WELLFLEET CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING OF MARCH 19, 2003, 4:00 P.M., SENIOR CENTER
Present: Paul Banner, Co-Chair; Cyndi Moe, Co-Chair;
John DiBlasio, Dorothy Dolan, Virginia Page,
Edwin Reynolds, Richard Tesson; Emily Beebe,
Conservation Agent; Erik Mitchell, Assistant;
Birgitta Olson, Clerk.
Meeting called to order at 4:05 p.m. by Chair Cyndi Moe.
Business Meeting.
- Shellfish Constable Bill Walton presented a request from Egg Island shellfish grant holders to take their vehicles on the
beach and grants for a few days to assist in the clean-up of
gear after the hard winter. He said this is possible on a
minus tide and suggested March 20-21-22 and/or April 17-18-19.
It was established that there are about 35 parcels on Egg
Island, and 16-18 grant holders at most. Commissioners felt
that it is important to get loose gear cleaned up so that it
doesn't migrate all over the harbor and beaches, presenting
a danger to water fowl and turtles. Dottie Dolan MOVED "that
the Conservation Commission grant permission to Egg Island
shellfish grant holders to use their trucks for clean-up
purposes after the hard winter on March 20-21-22, 2003 and
April 17-18-19, 2003, on the morning low tides only, with
access via Power's Landing only." SECONDED by Paul Banner
and CARRIED 7-0.
- Paul Banner reported that a large number of metal shellfish
cages have been stored over the winter on the dune at the end
of Omaha Road. This is damaging to the dune, and a practice
that should not be introduced in other areas. Mr. Walton
agreed that this practice should be stopped. The consensus
was that the Commission should write a letter to the Shellfish
Advisory Committee, noting that the practice is punishable by
fine under the Wetlands Protection Act.
- Mr. Banner said that some shellfishermen are using King Phillip
Road for access to the southerly Indian Neck grants, which is
not allowed. Mr. Walton said this gives them more time on the
grants than using the Omaha Road access at the other end.
- Dottie Dolan suggested the Commission write a letter to
shellfishermen expressing the Commission's interest in the
success of the shellfish industry and discussing some of the
areas in which grant holders and the Commission can work to
support each other. She will work on this with the Clerk.
- The Minutes of the meeting of 3/5/03 were approved as amended,
as MOVED by DiBlasio, SECONDED by Page, and CARRIED 7-0.
- Emily Beebe reported that coastal geologist Jim O'Connell of
the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute & Barnstable County
Extension had made site inspections with her at some of the
areas of worst erosion around the harbor.
WELLFLEET CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES 3/19/03 2
- It was noted that foot traffic on the bank at Keller's Corner
in the absence of stairs is causing damage, and agreed that the
access to the beach should be moved 30 to the east.
- There was preliminary discussion of ATM Warrant Articles 32,
33 & 34 and 45, 46, & 47, all pertaining to the transfer of
land to the Wellfleet Housing Authority, the former proposed
by Selectmen and the latter by the WHA. Commissioners wanted
more time to study the matter and reserved any recommendation
to the floor of Town Meeting.
5:10: Harriet Griesinger, 450 Old Wharf Road, Map 35, Lot 1: Change in plan, amendment of Order of Conditions: Screened porch addition;
shed. (Continued from 2/19/03.) Alan Cabral presented a revised plan for a scaled down project. Natural Heritage asks that the applicant work with Audubon to mitigate any impact on the Diamond Back Terrapin. Commissioners had asked that the Notice of Intent, page 2 be revised to reflect the altered project. Richard Tesson MOVED "that the Conservation Commission continue the hearing to 4/2/03 to allow for revision of the NOI and for consultation with Audubon by the engineer." SECONDED by Paul Banner & CARRIED 7-0.
5:25: Michael & Susan Bliss, NOI, SE 77-985, 20 Lil's Way, Map 28, Lot 253: Decks; driveway repair; oil tank removal; landscaping & vista pruning in perpetuity. Michael Talbot presented the plan, noting that a significant number of invasive species will be removed and replaced with native plantings. The driveway will be reconstructed and run-off contained by a vegetated swale. Parking area will be reduced and returfed. Lawn area will also be reduced
and replaced with native species and decks. Native plantings in the buffer zone will be enhanced, and a vista pruning corridor established. The need for the last was questioned as owners will be able to see over all vegetation from 7 foot high decks. Mr. Talbot said vista pruning is requested for the west corner of the property at the bank. Abutters Alan Hight and Ruth Marriott representing the condominium reviewed the plan and had their questions answered. Mr. Bliss said he will do much of the landscaping work himself, and would be willing to commit to no fertilizer. In answer to questions from Commissioners Mr. Talbot said vegetation removal at the coastal bank will leave roots, and new plantings will be interspersed with the roots, thus stabilizing the bank until new growth has taken. All work will be done by hand over the course of about two years, with the decks, driveway and some planting to be done this summer. Paul Banner MOVED "that the Conservation Commission
approve the Michael Talbot & Associates Proposed Landscape PLan dated 2/24/03 as presented, subject to conditions specified." SECONDED by Richard Tesson and CARRIED
7-0. Conditions were set. Supervisor: Paul Banner.
WELLFLEET CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES 3/19/03 3
Other Business.
- Erik Mitchell reported that Jeremy Seeger, 165 Indian Neck Road has not provided the requested information to support the moving of his proposed septic system to the other side of the property,
and is no longer in touch with the engineer. Richard Tesson
MOVED "that, in accordance with 310 CMR 10.05(6)(c), the Conservation Commission deny the request for an Amendment of
the Order of Conditions on the ground that adequate information
was not provided to support the request." SECONDED by Paul
Banner and CARRIED 7-0.
- Paul Banner reported that State representatives Leary & Gomes
will introduce a bill in the Legislature instituting very strict fines for clear cutting, for example, $25,000 per tree cut,or for each cubic yard of dirt altered, with a jail penalty. He feels the Commission should become active in this matter to ensure that fines are realistic and enforceable, and are passed.
- Erik Mitchell reported that word has come from Americorps that
they are prepared to take on the Omaha Road and Cannon Hill
projects, among others.
Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Birgitta V. Olson, Clerk
_________________________
Cyndi Moe, Chair
Approved 4/2/03
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