Conservation Commission Minutes

November 2, 2005

 

Members Present:  Rick Whaley, Kevin Avery, Tom Hughes, Pat Fowler & David Hanstron

 

Members Absent:  Iora Alexander

 

 

Meeting called to order at 7:09 P.M.

 

RW Chairman stated that there was a mistake on the agenda.  (Executive Session)

TH made a motion to take this out of order.  Seconded by RW.  Unanimous vote.

TH motion no Executive Session item.

Seconded by KA.  Unanimous

RW - no Executive Session item.

 

A.

Minutes:  September 9, 2005, September 21, 2005, October 5, 2005 & October 19, 2005.

Motion by KA to accept minutes of September 9, 2005.  Seconded by DH,  Vote in favor KA, PF, DH.  TH abstained.

Motion by KA to accept minutes of September 21, 2005.  Seconded by DH.  Vote in favor KA, PF and DH.  TH abstained.

Motion by KA to accept minutes of October 5,  2005.  Seconded by TH.  Vote unanimous.

Motion by KA to accept minutes of October 19, 2005.  Seconded by TH.  Vote unanimous.

 

B.

Building Permits:   None

 

C. 

Emergency Certification - Town Creek Culvert

Don Levesque stated that it was the tide gate, head wells and rail bed that needed restoration.  Since wash out gate has not been operating successfully.

Culvert is in back of Hudson Marina.  MBTA owns rail tail.  Restore footprint that was there originally.  Using granite slabs - working with the MBTA, Access to rail trail through Fraser Pontiac.  Have spoken with owners and will help town remedy situation. Excavation - Town supply material fill six inches - gravel - go over culvert - plant and seed. Work will last one week.  TH asked if the Army Corp of Engineers were involved?  DL said yes, meeting on September 7, 2005 and promised to stay in same footprint.

DEP wanted DL to go through Conservation Commission. TH my concern is that if fixed without civil engineer involved it may be creating more problems.  TH my main concern is it should be fixed once and fixed right.  KA know that the Army Engineers have jurisdiction.  TH emergency certification only good for 30 days - are you going to be able to do this?  DL yes, want to put things back the way it used to be.  Repair, replace and improve.  TH you said under 6 inches - material will let more water through. DL said we may use 3 inches - and some clay - need to have meeting about this.  TH consult civil engineer on exactly how to do this.  TH would like to see plans stamped. 

Motion by TH to issue Emergency Certification - conditions - As-Built Plan Stamped by Civil Engineer and area inspection quarterly. 

Seconded by PF.  Vote unanimous.

LP what do you want as far as plans?

DL said we can produce As-Built Plans. 

RW stated that he has visited site last night - the side facing Hudson - we need to put silt fence and hay bales about 50 feet. 

DL said we can ass silt fence and hay bales - 50 or 100 feet.  Silt fence from Hudson's and back towards Fraser Pontiac - 100 feet.  Erosion controls being installed as necessary throughout construction site and take care when moving boulders - not to stir up silt.

 

D.

 

1.  NOI, North Point, Seabrook Road

Request from applicant to continue.

Motion by TH to continue to 11/16/2005.  Seconded by KA.  Vote unanimous.

2.

Public Hearing:  ANRAD, Densen Construction, 191 Beach Road

Represented by Michael Seekamp

MS said he met with MR and both agree to change some flags - omissions of two areas.  MS - request to close hearing until we have corrected plans. 

TH said we need to see MR review. 

TH continue to 11/16/2006 to review.

Seconded by KA.  Vote Unanimous.

 

3.

Public Hearing:  NOI, Robert Jacobs, 2 Murray Street

Represented by Jim Babbin.  Waiting for response from MR.  Still working with DEP.  PF had brought up State Reservation and maybe this connection be done.  BOH said they are septic and this cannot be permitted.  PF not sewer line? 

Motion by TH to continue to 11/16/2005.  Seconded by KA.  Vote unanimous.

 

4.

Public Hearing:  NOI, Michael O’Neill, 64 North End Boulevard

Request to continue by applicant.

Motion by TH to continue to 11/16/2005.  Seconded by KA.   Vote unanimous.

 

5.

Public Hearing:  NOI Kristina Ostman, 72 Railroad Avenue, DEP #65-738

Represented by Jim Babbin.  Two meetings ago proposed garage and addition.  At meeting it was requested we remove concrete - no concrete in garage.  New plan has stone in garage. Third story revised.  TH excavate?  JB, yes - native material left on site and spread around.  TH first floor elevation?  JB - 8 feet.  TH has the Building Inspector made his decision on the 50/50 rule?   . 

Motion by TH to approve provrried Building Inspector  is o.k. with the 50/50  analysis done.  Seconded by KA.  TH need letter from Building Inspector stating that he approves/has ruled on 50/50.  Unanimous.

Abutter:  Vincent Mauti stated that he has requested fence be moved - it is on his property.  Third floor - single family, two story building - but she is having a 3rd floor.  Look at deck.  Deck will be 4 feet away from his property.  Roof line not showing projection.  VM - drawing should be plan.  VM drawing is ambiguous.

KA said from what we can see there is a 10 foot set back.  VM do not care what she builds as long as it is on her property.  TH said fence on plans is an existing fence.  TH Con.Comm. Doesn’t really deal with set backs - may have other issues with the Building Inspector and Zoning.  RW said any reference to Wetland Protection Act is what we can help you with.  TH- suggest you bring concerns to the Building Inspector.  TH this will elevated drainage.  VM my concern is I want my property back - would like to have Con. Comm. hold off on decision.

 

6. 

Public Hearing:  NOI, Arthur Broadhurst, 3 Sixth Street

Represented by: Jim Babbin - to bring commission up to date - have submitted letter to Army Corp. and Natural Heritage.  Salt marsh Delineated.

Motion by KA to continue to 11/16/2005 at 7:15 P.M.  Seconded by TH.  Vote Unanimous.

 

7.

Public Hearing:  NOI, Harold Nabhan, 25 Broadway

Represented by Daniel Padien/Project Manager/Senior Environmental Scientist.

1.  DEP #

2.  Stamped Plan

3.  Type of lumber being used - is Pressure treated lumber

In 2003 EPA ruled that existing stock may be used but no more produced.  TH - disease resistance material have you looked into.  Rep. said he had not.

Motion by KA to approve as presented.  Seconded by TH - and provide us with list of what materials will be used - provide this before building begins.  TH said - good project.  TH provide us with a list of what material is being used before- what and why materials were selected.  RW what about the Army Corps.  TH said the applicant said this is the Coastal Zone.  TH asked when are you doing work.  Harold Nabhan said ASAP.  Vote unanimous.

 

8.

Public Hearing:  NOI, Gary Montiminy, 142 Lafayette Road

Eric Botterman of M.E representing applicant.  Wetland delineation past in and letter from Joe Serwatka.

Motion by TH to continue to 11/16/2005.  Seconded by KA.  Vote unanimous.

 

9.

Public Hearing:  NOI, Peter Carbone, 2 Broadway

Represented by Kurt Young, Wetlands Specialist

KY said the property had two uses, the Batting Cage and Go-Cart Track and is entirely impervious.  Water drains to street drainage.  Proposing a project of approximately 200x80 building.  Common space in front.  36 parking spaces under.  Property n Barrier Beach Flood elevation 9.  Summary Common section - handi- capped section - back of property elevator, parking spaces, mechanical room- one way flow of Travis.  Elevated sand so 2 feet.  Piles to support structure.  Existing parcel 100 % impervious to 77% after project.

Jim Babbin - drainage water.

All drainage will remain on site.  2 part design.  Everything will be infiltrated on site.  Down spouts - man hole drainage with series of leaching chambers.  1 st floor elevation 4 feet above ground level.  Adding storm scepter chambers.  Garage graded to run off into storm scepter.  Open area will get all run off design3ed to be filtered clean and into ground.  This will remove some run off going into Town Creek and put it into the ground.

Kurt Young - Concept of design is to contain run off on site.  TH details?  On plants? TH would like to see planting schedule.  TH replace old-  KY said we will take old pavement out and then put new back.  TH height of proposed building?  KY - 65 feet to mid roof.  TH cannot allow any new paving.  KY - we understand the issue of paving.  KY our intent is to provide with design that will work.  Balance - we are trying to make.   TH reviewed by Engineer?

Motion by TH to continue to 11/16/2005 @7:15 P.M. Use same Engineer that PB used.  Use Joe Serwatka for review.  JB said he would try for next meeting. 

Seconded by KA.  RW said let us know if not ready for next meeting. Vote unanimous. 

 

10.

Public Hearing:  RDA, Mary Hickey, 70 Atlantic Avenue

Ms. DeFrancesco represented Mary Hickey.

KA stated that he saw the property - pavement right up to corner of foundation.  RW do you have any plans?  MD said that essentially the area is pavement.  KA the way the situation is - you are going to pave right over it.  TH no curbs?

Motion by KA to give negative determination.  Seconded by TH - paving over existing pavement.  Need to take a separate vote on paving - not Wetlands O.K  TH should not approve.  KA based onsite visit it falls under the 5% curb cut.

Vote unanimous.

 

 

11.

Public Hearing:  NOI, Bruce Weiker, 14 Ferry Road

Bruce and Donna Weiker represented by Michael Seekamp

Mobile home now - want to do house.  MS existing lot - silt fence.

Motion by KA to approve plan.  Seconded by TH.  PF asked about wetland boundary?

Abutter:  J. Savalionis stated he had no problem as long as he is not building on my property.  Vote unanimous.

Building permit -

TH motion to take out or order.  Seconded by RW.  Unanimous.

TH motion to allow Chairman to sign provided paper work (Order of Conditions) is recorded.

Seconded by KA.  Vote unanimous.

 

 

E.    Old Business:

 

1.

Michael’s Way, Certificate of Compliance

Eirc Botterman of Millennium Engineering representing applicant.

DH stepped down from Conservation Commission member.

EB stated that 2 or 3 meetings ago MR reviewed As-Built and has concerns: 

Extra fill behind some housed.  Have submitted a letter from Matt Brassard - letter says no concerns with extra fill.  Meeting last wee - issues resolved.  RW concerns and abutter at meeting.  Millennium complete flags to show if sheds are in wetlands.  Matt review drainage , driveway etc...  One issue additional clearing had been done on one of the lots and issues to replicate this.   RW said punch list of what need to be done. 

Bradley Couture said that MR is fine with driveway and roadway was fine.  2 sheds will see if the 2 sheds are in wetlands.  Flood storage - validated by Matt Brassard - flood storm not an issue.

Lot 2 & 3 shrubs on fence delineation.  KA sheds looked to be O.K. - one concern - clearing.  KA project looks good and feel is worthy of Certificate of Compliance.  LP outstanding issues - planting of shrubs and sheds.  MR asked

TH shrubs need to be done/planted- issue of sheds - and clearing.  KA where are shrubs?  KA thought area all grown in - why did out now?  TH something in the O of C they shod do.  TH shrubs in by next meeting?  BC - yes.  BC - shrubs or fence?  TH would rather see shrubs.  TH - need to post $5000. Bond for shrubs.

Motion made by TH to sign Certificate of Compliance provided BC post $5000.00 Bond for shrubs to be planted as original plan - Order of Conditions.

Seconded by KA.

TH said - have Seekamp do flags. When?

BC - by next meeting.  Vote unanimous.

 

 

2,

Certificate of Compliance,  Short,  82 Bridge Road

Brian Knowles representing applicant.  Change in access for state highway.

Motion by KA to grant Certificate of Compliance for 82 Bridge Road.  Seconded by TH.  Vote unanimous.

 

 

3.

Certificate of Compliance,  Pearson, 148 Lafayette Road                  

Continuance requested by applicant.

Motion by KA to continue Pearson, 148 Lafayette Road and to be put on the agenda for next meeting.

Seconded by TH.  Vote unanimous.

 

4. 

Sand Fill – Robert Palmisano, Casino Motel, 9 North End Boulevard

Robert Palmisano - Parking - Pavement heaved and in disrepair.  Hot top Company removed - need to install 8 feet of pavement.  TH before paved - draw line where is to be paved.  Make it clear where it is to be paved.  TH agent research-adequate amount of pavement for curb cut. 

Motion to approve by KA - 8  (eight) feet paved apron at 406 North End Boulevard.  Seconded by TH. Provided Chairman takes a look before paved. Vote unanimous.

RP asked Commission have you decided to use any type of pavers?

 

5,

 

 

6.

 

 

F.  New Business:

 

1. 

130 Ledge Road (Address Mistake) Clearing Lot

Scott Mitchell RE Agent

Would like permission to cut trees.  Brush and trees.  PF is this anything to do with what is going on next door?  Rep sad no.  And there no wetlands.  TH clearing lot for future development?  TH is it a shame to cut the big maples.  TH cutting an awful lot of trees without any plan for property.  Rep would like to make the property look nice.  TH can't see clearing with out any reason.  KA I have a different take- they own the land.  Rep will bring stamped plan by Mark West.  TH clearing without thought.  Scott Mitchell - clearing property for future development for making it saleable.  Need to so some grading.  TH need to see plan. 

Motion to continue by TH to 11/16/2005, would like to see plan saying wetland delineation or no wetland.  Stamped with note saying there are no wetlands on the property.  LP neighbor clearing property.  TH maybe send the neighbor a note.  RW let record reflect he is doing things appropriately.  Vote unanimous.

 

2.

188 North End Boulevard, Sal Cavallaro

Represented by Eric Botterman

Two houses and 2 owners, would like to tear down and put up new.  Street to house five foot rise in elevation.  Remove retaining wall.  Gravel pave - what is acceptable.  TH elevated parking?  EB - no way to do any kind of regrading.  EB what amount or regrading would be allowed?  EB is we take wall out the sand will come forward.  EB - would like to take wall out.  EB id we take wall out - sand will migrate down to the road.  LP removing asphalt?  EB project will involve going to Planning Board and Zoning Board for approval.

 

3.

Certificate of Compliance, C. Viti, 44 North End Boulevard

Motion by TH to continue to 11/16/2005, have Chairman look at.  Will sign on approval of Chairman's O.K.

Seconded By DH.  Vote unanimous.

 

5,

Legal Bills - requested by LP

Motion by KA to pay legal bills.    Seconded by TH requesting a copy of bills for members to view.  Vote unanimous.

 

6.                    

Tree cutting enforcement order,  Wayne & Joanne O'Blenes, 41 Seabrook Road –Absent

 

7.  Drainage discharge from neighbor, Fred & Paula Bassett – Present at meeting

KA concerned about tree cutting, clearing and fill. KA - rephrase - cut trees n side of house and back of house.  KA went to neighbors, Fred and Paula Bassett, 43 Seabrook Road.  KA - when DEP see what is going on down there they will have a bird.  KA DEP will issue fines not just $50. Dollars but they fine in the thousands.  KA - I'm not an expert but I can tell you the vegetation is definitely wetland vegetation.

Fred Bassett said drains - O'Blenes have put in drain within the last 2 months.  Pipe routing drainage on to my property.  KA - O'Blenes trees are up rooting. 

Drain - one existing .  Mr. Bassett presented pictures of his surveyors tape and other.  Any water plugged up was trenched to intermittent stream.  PCV pipe is up rooted.  Water flowing aggressively in to my yard.  LP said water flowing onto Mr. Bassett’s property.  TH have someone go out there and look at wetlands - to see if presence of wetlands.  RW said if no wetland vegetation - then there is just cutting trees.  O'Blenes cut 8 and Bassett's cut 100. Have M/r go out and see if wetlands are there.  RW and we are paying for MR to go out there.  WE have done things with no malice - and a year later someone else is doing and saying we caused it.

Motion by TH to have Conservation Commission pay for Wetlands person go out there and see is there are wetlands.  KA all your stumps out?  Mr. Bassett said all stumps are out.  TH   If we send M/r out and she says yes there are wetlands - we stop work.  RW we are willing to pay for MR.  KA needs help - because of neighborhood clash.  KA - also needs to look at O'Blenes property.  Letter to O'Blenes and & Holsher.  Seconded by DH.  Vote unanimous.

 

RW thanked Mr. Bassett for being so even keeled and cooperating.

 

 

TH – Paving?

RW – many people may have seen agenda and think it was under Executive Session.

Paving-

New pavement when applicant comes with mitigation plan – like reducing paving.  People could make a deal to have less pavement.  2-1 Mitigation – MR –said no more restrictive then DEP.  TH would like to see it in there and then send to DEP.  LP said putting pavement where it doesn’t exist.  TH 100% new – need to tear out 125%.  KA would like to go a step further and put pressure on DEP regarding allowing pavers for side walk and handicapped persons.  TH thing is…..LP pavers limit the flow of coastal dunes.  KA – trying to develop beach commercial.  KA – we need to allow hot top for commercial areas.  TH things like pavers- when and where they can be used.  MR – you need to be specific on percentage of mitigation.  TH different circumstances – repair paving – new paving over paving.  LP better to have it more specific or more broad.  RW repave but reduce by 25%.  TH include curb cut.  Include use of pavers.  KA like to see something to allow handicapped accessibility to homes.  KA people coming in all the time.  MR step away form regulation and have more incentives.  TH new paving when mitigating.  MR list of approved.  TH whether pavers or non pervious – DEP does not care. 

Abutters - 

Making adjustment to existing regulation to Town Bylaw or asking DEP to adjust.  Maybe DEP can take it on a case by case basis.  If we hadn’t adopted our Bylaws then some could get approved and some not approved.

LP if someone went out to pave their driveway – TH include provision that allows new pavement.  DEP asked to not appeal if applicant agrees to mitigate.  Abutter – asking DEP to give blanket approval they may reject but not if case by case.  TH DEP does this all the time.  MTRA goes to them and asks if you don’t enforce street rules we will do this…      MR said snag – DEP doesn’t have anything written down.  TH – curb cut – adequate for site and then Public Hearing.  RW see what DL says about curb cut.  MR when do you want this?  TH simple rev and schedule Public Hearing.

TH mitigation 1 to 125.  Pervious and impervious.  TH adopt regulation but put disclaimer saying DEP may not allow.  RE move to adjourn regular meeting and go into Executive Session.

Seconded by TH.  Vote unanimous.   Meeting adjourned at 11:00 P.M.

Motion to go into Executive Session by KA.  Seconded by TH.  Vote unanimous.

Executive Session adjourned at 11:30 P.M.