Hingham Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
June 7, 2010 @ 7:00 PM Central Meeting Room North
Present: Charles Berry, Acting Chair, Robert Perry, Scott McIsaac, Nina Villanova, and Cliff Prentiss, Conservation Officer
Absent: Carolyn Nielsen, Chairman, and Daniel Coughlin
7:00 PM Old/New Business
Approve Draft Minutes – 4/5/10 Ex. Session, 5/17/10
Approve Meeting and Deadline Submission Dates – July – Dec. 2010
230 Ward Street – Wetland Boundary Review - Discussion
7:15 PM Request for Extension to OOC - Discussion
65 Hobart Street – DEP SE 34 0920
Applicant: Frank Bridgeman - Ferdie LLC / Representative: Nicholas Lanney, HML Associates
Request for Extension to Order of Resource Delineation
274 South Street – DEP SE 34 0915
Applicant: South Shore Country Club – Town of Hingham / Representative: Rod Gaskell, SITEC
7:30 PM Notices of Intent
274 South Street – DEP SE 34 1036
Applicant: South Shore Country Club – Town of Hingham / Representative: Rod Gaskell, SITEC
26 Bradley Park Drive - DEP SE 34 1035
Applicants: Michael & Jennifer Monteiro / Representative: Brad Holmes, ECR
3 Sycamore Road – DEP SE 34 1038
Applicants: Alan and Vanessa Hsu / Representative: Steve Ivas, Ivas Environmental
4 Steamboat Lane – DEP SE 34 1039
Applicants: Hugh and Mary Ellen McLaughlin / Representative: Michael Joyce, Cavanaro Consulting
9 Sharp Street – DEP SE 34 1025 – Continuance
Applicant: Erik Koplovsky, 9 Sharp Street LLC / Representative: David Kelly, Kelly Engineering
45 Garrison Road – DEP SE 34 1033 - Continuance
Applicants: Adam and Tammy Devine / Representative: Michael Joyce, Cavanaro Consulting
Ward Street Turf Fields Project – DEP SE 34 1016 – Continuance
Applicant: The Ward Street Turf Fields Fund c/o Jeffrey A. Tocchio, Esq. / Rep.: Sterling Wall, Tetra Tech Rizzo
Requests for Certificates of Compliance
608 Main Street – DEP 34 0823 – Applicant: Kristian Hawver-Scott
Off Commerce Road (Blue Cross Blue Shield) – DEP 34 768
Old/New Business
1. Approve Draft Minutes – 4/5/10
Discussion: Edits were discussed and noted for 4/5/10.
Motion: Commissioner Perry motioned to approve the 4/05/10 draft minutes as amended.
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. Approve Draft Minutes – 5/17/10
Discussion: Edits were discussed and noted for 5/17/10.
Motion: Commissioner Villanova motioned to approve the 5/1710 draft minutes.
Second: Commissioner McIsaac In Favor: All Opposed: None
3. Approve Meeting and Deadline Submission Dates – July 2010 – Dec. 2010.
Discussion: No edits necessary.
Motion: Commissioner McIsaac motioned to approve the Meeting and Deadline Submission dates.
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
4. 230 Ward Street – Wetland Boundary Review - Discussion
Commissioner Berry noted to the public in attendance that this discussion is dealing with the Trifone property on Ward Street and not the Ward Street Turf Fields, which is scheduled as a continuance later on in the evening. There was some confusion over the two properties with phone calls into the office after the agenda was posted.
Discussion: The Conservation Officer reviewed SITEC’s Wetland Boundary Review correspondence dated
May 14, 2010 and engineering plan dated April 2, 2007 (Existing Conditions-Plan of Land for 230 Ward Street-DeCelle Burke notes from SITEC Site visit Wetlands Boundary Assessment on April 29, 2010.
• Wetlands, uplands, Plymouth River Watershed and flood plain identified
• Areas were noted that had been filled in by the applicant
• SITEC found more fill in other areas
• Soil augers were done to date the fill – anything before 1990 has been grandfathered by the State
• Mr. Trifone is in agreement with SITEC’s findings
• Mr. Trifone is willing to come in with a NOI or have the Commission write something under the Enforcement Order to correct all of this
• Entire property is in the 200 foot riverfront, and what isn’t in the riverfront is covered by the 50 foot and 100 foot buffer zones on both sides
• Future meeting should be set up with Mr. Trifone with other recommendations for mitigation for the property.
The Conservation Officer asked the Acting Chair to make an addition to the agenda dealing with an update to Foundry Pond.
5. Foundry Pond Update
Presentation: The Conservation Officer reviewed the status of Foundry Pond and Michele Simoneaux’s (GZA Consultant) email dated June 7, 2010 – “Foundry Pond – Budget Report”.
• Due to the Superseding Order of Conditions from the State, at my request, GZA is holding back submitting the Chapter 91 Permit and the 401 Water Quality Certification Dredging application since we don’t want to submit plans that do not reflect the final process
• Attempting to talk and meet with the DEP to see where they are going with this
• Budgeted money is running low and it does not look like we will start late this summer or early fall
• Shall we continue to get the last two permits? Would like the Commission’s input.
Discussion: Commissioners Berry and McIsaac would like to continue with the pursuit of the remaining permits needed and directed the Conservation Officer to contact DEP and continue with the permitting process.
Request for Extension to OOC - Discussion
1. 65 Hobart Street – DEP SE 34 0920
Applicant: Frank Bridgeman - Ferdie LLC / Representative: Nicholas Lanney, HML Associates
Presentation: Mr. Bridgeman is requesting a 3-year extension to the OOC. He has a Purchase & Sale Agreement for the property. Proposes to construct a 2-bedroom home with a smaller footprint than originally approved with the amended OOC. The original plan had a boulder retaining wall in the backyard. Mr. Bridgeman is proposing a smaller cemented wall.
Discussion: Conservation Officer noted that 2 different footprints for this property have been before the Commission. This proposal is the smallest, least intrusive and reduces the septic system size.
Commissioner Perry noted that proposed deck goes into the 50-foot setback and Commissioner Berry, Acting Chair noted that the Commission is very diligent in keeping any new construction out of the 50-foot buffer. If you can avoid a footprint it would be helpful.
Mr. Lanney asked if they would have to file for an amended OOC since the proposed work will be smaller?
Conservation Officer noted that since the applicant is proposing a smaller project, it would be appropriate to work under the existing Amended Order with the new revised plans and to work with the Conservation staff.
Commissioner Berry, Acting Chair, opened the extension request to the public for comments. None. Commissioner Berry closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner Villanova motioned to issue a three-year extension to 65 Hobart St. – SE 34 0920
Second: Commissioner McIsaac In Favor: All Opposed: None
Request for Extension to Order of Resource Delineation
1. 274 South St.–DEP SE 34 0915 Applicant: South Shore Country Club–TOH/Rep.: R. Gaskell, SITEC
Presentation:
Mr. Gaskell reviewed the history of the project, as none of the Commissioners were members at the time of this filing. The Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Determination was submitted back in 2007, and upon approval, the Order of Resource Area Determination served as the basis for preparing any plans for maintenance and improvement work at the SSCC requiring future filings under the jurisdiction of the MA Wetlands Protection Act and the TOH Wetlands Bylaw. Golf course construction was done in the 1950’s, grandfathering any historically filled wetlands that are now occupied by golf course play areas and supporting infrastructure. A resident appealed the line and MA DEP denied the appeal.
Mr. Gaskell has walked the property on multiple occasions and has observed no significant changes in the boundaries of the wetlands resource areas previous approved by the Commission back in August 2007.
Discussion: The Conservation Officer concurs with Mr. Gaskell’s observations and noted that the golf course now has a water supply approval permit from DEP.
Commissioner Berry, Acting Chair, opened the extension request to the public for comments. None. Commissioner Berry closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner McIsaac motioned to issue a three-year extension to 274 South St. – DEP SE 34 0915.
Second: Commissioner Perry In Favor: All Opposed: None
Commissioner Berry read the usual information dealing with NOI’s.
Notices of Intent
1. 274 South Street – DEP SE 34 1036
Applicant: South Shore Country Club – Town of Hingham / Representative: Rod Gaskell, SITEC
Presentation: Mr. Gaskell noted that the SSCC would like to remove 9 culverts within existing drainage channels and replace each of them with sloped, vegetated channel banks and wooden bridge crossings. This proposed work would eliminate SSCC having to annually clean and maintain these culverts. Wooden bridges will be made by the SSCC and the specs of the bridges were discussed.
The NOI also proposes to remove an area of phragmites, restore existing elevations and associated hydrology and plant a wet meadow plant community. The purpose of this is to facilitate the retrieval of golf balls. Also the phragmites removal will improve habitat value.
Mr. Gaskell handed out 11 photographs for the Commission to review dealing with the proposed wetland resource area enhancements:
• Existing phragmites to be replaced with a wetland meadow plant community
• Existing culverts to be removed and replaced with bridge crossing,
• SITEC’s plan, “Overall Wetlands Resource Area Plan – Sheet 1 of 6 – May 5, 2010”.
Mr. Gaskell noted that he had received a phone call from an abutter at 12 Golf View Drive noting that this proposed project may be creating more of a hazard for children by removing pipe and creating an attractive open body of water. Mr. Gaskell noted that the proposed changes will create less ponding of water and he invited the abutter to come out and look at the course to discuss the filing.
Discussion: The Conservation Officer noted that portions of culverts 1-6 had been removed several years back at the golf course since they had collapsed and were plugged. Water was erupting onto the fairways; and keeping them wet. Removing these plugged and collapsed culverts has enhanced the flow, and allowed the runoff to Town Brook.
The proposed project will help relieve standing stagnant water in the spring to prevent a mosquito-breeding habitat; and removal of the phragmites will create an enhanced habitat and will also improve the aesthetics of the golf course.
Commissioners noted:
• Eliminating obstructions to the water flow, will achieve less ponding so hopefully it would not be a potential safety hazard to children
• Looks like an improvement to the property and habitat.
Commissioner Berry, Acting Chair, opened the hearing to the public.
Abutter – 14 Golf View Drive – is in favor of the proposed project, which will create less standing water and fewer mosquitoes.
Commissioner Berry, Acting Chair, closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner Villanova motioned to close the hearing for 274 South St. – SE 34 1036 and issue an OOC.
Second: Commissioner Perry In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. 26 Bradley Park Drive – DEP SE 34 1035
Applicants: Michael & Jennifer Monteiro / Representative: Brad Holmes, ECR
Presentation: Proposed activities are drainage improvements and wetland repair and enhancements to the single family home. Areas of the Conservation Commission jurisdiction: BVW and 100 foot buffer zone to BVW. Excavation has been unsuccessful due to the high ground water.
Proposed Drainage improvements:
• Installation of a gravel trench along the east side of the existing driveway to treat and infiltrate stormwater leaving the driveway. Currently an area of pooled water accumulates from stormwater runoff from the driveway.
• Installation of a drywell along the west side of the house to infiltrate roof water runoff into the lawn and reduce the amount of rainwater collecting on the paved driveway.
• Repair of the BVW abutting the driveway to include a porous subsurface, native plantings and erosion control measures to alleviate ponding of water. It will be a sand and gravel subsurface under the loam top layer to allow for better drainage during normal conditions.
Wetland Repair and Enhancement
• Repair of the BVW to include removal of existing accumulated sediment, installation of a sand and gravel subsurface, cover the surface with loam to match abutting elevations and re-vegetate the area with an obligate wetland seed mix
• Removal of a rotting tree stump, and fill the area with loam and an obligate wetland seed mix
• Cutting and removal of non native invasive shrubs, replaced with native shrubs will be planted that create wildlife habitat value
Discussion: The Conservation Officer noted that the applicant is proposing a reasonable solution. Area has had water problems since the Baker Hill development was built.
Commissioner Berry, Acting Chair, opened the hearing to the public. None. Commissioner Berry closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner McIsaac motioned to close the hearing for 26 Bradley Park Dr. and issue an OOC. Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
3. 3 Sycamore Road – DEP SE 34 1038
Applicants: Alan and Vanessa Hsu / Representative: Steve Ivas, Ivas Environmental
Presentation: Applicant proposes to change an existing wood deck to indoor living space 38 feet to the BVW. There are no alternatives due to zoning restrictions, a very tight lot and a sewer easement runs along the property line other than a location closer to the BVW. Deck is constructed on footings and a foundation will be a crawl space. Turning the deck into indoor living space for the new addition to the family will be less noise for the wildlife.
Conservation Officer noted that it is a small project and you don’t want to create more water issues for the neighbors. Suggestion would be to include drywells and roof drains for the project.
Discussion: None from the Commissioners.
Commissioner Berry, Acting Chair, opened the hearing to the public. None. Commissioner Berry closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner Villanova motioned to close the hearing for 3 Sycamore Road – DEP SE 34 1038 and issue an OOC with the Conservation Officers suggestions.
Second: Commissioner Perry In Favor: All Opposed: None
4. Ward Street Turf Fields Project – DEP SE 34 1016 – Continuance
Applicant: The Ward Street Turf Fields Fund c/o J. Tocchio, Esq. / Rep.: S. Wall, Tetra Tech Rizzo
At 8:50 p.m. the Conservation Officer asked the Commission to please note that the Ward St. Turf Fields applicants via Mr. D.J. McKinnon, Trustee is requesting another continuance to July 19, 2010. A letter was handed to the recording secretary from D. J. McKinnon.
Before voting for the continuance, the public had several questions:
• Will the Selectmen be treating this as a new project? Commissioner Berry indicated that the Conservation Commission is considering the request as a continuance, with a project that has been changed many times. We don’t know what the Selectmen will be doing.
• Can the applicants come in after the hearing is over and talk about the revisions they are proposing? Commissioner Berry indicated that no one should be coming back in to speak to the Commission tonight regarding the Ward St. Turf Fields project.
• Why was this then advertised as a continuance tonight? Commissioner Berry noted that the applicant requested the continuance for tonight.
Motion: Commissioner Perry motioned to continue the hearing for the Ward Street Turf Fields until 7/19/10 with the permission of the applicant and representative present, D.J. McKinnon and S. Wall.
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
Commissioner Berry thanked the public for coming.
5. 4 Steamboat Lane – DEP SE 34 1039
Applicants: Hugh and Mary Ellen McLaughlin / Representative: John Cavanaro, Cavanaro Consulting
Presentation: At the last hearing the applicant submitted an amendment to a current OOC for a float and the Commission requested a new filing. Since then, we have met with the Harbormaster and the Conservation Officer to discuss this application. Proposal is to construct a temporary ramp and seasonal float that will be permitted through a 10A permit through the Harbormaster. Photos were handed out.
• 6x4 deck system will be located on shore, separate from the wall, fastening of the ramp seasonally will be affixed to this modest timber frame structure. Step will be the anchor, not tying into the wall.
• Float will be moored with anchors, opposite corners on each end with chains to keep the ramp in place
• System was designed by Steamboat Wharf Marina in Hull
• Installed at the beginning of the season and removed and stored off site in the off season
Discussion: Conservation Officer noted it meets the standard requirements for docks and floats. Typical of what is seen along this stretch of the shore.
Commissioner Berry noted that the pier should be located near the center of the lot with the new regulations. Mr. Cavanaro noted that the house sits on top of the seawall, and it is proposed to be in alignment with the house. On both sides of this property there are docks and ramps. The timber skid will be made up of frame boards and has been revised to meet the new regulations of 18 inches, so at low tide you can have a cavity so creatures and water can migrate through.
Commissioner Berry, Acting Chair, opened the hearing to the public. None. Commissioner Berry closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner Perry motioned to close the hearing for 4 Steamboat Lane and issue an OOC.
Second: Commissioner McIsaac In Favor: All Opposed: None
6. 9 Sharp Street – DEP SE 34 1025 – Continuance
Applicant: Erik Koplovsky, 9 Sharp Street LLC / Representative: David Kelly, Kelly Engineering
Commissioner Berry, Acting Chair, announced that 9 Sharp Street has requested another continuance until 7/19/10.
Motion: Commissioner Perry motioned to continue the hearing for the 9 Sharp Street with the permission of the applicant to July 19, 2010.
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
7. 45 Garrison Road – DEP SE 34 1033 - Continuance
Applicants: Adam and Tammy Devine / Representative: John Cavanaro, Cavanaro Consulting and Sean Papich, Landscape Architect
Presentation: Mr. Papich reviewed the plan dated June 2, 1010, that has increased the mitigation. Mr. Papich noted that at the last meeting, Roger Sullivan of 40 Garrison Road had no issues with proposed project.
Discussion: The Conservation Officer noted this is an enhancement of the plantings and driveway work for 45 Garrison Road. Sean Papich and the Conservation Officer worked on the drainage issues so as not to impact the vernal pool, which is not certified as of this point.
Commissioner Berry, Acting Chair; opened the hearing to the public. None. Commissioner Berry closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner Villanova motioned to close the hearing for 45 Garrison Road and issue an OOC.
Second: Commissioner Perry In Favor: All Opposed: None
Requests for Certificate of Compliance
608 Main Street – DEP 34 0823 – Applicant: Kristian Hawver-Scott
The Conservation Officer noted that this is work that was under an OOC by the previous owners, and the work was never started. A COC is needed for closing, since the home is being sold.
Off Commerce Road (Blue Cross Blue Shield) – DEP 34 768
The Conservation Officer noted that the work has been completed as requested in the OOC.
Motion: Commissioner McIsaac motioned to issue COC’s for 608 Main St. & Off Commerce Rd. - 34 768.
Second: Commissioner Perry In Favor: All Opposed: None
New Business - Donation of Land – 82 Fort Hill Street
Mr. John J. Jorritsma would like to donate 82 Fort Hill Street to Conservation. The property is located adjacent to the Fort Hill Cemetery and the Greenbush railway. Drainage from the extensive marsh onsite flows through the South Shore Country Club and then into the Fresh River, an anadromous fish run.
Motion: Commissioner Perry motioned to accept the donation of property at 82 Fort Hill Street to Conservation. Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
Meeting adjourned at 9:25p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Cliff Prentiss, Conservation Officer Approved as amended on 07/19/10.