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Approved
December 18, 2013
Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes
Town Hall
Attendees: Terry Gips, Trudy Vermehren, Ginie Page, Lauren McKean, Cary Rea and John Portnoy
Regrets: Ed Simpson
4:00 - Business Meeting & Conservation Agent's Report
Ginie Page moved to approve the amended Dec 4, 2013 meeting minutes; seconded by Cary Rea; passed 6-0.
Wesley Swamp: John Portnoy stated there is one acre of wetland within the center of town and believes parts of the swamp could be restored. He would like to get additional information on: 1) the maximum water level allowed by town pumping; 2) the likely water level of the swamp if there were no pumping, based on adjacent groundwater elevations; and 3) the elevations of sensitive structures and landscapes identifying potential flooded areas around the swamp.. He suggested that the level of pumping may be excessive. He recommended contacting the Open Space Committee and Conservation Trust to see if easements could be acquired from abutting private property. He would like to identify storm water control of the abutting land, including gutters
and drywells. Terry Gips suggested it become a designated vernal pool. John Portnoy stated the spadefoot toads only spawn during rainstorms and the eggs may be removed from the area by the pumping that takes place. Agent Greenberg recommended sending the report along with a letter inviting the abutters to a business meeting. Terry Gips moved to send the report along with a letter; Cary Rea seconded; passed 6-0.
Boat Rack discussion – to take place in 2014.
PCCS – Sediment Processes Analysis: Graham Giese of PCCS provided a Power Point presentation of Assessment of multi-decadal coastal change. The area monitored was from Beach Point, Truro to Jeremy Point, Wellfleet. Dr.Giese provided slides identifying the loss of sediment and transport along the coast.
Public Hearings 5:05 pm:
Amsler, 313 Main St., Map 14, parcel 177, NOI, two 10 x 12 sheds (Cont’d). Chet Lay requested a continuation to 01/15/14; seconded by Ginie Page; passed 6-0.
Cole, 60 Perch Pond Rd., Map 8, Parcel 78-6, NOI, construct new dwelling. David Lajoie from Felco Inc. represented the applicant and had provided a revised plan, stating the proposed dwelling will be moved outside of the buffer zone with a corner of the porch still in the buffer zone. He described the view corridor and provided details on the revised plans of the footpath to the pond. Lauren McKean recommended the path on the plan be modified to a footpath, not 4’ wide. Ginie Page recommended Lajoie come back to the commission after he has a discussion with the potential owner about what specifically is proposed for the foot path. Lajoie stated trenches could be put in for drainage for the driveway. The commission noted that there is a dense zone of native wetland trees and
shrubs around the wetland. Ginie Page moved to approve the NOI with conditions; seconded by John Portnoy, passed 6-0. Supervisor: John Portnoy and Agent Greenberg-Lemos
Stahler, 17 Crest Ave./0 Prospect Ave, Map 35, Parcels 91 and 91.1, NOI, tree clearing and replanting. Chet Lay stated the site plan had been revised to include removal of 11 trees on the coastal bank and 1 above the bank. John Merlesena of Treescapes Cape Cod, sent a letter describing the removal of the trees and replanting withRosa rigosa. Chet Lay stated the LaTanzi’s would allow the use of their driveway for access to the site. Stan Humphries of LEC provided a report and Agent Greenberg-Lemos stated she would like a plan identifying any tree removal above the buffer zone. Mr. Stahler stated they want to remove trees below the bank and are not sure where the house will be located and are not sure which trees will be removed above the bank. Mr. Stahler requested approval for removing the
trees below the bank and have a continuance for the removal/pruning of trees above the bank. Terry Gips stated she would require a planting plan prior to any approval. John Portnoy stated the 11 trees identified to be removed form a solid block, so leaf litter will no longer accumulate to protect the bank. Because no house plans or tree removal / pruning had been identified above the bank, the commission was hesitant on approving the plan. They recommended a new plan be submitted identifying house location, pruning/cutting, and removal of trees on the property. Terry Gips moved to continue to 01/15/14; seconded by John Portnoy; passed 6-0.
McMahon, 54 Valley Rd., Map 4, between parcels 22 and 26, RDA, repair driveway, remove and clear brush, prune and remove trees, new septic and well (after the fact filing). Lauren McKean recused herself. Peter McMahon and David Lajoie came to the table. McMahon stated he was unaware of some of the permitting requiements. Because the work is rather extensive, the commission recommended Mr. McMahon file a NOI. Terry Gips moved to identify this as a Positive 4; seconded by Ginie Page; passed 5-0. McMahon requested permission to do inside work.
Engel, 55 Warren St., Map 35, Parcel 133, RDA, reconfigure 2nd floor deck, replace concrete path. Gordon Peabody represented the applicant and stated all work will be done above the ground and no additional posts are proposed. He stated holes will be cut into the deck to provide light for underneath. This would be exempt for Natural Heritage review. Hairgrass (Deschampsia flexuosa) will be planted in place of the concrete path. Terry Gips was concerned with the screened porch and the weight of it on the current posts. Lauren McKean felt this work was more than an RDA and felt the abutters should be notified, so an abbreviated NOI should be filed. Terry Gips identified this as a Positive 4; seconded by Ginie Page; passed 6-0. An Abbreviated NOI will be filed in the future.
Huss, 170 Meadow Ave West, Map 40, Parcel 132, RDA, removal of dead wood and trees. The commissioners did not do a site visit due to the tides. William Huss stated his house was built in 2010 and he stated they would like to remove dead trees to create a view. Bartlett Tree identified what trees would be good candidates to be removed. Chair Trudy Vermehren stated the commission needed to make a site visit. Terry Gips moved to continue to January 15, 2014; seconded by John Portnoy; passed 6-0.
Ginie Page moved to adjourn at 6:45 pm; seconded by John Portnoy; passed 6-0.
Respectfully submitted
Christine Bates, Committee Secretary
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