Saunders noted that the stone could be left in place and loam and seed put over the stone to avoid additional damage. Frecha noted the area could be left level to support trucks entering the backyard in the future. The Commission discussed the revisions to the plan and Order of Conditions.
Ingeborg Hegemann Clark made a motion to approve redline revisions to the existing Order of Conditions for 10 Ministers Way. Andy Snow seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Coordinator’s Report
UMASS Forum – Stow Center - Sferra reported to the Commission that she and Cortni Frecha attended the UMASS Forum regarding Stow Center on October 30, 2014. Sferra noted that the majority in attendance of the meeting were in favor of making 323 Great Road a park with few attendees favoring affordable housing.
Lower Village Water - Sferra told the Commission that she is working with the Town Administrator, Planning Department and the three Lower Village business owners to draft a lease agreement between the Town of Stow and the business owners.
Invasive Species Mapping - Sferra told the Commission that she spoke with Chris Polatin regarding invasive species mapping and that his assistant Brian will begin mapping this week.
Upcoming Filings - Sferra told the Commission that there are two upcoming filings including a Request for Determination for 61 Walcott Street which has been assigned to Andy. Additionally, a Notice of Intent will be filed for Zander Brook culvert repairs on Delaney Street. Ingeborg Hegemann Clark will lead. Kathy will contact Dave Coppes and see if he can help.
Request for Extension – Ridgewood, LLC – The Commission signed the request for Extension for the Ridgewood, LLC which was approved during the October 21, 2014 meeting.
Review and Comment on Forest Cutting Plan – Merrill – Sferra presented to the Commission the updated plan which includes the wetland area. The Commission discussed the updated plan and the source of regeneration. The revised plan includes a note that harvesting in the area shown as wetland is not planned. Sferra noted that the forester included a letter from the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) stating that they do not expect the work to have an adverse impact on rare species.
Ingeborg Hegemann Clark made a motion to approve the Forest Cutting Plan with no further comments. Andy Snow seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Request for Certificate of Compliance – Quirk Estate – The Commission scheduled a site visit for November 8, 2014.
Maple Street Violation – 200 Maple Street – Sferra told the Commission that the property owner sent a letter in response to the Cease and Desist letter. The property owner is looking to resolve the issue. Sferra noted that she would be in touch with him after tonight’s meeting to schedule a site visit to go over the work that has been done. The site meeting was scheduled for November 10, 2014.
Maple Street Violation – DiPietro – Sferra noted that the Conservation Commission and MassDEP have not had a response from DiPietro. The Enforcement Order stated that a Notice of Intent/Restoration Plan was to be filed within ten days from receipt which was October 31, 2014. MassDEP has sent DiPietro a Notice of Violation. Sferra will continue to coordinate with the Town of Bolton and MassDEP.
Stow Acres - Andy Snow noted to the Commission that it appears a bridge is being built at Stow Acres. Sferra will call them to inquire about the work.
61 Walcott Street Violation - Sferra informed the Commission that a Request for Determination is being filed.
Great Road Violation - John Malone – The Commission discussed contacting Malone to schedule a site visit to confirm the blueberry bushes have been planted.
Collings – Sferra noted that the deadline set by the Commission to plant the shrubs and small trees was November 1, 2014 and that it had not been completed to date. The Commission discussed the plantings, Sferra will contact Doug Morse to discuss and follow up with Collings.
Kids-a-lot – Sferra noted that the Stow Highway Department has recommended that Kids-a-lot hire a contractor to remove the sand. Kids-a-lot would like to install hay bales at the bottom of the hill and the Highway Department does not think that will be a good solution.
OARS Encroachments – Sferra informed that Commission that a site visit was conducted on November 3, 2014 and the encroachments within the OARS conservation restriction have been significantly cleaned up. The boundaries will be posted this fall.
Derby Woods Encroachments – Sferra informed that Commission that the Derby Woods conservation land violations are progressing and a number of homeowners have come into compliance.
Review Workplan – The Commission reviewed the Commission workplan including items that have been completed and work planned for 2015. The Commission would like to include some progress on deer management on the work plan for 2015. The Commission discussed working with the police department to get information on deer collisions as well as compiling information on what land in Stow is open for hunting and how many deer are taken. Additionally, the Commission agreed that conservation land walks should also be a priority for 2015.
Commission Dinner – The Commission discussed planning a dinner for the Commission members including Dave Coppes.
Andy Snow left the meeting at 9:15 PM.
Public Comment – Resident Mark Jones commented to the Commission that in his experience wetlands bylaws promote builders to build structures right up to the no disturb buffer zone. Jones asked if the Commission would be willing to consider creating a transition zone between the 35’ No Disturb Buffer and any structure. The Commission discussed researching area communities’ wetland bylaws to determine what other Towns are doing regarding “no build” transition zones and that the reality is that people will seek to build to the edge of whatever buffer zone is established.
Adjournment
Ingeborg Hegemann Clark made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:27 PM. Sandra Grund seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
The Commission adjourned at 9:27 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacquie Goring
Conservation Assistant
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