Skip Navigation
This table is used for column layout.
 
2.06.12 Conservation Commission Minutes





Minutes of the Taunton Conservation Commission February 6, 2012


Present: Chair Brian Marques, Vice Chair Steven Turner, Commissioners Marla Isaac, Ernest Enos, Renwick Chapman, and Neil Kelly.
Absent: Commissioner Debra Botellio



Motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting, MI, second EE, so voted.



Discussion of Boyden.
Marilyn Greene present.  
  • Dick Schaffer emailed MR on January 23, 2012.  Someone at the YMCA wants to set up a camp for 7 weeks during the summer at Boyden.  This camp would run on the property during the day, weekdays only.  Marilyn is here to let the TCC know that there are many requirements that need to be met in order to start up a program like this.  Things like legal aspects, where in the park will they be stationed, CORIs, licensed by the state, etc.  Ms. Greene stated that currently there are 2 programs that run during the summer.  Taunton Extended Day Program and Parks and Recreation Summer Fest.  These are both exempt from the state rules.  The Boys and Girls Club is different and does have to follow the state rules.  Rules such as 1. licensed-both the program itself and the site, 2. healthcare staff onsite (meds, epi pens, etc), 3. fees charged would need to be set up, disclosed to the state, city, TCC, etc., 4. food service regulations, 5. portable water source, 6. restrooms, 7. daily maintenance, 8. sun protections, place to be in inclement weather, 9. trail usage, 10. know the environment out there, poison ivy, etc, 11. closed to the general public when camp in session?  They cannot run a camp there and have the public coming in and out with the children there.  BM said this is a tough decision, you want the kids to have a place to go but don’t want to shut the public out of Boyden or interfere with other city groups that would like to use it.  BM is ok with them using it but where do they want to be stationed?  RC is ok with it but where will they be and what will they be using?  MR said they cannot use the front fields because they are there to grow and provide habitat for critters, they do not get mowed.  BM asked a letter be sent to the YMCA asking for them to send us a representative to meet and discuss this matter.  Motion to invite a representative from the YMCA to come before the TCC and discuss this matter, MI, second RC, so voted.
  • Houses at Boyden.  Marilyn spoke with the Mayor.  Maybe a slow/controlled burn can be set up to take down the older houses not in use.  They are an accident waiting to happen.  Motion to invite the Fire Chief to come meet with TCC to discuss this idea, ST, second MI, so voted.  Also after more discussion another motion was made.  Motion to find out where the rent paid for used of the building there is going, ST, second MI, so voted.  

Certificate of Compliance
  • 80 Solitude Drive, Telfort, (COC), SE73-2040  Field report states that this project was for the construction of an inground pool, deck, and retaining wall.  The request also called for removal of seven trees, three of which were within the buffer zone.  All work has been completed in significant compliance to the Order of Conditions issued on 4-20-05.  MR recommends that the TCC issue a COC for this project.  Motion to issue a COC for this project, RC, second MI, so voted.

Public Hearings
  • Cohannet Street, COT, Water Div., (NOI), SE73-2487  Field report states that this is the City’s 2012 Water Main Improvements project which will consist of replacing existing 6-, 8-, and 12-inch diameter cast iron (CI) and asbestos concrete (AC) water mains with approximately 2,900 linear feet of new 12-inche diameter and approximately 6,500 linear feet of new 8-ince diameter ductile iron (DI) water mains within the following streets: Cohannet St., Winthrop St., High St., Post Office Square, Dighton Ave., Pine Ridge Circle, Overlook Drive, Dean St. (Route 44/104), Agawam St., Riverview St., Taunton Heights, Disamar Road, and River Road.  All but Dighton Ave., Pine Ridge Circle, Overlook Drive, Riverview St., and Taunton Heights are within conservation jurisdiction.  Work within Winthrop and High Streets is exempt under MGL ch.131 40 and 310 CMR 10.58 6.(a).  Work will be within the existing roadways and will result in temporary alteration to BLSF, 200-foot Riverfront Area, 100-foot buffer zone to BVW and Inland Bank, and the 25-foot WPZ.  No work will be executed in any resource area.  Wetlands were delineated by CDM Smith on 1-11-12.  These wetlands are located along Disamar Road and River Road.  Wetland resource areas along the Mill and Taunton Rivers are limited to top of bank.  MR reviewed the wetlands and is in agreement with the location of the flags.  The first wetland area is located at the end of River Road using flags 1-1 through 1-8.  The second wetland areas associated with a tributary of the Taunton River (which flows under Disamar Road) was delineated on the north and south sides of the road.  Flags TOB 2-1 through TOB 2-6 are located on the south side and flags TOB 3-1 through 3-4 are on the north side.  Riverfront Area and Floodplains are clearly marked on the plans.  MR recommends that the TCC approve the delineation as follows: Flags 1-1 through 1-8, TOB 2-1 through 2-6, and TOB 3-1 through 3-4 for reference purposes only.  Straw bales are depicted on the plans as siltation barriers and limits of work.  All disturbances will be temporary and all areas will be restored to pre-exisiting conditions.  Roadways will be patched to meet existing grades.  If de-watering is required, geotextile filter bags will be used to remove sediment prior to discharge.  Stockpiled soils will be enclosed using silt fences/straw bales.  Storm drains will be protected using silt fence/straw bales.  The work as presented will not negatively impact wetland resource areas.  All disturbances to the buffer zones will be temporary and will be restored upon completion of the project on each of the streets involved.  MR recommends that the TCC approve this project and issue an Order of Conditions to include the attached special conditions.  Motion to open the hearing, RC, second MI, so voted.  Motion to approve the flags as read ST, second NK, so voted.  Motion to close the hearing, approve and issue a standard order of conditions with special conditions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 19, 21, 25, 26, 27, and 28-finalize original plans before commencement of work, RC, second ST, so voted.  

Public Meetings
  • 16A Mechanic St., RDA, Rosenthal DSE-1030  Field report states that this project is for the construction of a 10’ x 14’ shed that will be set on blocks in the front of the property.  The shed will be 110 feet form a perennial stream and 56 feet from a BVW.  The shed will be located on lawn that is level and which meets zoning setbacks.  The shed will be placed on blocks rather than a foundation so there will be no grading or excavation required.  The project as presented will not negatively impact the adjacent BVW, therefore, MR recommends that the TCC approve this project and issue a negative determination to include the attached special conditions.   Motion to open the meeting, MI, second NK, so voted.  Motion to close the hearing, approve and issue a negative determination with condition 1, ST, second NK, so voted.  


Other Business
MI out
  • Neighborhood Corp.  Use Riverfront Park.  Motion to approve, ST, second NK, so voted.
MI in
  • MACC.  Motion to approve funds, NK, second RC, so voted.  
  • Peer Review.  Proposal needs to be signed by TCC.  Motion to approve the funds for Fairfax Gardens-Hope 6, RC, second ST, so voted.  ST waive fee?  MR yes city fees, but cannot for peer review.

Motion to adjourn, ST, second RC, so voted.  Meeting ended at 7:45pm.