HINGHAM CONSERVATION COMMISSION
December 1, 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, Carolyn Nielsen and Cliff Prentiss, Conservation Officer
Absent:
Old/New Business
1. Draft Dock and Pier Policy
Discussion: Commissioner Nielsen updated the Commission on edits and updates regarding the draft dock and pier policy, specifically the definitions being used. Commissioner Nielsen advised that all but one of the definitions, found in the draft dock and pier policy, are the same as those found in the Mass Wetlands Protection Act. Commissioner Berry commented that he thinks the provision for 12” of water 100’ from shore may result in no docks being permittable. This needs to be determined.
Commissioner Nielsen will provide an updated draft prior to the end of 2008.
2. Approve 10/20/08 and 11/3/08 and 11/17/08 draft minutes
Discussion: Edits to all 3 meeting minutes were discussed and compiled by the Chairman who will provide, via email, to the Conservation staff.
Motion: Commissioner Grafton motioned to approve as amended
Second: A Commissioner In Favor: All Opposed: None
3. Letter dated 11/26/08 from Mr. Rabuffo regarding revisions to the ACO as it pertains to the land adjacent to Back River.
Discussion: The Commission discussed the letter and the role of the Commission. The Chairman will draft a letter to the Selectman advising of the Commissions desire to find a resolution. Currently the view of the Commission is that any mowing and vista pruning be done by permit.
Request for Determination of Applicability
1. 33 Hancock Road - Applicant: Janeen and Albert Kardoos / Representative - Michele Simoneaux
Presentation: Regarding two proposed additions for the back of the home. There is conservation land abutting the property and the addition, as proposed, is between the 50’ and the 100 foot buffer zone lines. A 19 x 31 foot heated living area is proposed as well as a 10 x 37 raised deck with footings which will attach to the addition. The 50’ and 100’ buffer zones were noted on the plans.
Discussion: The Chairman asked if all the work is within the 100’ buffer zone and per Ms. Simoneaux it is. Commissioner Nielsen asked if the area is now currently lawn. Per Ms. Simoneaux, it is and therefore no trees or shrubbery will need to be cut. The Chairman asked when the septic system was installed, per the current home owner it was about 5 years ago and was done by the prior owners. The Chairman asked what kind of foundation the addition will have. Per the current owner they will dig down 4 feet, if they encounter ledge they will stop, if not they will install a full basement. The Chairman indicated some sewer hand holes / cleanouts on the plans in the area of the addition. Per the homeowner the contractor is aware and feels the pipes can be rerouted.
The Conservation Officer concurs with the wetland line and the riverfront area. The Chairman indicated that, should a negative determination be granted, he would like a stockpile area located on the property for the excavated material. The Conservation Officer will include conditions. The Chairman asked for confirmation of their property boundary which was shown on the plans.
The Chairman opened the hearing to the public. None. The Chairman closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner Babin motioned to issue a negative determination
Second: Commissioner Harvey In Favor: All Opposed: None
Notice of Intent
1. 4 Steamboat Lane – DEP SE 34 0980 – Applicant: Lelia Stokes Weinstein / Representative – Phil Spath, Rosano, Davis, Spath Engineering
Presentation: Mr. Spath advised that the proposed 4 bedroom septic system has been approved by the Board of Health. They brought the soil absorption above the flood zone / elevation 11. The Chairman asked if tanks and air intakes were inside the flood zone; Mr. Spath advised yes. The Chairman asked if they would have counter weights on them and Mr. Spath indicated that they would. The Chairman indicated his desire to have the tanks outside the flood zone, and areas on the property were pinpointed that would be outside of the flood zone. Per Mr. Spath moving the tanks would make them too deep into the ground to service and would require a variance as only 3 feet is allowed on top of the tank, and would require a grinder pump in the basement.
Discussion: The pros and cons about moving the system were discussed as the Commission is skeptical of having a septic tank in the flood zone. The Chairman asked if he had plans showing the soil absorption system, Mr. Spath provided.
The Chairman opened the hearing to the public. One member of the public was present and asked if, it floods now will it still flood in the area the Commission discussed as an alternative. Per the Chairman, if the flood zone is correct then a new location would prevent it from flooding. The Chairman closed the hearing to the public.
Commissioner’s Babin and Harvey indicated that, as proposed, it is an improvement to what is currently there. Commissioner Harvey asked what the additional cost would be to put in a grinding pump and move the tanks. Mr. Singleton was present who is the attorney representing the estate, he indicated that the cost would be incremental.
The consensus of the Commission is that we would like to see the tanks on the upland side of the flood line. Mr. Spath asked for a continuance to the 1/5/09 meeting.
Motion: Commissioner Babin motioned to continue the hearing to 1/5/09
Second: Commissioner Neilsen In Favor: All Opposed: None
Request for Extension
1. Dennis Road – DEP SE 34 0822 Applicant: Michael Ferrara / Representative Attorney Robert Barret
Discussion: A request to continue the hearing to 1/5/09 was received. The Chairman asked the Conservation Officer to provide a copy of the OOC.
Motion: Commissioner Babin motioned to continue the hearing to 1/5/09
Second: Commissioner Grafton In Favor: All Opposed: None
Certificates of Compliance
1. 185 Lazell Street – DEP SE 34 0957 – Applicant – Joseph Scott
Presentation: Replacement septic system. The Conservation Officer reported that the work has been completed satisfactorily.
Motion: Commissioner Babin motioned to issue the Certificate of Compliance
Second: Commissioner Grafton In Favor: All Opposed: None
Order of Conditions
None
Meeting Adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Cliff Prentiss, Conservation Officer
Approved as amended on 12/15/08.