05/21/14 Conservation Commission meeting minutes

Approved

May 21, 2014

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes

Town Hall

Attendees:  Trudy Vermehren, Ginie Page, Lauren McKean, John Portnoy, Ed Simpson and Cary Rea

Regrets:  Terry Gips

 4:00 - Business Meeting & Conservation Agent's Report

Wesley Swamp – discussion will take place at the June 18, 2014 meeting

Giavalengelo – mowed vegetation – discussion to take place at the June 18, 2014 meeting

Fertilizer discussion to take place at the June 4, 2014 meeting

Nick Robinson, Professor of Environmental Law at Pace University, lectures on the social implications of climate change throughout the world – an invitation will be extended for a meeting with him in July.

Lauren McKean stated she has access to a two page study on sea level rise that she will share with the commission.  She suggested that the commission require that the latest sea-level rise projections be identified on site plans if a  property is located within a flood zone.

John Portnoy would like to have a discussion in July or August on view corridors projects that, in removing  non-native and invasive plants, eliminate  all wildlife habitat..  Agent Greenberg-Lemos suggested phasing projects, and if the project includes burning, to place jute on the area and have seeds disbursed.  She will review the commission’s previous vista pruning conditions to see if they are still viable.  Items for discussion will include finding a skilled arborist, the alternative of limited cutting to produce a filtered view, rather than clear-cutting,  determining if trees are diseased, and trees that are hazardous to structures.  

Ed Simpson reported that an Eagle Scout is proposing to place 3 or 4 picnic benches at Gull Pond.

On May 23 Americorps will complete the kayak racks, put up split rail fencing at Gull Pond, and place benches at Hamblen Park.     

Cary Rea would like to discuss placing signage at Hamblen Park regarding rules at the June 4 meeting.  He stated some vehicles, apparently dirt bikes, have been in the area and are churning up the paths.

Hamblen Park – A well with hand pump will be installed to make it easier to water new plantings.Mayo Creek – meeting with Curt Felix, John Portnoy, John Riehl and Hillary Greenberg- Lemos.  Riehl is drafting a proposal to be presented to the Board of Selectmen regarding an ad-hoc committee to study potential tidal restoration.  As a test, this committee would  oversee a temporary removal of the duck-bill valve under Commercial Street.  This could result in 20 acres of salt marsh restoration..  Agent Greenberg-Lemos stated that Town Administrator, Harry Terkanian, suggested that when the waste water committee work is complete, a water quality committee be established; however,  Agent Greenberg-Lemos expressed concern with losing some of the Mayo Creek volunteers if the tidal restoration project were merged with broader wastewater issues.

Lauren McKean reported the National Seashore held a meeting with lower Cape towns,  the Cape Cod Commission and MA DOT regarding storm water runoff from roads..  She stated MA DOT was informed of some of the issues along the major roadways.

MAIL:  Letter from Richard Stevens, Building Inspector, regarding demolition permits.

Letter from Town Administrator requesting committees suggest  locations suitable for memorial benches on town property.

Lt. Island Rd – request permission for spot filling on the road near the Thayler property. Cars have been getting stuck as well as destroying the fencing and driving into the marsh.  (Christine Young and her husband are willing to pay for the repair).  It was recommended they use stone.  Ginie Page moved to approve the request; seconded by Ed Simpson; passed 6-0.

Public Hearings 5:00 pm:

DeVito/ 104 Meadow View, Map 8, Parcel 170, Certificate of Compliance.  John Portnoy moved to approve the Certificate of Compliance; seconded by Ginie Page; passed 6-0.

Berezin, 30 Wigwam, Map 35, Parcel 135, AOOC.  David Lajoie represented the applicant and reviewed the deconstruction/construction protocol.  A letter of support was read into the record by the Lacey’s, abutters. There was discussion regarding the driveway and David Lajoie stated it was kept the same size (20 x 40) as previously approved to avoid further damage to the resources.   This will be a pervious driveway.  Attorney Ben Zehnder stated the project is at a stand still and requested the commission  approve the project contingent on  a new site plan identifying the driveway.  Ed Simpson moved to approve the AOOC; seconded by John Portnoy; 5 – 0 – 1.   Trudy Vermehren stated she had read the meeting minutes.  Supervisor:  Terry Gips 

Blau, 220 Blue Heron Road, Map 41, Parcel 19, RDA, prune for view corridor.  Shawn Shea represented the Blau’s and John Portnoy stated the proposal is well thought out and minimizes damage to the coastal vegetation.  Ed Simpson identified the project as a Negative 3; seconded by John Portnoy; passed 6-0.

Holmes, 155 Samoset Ave, Map 28, Parcel 103, RDA, remove Rosa rugosa and poison ivy to establish garden with shed.  Laurie Holmes gave an overview of the project and stated this will be a mechanical removal of the roses and vines; small olive trees will remain.  John Portnoy identified this project as a Negative 2; seconded by Cary Rea; passed 6-0.

Robin, 29 Briar Lane, Map 14, Parcel 26, RDA, replace handicap ramp and enlarge deck by 10 feet.  Sarah Robin stated there will be no enlargement in the decking and a ground level deck will be placed where the current handicap ramp is located.  The handicap ramp will be relocated to the opposite side.  Cary Rea moved to identify the project as a Negative 3; seconded by Lauren McKean; passed 6-0. 

Cavanaugh, 100 Peace Valley Road, Map 8, Parcel 235, AOOC.  Shea Cavanaugh stated the plan has changed from the original approved plan.  The project has been reduced in size and there will be less of an impact in the resource area.  Ed Simpson moved to approve the AOOC; seconded by Cary Rea; passed 6-0.

Donald, 0 Bayview, Map 35, Parcel 39, NOI, extend existing timber bulkhead (Cont’d from 4/16/14).  David Lajoie requested a continuation to 06/18/14.  John Portnoy moved to continue to 06/18/14; seconded by Ginie Page, passed 6-0.

Stewart and Beaty, 66 Way #55, Map 19, Parcel 65, NOI, septic upgrade and create view corridor.  The applicant requested a continuation to 06/18/14.  Cary Rea moved to continue to 06/18/14; seconded by Ginie Page; passed 6-0.

Bruce/Sterns:  at request of applicant to continued to June 4, 2014, John Portnoy moved to continue to 06/04/14; seconded by Ed Simpson; passed 6-0.

Lauren McKean moved to close the public hearings; seconded by John Portnoy; passed 6-0.

John Portnoy moved to adjourn at 5:50; seconded by Cary Rea; passed 6-0.  

Respectfully submitted,

Christine Bates, Committee Secretary