Stow Conservation Commission
Minutes
January 6, 2015
A meeting of the Stow Conservation Commission was held at the Stow Town Building, 380 Great Road, Stow, Massachusetts, on January 6, 2015 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.
Notice of Intent Continuation
Zander Brook (Elizabeth Brook) Culvert Replacement – Delaney Street
Cortni Frecha opened the public hearing for a Notice of Intent (NOI) filed by the Town of Stow for the replacement of the Zander Brook culvert. Michael Clayton, Stow Superintendent of Streets, was present as a representative of the Town. Clayton noted that the bids for the project came in much higher than expected and that the Highway Department would be completing the work. The replacement includes channeling the brook in two stages on each side of Zander Brook.
Clayton distributed handouts with changes to the originally submitted plans, including using blocks rather than building a concrete wall, and responses to the questions submitted by Dave Coppes. The work will be completed during the driest time of the year with the least amount of flow and while school is out. The project is expected to take 1 month to be completed. Kathy Sferra inquired about the construction sequencing and how they plan to block the flow from upstream. Clayton explained that the road will be closed and one half of the work will be done at a time. The work will be completed during a time of year when the water level is not expected to be more than a few inches deep.
Clayton will use sandbags or a temporary dam to divert the water either at the waterfall/mill site upstream or will make use of the natural “island” that occurs in the stream to help channel the water. Sferra noted that the Highway Department should consider coordinating with the State regarding the Delaney Project to help control the flow of water. Coppes noted that flow should not be completely stopped in order to protect wildlife in the stream. Ingeborg Hegemann-Clark suggested using port-a-dams as an option.
The project will require one tree to be removed at the southeast corner of the bridge which is currently growing into the existing headwall. The Commission discussed the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards in relation to the project and although the plan does not meet all the standards, the overall goals of the project (adding two additional 48” culverts to the existing four) will significantly improve the conditions. In particular there will be increased capacity at the crossing and the shallower water is likely to provide enhanced passage for wildlife. The Commission asked Clayton about using a natural bottom which he confirmed he will do although he prefers to keep culverts smooth to minimize the likelihood of beavers blocking the culverts. The Commission referred to the stream crossing standard which documents the ecological
benefits to natural bottoms.
Cortni Frecha asked if it would be possible to get larger pipes for the culverts which Clayton explained would not be possible because there needs to be space between the road and the top of the pipe to account for frost. Clayton discussed the island on the south side of the brook which will need to be dug into to get to the other side of the wall. The Commission confirmed that if the island is disturbed they will keep the same shape when it’s replaced. Coppes suggested embedding the wall two feet into the bottom of the channel to avoid future erosion which Clayton confirmed is possible.
Ingeborg Hegemann-Clark made a motion to close the public hearing for a Notice of Intent filed by the Town of Stow. Andy Snow seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. Sferra and Coppes will draft a decision for the next meeting.
Notice of Intent Continuation (#299-0586)
Town of Stow - Pompositticut School – 511 Great Road (R-9 #92)
Cortni Frecha opened the continued public hearing for a Notice of Intent (NOI) filed by the Town of Stow for Fire Station and Community Center, well, septic and related site work. Jim DeVellis of DeVellis Zrein, Inc. and Kaffee Kang of Kang Associates, Inc. were present as representatives for the Town of Stow.
DeVellis reviewed a list of minor changes as a result of the Planning Board process including the dimensions of the rip rap added to the drainage outlets. The Commission discussed the access to the field and Marble Hill where a sidewalk is proposed to end at to the former playground area which will be removed, loamed and seeded.
Doug Morse recommended to DeVellis that native plantings should be used for the project. The Commission discussed replacing Pin Oaks with Red Oaks and Austrian Pine with White Pine and that the vinca minor proposed on the planting plan be planted in isolated areas due to its tendency to spread. Bruce Fletcher, Tree Warden, recommending not planting the Red Oak in the fall because it does not transplant well then.
DeVellis confirmed that the outdoor truck rinse will remain as planned and will be registered with MassDEP. The Commission discussed with DeVellis the potential for using porous pavement, specifically in the area behind the Council on Aging. DeVellis noted he had issues with using porous pavement including the need for an under drainage system, maintenance, and the inability to use sand. DeVellis noted that the sand and salt will now all be directed into storm ceptors which previously could enter the wetland, which should be an improvement.
Bill Byron, resident, asked if the plantings discussed in the meeting were existing or planned which DeVellis confirmed are planned plantings. DeVellis discussed the benefit of the plantings as a visual screen and wind screen as well as a natural buffer.
Doug Morse made a motion to close the public hearing for a Notice of Intent filed by the Town of Stow. Sandra Grund seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Order of Conditions (#299-0586)
Town of Stow - Pompositticut School – 511 Great Road (R-9 #92)
The Commission reviewed and amended a draft of the Order. The Order was modified to include changing Pin Oaks to Red Oaks, not to be planted in the fall, White Pine for Austrian Pine and vinca minor to be planted in an area that it cannot spread. Removal of invasive plants between the parking area and property line as well as planting 15-20 alders were added to the Order.
Andy Snow made a motion to approve and issue the Order of Conditions filed by the Town of Stow for Fire Station and Community Center, well, septic and related site work. Doug Morse seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Notice of Intent Continuation (#299-0584)
Minuteman Air Field – 302 Boxboro Road (R-7 #35)
No testimony was taken. The applicant has requested a continuation to January 20, 2015.
Serena Furman made a motion to continue the public hearing for a Notice of Intent filed by Minuteman Air Field Inc. to January 20, 2015 on or after 7:30 PM. Andy Snow seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Minutes
Serena Furman made a motion to approve the minutes of December 16, 2014 as drafted and amended. Doug Morse seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Coordinator’s Report
Community Preservation Funding Proposals – Kathy Sferra informed the Commission that the application for the Invasive Species removal and mapping project had been submitted to CPC. Sferra also informed the Commission that the potential land acquisition project did not seem to be progressing; therefore, an application for replenishing the Conservation Fund had been submitted to the CPC. The proposals, if moved forward by CPC, would be on the warrant for the May 2015 Town Meeting.
Forest Cutting Plan – Sferra informed the Commission she had received a Forest Cutting Plan for a property on Barton Road which is proposing two wetland crossings and tree cutting in wetlands. The Commission discussed the Forest Cutting Plan and will request a site visit.
Maple Street Violation – DiPietro – Sferra updated the Commission and will discuss any action they’d like to take within the local bylaw during the next meeting in Executive Session. Town Counsel will draft a letter for review.
MACC Conference – Sferra reminded the Commission of the February 28, 2015 Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Annual Meeting and that the Town can cover the cost of up to two to three members registration fees to attend the meeting.
Permit Team Meeting – Sferra informed the Commission that the Permit Team would be discussing anticipated changes to regulations across Town Offices during the next Permit Team meeting. Sferra noted proposed changes to the Board of Health regulations that may impact the Commissions hearings in the future. Sferra informed the Commission that she would discuss plans to address vernal pools in the Stow Wetlands by-law. Serena Furman added that the potential for defining docks in the bylaw should be mentioned to the Permit Team.
Commission’s Report
Shelburne Farm – Cortni Frecha informed the Commission about the clearing of brush along Heath Hen Meadow Brook at Shelburne Farm. The brush clearing included alders and other small brush with one tree up to 8 inches in diameter. Frecha informed the Commission that she had called and spoken with the owner and inquired about the plans for the work and what the area is used for. The work has been completed and the area is for growing crops. The Commission discussed the agricultural exemption for clearing brush and the concerns for erosion and sedimentation in Heath Hen Meadow Brook. The owner is concerned about the safety of visitors and equipment and removed the brush for access to the brook. The Commission agreed to further research the agricultural exemption and possibly meet with the Agricultural Commission.
Laws Lane/Homestead Lane 40B – Sferra informed the Commission that Brett Taylor is proposing a 40B off Laws Lane in an area where a new building lot was recently denied by the Planning Board. Staff have sent a letter with comments on the project, including the fact that it is within the buffer and will require a filing with the Conservation Commission.
Bose – Sferra informed the Commission that Bose contacted the Commission regarding plans to repave the parking lot and access drive. The Commission discussed the new Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act exemptions regarding milling and repaving of roadways. The drainage layout will not be changed as part of the repaving project therefore the project meets the exemption.
Adjournment
Serena Furman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 PM. Ingeborg Hegemann-Clark seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
The Commission adjourned at 9:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacquelyn Goring
Conservation Assistant
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