Approved Cons Comm Mtg Mins
Approved
Wellfleet Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
July 5, 2017 5:00 pm
Town Hall Meeting Room
Attendees: Trudy Vermehren, Lauren McKean, John Portnoy, Barbara Brennessel, Deborah Freeman, Conservation Agent Hillary Greenberg-Lemos and Christine Bates, Committee Secretary
4:00 - Business Meeting & Conservation Agent's Report
Mail / Discussion
Agent Hillary Greenberg-Lemos stated she received a phone call from a person who owns property on Long Pond regarding the increase of geese in the area. His concerns were the potential pollutant[.1] of the pond. He wanted to know if there were any ideas on how to eliminate them. Hillary will call authorities from the Wildlife and Fish agency for any information they can share.
Lauren McKean reported she is working with Christine Odiaga of[.2] DER to submit paperwork for a grant to replace a culvert at Patience Brook.
Lauren McKean stated they have [.3] maps of the ponds and will be ready to distribute them shortly.
Trudy Vermehren shared pictures of shells placed at Paine Hollow marsh area by Chopper Young and Allison Paine. A portion of the area is owned by an individual[.4] . The shells consist of recently dead oysters and some have spat on them. This is creating a strong odor and potential health hazard as well as hazard to the marsh. DMF feels the act of placing them in this location is a violation and against the Wetlands Protection Act. The marsh vegetation will die if the shells are left in the area. Agent Hillary Greenberg-Lemos will write a letter to the property owner and provide a copy to Mr. Young and Ms. Paine. The commission expressed concern with potential health issues as well as environmental issues. The way the shells are placed could give the appearance of a public roadway to people which is a town right-of-way. Agent Greenberg-Lemos is not certain who will clean up the shells at this point. John Portnoy recommended contacting the Environmental Police.
John Portnoy recommended meeting at the Elementary School prior to Wednesday site visits due to the traffic and parking.
Meeting Minutes:
Barbara Brennessel moved to approve the June 7, 2017 amended meeting minutes; seconded by John Portnoy, passed 4-0.
Barbara Brennessel questioned who are the experts for the commission when an applicant is accompanied by their own experts. Agent Greenberg-Lemos stated the commission can request the applicant pay for consultants should the commission require additional information
Agent Greenberg-Lemos read the various restrictions and statutes regarding placing oyster shells and shellfish on land. (information provided by Chris Scolacki[.5] ).
Jurisdictional Opinions – Prez Hall, Main Street, Map 14, Parcel 173: replace the fence which is in disrepair. All work will be done by hand. Trudy Vermehren moved to approve the Jurisdictional Opinion; seconded by John Portnoy; passed 5-0.
Correspondence:
Agent Greenberg-Lemos responded to Mark Gabriel regarding Wesley Swamp who [.6] would like to put up signs regarding the vernal pool. John Portnoy will meet with him.
Agent Greenberg-Lemos has had discussions with Martha Field and Bob Boehringer regarding the Christmas trees and drift fences on their property. She recently sent a letter requesting the status of their properties, but is aware there is turtle nesting currently going on.
Agent Greenberg-Lemos sent a letter to the Board of Selectmen regarding Chipman Cove and stated that a permit application is due by January 2018 for oyster spat collection in Chipman Cove. Barbara Brennessel questioned whether the practice can be classified as “aquaculture” rather than “fishing” if the spat is allowed to grow on the Chinese hats.
The playground will not be reinstalled at Mayo Beach due to the high groundwater level.
Public Hearings 5:00 pm:
Kemmling, 195 Kendrick Ave, Map 20, Parcel 23, Certificate of Compliance. The project is in compliance and there will be ongoing conditions for renourishment. Trudy Vermehren moved to approve the Certificate of Compliance; seconded by Lauren McKean; passed 5-0.
Olivia Kraus, 20 Lil’s Way, Map 29, Parcel 253: RDA, removal of existing invasive plant species and several hazardous and invasive trees, removal of existing cool season turf, installation of native plants and native based turf substitute as well as a privacy fence, spa, walkway and small patio. Revised plans were distributed. Michael Talbot represented the applicant and reviewed the proposed changes regarding the project. All staking that was requested by the commission was completed. A new planting plan was provided, listing all the various native plants as well as shrubs, etc. John Portnoy pointed out that there is disturbed soil near the outdoor shower. Barbara Brennessel identified the RDA as a Negative 3 with conditions that the shower area be improved; seconded by Deborah Freeman; passed 4-0. Supervisor: Trudy Vermehren
Karlson, 20 4th Ave., Map 40, Parcel 15, NOI, (Cont’d). Construct new dwelling (Cont’d). David Lyttle represented the applicant. Agent Greenberg-Lemos read a letter from abutter, Diane Griliches, who expressed concerns with parking at the 20 4th Ave., removal of trees between the two properties, the height of the dwelling, and her loss of privacy. Mr. Karlson stated he had contacted all the abutters and feels he has answered their concerns. Mr. Karlson stated the roads get potholes during rain, and if the trucks providing construction materials damage the road, he will be happy to repair the roads. The majority of the work will be after Labor Day. John Portnoy moved to approve the NOI; seconded by Barbara Brennessel; passed 4 with one abstaining; passed 4-0-1. Supervisor: Barbara Brennessel
Morris and Porter, 30 Second St., Map 29, Parcel 434, NOI, construct addition David Lyttle represented the applicant, stating the work is outside of the ACEC, between the 50’ and 100’ buffer zone. No number has been received from DEP and NHESP has not responded as yet. Trudy Vermehren requested the site plan identify the limit of work Trudy Vermehren moved to continue to 07/19/17; seconded by John Portnoy; passed 5-0.
Trudy Vermehren moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 pm; seconded by Barbara Brennessel; passed 5-0.
Respectfully submitted;
Christine A. Bates,
Committee Secretary