Present: Carolyn Nielsen, Chairman, Charles Berry, Vice-Chair, Robert Perry, Scott McIsaac, Nina Villanova, Daniel Coughlin and Cliff Prentiss, Conservation Officer
Absent: None
Old/New Business
1. Approve 9/13/10 draft minutes
Discussion: Edits were discussed and compiled by the Chair; they will be directed to the office.
Motion: Commissioner Perry motioned to approve the 9/13/10 minutes as amended.
Second: Commissioner Berry In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. CPC Representative
Discussion: Commissioner Coughlin is currently the representative and he is willing to continue in that role. The Commission members concur.
The Conservation Officer advised that any new requests need to be in to the CPC by 10/14. He recommends the following:
Request additional funds for the Conservation Fund
Request additional funds for the dredging of Foundry Pond
The Chairman asked the Conservation Officer to put together a written recommendation that will be addressed at the next meeting.
Notice of Intent
1. Ward St. Turf Fields Project–DEP SE 34 1016–Continuance-Applicant: The Ward Street Turf Fields Fund c/o Jeffrey A. Tocchio, Esq. / Rep.: R. Alphonso, Tetra Tech Rizzo
Plans presented are in the file
Presentation: Mr. Alphonso presented the changes to their proposal to reuse and expand Margetts Field. The plans now include:
• 150 parking spaces.
• Use of the existing driveway for entrance to the new fields. Plans for egress from the area were shown on the new set of plans.
• A majority of the previously proposed retaining walls have been eliminated with the exception of one small retaining wall which is proposed, at its highest, at 4 feet. The location of that wall was shown on the plans.
• Additional fencing is being proposed to deter potential vandalism. Chain link fencing is proposed for the two short ends of the fields. Additionally, on the new field, a wooden post and beam fence is being proposed on the two long sides of the field to help eliminate the possibility of vehicle damage while still allowing wildlife to cross.
Discussion: The Conservation Officer spoke with Mr. Chessia and the two remaining items for discussion/agreement are:
• One area test pit for percolation
• Drainage system routing
Mr. Alphonso indicated that there are several test pits on site already but if they do not meet Mr. Chessia's requirement then they would like to propose that any additional test pits be written as part of the Order of Conditions.
To Mr. Chessia's request regarding a larger drainage pipe, Mr. Alphonso will contact Mr. Chessia to further discuss.
Commissioner Perry asked why they feel additional fencing is needed. Mr. Alphonso commented that they would like to protect the fields from possible damage by vehicles/motorcycles. The Chairman asked if there would be openings for public access between the fencing. Mr. Alphonso indicated that it wasn't currently written into the plans but both he and Mr. Tocchio agreed that it could be worked in to the plans. A member of the public commented that there is a lot of ATV use in that area.
Commissioner Coughlin asked if in the future the field wasn't in use any more would there need to be any remediation. Per the Conservation officer, very little remediation would be needed to return area to a natural state.
The Chairman opened the hearing to the public. Several members of the public &/or abutters were present. Their concerns/questions were:
• How many parking spaces would be next to the existing field? Per Mr. Alphonso, approximately 50.
• An abutter is concerned with possible run off. Mr. Alphonso commented on the plans being compliant with the current state regulation and the Conservation Officer concurred and indicated this parking area would do little to increase the amount of runoff.
• Is the location north of the flagpole considered a vernal pool or wetlands? The Chairman advised that at an earlier meeting it was determined that that area could be classified as an Isolated Vegetated Wetland which restricts building to 50' away from the wetlands. The Conservation Officer noted that under current conditions on the site there is a fence within 20' of the wetlands line.
• What is the exact location of the proposed wood fence? Mr. Alphonso showed where the fence would be positioned.
• An abutter has safety concerns if players go out of bounds could they get hurt on the fences. Mr. Alphonso advised where the boundaries of the playing area are and where the wood post and beam fence would be installed in relationship to that boundary.
• If the existing field has not been damaged by ATV's; why assume the new field will be?
• An abutter is concerned about the amount of asphalt being proposed. Mr. Alphonso advised it is needed to limit particle movement as well as provide a stable parking area for handicap access. Asphalt is being proposed as the building material for the access roads.
• An abutter also asked about the proposed landscaping. Mr. Alphonso reviewed the plans.
• Several members of the public commented that the existing field doesn't have fencing and there hasn't been damage done to that field.
• How will trash removal be handled? The Chairman advised that removal of trash from the site is not under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission. Mr. Tocchio advised that trash cans and recycle bins will be provided.
• Will there be gates at the entrance and exit? Mr. Tocchio advised that they would like to keep it open so people have access to the trails and fields.
The Chairman asked Mr. Alfonso, Mr. Tocchio and the Conservation Officer if the outstanding issues are matters that could be handled in an Order of Conditions. Per the Conservation Officer, if the Commission closed the hearing, the next two meetings are on 10/4 and 10/18 which are within the 21 days. The Commission could issue the issue the Order of Conditions on 10/18; that would give consulting and design engineers 3 weeks to handle any outstanding items. If a matter isn't resolved in that three week period it would be written into the Order of Conditions.
The Chairman closed the hearing to the public.
The Chairman indicated that any decision made by the Commission tonight is done under both the Hingham Wetlands By-law and the state Wetlands Protection Act.
Motion: Commissioner Coughlin motioned to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions.
Second: Commissioner Berry In Favor: All Opposed: None
The Commission made recommendations for Special Conditions to be included in the Order of Conditions
• The additional test pit as requested by Mr. Chessia
• That the field remains grass and unlit in perpetuity
• Minimize the use of pesticides &/or fertilizer
o Mr. Alfonso suggests sending a soil sample to UMass. The report would advise on what to add, how much to add and how often to add.
• That no septic system be installed, in perpetuity
• Wild life recommendations found on page 5 in the GZA report
• Signage in the vernal pool areas to keep dogs out
• Fencing, if installed, to allow easy access for pedestrian traffic
• The grassland area should be mowed only once a year.
2. 0 Side Hill Rd.–DEP 34 1043 - Continuance - Applicant: B. Reed / Rep.: G. James, James Engineering
Plans presented are in the file
Presentation: Mr. James presented the proposed plans for the construction of a single-family residence but is pending approval from the Board of Health
Discussion: The Conservation Officer recommended that the hearing be continued to 11/1/10. Mr. James requested a continuance as stated.
Motion: Commissioner Perry motioned to continue the hearing to 11/1/10.
Second: Commissioner Coughlin In Favor: All Opposed: None
3. 10 Bradley Park Dr.–Hingham Tennis Club-DEP SE 34 1048 Applicant: William Marsden / Rep.: R. Gaskell, A. Trakimas, SITEC and Peter Bickford, Tennis Club Trustee
Plans presented are in the file.
Presentation: Mr. Gaskell presented on the plans to improve and augment the existing drainage system that currently exists on the Hingham Tennis Club courts. Mr. Gaskell depicted on the plans the flagged vegetated wetland and a marsh. They are proposing to augment the existing underground system. They also are proposing to raise the court up a total of 11 inches to create more capacity to take the drainage to the PVC pipes. The existing clay courts will be a base layer under the proposed new court layers.
Features above the existing courts:
• 6" of gravel and 5" of clay court surface
• Approximately 1" layer of Geo-composite mat layer (with filter fabric above and below this layer)
Features below the exiting courts:
• More PVC pipes
The plans would be the same footprint with the exception of one side slope that would go into the buffer zone approximately 2 feet. Mr. Gaskell advised that borings were done in a systematic pattern over the entire court service. What was found was that there was a layer of impervious material below the current drainage system.
Discussion: The Conservation Officer's recommendation is to take out the berm along the property corner in the upper left of the property which will improve drainage for the abutter.
Commissioner McIsaac asked if the existing drainage system is working. Mr. Gaskell advised that the current system services 2 of the 4 court with some effect. Their proposal will serve all 4 courts. They are not removing any existing PVC piping but they will expand them. Commissioner Berry asked how the pipes would be installed. Per Mr. Trakimas they will trench the existing courts and put in the piping before laying the top 3 new layers. Commissioner Berry asked if the drainage would be faster thus causing a runoff issue. Mr. Trakimas advised it will not cause additional runoff because it will have 12" of material to disperse the water before entering into the drainage pipes.
Commissioner Coughlin asked if the chain link fence would be taken out. Mr. Trakimas advised the fence will be removed for construction but it will go back up after construction is completed.
The Chairman opened the hearing to the public.
A member of the public is concerned with flooding.
The Chairman closed the hearing to the public.
Motion: Commissioner Berry motioned to close the hearing and issue an order of conditions
Second: Commissioner Coughlin In Favor: All Opposed: None
4. 26 Shipyard Drive – No DEP number/comments as of 9/22/10 Applicant: Holly Palmgren – MBTA / Representative: Colin Duncan, TRC Environmental Corporation, Rick Corsey, Department of Recreation and Conservation, Nikole Bulger, STV, Inc..
Plans presented are in the file.
Presentation: The PE stamped plans were provided. Mr. Duncan presented on the new MBTA facility. An 8400 Sq. Ft building is proposed on an open lot along Shipyard Drive. The new facility is proposed to house the following:
• Hingham Ferry Office DCR Facilities Commuter Areas Environmental Police.
The resource areas that were identified are the cove, a ground level bulkhead that they are considering as Coastal Bank. Landward of the Coastal Bank there is a 25' river front area. The proposal is to place the facility in the center of the open area. The existing facility includes a nearby building that is not handicap accessible as well as a concrete pad, and underground storage tank and a small lawn area. They are proposing a green roof. The parking lot will remain the same. There is also a current bus route that has a stop there.
Discussion: The Conservation Officer concurred that this is a government project on currently developed land. There is a 25' Riverfront setback because of the urbanized area. Commissioner Perry asked if the existing buildings will remain. Per the representative the buildings will stay but be reconfigured. Commissioner Coughlin asked if the maintenance facility would remain. Per Ms. Bulger the existing door will be moved. The Memorial sign has already been relocated.
The Chairman asked if the plans include a bike rack, per Nicole Bulger from STV, Inc. it does.
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 McIsaac In Favor: All Opposed: None
Meeting Adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
Cliff Prentiss, Conservation Officer
Approved as amended on 10/4/10.