HINGHAM CONSERVATION COMMISSION
November 3, 2008 at 7:00 PM Central Meeting Room North
MEETING MINUTES
Present: Samuel Chapin, Chairman, Eugene Babin, Vice-Chairman, Doug Harvey, Charles Berry, Bill Grafton and Cliff Prentiss, Conservation Officer
Absent: Carolyn Nielsen
Old/New Business
1. League of Women Voters of Hingham – Observer Corps
2. Schedule 1st and 2nd quarter Conservation Commission meetings for 2009
December 29, 2008 meeting cancelled. 1/5, 1/26, 2/9, 2/23, 3/9, 3/23, 4/6, 4/27, 5/4, 5/18, 6/1, 6/15, 6/29/2009 dates proposed and agreed upon.
General Discussion
1. Bare Cove Park – Mowing and vista clearing
Commissioner Grafton will review agreement between TOH and Mr. Hastings.
2. Permission to Bow Hunt on Conservation Commission Property behind golf driving range off Union Street
One individual is requesting permission to bow hunt on conservation property behind the golf driving range off Union Street. The Commission deliberated the boundaries of the property and estimated over 100 acres are within this area. Commissioner Berry asked if this would allow only this individual or if it would allow for anyone to bow hunt on this land. The request is for this one individual only, if anyone else wishes to do so they must come before the Commission to obtain approval.
Commissioner Grafton asked that the area where hunting is to be allowed be well defined to make sure areas that border populated areas will not be included.
Motion: Commissioner Harvey motioned to allow this request to bow hunt on Conservation Commission property for this year for this one individual. The Conservation staff will notify the individual making the request and will make certain boundaries are provided.
Second: Commissioner Grafton In Favor: All Opposed: None
3. FY 2009 – Quarterly Budget Meetings – Conservation – Wed. 11/12/08 – 12:40 p.m.
The Conservation Officer has started the budget and on Wednesday 11/12 they will be defending their budget. They are also being asked to make a 5% cut.
4. The Conservation Officer advised that the owner of 297 Main Street has 3.5 acres he would like to gift to the Town. The Conservation Officer has discussed the property with the owner and indicated that the Conservation Commission would likely be pleased to accept it as a gift.
The Conservation Commission concurs with the Conservation Officer that the property would be welcomed as a gift.
Notice of Intent
1. 17 Miles Road – DEP SE 34 0983 Applicant: Thomas Wirth Associates, Inc.
Presentation: Phil Ciaro, owner, advised that the pond on his property was tested and indicated his desire to be environmentally conscious regarding the plans to clean up the pond and promote wildlife. Mr. Wirth indicated on the plans where the home and pond are located as well as the 50 and 100 foot buffer lines.
There is a proposed 12’ addition that has been approved. They presented a proposal to collect roof runoff to a 1000-gallon leach pit that accommodates a 1” rainfall. If rain passed the 1” rainfall the overflow will be directed to the pond. The proposal also includes a new driveway that maintains the same square footage as the existing driveway. There are future plans to build a garage (both of which were shown on the plans). A catch basin is also being proposed that will collect any oil &/or gas leakage before it reaches the leach pit and potentially the pond. In the area that is now lawn (previously a pool) they propose to excavate that area and re-stabilize the area.
Discussion: Commissioner Berry asked if the current driveway is paved. Per Mr. Wirth, it is. Commissioner Grafton asked if there were any tributaries coming into the pond. Per Mr. Wirth, there are none. Commissioner Grafton asked if it was a vernal pool, per Mr. Wirth it is and has water in it at all times.
The Chairman asked if they had done any testing to determine infiltration. Per Mr. Wirth, it is mostly granular. The Chairman asked how long ago the swimming pool was filled in. Per the owner, they purchased the property 2 years ago and the pool was filled in at that time.
The Chairman asked the Conservation Officer for his comment. He concurs with the wetland lines on the property.
The Chairman reiterated the proposed plans that fall within the buffer zones. Within the 50’ buffer is to excavate and restabilize the prior pool area. Within the 100’ buffer there is a proposed addition and patio. Within both is the PVC discharge pipe. The Chairman asked what is in patio area now. There is currently garden and a small area of lawn.
The Chairman opened the hearing to the public. No comment.
The Chairman closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner Babin motioned to close the hearing and issue the Order of Conditions
Second: Commissioner Grafton In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. 240-246 Lazell Street – DEP SE 34 0984 Applicant James Robichaud, South Pleasant Street, LLC / Representative – Gary James, James Engineering
Presentation: Extend the 12” water main another 610’. There will be a hydrant. Mr. James provided a water drainage summary and provided it to the Commission. There will be no stockpiling of material overnight.
Discussion: The Chairman asked if the properties noted on the plans are proposed. Per Mr. James, they are but are not part of this proposal. The Chairman asked if the street would have to be closed during the work. Per Mr. James he doesn’t expect the road to be closed. Commissioner Babin asked if the water department had any comments. Per Mr. James, they have approved it. The Chairman asked if this work will be done by the property owner, per Mr. James it will be done by a 3rd party.
The Conservation Officer advised that erosion controls will be in place and the wetlands lines were reviewed.
The Chairman indicated a letter from an abutter was received indicating that they are not in support of the project.
The Chairman asked when they proposed to start work on the project. Per Mr. Robichaud, as soon as possible and indicated that it is expected to be a 7-day project. Per the Chairman once the Commission issues an Order of Conditions there is a 10-day appeal period so no work could begin until that time. Per Mr. Robichaud because of the timing a temporary patch would be in place until April ’09 when permanent paving would be done.
The Chairman asked if the catchbasin shown on the drawings is a leaching or discharging basin. Per Mr. James it is a leaching catchbasin.
The Chairman opened the hearing to the public. Two separate abutters were present and indicated their concerns about flooding on their properties, reporting prior problems with the last water main project. The Chairman closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner Babin motioned to close the hearing and issue the Order of Conditions
Second: Commissioner Harvey In Favor: All Opposed: None
Certificates of Compliance
1. Whiting Street and Cushing Street Transportation Improvements – DEP 34 0844 – Applicant: Erickson
Discussion: The Conservation Officer will need to review the property and requests this be moved to the 11/17 meeting
2. Derby Street Shoppes – DEP 34 721 – Applicant: W/S/M Properties, LLC
Discussion: The roadway work is complete and complies with the OOC.
Motion: Commissioner Grafton motioned to approve Certificate of Compliance.
Second: Commissioner Berry In Favor: All Opposed: None
Request for Determination of Applicability
None
Abbreviated Notice of Intent
None
Determination of Applicability
None
Order of Resource Area Delineation
None
Meeting Adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
________________________ Cliff Prentiss, Conservation Officer
Approved as amended on 12/01/08.