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Conservation Meeting Minutes 03/04/2010


Conservation Commission
              Meeting
          March 4, 2010

Peg Arguimbau Chairman, Meredith deCarbonnel, Keevin Geller, Elizabeth McGrath, and
Hank Langstroth, were the members present.
     
Peg recused herself from the following hearing due to a potential conflict of interest relating to
her association with the Sharon School System
Hank Langstroth, Acting Chairman, officiated the meeting at this point
7:45 p.m.,: Notice of Intent Public Hearing filed by the Town of Sharon School Department for
the proposed additions and renovations to the existing Sharon Middle School, including the
installation of a new sewage lift station with a new 4” force main from the Middle School to the
existing wastewater treatment facility at the Sharon High School, DEP File # SE-280-0512:

Present: Christopher Garcia, P.E., Garcia, Galuska & DeSousa, Inc.
              David McKinley, Landscape Architect, Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc.
             Ken Wertz, Director of Maintenance & Operations, School Department
            Abutters/Interested Persons - See attached list
The green abutter cards were submitted to the Commission, along with a proposed plan entitled,
“Additions and Renovations to the Sharon Middle School, 75 Mountain Street." 2/19/10, last date revised.
The proposed plan includes drawings: C0.1 – C04, C1.00, C1.01, C2.00-C2.07, L1.01, L2.01, L3.01,
L4.01, L6.01, & L6.02. The resource areas on the site include bordering vegetated wetlands. The proposed construction of a paved walkway will not intrude any closer than 58’from the existing certified vernal pool in the southwest portion of the site. The proposed work within the 50’ Buffer Zone on the site will include the installation of paved walkways and grading.  
David McKinley reviewed the following scope of the proposed project with the Commission:
  • The proposed construction of a two-story addition at the north end of the existing building and expansion on the west end of the building near the existing gym. The proposed Pre-K addition will be located on the first floor at the east end of the existing building. The School Administration office is proposed to be relocated from the downtown location to the proposed new two-story wing of the existing building with available parking at the east end of the building.  
  • In an effort to add as much green space as possible to the front of the existing building, the Applicant is proposing a planting plan around the courtyards that will consist of dry meadow type plants.
A planting plan is also being proposed for protection of the 100’ Buffer Zone on the site.
  • In addition to the existing parking lot entrance for parents to use as the student drop off/ pick-up area, another entrance is being proposed to the north end of the site for bus access.
  • The excavation work for the construction of the new parking area is being proposed at the following locations of the project site:
- The east end of the existing building
- A portion of the grass area at the east end of the existing track
- The existing tennis courts and adjacent forested area
  • The proposed project involves the installation of a new sewage lift station, located at the southeast end of the existing track, with a new 4”force main connecting from the Middle School to the existing wastewater treatment facility at the High School. The flow from the force main will travel along the eastern property line of the Middle School and continue north under the existing sidewalk of Mountain Street. The flow will continue under the roadway of East Street, Massapoag Avenue, and Beach Street, before flowing onto the southern portion of the High School property. Encroachment within the
     100’ Buffer Zone of a number of different wetland areas along this path is being proposed for
        this project.






Page 2 SCC 3/4/10 Meeting Minutes

Christopher Garcia explained the following proposed utilities and drainage improvements for the proposed project:
  • The electrical transformer, natural gas meter, fire alarm, and telephone utilities are proposed to be installed on the eastern portion of the project site.
  • A series of catch basins are presently located in the courtyards and parking areas. These, along with two catch basins on Mountain Street, discharge without any flow mitigation or water quality treatment into the resource area in the southwestern portion of the site. Any potential stormwater runoff from the proposed reconstructed paved areas will discharge into 4’ deep sump catch basins, equipped with oil and grease separators, then flow into water quality structures, and into a peak flow attenuating subsurface detention basin before emptying into the resource area through the existing 36” RCP pipe with a headwall. Rip-Rap is being proposed around the catch basins.
  • A series of intermittent streams are located west of the proposed project site. A large wetland, contiguous with the intermittent streams, is located within and adjacent to the southwestern portion of the site. The BVW to this wetland area was previously delineated with blue survey flags marked W-B1 to W-B40.  The Conservation Administrator recently inspected the site and recommended that the Applicant use this delineated wetland line approved by the Commission five years ago. An isolated wetland also exists in the northwest corner of the site.
  • There is no additional encroachment on the 100’ Buffer Zone on the site due to the proposed project.
  • The Applicant is requesting a variance from the Commission for encroaching inside the 50’ Buffer Zone for the proposed fire road around the building. However, no new clearing will be required. The fire road will consist of porous pavement.
Abutter, Sheila Advanti, 18 Franklin Road, explained to the Commission that the back portion of her land contains a wetland area and abuts the Middle School property. She expressed her concern of possible flooding occurring on her property from the proposed project.
Christopher Garcia explained that the Applicant is following DEP’s stormwater regulations for the proposed project. The drainage calculations for the proposed project have been designed to mitigate the two, ten, twenty-five, and 100-year storm events. Any potential stormwater runoff will not be increased from the proposed project.
  • The proposed limit of work is at the tree line along the western edge of the property. The installation of haybales/siltfence will be placed along the limit of work for erosion control during construction of the proposed  project.
Elizabeth McGrath inquired if the siltfence reflected on the plan by the existing headwall along the wetland area is due to proposed work on the existing headwall.  
Christopher Garcia explained that the proposed project does not include work on the existing headwall. He will revise the location of the siltfence on the new plan.
  • The proposed grade work for the project follows the existing grade. Most of the grading is being
      proposed along the detention basin at the baseball field.
The Conservation Administrator inquired if improvements are needed in terms of controlling the flow velocity in the existing headwall.
Christopher Garcia explained that silt deposits are present within wetland area and is willing to clean it up as part of the proposed project.
Hank Langstroth explained that the Commission would perform a site inspection to determine if excavation equipment could remove the silt deposits without disturbing the wetlands on the site.
Abutter, Sheila Advanti, inquired if the Conservation Administrator would ask the Town to see if the existing culvert behind her property is clogged.
The Conservation Administrator replied that he would request the DPW to inspect the culvert.
Abutter, David Wluka, 64 Massapoag Avenue, inquired if the Applicant has considered Arboro Drive as an alternative route for installing the force main.
Ken Wertz, Director of Operations for the School Department, explained that the High School treatment plant was not equipped for handling residential effluent.




Page 3 SCC 3/4/10 Meeting Minutes

  •  David McKinley explained that the drainage improvements for the proposed project also include bio-infiltration trenches in all the green spaces at the front of the building. The installation of a catch basin in the front of the building will be 8” higher than the surrounding area for the proposed  project. A rain garden is proposed to be planted in front of the building for the proposed project.
  • The project includes the installation of tree pits for cleaning any potential stormwater runoff along the  proposed bus loop.
Abutter, Sheila Advani, inquired if there are any plans for an irrigation system for landscaping purposes.
David McKinley explained that the plants he chose for the proposed planting plan for the project does not require irrigation after the first year of planting. The organic material mix retains the water within the bio-retention areas. He explained that the plant roots will help keep the groundwater clean.
  • Prior to any proposed dewatering operations, the contractor will review the dewatering system designs  with the Town Engineer, Conservation Administrator, and the Applicant.
The Conservation Administrator commented that the Applicant is meeting with the ZBA for the proposed project to seek a variance for 38% impervious surface instead of the 15% ZBA Mandate.
The Commission agreed for the Conservation Administrator to coordinate a Peer Review Report with the ZBA for the proposed drainage calculations.
Hank Langstroth called for a motion to continue the hearing until such time as comments are received from the Peer Review Report for the proposed drainage calculations, and receipt of the comment letter from the NHESP.
Elizabeth McGrath moved. Keevin Geller seconded. Voted. 4-0-1.

Peg returned meeting at this point and officiated the meeting
8:45 p.m., Old/New Business:

- Request for an Extension Permit from the Lake Management Committee for DEP File # SE-280-0425, Lake Massapoag:
The Commission reviewed an Extension Permit Request in case the management of aquatic plant
control is needed in Lake Massapoag - West of Pond St., & South of Beach St.
Peg called for a motion to grant the request for a three-year extension permit for Order of Conditions under DEP File # SE-280-0425.
Hank Langstroth moved. Meredith deCarbonnel seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 5-0-0.

-Friends of Conservation Update:
The Conservation Administrator expressed his opinion on the importance of keeping the Commission informed on a regular basis by the Friends of Conservation. He discussed the possibility of the Commission appointing someone to the Friends of Conservation, similar to the practice of appointing members to another committee, such as what our representatives from Lake Management have occasionally done. He also suggested that representatives of the Friend’s Board meet directly with the Commission a few times a year to discuss goals. Meredith, Peg, and Betsy expressed some concern with appointing anyone to the Board of the Friends. The Commission agreed not to proceed with that concept at this time. However, it was the consensus of the Commission that the Friends be contacted to send a representative periodically to update the Commission on their activities and goals. The Conservation Administrator also informed the Commission that the proceeds from the sale of the “Open Spaces, Special Places” publications should be coming to the Commission, but no check has been received from the Friends since 2007.
The Conservation Administrator restated his concern about the insufficient communication and
coordination between the Friends and the Commission.

-Proposed Open Space Plan Update:
Peg informed the Commission that the proposed Open Space Plan has been approved by the State for an extension through 2016. However, another section needs to be completed on ADA. Peg will contact Sid Rosenthal to see if his committee could complete Appendix G.
Meredith deCarbonnel indicated that the CPC has approved funding for the printing of the Open Space Plan.



Page 4 SCC 3/4/10 Meeting Minutes

-Permitting Guide:
The Conservation Administrator informed the Commission of the DPW’s proposed new permitting guide. The guide illustrates the entire permitting process to assist the homeowner and developer. The Conservation Administrator notified Ben Puritz by e-mail that the guide should also contain a short paragraph up front to determine whether there are any wetland issues prior to the designing stage.  

-Cedar Swamp Update:

The Conservation Administrator informed the Commission that two data loggers have been installed within the ditch to measure the stormwater flow at Wolomolopoag Street and Sunset Drive.

-Charter Commission Update:

Peg reviewed with the Commission, information pertaining to the proposed Charter. She informed the Commission that a copy of the proposed Charter will be mailed to the Town residents in a couple of weeks. The residents of the Town will be able to vote on the proposed Charter at the May 18, 2010 Annual Town Election.

9:20 p.m., Signatures:

The Commission signed bills. Extension Permit for Order of Conditions for DEP File #SE-280-0425.

9:25 p.m., Approve Past Meeting Minutes:

Peg called for a motion to approve the February 4, 2010 Executive Session Meeting Minutes
as amended.
Keevin Geller moved. Hank Langstroth seconded. Voted. 4-0-1.

Peg called for a motion to approve the February 4, 2010 Meeting Minutes as presented.
Elizabeth McGrath moved. Hank Langstroth seconded. Voted. 4-0-1.

9:40 p.m., Adjournment:

Peg called for a motion to adjourn.
Hank Langstroth moved. Elizabeth McGrath seconded. Voted. Unanimous.