Conservation Commission
Meeting
Sharon Community Center
July 14, 2011
Peg Arguimbau Chairman, Keevin Geller, Hank Langstroth, and Elizabeth McGrath were the
members present. Stephen Cremer arrived at 7:50 p.m. Commission Member, Christine Turnbull,
was absent from the meeting. The Conservation Administrator, Greg Meister, was also present.
7:45 p.m.: N.O.I. Public Hearing filed by Joseph and Gina Mazzotta for the proposed construction
of a single-family dwelling and associated utilities and site work at 257 South Walpole Street,
DEP File # SE-280-0525:
Present: Joseph, Gina, & Andrew Mazzotta. Engineer, Rick Merrikin, from Merrikin Engineering.
Rick Merrikin appeared before the Commission to represent the Applicants. He submitted the
green abutter cards to the Commission, and the following proposed plans:
- Sheet 1 - Entitled, “Lot 2 S. Walpole Street, Proposed Septic Design Plan of Land in Sharon, MA” Dated May 20, 2011.
- Sheet 2 - Entitled, “Lot 2 S. Walpole Street, Existing Conditions, Proposed Septic Design Plan
of Land in Sharon, MA” Dated May 20, 2011.
Rick explained the scope of the proposed project to the Commission:
- The proposed construction of a single-family dwelling and septic system on a parcel comprised of approximately 15.5 acres.
- The Applicants propose to divide the parcel into three lots as follows:
-Lot 1 contains the existing home on the eastern portion of the parcel, 257 S. Walpole Street. There
is also an existing driveway, private water well and septic system on this lot.
(Joseph Mazzotta explained to the Commission that the existing well is shallow and has not been
used since he connected to the Town’s public water supply a few years ago.)
- Lot 2 is the proposed new house construction as shown on the proposed submitted plan. The
proposed project includes the construction of a private water well and a septic system.
- Lot 3 is proposed to be developed at a future date.
The Applicants agreed to comply with the Conservation Administrator’s request to submit a conceptual plan of a single-family home on Lot 3.
- Some of the Wetland Resource Areas of the site shown on the proposed plan include a perennial stream to School Meadow Brook and a BVW that is located west and north of the parcel near the perennial stream. A portion of the proposed driveway and some yard improvements are being proposed within the 50’ and 100’ Buffer Zone to the BVW on the proposed project site. The work being proposed within the outer riparian zone of School Meadow Brook includes the construction of a private water well and a water line. No other work is being proposed within the remaining wetland resource areas of the proposed project site.
The Applicants agreed to comply with the Commission’s request to remove the private water well proposed on Lot 2 of the submitted proposed plan.
Stephen Cremer recommended that the proposed driveway installation on Lot 2 consist of porous paving material.
The Conservation Administrator, Greg Meister, and the members of the Commission inquired if the Applicants would be interested in placing a Conservation Restriction on the parcel to permanently protect the wetland resource areas of the site.
The Applicants expressed their interest in placing a Conservation Restriction on the parcel following their review of the Commission’s Boiler Plate Conservation Restriction document.
Rick Merrikin explained to the Commission that a Form A Plan has been prepared to present to the Planning Board for the Applicant’s proposal to subdivide the parcel. He indicated that the Town Engineer,
Peter O’Cain, recommended that the Applicants obtain the Conservation Commission’s approval of
the proposed delineated wetland lines before they meet with the Planning Board concerning their proposed project.
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The Conservation Administrator indicated that he would arrange a meeting with Rick Merrikin on the proposed project site to review the proposed wetland lines and to delineate the Conservation Restriction Line for the proposed project.
Rick Merrikin agreed to stake the corners of the proposed house foundation on Lot 2 as requested by
Hank Langstroth.
Peg called for a motion to continue the hearing until the Commission’s next meeting is scheduled.
Stephen Cremer moved. Elizabeth McGrath seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 5-0-0.
8:15 p.m.: A Butterfly Park proposal on Town owned land adjacent to the Wilber School:
Present: Rebecca Tran, Landscape Architect, Senior Year Student at UMASS.
Rebecca Tran explained to the Commission that she is an intern to the Town Engineer, Peter O’Cain. Rebecca reviewed a drawing of a Butterfly Garden and Public Park that she is proposing on Town owned land. The 1- acre parcel is adjacent to the Wilber School Apartments near Station, South Main, and Pleasant Streets. She explained that she is proposing to develop this site to provide a formal green space for the residents of Sharon to enjoy. The proposed project includes a walking trail, picnic area, and a wildflower garden. The parcel is mostly comprised of weeds and sandy soil. The existing trees on the site include a pine tree grove and a few Norwegian Maple Trees. The two diseased Hemlock Trees need to be removed from the site.
Rebecca explained the following scope of her Bufferfly Garden and Public Park proposal to the Commission:
- To plant drought resistant grass seed.
- The installation of shade trees, apple trees, blueberry bushes, and berry producing shrubs.
- The installation of bird baths/houses.
- The installation of park benches and to intersperse boulders for public seating.
Rebecca explained to the Commission that due to insufficient funding concerning the proposed project, most of the proposed work would be completed by the Sharon DPW. She is also asking support from the Boy Scouts for her proposed project. Rebecca is seeking contributions from Beacon Properties as well as
Town Boards/Committees. She is meeting with the Selectmen on August 2 to request their support for her proposed project. Rebecca indicated that private donations might be a possible option for purchasing memorial park benches or trees for the proposed development project.
Rebecca explained that any support from the Commission would be appreciated for her proposed project.
Peg indicated that a wildflower meadow would be something that the Commission would be interested in contributing to concerning her proposed project.
Peg suggested that Rebecca keep in contact by e-mail with the Conservation Commission following her presentations with the other Town Board/Committees.
8:30 p.m.: Brendan and Michael Clifford - proposed Eagle Scout projects:
Present: Michael Sr., Michael, and Brendan Clifford.
Michael Clifford from Boy Scout Troop 95 appeared before the Commission and presented photos of his proposed trail project off Mountain Street. He explained to the Commission that he proposes to clear the Elson/Cross Trail off Mountain Street for his Eagle Scout Project. The trail is on Town owned property and is approximately 3,000 feet long. Michael explained to the Commission that he has been working with Kurt Buermann concerning his proposed project.
Michael explained the following scope of his proposed project to the Commission:
- The proposed clearing of debris along the trail with the help of 10 - 15 additional Boy Scouts from Troop 95 before installing 5 or 6 foot bridges to cover the wet areas along the entire length of the trail.
- The installation of a small parking area at the beginning of the trail.
- The installation of an informational kiosk at the trailhead.
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- The installation of trail markers along the entire length of the trail.
- To create a map of the trail by using a GPS device.
Michael proposes to start his proposed project in August.
The members of the Commission approved Michael Clifford’s proposed project.
Peg requested that Michael contact the Commission Office before completing the work on the small parking area of his proposed project.
Peg suggested that Michael contact the Sharon Friends of Conservation upon completion of his
proposed project to arrange a trail walk event.
Brendan Clifford appeared before the Commission and presented photos and a survey plan showing his
proposed Belcher Street/Massapoag Trail project. He explained to the Commission that he has been working with Kurt Buermann concerning his proposed project.
Brendan explained to the Commission that his Eagle Scout Project involves creating a map and clearing 1,000 feet of property to connect the Belcher Street Trail to the Massapoag Trail. The proposed project is located within the proposed 10’ easement along the stonewall area of the site. The scope of his proposed project involves creating a map of the trail, installing trail markers along the trail, and the construction of one foot bridge. Brendan proposes to obtain some additional help from Troop 95 when clearing the trail for his proposed project.
The members of the Commission approved Brendan Clifford’s proposed project.
Peg requested that Brendan contact the Commission Office and the Massapoag Sportsmen’s Club with
an official starting date of his proposed project.
8:50 p.m.: Approve Past Meeting Minutes:
Peg called for a motion to approve the June 2, 2011 Meeting Minutes as presented.
Stephen Cremer moved. Elizabeth McGrath seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 5-0-0.
Peg called for a motion to approve the June 16, 2011 Meeting Minutes as presented.
Keevin Geller moved. Hank Langstroth seconded. Voted. 4-0-1.
9:00 p.m.: Old/New Business:
The Conservation Administrator presented a photo to the Commission of one confirmed Snakehead fish that was recently found dead along the shores of Lake Massapoag by one of the appointees of the Lake Management Committee.
The Conservation Administrator explained to the Commission that the Snakehead is an exotic fish species
that is illegal to be released or propagated in this country. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is planning to survey the perimeter of the Lake next week for additional specimens.
9:05 p.m.: Adjournment:
Peg called for a motion to adjourn.
Keevin Geller moved. Elizabeth McGrath seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 5-0-0.
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