Hingham Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
HINGHAM CONSERVATION COMMISSION
May 17, 2010 @ 7:00 PM Central Meeting Room North
MEETING MINUTES
Present: Charles Berry, Acting Chair, Robert Perry, Scott McIsaac, Nina Villanova, Daniel Coughlin and Cliff Prentiss, Conservation Officer
Absent: Carolyn Nielsen, Chairman
Old/New Business
1. Approve 4/5/10 draft minutes
Discussion: No edits were necessary.
Motion: Commissioner Coughlin motioned to approve the 4/5/10 minutes.
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. Counsel for the Town
Discussion: Cushing Homestead land acquisition. Paperwork signed.
3. Conservation Meeting Schedule: July through December 2010
Discussion: The dates agreed upon by the Commission members present are: 7/19, 8/16, 9/13, 9/27, 10/4, 10/18, 11/1, 11/15, 11/29 and 12/13.
Motion: Commissioner Coughlin motioned to approve the July through Dec 2010 schedule as discussed.
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
4. Draft Open Space and Recreation Plans – Chapters 6.0-9.0
Discussion: Jim Watson provided an updated plan via email; he requests the Commission review and offer feedback. In addition, the following items need to be completed:
• Chapter 5 needs to be inserted
• The maps need to have legend numbers
• Summary table needed – Inventory of Open property
5. Foundry Pond DEP SE 34 1026 update
Discussion: Still in discussion with DEP; they are looking into issuing a superseding order of conditions. An email from GZA is expected within the next week. The timeline for the project is hopeful for the end of this summer or early fall.
6. Certificate of Achievement–MACC’s Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners–Daniel Coughlin
7. Open Space Committee
Discussion: Created to negotiate and obtain open space to bring to town meeting for conservation. All the land that has been acquired over the last decade has been Conservation parcels. There is a suggestion to discontinue the Open Space Committee and return it to the duties covered by the Conservation Commission.
8. Farm License
Discussion: Two parcels of land:
• A 4 acre field (Cushing)
• An 8.5 acre field – (Schultz)
John Hornstra has been using both field and he agrees that he should be paying a fee for the use of the land. He will be paying $50.00 per acre. The license is good for five years.
Motion: Commissioner Coughlin motioned to approve the license agreement between the Conservation Commission and Hornstra Farms.
Second: Commissioner McIsaac In Favor: All Opposed: None
Request for Determination of Applicability
1. 213 Gardner Street – Applicant: Brendan Gaughan
Discussion: Mr. Gaughan presented his plans to purchase a single-family home. It is bordered on the right by wetlands. He proposes a 500 sq. ft. addition, on the upland side of the home, by replacing the existing 3-season porch and extending it. His proposal does not impede on the wetlands more than what is currently there. A septic system was installed last year on the property.
The Conservation staff was involved during the septic installation and they confirmed the wetland lines. The Conservation Officer doesn’t feel there will be any impact to the wetlands.
Commission Coughlin asked about access. The driveway and access is on the other side of the house, away from the wetlands.
Motion: Commissioner Villanova motioned to issue a Negative Determination.
Second: Commissioner McIsaac In Favor: All Opposed: None
Request for Amendment to Order of Conditions - Discussion
1. 4 Streamboat Lane–SE 34 0992–Applicants: H. & M. McLaughlin/Rep.: M Joyce, Cavanaro Consulting
Presentation: John Cavanaro advised that the house is in the final stages of construction. The McLaughlins would like to install a seasonal access to the water. It will be removed and stored off site when in the off-season. Because the ramp will sit in the mud at low tide, the skid board height will be increased to 12 inches. They would like to construct a small platform so it is not attached to the sea wall. They propose a single frame structure with a few steps.
Discussion: Commissioner Berry - Acting Chair indicated, based on the regulations, this request should come before the Commission under a separate Notice of Intent. Several other Commission members concurred.
The Conservation Officer will review the request as presented and offer any comments that may be needed in the formal NOI.
Notices of Intent
1. 45 Garrison Road – DEP SE 34 1033
Applicants: Adam and Tammy Devine / Representative John Cavanaro, Cavanaro Consulting
Presentation: The site is on a knoll; the wetland is behind the property by approximately 20-30 feet. The proposed work, enhancing the driveway and landscaping is within the 100 ft. buffer zone. Sean Papich presented on the proposed landscape design for this project. A parking area/turn around area is proposed as well as widening the driveway to the garage. There is an existing asphalt path that they propose to remove and replace with stone. There are 6 fir trees that are in a state of disrepair, a letter from a tree and landscape company was given to the Commission stating that the trees should be removed. The new planting plan was reviewed on the plans. Removal of invasive species is planned, replacing with native species.
Discussion: The Conservation Officer concurs with the wetland lines but feels it is a vernal pool. Under the new bylaws a vernal pool needs to be protected by the 100’ buffer. The turnaround portion would need remediation since it is within the 100’ buffer. The Conservation staff and the representative/applicant will discuss ways to make the remediation.
Commissioner Coughlin asked if the existing driveway is asphalt. Mr. Papich concurred that is. Commissioner Coughlin asked if the proposal calls for the area between the driveway and the carriage house is asphalt? Mr. Papich concurred that the plans do call for asphalt.
The Acting Chair opened the hearing to the public. One abutter was present and indicated that he had no concerns with the proposed project. A letter was received from another abutter in support of the project. The Acting Chair closed the hearing to the public.
The Representative asked for a continuance to the June 7, 2010 meeting.
Motion: Commissioner Coughlin motioned to continue the hearing to 6/7/10 with the applicant’s consent.
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. 16 Great Rock Road – DEP 34 1034
Applicants: J. & M. Gruver/ Rep.: M. Joyce – Cavanaro Consulting
Presentation: The applicants are the new owners of the property, which is approximately 4.5 acres. The applicants have begun doing landscape work prior to obtaining an OOC. The plan is to heavily vegetate the landscape. The plan is to enlarge the terrace, expand the driveway and connect the driveway to a pedestrian walkway and to vegetate the back lawn. The applicants hired SITEC to reflag the wetlands, which have expanded in some areas. Mr. Papich advised that the existing landscaping is very rough. The beginning of the driveway will be the same width but up closer to the garage. The proposal is to widen it to allow for turn around. Stone columns approximately 4.5 feet tall are proposed for the beginning of the driveway. An existing bluestone terrace will be removed, a new bluestone on stone dust terrace is proposed by the walk out basement. A proposed deck was reviewed on the plan and includes reusing the existing steps. There is an existing rubble wall to the far left of the property and the plans include rebuilding that wall. Almost 7,000 square feet of new seed mix is proposed.
Discussion: The Conservation Officer noted this cul-de-sac has 6 houses on it. This is the last house on the drive. There is an outstanding Order on this property, but this new filing will supersede the old file. The Conservation Officer has met with the representative on site. They are not in the flood plan and they are putting back the wetland that was disturbed.
Commissioner Coughlin asked for confirmation of the 50-foot buffer zone by the garage. Per Mr. Cavanaro 25 feet was the buffer at the time of building.
The Acting Chair opened the hearing to the public. None. The Acting Chair closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner McIsaac motioned to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions.
Second: Commissioner Coughlin In Favor: All Opposed: None
3. 104 South Pleasant Street – No DEP number/comments as of 5/17/10
Applicant: Sonny Iannacone / Representative: Charles Woodward, Professional Land Survey Association
Presentation: Mr. Woodward presented on the proposed septic repair to an existing 5-bedroom house. Mr. Woodward advised that the wetlands were flagged; the report was presented to the Commission. The proposed location for the septic plan was noted on the plans. There is a retaining wall proposed so there is no fill proposed in the buffer zone.
Discussion: The Conservation Officer advised that the existing sump pump was not maintained due to the house being vacant for approximately 3 years. That was resolved. The Conservation Officer concurs with the wetland lines.
The Acting Chair asked if the existing system will be filled. Per Mr. Woodward, yes, the existing system will be filled. The Conservation Officer advised that the pipes be removed so if there is run off it runs off to the lawn. Two new site maps were provided, showing the new wetland lines were provided.
The Acting Chair opened the hearing to the public. None. The Acting Chair closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner Villanova motioned to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions pending a DEP number.
Second: Commissioner Perry In Favor: All Opposed: None
4. 9 Sharp Street – DEP SE 34 1025 – Requested a continuance to 6/7/10 via email received on 5/11/10.
Motion: Commissioner Coughlin motioned to continue 9 Sharp Street to the 6/7/10 meeting.
Second: Commissioner McIsaac In Favor: All Opposed: None
5. 20 Derby Street – DEP SE 34 1024 Continuance
Applicant: Carlos Perez–Old Colony Montessori School, Inc./Rep.: Kelly Killeen–Coler & Colantonio, Inc.
Presentation: The footprint of the project has stayed the same but the retention basin has been moved to a full subsurface system. The storm water will be captured and sent to the new system. These two items were to address Mr. Chessia’s concerns.
Discussion: Mr. Chessia was present and feels that all concerns have been addressed. Anything outstanding could be conditioned on an Order of Conditions. Commissioner Perry asked if the dumpster pad was moved. Both Mr. Killeen and Mr. Chessia advised that it is now outside of the 50-foot buffer.
The Acting Chair opened the hearing to the public. None. The Acting Chair closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner Villanova motioned to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions including comments made by Mr. Chessia in his 4/22/10 letter.
Second: Commissioner Coughlin In Favor: All Opposed: None
6. Ward Street Turf Fields Project – DEP SE 34 1016 Continuance
Applicant: The Ward Street Turf Fields Fund c/o Jeffrey A. Tocchio, Esq. / Rep.: S. Wall, Tetra Tech Rizzo
Applicant requested a continuance to 6/7/10 via email that was received on 5/11/10.
Motion: Commissioner Perry motioned to continue the Ward St. Turf Fields Project to 6/7/10.
Second: Commissioner McIsaac In Favor: All Opposed: None
Requests for Certificates of Compliance
1. 608 Main Street – DEP SE 34 0823 – Applicant: Kristian Hawver-Scott
Discussion: An Order of Conditions was issued for an addition on the home several years ago. The work was never done.
Motion: Commissioner Coughlin motioned to issue the Certificate of Compliance indicating that the work was never done.
Second: Commissioner McIsaac In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. Off Commercial Road (Blue Cross Blue Shield) – DEP 34 768
Discussion: The landscaping has been done. There is a request that the fabric filter fence be removed and that is in process.
Motion: Commissioner Villanova motioned to issue the Certificate of Compliance
Second: Commissioner Perry In Favor: All Opposed: None
3. Off Commercial Road (Blue Cross Blue Shield) – DEP 34 769
Discussion: The utility corridor was buried, crossing a small wetland; which is healing well. One ¼ mile section needs to be cleaned up and hydro-seeded per the Conservation Officer’s site visit.
COC will be put on hold, pending clean up and seeding.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Cliff Prentiss, Conservation Officer Approved as amended on 6/7/10.