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Conservation Meeting Minutes 02/03/2011


 Conservation Commission
  Meeting
Sharon Community Center
       February 3, 2011

Peg Arguimbau Chairman, Hank Langstroth, Keevin Geller, Elizabeth McGrath, Meredith deCarbonnel, and Stephen Cremer were the members present. Conservation Commission Member, Christine Turnbull, was absent from the meeting. The Conservation Administrator, Greg Meister, was also present.

7:45 p.m., The Sharon Composting Initiative presented by Matt Ostrow and Vineeta Nangia, Students at the Sharon High School:

Matt Ostrow and Vineeta Nangia appeared before the Commission to discuss their interest in organizing a community service project that would encourage residents to start a composting system in their own backyards. They presented the Commission with a packet of information with an outline of the goals that they hope to accomplish for their composting project.
(See attached document).
Matt explained to the Commission that Sharon resident, Rina Hoffman, prepared a survey concerning a town-wide curbside composting initiative. The survey would soon be available on the town’s website.
Matt expressed his appreciation for the support received from the Sharon Friends of Conservation and Kathy Roth concerning the Sharon Composting Initiative.
Matt expressed his appreciation to the Commission for their previous support concerning his previous completed Eagle Scout Project at Trowel Shop Pond.
The following is a brief summary of the proposed project presented to the Commission by
Matt Ostrow and Vineeta Nangia:
Mission
  • To promote and encourage composting on local and state levels and to offer low-cost and potentially subsidized composting bins through the FAC61 MA state contract and by working directly with manufacturers. To create a non-profit organization and expand DEP’s and the Green Team’s efforts on a town, individual school basis, small businesses, colleges, universities, etc. Preliminary thoughts include encouraging local businesses/restaurants to work together in a composting program.
Peg inquired as to the status of an on-site composting program that they previously considered to initiate and requested guidance from the Commission.
Vineeta explained that there are no opportunities at the present time for an on-site composting program at a town facility. After implementing on-site composting programs throughout the schools in town, the Compost Initiative group would like to establish an on-site public composting facility for the residents of Sharon.
  • The representatives of the Sharon Composting Initiative propose to offer information concerning    the benefits of composting to the town~though videos on-line, pamphlets, and to possibly enclose information inside the Annual Town Report. They hope to make the available resource materials from DEP accessible for the entire community.
Vineeta believes that it is important to think about starting a pilot program for the collection of compost at curbside before the town’s waste management contract expires. She learned about a pilot program last summer in Toronto that she thought the town might be interested in. She hopes to acquire some funds from grants to achieve the goals of the composting project.
Meredith deCarbonnel talked about a composting program in Melrose that had an on-site public composting facility at the DPW where residents could bring their compost.
The Commission expressed their support for the Sharon Composting Initiative and offered to be a method of outreach to people or a conduit of information.
Peg suggested that Matt and Vineeta report back to the Commission in the spring for an update.

Page 2 SCC 2/3/11 Meeting Minutes

8:20 p.m., Sharon Commons Amended Drainage Proposals for DEP File # SE-280-0490:

Present: Attorney Bob Shelmerdine, Representing the Applicant
             Ken Caputo and Kelly Killeen, Representatives from Coler and Colantonio  
              Richard Kershaw, Representative from Sharon CF II, LP
             
Attorney Shelmerdine explained that the purpose of this informal meeting with the Commission is to discuss the proposed modifications to the stormwater management systems for the Sharon Commons project and to request the Commission’s guidance in accomplishing this goal.
Kelly Killeen explained that substantial changes were made to the project since his last meeting with the Commission. He recently met with the Conservation Administrator on the project site concerning the proposed improvements to the previously approved stormwater management plans for the Sharon Commons project.
Kelly Killeen presented the following information to the Commission concerning the Sharon Commons project:
  • The ZBA recently approved revisions to Phase I of the project. The total square footage of the overall project has been reduced to 448,000 s.f. from 496,000 s.f.
  • Approximately 2 acres of impervious impact has been eliminated from the project.
Proposed Stormwater Modifications
  • The previous drainage plan for the project approved by the Commission included the installation of 10 underground infiltration systems to control the stormwater flow beneath the proposed parking lot area, which is equivalent to 9 acres of water volume. The infiltration systems were designed with control valves for directing the stormwater flow upstream before discharging into the Bog Pond area of the site.
The amended drainage proposal involves the expansion of a portion of the site to construct an adjacent wetland area above the existing man-made IVW for controlling and treating the stormwater flow, instead of an underground infiltration system installed beneath the proposed parking lot area.
  • Due to the present economic situation and to prevent further impact to the wetlands on the site, the location of the smaller retail buildings proposed for the project have been rearranged on the parcel.
  • The existing man-made IVW highlighted in the lighter shade of green on the preliminary concept plan falls under the Commission’s jurisdiction. This IVW was a previously mined area and is adjacent to a series of existing spoil piles. The developer is proposing to create a buffer to enhance the IVW with undulations and topography plantings.
  • The grading of the sloped area adjacent to the IVW and retaining wall is proposed to be designed with a 3:1 slope. A landscape architect is designing a planting plan for the restoration of the sloped area.
  •  The developer proposes to clear cut the smaller trees along the plateau areas of the site to create   micro-pools to improve the stormwater management systems for the Sharon Commons project.
  • The hyphenated dark green line on the preliminary concept plan defines the new proposed limit of work area for the Sharon Commons project. The new limit of work area is being proposed  further away from the retaining wall than previously proposed.
  • The previously proposed boardwalk for crossing two IVWs on the site has been eliminated from the Sharon Commons project.   
  •  The developer is not proposing any new work within the previously disturbed areas of the site.
Page 3 SCC  2/3/11 Meeting Minutes

Peg inquired as to whether or not the IVWs on the site were going to be utilized for the project.
Kelly Killeen replied that the IVWs on the site will not be utilized for the proposed project unless the Commission requests the removal of the spoil piles. Fifty foot Buffer Zones are proposed for the protection of the existing IVWs on the site under the amended drainage proposals.  
Stephen Cremer inquired whether any stormwater treatment is being proposed for the constructed wetland during the time of the year when vegetation is not active.
Ken Caputo explained that Phase II of the Sharon Commons project will include the installation of
pre-treatment drainage structures for the stormwater management systems on the site.
Stephen Cremer inquired whether snow storage areas have been designated for the proposed project.
Ken Caputo explained that there is language included within the original Order of Conditions stating that snow storage areas would not be permitted along the wetland resource areas of the site. There may be times when it will be necessary to haul snow away from the designated snow storage areas of the site.
Meredith deCarbonnel requested information concerning the TSS analysis report from the proposed catch basins on the site and asked how often the proposed constructed wetland would be maintained.
Kelly Killeen explained that the proposed constructed wetland would have its own Operations and Maintenance plan under the amended drainage proposals. The proposed sediment forebays would be maintained on a routine basis. The periphery to the proposed constructed wetland is proposed to be vegetated under the amended drainage proposals.
Ken Caputo explained that the Conservation Administrator strongly suggested keeping the project away from the isolated wetlands closest to the Bog Area. He also suggested confining the proposed stormwater treatment marsh to the area of the man-made IVW on the site.
It was the consensus of the Commission that they would be interested in considering this type of an amendment for the Sharon Commons project. The Commission requested the following information:
  • The submittal of the proposed revised drainage plans for the Commission’s review as an official amendment to the original Order of Conditions with a copy sent to DEP.
  • The submittal of a copy of the completed pre/post calculations for the proposed revised drainage structures.
  • For the developer to include detailed information of the proposed finished surfaces behind the proposed retail buildings along the wetland resource areas of the Sharon Commons site.
  •  The submittal of a proposed planting plan for the public open space area behind the proposed retail buildings.
  •   The submittal of the proposed architectural landscape design of the public open space area behind the proposed retail buildings.
  •   The submittal of a proposed restoration plan for the previous disturbed areas of the site.
Peg explained that the initial project proposed for amendment requires a public notice without a formal notice to the abutters because the proposed amendments to the original Order of Conditions do not significantly change the initial approved project.
Proposed Improvements South of Old Post Road DEP File # SE-280-0491
Ken Caputo explained to the Commission that a portion of the proposed construction of Old Post Road crosses the finger of the Bog Area and encroaches upon the Mass Highway Right-of-Way of Old Post Road. The previous approved plan included the installation of pre-cast and pre-engineered drainage culverts for mitigating and reducing the direct footprint of the roadway along the Bog Area and entirely avoiding the Billings Brook area. The angle on the culverts will be modified 90 degrees to their headwall systems that face the Bog Area under the amended drainage proposals. The proposed footprint in terms of the temporary impact would significantly be reduced by re-aligning the culverts and the footprint in terms of the overall impact associated with the footprint would also be reduced by using the same theme.


Page 4 SCC 2/3/11 Meeting Minutes

In order to accomplish this, the width of the CON/SPAN structures would need to be adjusted to
24 feet from 18 feet from the previously approved drainage plan. The width of the CON/SPAN structures along the Billings Brook area would need to be modified from 42 feet to 35 feet from the previously approved plan.
Meredith deCarbonnel requested information concerning the DEP Water Quality Certification for the proposed revised project.
Ken Caputo expressed a willingness to contact DEP regarding this request and report back to the Commission.
Stephen Cremer expressed his concern that the stormwater flowing from a channel culvert within the Bog Area might be directed at the face of the proposed retaining wall as a result of the proposed amended plan.
Ken Caputo explained that the channel culvert would need to be re-designed. The channel culvert provided a water barrier sidelined to the vegetated area of the site. Now there is a new terminus to the agricultural zone along the proposed retaining wall.
Peg requested that Ken Caputo notify Fred Bottomley for feedback concerning the viability of the Cranberry Bogs if a new channel culvert is reconstructed along the face of the wall by the Bog Area.
It was the consensus of the Commission that they would be interested in seeing this type of an
amendment to the original Order of Conditions for the Old Post Road project.
Ken Caputo explained to the Commission that the developer is planning to replace the previously proposed sidewalk from Laurel Road along the east side of Old Post Road with a traffic barrier to help calm down noise levels in that area. This would result in the removal of approximately 2,000 s.f. of impervious area that was previously located inside the 100’ Buffer Zone on the site.
Peg called for a motion for the initial project to be amended with a public notice without requiring a formal notice to the abutters because the proposed amendments to the original Order of Conditions do not significantly change the initial approved project.
Keevin Geller moved. Hank Langstroth seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 6-0-0.

8:40 p.m., Approve Past Meeting Minutes:

Peg called for a motion to approve the January 20, 2011 Meeting Minutes as presented.
Elizabeth McGrath moved. Stephen Cremer seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 6-0-0.

8:45 p.m., Old/New Business:

- Conflict of Interest and Open Meeting Laws
Peg presented the Commission with a packet of information regarding the changes to the State’s
Conflict of Interest and Open Meeting Laws. The remaining members who had not previously signed the acknowledgment of receipt section of the Conflict of Interest Law have now done so for submittal to the Town Clerk.

-The Commission’s Opinion Regarding the Potential Development at 18 Deborah Sampson Street:
The Commission reviewed the state and local wetland protection regulations and the information received from the Conservation Administrator’s previous site inspection concerning the development potential of a two acre parcel at 18 Deborah Sampson Street. It was the consensus of the Commission that any potential development on the proposed site would be restricted to one lot due to the presence of Massapoag Brook and the wetland resource areas bordering the parcel.

Page 5 SCC 2/3/11 Meeting Minutes

-Article 97 Conversion: Former Landfill Parcel, approximately 34.75 acres off Mountain Street:
(The Selectmen may petition the legislature and the state to change the Mountain Street site's allowed use to general municipal.)
The Conservation Administrator explained to the Commission that the Selectmen may have the authority to remove the Article 97 Restriction on the former landfill parcel to implement a solar energy facility on the site. In exchange for removing the landfill parcel from the open space and parkland restriction under Article 97, the Selectmen are thinking about replacing the parkland and open space restriction on a town owned parcel located at 1 Hixson Farm Road comprised of 11 acres.
The Commission discussed the Selectmen’s initiative to implement a solar energy facility on the former landfill parcel and agreed that it should not override the standard requirement of Article 97 conversions.
It was the consensus of the Commission that, if the Selectmen authorize to remove the Article 97 Restriction from the former landfill site, a one acre per one acre land replacement would be acceptable.
The Commission requested that the Conservation Administrator contact the Energy Advisory Committee for a presentation on solar panels and that Lisa Whelan from Town Counsel’s office address the concerns of the Commission on February 17, 2011.

-Former Sacred Heart Property:
The Conservation Administrator explained to the Commission that he attended the Selectmen’s meeting on February 1, 2011. He said that John Davis, Chairman, of the Sacred Heart Re-use Committee met with the Commission and discussed modifying the RFP issued last July concerning the former Sacred Heart site. The Selectmen are requesting a parallel path to be followed as an open green space or an indoor recreation facility to remain consistent with the existing restriction on the parcel. The RFP would also contain a provision for the demolition of the former school dormitory on the site to expand the existing park area and possibly create another field. John Davis also discussed appointing another member to the Committee to be in compliance with a statute requiring an odd number of members on local boards and to help with the Committee’s review process regarding any new proposals for the use of the parcel. The Selectmen agreed that appointing another member would be useful to the Committee.  The Selectmen expressed an interest in appointing the Recreation Director, Brett MacGowan, to the Sacred Heart Re-use Committee due to his expertise in the construction of swimming pools and recreational facilities. A citizen at the meeting expressed a concern as to whether a professional should be allowed to serve on the Committee.  The Selectmen explained that they had the authority to appoint Brett MacGowan as a “special employee” if necessary. A “special employee” would be allowed to sit on the Committee and have a voice.

-Open Space and Recreation Planning Committee:
Peg notified the Commission that the next Open Space and Recreation Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for February 15, 2011.

-2010 Annual Town Report:
The Commission amended and approved the draft document to be submitted for the 2010 Annual Town Report.

9:25 p.m., Adjournment:

Peg called for a motion to adjourn.
Stephen Cremer moved. Keevin Geller seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 6-0-0.