Stow Conservation Commission
Minutes
December 2, 2014
A meeting of the Stow Conservation Commission was held at the Stow Town Building, 380 Great Road, Stow, Massachusetts, on December 2, 2014 at 7:30 in the evening.
There were present: Cortni Frecha, Chair
Andy Snow, Vice-Chair
Ingeborg Hegemann Clark
Serena Furman
Sandra Grund
Doug Morse
Jeff Saunders
Dave Coppes, Associate
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.
Eagle Scout Project – Town Forest – Aiden Gross
Aiden Gross was present to propose his Eagle Scout project in Town Forest. Gross discussed his plans to improve the Boy Scout Camping area at Town Forest including replacing the current fire pit and benches as well as installing an information kiosk and two picnic tables. Gross presented plan details, costs and funding for the project. Kathy Sferra confirmed with Gross the fire pit closest to the river will be improved. The Commission recommended that Gross coordinate with Bruce Trefry, Stow Land Steward, to bring the materials into Town Forest and to ensure the public is aware of the schedule. The natural materials being removed will be dispersed in the woods to serve as habitat. The Commission agreed that Gross should build a more natural fire ring and use smaller signage similar to the trail map signs throughout Town Forest. Sferra noted
that including information on the kiosk about the Boy Scout Camping area and its history would be valuable. The Commission discussed the possibility of additional trash and vandalism as a result of installing picnic tables and recommended that Gross only install one secured picnic table. The project is expected to be completed next summer.
Serena Furman made a motion to approve the Town Forest Eagle Scout project as amended. Andy Snow seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Notice of Intent Continuation
Zander Brook Culvert Replacement
No testimony was taken. The applicant has requested a continuation to January 6, 2015.
Serena Furman made a motion to continue the public hearing for a Notice of Intent filed by the Town of Stow to January 6, 2015 on or after 7:30 PM. Andy Snow seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Approve Minutes
Serena Furman made a motion to approve the minutes of October 7, 2014 as drafted and amended. Sandra Grund seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Andy Snow made a motion to approve the minutes of November 18, 2014 as drafted and amended. Sandra Grund seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Cortni Frecha noted her concerns about returning applicants with revised plans. The Commission discussed returning applicants and possible preventative measures for the future.
Coordinator’s Report
Kids-a-Lot – Sferra informed the Commission that she conducted a site visit with the owner of Kids-a-Lot, Stow Conservation Trust, and the Stow Highway Department to discuss the sand piling at the bottom of the hill. The new plow contractor will plow snow up the driveway which will likely prevent excess sand from piling at the bottom of the hill. Stow Highway Department also recommended that Kids-a-Lot plan to have the street swept periodically.
Crescent Street Lot 2 - Sferra reported that she will conduct a site visit with Tom Peragallo of LEC, Inc. on December 3, 2014 when he will be onsite to review the wetland delineation. The hearing is scheduled for the next meeting on December 16, 2014.
Request for Certificate of Compliance – Lot 10 Fairway Drive - Sferra informed the Commission that she received a written request for a Certificate of Compliance for Lot 10 Fairway Drive. Sferra will conduct the site visit.
Request for Certificate of Compliance – Access Drive off of Delaney Street - Sferra informed the Commission that she received a written request for a Certificate of Compliance for the access road off of Delaney Street. Ingeborg Hegemann Clark will conduct the site visit.
Workplan – Follow-up on Outstanding Order of Conditions – Sferra informed the Commission that Jacquie Goring will be working on reviewing outstanding Order of Conditions for which a Certificate of Compliance has not been completed. Goring will begin with years 2006 and 2007.
Fiscal Year 2016 Budget - The Commission reviewed the draft FY 2016 Budget and cover memo. The FY 2016 Budget includes an 11.38% increase in the Conservation Salary line to account for an increase in 10 hours of the Conservation Assistant that was approved in FY 2015. Additionally, an increase over last year of 1.5% (or $75) was requested to be added to the expense line and a request for $10,000 to be appropriated and transferred to the Conservation Fund at town meeting.
Ingeborg Hegemann Clark made a motion to approve the FY 2016 Budget as recommended and revised. Serena Furman seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
DEP Regulation Changes – Sferra informed the Commission of the changes to the MassDEP’s Wetland Protection Regulations. Sferra created a list of the new exempt Minor Projects in the Buffer Zone to assist applicants as well as the Commission on future filings. The Commission discussed the changes to the DEP Regulations and potential impacts to Stow Wetlands Bylaw and future filings.
Rising/Town Forest Access Point Meeting – Sferra informed the Commission of the site visit on November 26, 2014 with Don Rising and Stow Conservation Trust to discuss parking and trail connection from the Rising property to Town Forest. Sferra showed a map including both the Timberedge entrance and a potential parking area on Treaty Elm. Sferra included the plan for the 12 foot right-of-way on Timberedge for access to Town Forest. Sferra informed the Commission that a small sign near the road and a post in the center of the trail opening was discussed during the site visit. Sandra Grund discussed her concerns about parking on Timberedge. The Commission discussed the Timberedge entrance and potential Treaty Elm parking area. Cortni Frecha asked if the cul-de-sac would be a potential spot for parking and Sferra noted the
significant grade change makes that area less desirable. The Commission discussed getting input from immediate abutters to the trail easement prior to posting signs. Sferra will follow up with SCT and continue to work on this before bringing it back to the Commission.
Draft Town Forest Flyer – Sferra informed the Commission of the recent increase of reports of dog related incidents in Town Forest. The Commission reviewed the draft Town Forest flyer that can be left on windshields at the Town Forest Parking Lot informing visitors of the Town Forest rules and regulations.
Planning Board Referrals – The Commission reviewed the draft letters to the Stow Board of Selectman regarding the Earth Removal Application for Minute Man Air Field and to the Planning Board regarding Erosion Control Special permits for Pompositticut School re-use and Minute Man Air Field.
Ingeborg Hegemann Clark made a motion to send the letters to the Stow Board of Selectman and Planning Board. Andy Snow seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Hemenway Farm – The Commission reviewed the 2014 Vernal Pool study which concluded the area does not hold sufficient water to be a vernal pool. The Commission discussed the presence of wood frog eggs and if this could be sufficient enough to certify it as a vernal pool. Dave Coppes recommended keeping the study on file for future reference as a record that a vernal pool may exist.
Adjournment
Ingeborg Hegemann Clark made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 PM. Andy Snow seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
The Commission adjourned at 9:12 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacquelyn Goring
Conservation Assistant
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