WEST BOYLSTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MAY 4, 2011 MEETING
MEMBERS PRESENT: William Chase, Chair, David Eckhardt, Vice-Chair, John Hadley, Vice-Chair, Charlene Hopkins, Vice-Chair, and Clerk Toby Goldstein.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Colin Cahill and Mark Meola. (Note: Leonardo Angiulo, whose term was to expire, requested to become an Associate Member, leaving a vacancy on the Commission).
At 7:05 p.m., Mr. Chase opened the meeting.
Minutes of April 6 Meeting:
After reviewing of the above minutes, Ms. Hopkins motioned to accept the minutes as submitted by the Clerk. Mr. Hadley seconded. All in favor.
ALB Tree Removal on Tivnan Drive:
Previously, the Commission was notified of the intent of DCR Forester to remove ALB-infested trees on Paul X. Tivnan Drive. After visiting the property, it was apparent that there was indiscriminate cutting down of trees. Lou Evangelidis informed them of the law governing such activity, and what actually constitutes an ALB tree-cutting emergency situation. Mr. Chase also met with Mr. Evangelidis. Mr. Eckhardt met with Associate Concomm Member Ryan Killman for legal advice also. The Commission decided that DCR Forester must submit a forestry plan to them, informing them of exactly where they plan to do cutting, and the Commission must approve the plan.
Construction of Driveway on Tivnan Drive:
The planned driveway at 5 Paul X. Tivnan Drive is within wetland boundaries, and therefore there will be restrictions. The contractor must file with the Commission after all plans are finalized. The Commission will hold a special meeting at the site in order to hear the Public Hearing, which will be for a Notice of Intent. Mr. Chase will deliver filing information to the applicant, and a date for the special meeting will be determined when filing is received.
Discussion of Complaints Regarding 412 Worcester Street:
(Vincent Vignaly represented). The Commission received notification of observations that the owners of the above property, Guilherme and Tatiana Ruas,of whom the back of their property is located within 200 ft. of the riverfront, are carrying on property alteration in the “no alteration zone.” Mr. Vignaly reviewed with the Commission a file of photos and a letter. Mr. Chase will contact Tristan Lundgren of DCR, and along with Mr. Eckhardt and Ms. Hopkins, will visit the site. The owners will be notified in advance.
Gates Brook Culverts:
(Vincent Vignaly represented). This was an informal discussion regarding a DCR project to restore degraded areas along Gates Brook. Mr. Vignaly did a study of the area and broke down the improvements to 3 basic areas. First, the Gate 25 access road has a culvert that floods. The drainage pipe cannot handle the water flow. DCR is looking to remove a rock, reshape the road, and put a concrete weir into the road, having the water then flow into a grass channel. Another area of concern is upstream of the aforementioned area. In the undercut section, DCR wants to repair the stream bank. They would place rocks on the bottom, special erosion control fabric would be laid down and injected with a growing media, then brush layering with willows
would be placed. The third area of concern is further upstream, at the end of the cemetery, at Gate 24. The access road there is not used, and water flows up over it and erodes the soil. DCR is looking to divert the stream, and, removing the culvert, let the stream flow. They will need to file a Notice of Intent with the Commission, covering all of the intended areas. The Commission will collect a fee from DCR for this filing (told to, and agreed with by, Mr. Vignaly). The members will hold a site walk, agreed upon by them and Mr. Vignaly, to be held on Monday, May 16, at 5:30 p.m. All concerned will meet at Gate 25.
Update on Zingarelli Stump Removal, 7 Malden St.:
Mr. Hadley reported that Mr. Zingarelli has burned a few stumps, but the rest are remaining.
West Boylston Plaza Detention Ponds:
Mr. Chase reported that he spoke with the property owner, and she will start cleaning them in the summer.
Online Mapping for Concomm:
The Commission reviewed and accepted a list of possible items submitted at the April meeting by Ms. Hopkins, of topics important to Concomm for online mapping. The Clerk was instructed to contact Karen Pare with the list, as well as to let her know that she can contact Tristan Lundgren of DCR, who has a disc containing many of the desired items.
Concomm Elections for 2011-2012:
At the April meeting, Mr. Chase agreed that he would be Chair for one more year. Mr. Eckhardt, Mr. Hadley, and Ms. Hopkins agreed to remain as Vice-Chairs for one more year. Mr. Eckhardt also agreed to be the Earth Removal Board Designee for one more year. The Commission members voted on all positions, and unanimously voted to accept the nominations.
The Clerk was instructed to ask Nancy Lucier to post an opening to the Commission, vacated by Leonardo Angiulo.
Continued Public Hearing, Pan Am Railways, Request for Determination of Applicability:
The Commission waited past the scheduled 7:15 hearing time to see if a representative would come for the applicant, as they expressed a need to speak to the Commission prior to any site visit. As no representative appeared, the members decided to continue the Public Hearing again, to the June 1 meeting, at 7:15 p.m.
Ms. Hopkins motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Mr. Hadley seconded. All in favor.
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