Approved Cons Comm Mtg Mins
Approved
Wellfleet Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
September 20, 2017
Town Hall Meeting Room
Attendees: Trudy Vermehren, Barbara Brennessel, Lauren McKean, John Portnoy, and Deborah Freeman, Agent Hillary Greenberg-Lemos and Christine Bates, Committee Secretary
Regrets: John Cumbler
4:00 - Business Meeting & Conservation Agent's Report
Mail / Discussion
DEP reviewed the 40B project on Paine Hollow Rd and determined it is designated as the Paine Hollow Rd Historic Area.
Agent Greenberg-Lemos reported the grant for the new culvert at Patience Brook was denied.
Culvert meeting (Rte 6 / Main Street) meeting on Thursday, 9/21)
Lauren McKean reported there is a turtle meeting with Bob Prescott on Thursday, 9/21 – 7:30 at Nauset Light Beach parking lot.
Meeting minutes involving Wesley Swamp was distributed for reference material.
Nov 11 hydrology meeting scheduled with David Bennett, Tom Cambareri and Neil Price regarding Mayo Creek tidal restoration and the sensitivity of nearby wells and wastewater systems.
Lauren McKean shared information on Truro’s “grid”/matrix regarding NOI’s and Request for Determination for their filings.
Rotary Plan for Route 6 discussion. Agent Greenberg-Lemos stated that the problems caused by the DOT’s emergency blockage of the culvert need to be addressed first. Lauren McKean identified the bike lane on the drawing.
Trudy Vermehren reported Randy Williams requested moving the catch basin and changing the curve in the driveway on Gull Pond Road.
Jurisdictional Opinions
- Olga Kahn, 30 Marsh View, request removal of a tree (Russian Olive) within 100’ buffer zone of wetland. Trudy Vermehren moved to approve the Jurisdictional Opinion; seconded by John Portnoy, passed 4-0.
- Douglas Ingraham, 15 Pine Point Rd, Map 21, Parcel 41: small portion of deck within buffer zone, John Portnoy moved to approve the Jurisdictional Opinion; seconded by Deborah Freeman; passed 5-0.
- Fromboluti, 460 School House Rd, 4/34, Lauren McKean recused herself. The studio on Patience Brook requires an upgrade. The exterior requires removal of glass and the slider. Workers require ladders to do the work; there will be no soil disturbance. Some plumbing will also be performed. John Portnoy moved to approve the Jurisdictional Opinion; seconded by Deborah Freeman; passed 4-0.
Meeting Minutes: August 16, 2017: Trudy Vermehren moved to approve the amended minutes; seconded by Barbara Brennessel; passed 4-0 (one abstaining).
Cahoon Hollow – meeting scheduled for Oct 3 with Woods Hole to determine best solution for repair. In the meantime, berms will be placed at the top of the coastal bank to avert further erosion.
Long Pond water sample taken and water is acceptable bacteriologically for swimming. No geese have been seen recently.
Lauren McKean will chair the October 4 meeting.
Public Hearings 5:00 pm:
Bridger & Shub, 206D Kendrick Ave, Map 20, Parcel 28, Certificate of Compliance. Agent Greenberg-Lemos stated the project was complete and in compliance. Trudy Vermehren moved to approve the Certificate of Compliance seconded by Barbara Brennessel; passed 5-0.
Rush, 107 Holbrook Ave, Map 20, Parcel 135, RDA, Septic upgrade. Tim Brady represented the applicant and gave an overview of the project. The house is being remodeled internally as well. The old septic system will be removed, with little excavation of land. The well will be removed and the owners will tie into the Town water. There is knotweed on the property and Trudy Vermehren expressed concern that removed soil could carry Japanese Knotweed propagules to another location. In response, Tim Brady stated that the soil could be covered with black plastic at the contractor’s recycling location. Trudy Vermehren identified the RDA as a Negative 2 with conditions; seconded by John Portnoy; passed 5-0.
Sheratt, 110 Cliff Rd, Map 24, Parcel 120, Amended Order, revise landscape plan. Lauren McKean recused herself. Therese Sprague represented the applicant and identified the changes already made which include a set of steps from the parking area to the lower level at the site. 85 square feet of precast steps were built within the buffer zone. There are two retaining walls, one outside of the buffer zone and one with 16 sq. ft within the buffer zone. A fire pit was constructed. There was some erosion from a rain storm which was replanted. A deck was installed instead of a patio. Trudy Vermehren expressed concern regarding the unpermitted work. Ms. Sprague stated the need for the changes was recognized as the project progressed. Agent Greenberg-Lemos reminded the commission of the “after the fact” filing and violation fees for work done which was not permitted. Ms. Sprague stated access is required from the parking lot to the lower level, so the stairs were required, and she feels the retaining walls are necessary. Timbers with creosote were reused. A letter will be sent to the original contractors regarding the work performed without permission. Ms. Sprague stated there will be abundant / heavy plantings in all the areas. They are proposing at-grade boardwalks to minimize pathways and to keep people closer to the dwelling. Timber risers will be installed along the path up the slope to the south, with revegetation along this path. Agent Greenberg-Lemos requested information regarding the total disturbance within the buffer zones. Trudy Vermehren expressed concern with the amount of impermeable surface. Agent Greenberg-Lemos stated she would like an alternative solution to the concrete stairway to reduce water run-off. Ms. Sprague stated they would like to see some drainage placed in the driveway. Agent Greenberg-Lemos would like to see where the top of the coastal bank is now versus where it was 2 years ago when the NOI was approved. There will be a $1,000 violation charge as well as a citation to the contractor for the work performed without permission. Trudy Vermehren moved to continue to 10/18/17; seconded by Deborah Freeman; passed 4-0.
Zellman, 115 Atlantic Ave, Map 36, Parcel 33, RDA, Pruning existing view. The Zellman’s would like to remove a few trees and limbs for their vista. There are dead limbs on trees which they would also like to remove. There was discussion with the number of trees they would like to remove / prune for the vista and the Commission recommended shrub planting along the top of the coastal bank as mitigation.. The plan provided is not certified, nor are the buffer zones identified. The Zellmans will provide the commission with a site plan, identifying the buffer zones, etc. Trudy Vermehren moved to continue indefinitely, seconded by Barbara Brennessel; passed 5-0.
Gonyea, 30 Fox Island Rd., Map 28, Parcel 223E, RDA, repair existing driveway. At the request of the applicant, John Portnoy moved to continue to 10/4/17; seconded by Barbara Brennessel; passed 5-0
John Portnoy moved to adjourn at 6:30 pm; seconded by Deborah Freeman; passed 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Bates