Hingham Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
November 1, 2010 - 7:00 pm
Central Meeting Room South
Present: Carolyn Nielsen-Chair, Charles Berry-Vice Chair, Scott McIsaac, Daniel Coughlin, Alan McKenna, Nina Villanova
and Cliff Prentiss, Conservation Officer
Absent: Robert Perry
Old/New Business
1. Welcome New Commissioner Alan McKenna
Discussion: The Conservation Commission welcomed Mr. McKenna.
2. Gift of Land
Sally Lovett would like to donate 10 acres of land to the Conservation Commission at 235R Rockland Street. The land is currently in a Forest Management Plan under Chapter 61.
The Conservation Officer noted that this land is a haven for wildlife. The Lovetts would like to have a special condition noted that they retain the use of the 3 potting sheds on the property. This is one of the largest parcels of land donated to the Town for Conservation.
Discussion: Commission thanked Mrs. Lovett for her gift.
Motion: Commissioner Coughlin motioned to approve the gift of land at 235R Rockland Street to Conservation, and to send the paperwork for the donation through the proper channels for approval (Selectmen and Town Counsel).
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
3. Ratify Enforcement Orders
Discussion:
The Conservation Officer reviewed the following Enforcement Orders:
213 Gardner Street – unpermitted construction of a deck within the 50 foot Buffer Zone to the BVW. Inspectors from Building Department noted the new deck which was not on the approved plans and contacted Conservation for a site visit. The Enforcement Order as written is requesting said activity shall cease. It is noted that the Owner had previously filed with the Commission and received a Negative Determination for construction of an addition in the side rear of the home.
175 Otis Street - unpermitted work of making a series of cuts into a steep coastal bank to create terraced rock walls. Landscaping company was told to stop the work and they did.
287R Rockland Street – unpermitted work of filling and clearing land in the 100 foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands. Work has stopped and land owners have put in sediment controls and are being cooperative.
211 Downer Ave – power washing of floats over the waters of the Commonwealth, discharging into the Harbor contaminated waste water, metals, grease, oil and organic materials. This violation was reported to the Harbormaster by a resident; who then contacted Conservation to do a site visit. A crane was lifting the floats and men were underneath the crane doing the power washing. The Conservation Officer noted that the Yacht Club stopped the work immediately and is being cooperative. They are working with several agencies to see how power washing can be brought into compliance.
Motion: Commissioner Berry motioned to ratify each Enforcement Order discussed – 213 Gardner Street, 175 Otis Street, 287R Rockland Street and 211 Downer Ave.
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
4. Approve Draft Minutes – October 4, 2010
Discussion: Edits were discussed.
Motion: Commissioner McIsaac motioned to approve the 10/04/10 minutes as amended.
Second: Commissioner Berry In Favor: All Opposed: None
5. Approved submission dates and publication dates for January – June 2011 for Conservation Meetings
This document is not ready for the Commission's approval.
6. Housekeeping – Conservation Commissioners contact information reviewed.
7. Conservation Restrictions – Katharine Reardon from the Hingham Land Conservation Trust is requesting any changes to the draft restrictions presented to the Commission on 9/13/10 be forwarded to her by this coming Wednesday.
Commission Nielsen read the usual information dealing with hearings.
Notice of Intent
0 Side Hill Road - DEP SE 34 1043 – Continuance - Proposed construction of a single-family residence
Applicant: Bruce Reed / Representative: Gary James, James Engineering
Correspondence received from the Representative requesting that the Commission close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions, as Mr. James is not available to attend tonight. The Waiver from the Board of Health for the septic has been obtained.
Conservation Officer concurs with Mr. James request.
Motion: Commissioner Coughlin motioned to close the hearing for 0 Side Hill Road and issue an Order of Conditions.
Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
Request for Certificate of Compliance
11 Crooked Meadow Lane (DEP SE 34 0888) – Applicant Penny Collins Sirdee
The Conservation Officer noted that most of the work is completed; however it would be prudent to hold off until everything is finished.
Conservation Officer requested the Commission to go into Executive Session.
A Commissioner motioned to go into Executive Session for a discussion on pending litigation and not to reconvene in open session.
Roll call vote: Carolyn Nielsen-Chair Yes Charles Berry-Vice Chair Yes Daniel Coughlin Yes
Scott McIsaac Yes Nina Villanova Yes Alan McKenna Yes
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________
Cliff Prentiss, Conservation Officer Approved as amended on 11/15/10.