Old/New Business
1. Approve 7/19/10 draft minutes
Discussion: Edits were discussed and compiled by the Chair; they will be directed to the office.
Motion: Commissioner Coughlin motioned to approve the 7/19/10 minutes as amended.
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. 82 Fort Hill Street
Discussion: Donation of land pending payment of back taxes.
3. Bow Hunting Requests for Deer Season (10/18/10 – 11/27/10)
Discussion: R. Corey, S. Ingrassia, J. Giles, A. Mullaney, G. Ryan, S. Messenger and D. Horte have requested permission to bow hunt on conservation land.
The Chairman noted that some guidelines need to be established prior to hunting season; in particular the number of hunters that should be allowed on public property at a time. The Conservation Officer will compile a list of areas/properties that are suitable for hunting. The Chairman asked the Conservation Officer if he thought seven (7) hunters would present any danger. The Conservation Officer commented that it would not. Commissioner Berry indicated his interest in having signage posted in each area open to hunting.
A member of the public was concerned that 82 Fort Hill Street was included in the bow hunting request. The Chair clarified that that was a separate agenda item & not in consideration for hunting.
Motion: Commissioner Coughlin motioned to allow bow hunting on Hingham conservation land identified as appropriate by the Conservation Officer.
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
4. Bow Hunting Requests for Turkey Season (10/25/10 – 10/30/10)
Discussion: J. Giles had requested permission to bow hunt on conservation land but retracted his request because turkey season in this area is spring only.
5. Signs for Bare Cove
Discussion: Regarding installation of signage to help control dogs from running into the salt marshes, streams, woods and wetlands. Commissioner McIsaac proposed putting up signs in certain areas that indicate dogs must be on a leash. Chairman Nielsen suggested considering a specified fenced off-leash area. Further discussion needed.
Request for Determination of Applicability
1. 1126 Main Street – Applicant Stephen Jacobs
Plans presented are in the file.
Discussion: Mr. Jacobs was unable to be present. The Conservation Officer commented that the pool, which has already been installed, does not encroach on any wetlands and that the area was previously lawn prior to the installation of the pool. The project is in the 200' Outer Riparian Zone.
Motion: Commissioner Coughlin motioned to issue a negative determination.
Second: Commissioner McIsaac In Favor: All Opposed: None
Notice of Intent
1. Ward Street Turf Fields Project – DEP SE 34 1016 – Continuance – Applicant: Ward Street Turf Fields Fund c/o Jeffrey A. Tocchio, Esq. / Representative Sterling Wall, Rick Alfonso, Tetra Tech Rizzo
Plans presented are in the file.
Presentation: Mr. Tocchio presented on the revised drawing that was submitted to the commission last week. The new plan is away from wetland area D as well as the 100 foot buffer. It also reduces the number of parking to 151 spaces. If these plans are acceptable to the Conservation Commission they will have drainage plans to Mr. Chessia prior to the next meeting. Mr. Alfonso presented the new plans indicating that the existing parking lot will be reused as such. The entrance will remain the same and a new egress is proposed and was indicated on the plans. One field was noted as existing and will remain as such with no changes. The new field was reviewed and is outside the 100 foot buffer at flag series C and D. All work is outside the 50' buffer as well.
Discussion: The Conservation Officer feels the Commission should consider removal of the 2 retaining walls and in their place grade the area to allow for wildlife crossing – however, this would be within the 50' buffer zone. The only other barriers would be the fences. Currently there is a fence on the existing field with a proposal for a new fence on the new field. The Chair commented that if graded slope is agreed upon it would need to be seeded with native species. Dan Nein commented on the wildlife study as well as the potential vernal pools indicating again that the redesign is outside of the 50' and 100' buffer zones.
The Chairman indicated her recommendation that the Commission make a finding under the Town of Hingham Wetlands By-Law that both the D flag and C flag series are Vernal Pools.
Motion: Commissioner Coughlin motioned that both the D flag and C flag series be identified as Vernal Pools.
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
The Chairman opened the hearing to the public.
One member of the public asked what the process is for constructing a grass field and what, if any impact it causes to the area. D.J. McKinnon commented on the process starting with the plans, erosion controls, how to balance the soils on-site and the final steps, installation of an athletic grade sod.
One member of the public asked if pesticides will be used to maintain the fields. The Chairman indicated that when an Order of Conditions is written limiting fertilizers, pesticides and chemical uses can be included as part of the conditions. She also indicated the trend in field management has been organic.
One member of the public asked what the impact is on the existing trees and how are the fields going to be irrigated. Mr. Alfonso advised that there is an existing well. Its use will be reviewed if the plans are approved. Mr. Alfonso indicated that a few more trees will have to be removed but the plans, as they are now, reduces the number of parking spaces and limits the impact on the site.
One member of the public indicated that there is standing water on the property following heavy rainfall. Mr. Alfonso indicated that where they found standing water they pulled the plans back. Landscaping will be addressed along the road at a later date once plans have been approved.
One member of the public asked if the applicant has considered the existing fields, which has irrigation, as well as what the plans are for the future. The chair advised that the Order of Conditions can include stipulations for use. Mr. Tocchio advised that they don't own the land so anything they are to do, now or in the future would have to be approved by the town.
The Chairman closed the hearing to the public.
Mr. Tocchio asked for a continuance to the September 13, 2010 meeting
Motion: Commissioner Berry motioned to continue the hearing to 9/13/10.
Second: Commissioner Perry In Favor: All Opposed: None
Mr. Tocchio approached the Commission Officer and asked to move the continuance to 9/27/10. It was determined that no additional vote was needed.
2. 134 Rockland Street – DEP 34 1041 - Continuance - Applicant: Clifford Boyle / Representative: Brendan Sullivan, Cavanaro Consulting
Plans presented are in the file.
Presentation: Mr. Sullivan presented the proposed plans to construct a single family home. The revisions are outside of the ACEC (pending confirmation from FEMA). A stone drainage trench on either side of the driveway has been added. A drainpipe has been added under the driveway. The sewage will be pumped out to the street via a 2 inch line; an E-1 unit is proposed at the street. A cable safety fence is proposed and was indicated on the plans.
Discussion: The Chair asked for clarification on the septic tank. Mr. Sullivan indicated that the pump has not been sized yet but they have been in touch with the sewer department and that will be determined once the plans are approved.
The Conservation Officer advised that a site walk has been done and commented on the need for erosion control. He concurs with the ACEC.
A restoration plan was discussed for the "grotto" area. There are currently test holes that will be re-graded to fill in some of the area.
The Chairman opened the hearing to the public.
One member of the public is very concerned about siltation from erosion going onto Rockland Street. Mr. Sullivan advised that there is currently an application to the Mass Highway Department for a curb cut. Mr. Sullivan will forward a copy of the application to the Commission. Per Mr. Sullivan Mass Highway will not allow any drainage from the site onto Rockland Street and if Mass Highway Department requires additional drainage they will add it as necessary. The Chair advised that if this is permitted there is construction sequencing that includes drainage and access to and from the site be controlled. The question was asked if there will be any blasting, per the contractor, no blasting is planned.
A Bentonite plug in the sewer line was discussed as a possible condition.
Faith Burbank asked if double piping is being requested. Per the Conservation Officer that is in place on these plans and it was concurred by Mr. Sullivan.
The Chairman closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner Berry motioned to close the hearing and issue an order of conditions.
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
The Chair asked if the applicant and representative would agree to 28 days before the next meeting for the Order of Condition to be signed, they agreed.
3. 111 Cushing Street – No DEP number/comments as of 8/16/10 Applicant: Kent and Lisa Forkner / Representative: Rod Gaskell, SITEC Environmental
Plans presented are in the file.
Presentation: Mr. Gaskell presented on the proposal for the addition of a swimming pool and landscaping. The plans were reviewed to show what vegetation would need to be removed including some trees and shrubs. The 50 and 100 foot setback lines were outlined on the plans. A gunite pool would be surrounded with pavers, there is another paver area with a trellis fence and hot tub. Planting areas were discussed, all outside of the 50' buffer zone. A retaining wall is proposed. The delineation of the fence was outlined on the plans.
Discussion: The Conservation Officer concurred with the wetland lines and indicated that it has no impact on the wildlife in the area and it is outside of the 50' setback.
Commissioner Coughlin asked about the elevation on the back side of the pool. Mr. Gaskell confirmed what areas are fill. Commissioner McIsaac asked where the pool equipment would be housed, Mr. Gaskell indicated on the plans where the equipment will be.
The Chairman asked about the impervious nature of the pavers. Per Mr. Gaskell, the pavers will allow for some penetration. Also there is a gentle slope that will spread any runoff away from the house into the vegetated edge behind the pool.
The Chairman opened the hearing to the public. None. The Chairman closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner Perry motioned to close the hearing and issue an order of conditions pending a DEP number
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
4. 38 Highview Drive – No DEP number/comments as of 8/16/10 Applicant: Brian Tomasello / Representative: Deborah Keller, McKenzie Engineering Group, Inc.
In attendance for the applicant, Brian and Meg Tomasello, James V. O'Brien – Property Owner, Deborah W. Keller – Engineer (McKenzie Eng. Group), Peter Smith – Architect (Campbell Smith Architects) Documents Used: Plan of 38 Highview Drive, Hingham, MA dated July 29, 2010
Presentation: Ms. Keller presented on the proposed plans to demolish the existing house, construct a new house with a stone pervious driveway. The coastal bank/flood plan line was depicted at elevation 12 on the plans. The existing house, driveway and lawn area is currently within the 50 foot buffer zone.
Discussion: The Conservation Officer concurs with the coastal bank/flood plain and wetland lines. He also concurs that the area is already disturbed and the plans seem to be thought out.
The Chairman opened the hearing to the public. None. The Chairman closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner Coughlin motioned to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions pending DEP number.
Second: Commissioner Berry In Favor: All Opposed: None
5. 0 Side Hill Road – No DEP number/comment as of 8/16/10. Applicant Bruce Reed / Representative: Gary James, James Engineering.
Plans presented are in the file.
Presentation: The Conservation Officer advised that this proposal was previously approved in 2006 but the owner let the Order of Conditions lapse. Mr. James advised that he is still awaiting Board of Health (BOH) approval. A gravel road allows access to the property. The wetland lines were updated. They are requesting 2 waivers from the BOH and they are on the September meeting agenda. The property is outside of the 50' buffer however work to remove debris and invasive plants will be within the 50' buffer. The plans are within the 100' buffer.
Separation from ground water is why they need waivers from the Board of Health.
Discussion: Commissioner Berry asked where the water service is coming from. Per Mr. James they are putting in a water main on Side Hill Road.
The Chairman opened the hearing to the public. None. The Chairman closed the hearing to the public.
Mr. James asks for a continuance to September 27, 2010.
Motion: Commissioner Villanova motioned to continue the hearing to 9/27/10.
Second: Commissioner Perry In Favor: All Opposed: None
Requests for Certificates of Compliance
1. 33 George Washington Boulevard – DEP SE 34 0816 – Applicant: Walter Wahl
Discussion: The property closed 2 weeks ago.
Motion: Commissioner McIsaac motioned to issue the Certificate of Compliance
Second: Commissioner Berry In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. 64 Hobart Street – DEP 34 0966 – Applicant: Joseph and Erika Cusack
Discussion: Addition to an existing house.
Motion: Commissioner McIsaac motioned to issue the Certificate of Compliance
Second: Commissioner Berry In Favor: All Opposed: None
3. 19 Michael Road – DEP 34 0971 – Applicant: Ronal and Nancy Adams
Discussion: An additional to an existing house.
Motion: Commissioner McIsaac motioned to issue the Certificate of Compliance
Second: Commissioner Berry In Favor: All Opposed: None
4. Extension of Commerce Road – DEP 34 0587 – Applicant: Stephen Leggett
Discussion: AW Perry projects now complete
Motion: Commissioner McIsaac motioned to issue the Certificate of Compliance
Second: Commissioner Berry In Favor: All Opposed: None
5. Building Complex – Commerce Road – DEP 34 0589 – Applicant: Stephen Leggett
Discussion: AW Perry projects now complete
Motion: Commissioner McIsaac motioned to issue the Certificate of Compliance
Second: Commissioner Berry In Favor: All Opposed: None
6. Commerce Road – DEP 34 0601 – Applicant: Stephen Leggett
Discussion: AW Perry projects now complete
Motion: Commissioner McIsaac motioned to issue the Certificate of Compliance
Second: Commissioner Berry In Favor: All Opposed: None
7. Off Commerce Road (Blue Cross Blue Shield)–DEP 34 0769–App.: Perry South Shore Development
Discussion: A half court was constructed.
Motion: Commissioner McIsaac motioned to issue the Certificate of Compliance
Second: Commissioner Berry In Favor: All Opposed: None
General Discussion
The Conservation Officer provided an update on the public access issues at 15 Merrill Street.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Cliff Prentiss, Conservation Officer Approved as amended on 9/13/10.