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Conservation Meeting Minutes 10/18/12

 Conservation Commission
  Meeting
Sharon Community Center
         October 18, 2012

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

7:30 p.m. Fred Bottomley to discuss the proposed revised drainage roadway plans with the Commission concerning the proposed Sharon Commons project:
Present: Fred Bottomley, Operator of the Cranberry Bogs west of Old Post Road.
Kelly Killen, Engineer, from Coler & Colantonio.
Fred Bottomley and Kelly Killen appeared before the Commission to present their recommendations for mitigating the potential drainage impacts to the existing cranberry bogs resulting from the proposed revised drainage roadway plans of the Sharon Commons project. Mr. Bottomley presented a proposed
plan to the Commission entitled, “Bog Restoration Plan, Old Post Road, Sharon, MA, Sheets RP-1, and RP-2,” dated October 18, 2012, prepared by Coler & Colantonio. Mr. Bottomley explained that the drainage roadway plans previously approved by the Commission for the proposed Sharon Commons project is not viable in relationship to the function of the existing cranberry bogs. Mr. Bottomley and Kelly Killen concurred that the previous approved drainage basin would not be sufficient if the bogs are going to be flooded because there is no place for the water to discharge into the roadway from either a sediment forebay or a retention/detention basin. Mr. Bottomley explained that winter flooding of the bogs followed by a late spring flooding is good agricultural management. By flooding the bogs in late spring, fewer chemicals are required for insect and weed control. As a result, the downstream drainage water quality from Billings Brook should improve. Sharon CF II LP c/o Congress Group, Inc., has granted  
Mr. Bottomley the authority to hire a USDA Representative concerning the proposed bog restoration plan. The Representative has already inspected the proposed project site and is ready to prepare a USDA Farm Plan once Mr. Bottomley’s proposed bog restoration plan is approved by the Commission. Mr. Bottomley explained that the bog replication would be 1.5 under his proposed restoration plan as opposed to the
previous 1.1 bog replication approved by the Commission.  Mr. Bottomley’s proposed drainage system plan would convey any potential stormwater flow through the previously approved stormceptor before flowing through a proposed open channel bypass canal toward the weir of the exit of the cranberry bogs. This would result in eliminating the proposed bridges and culverts as there is no place for the water to discharge from the roadway when flooding the bogs. Mr. Bottomley proposes to construct another bog in the upland area of the proposed project site and squaring off the existing bog area with a dike road to allow all of the suspended solids to pass through the proposed open channel bypass canal before discharging into a retention/detention basin. The installation of a flume is being proposed to control the sand/salt and stormwater runoff from Route 95 from seeping into the bog area. Billings Brook flows to the right of the proposed project site before discharging into the stagnant area of the proposed project site.
Mr. Bottomley is proposing to install a 30” RCP that would connect into a stormceptor to cleanse any potential water flowing into the open bypass canal and discharging into the retention/detention basin before emptying into Billings Brook. This process is being proposed to improve the water quality of Billings Brook. Mr. Bottomley proposes to harvest cranberries from the bogs for this growing season and to delineate where the lateral lines will be cut.
Peg stated that Mr. Bottomley’s proposed restoration plan for the cranberry bogs is a good concept.
The Commission is definitely interested in improving the function of the existing cranberry bogs on the proposed project site. The Commission requested the following information:
  • A recorded easement plan in perpetuity to allow the Commission access to the cranberry bogs.
  •  The stabilization and maintenance plan for the toe of the slope area where it descends toward     the access road that surrounds the bog area.
  • The implementation of a USDA Farm Plan.
  • For Coler and Colantonio to prepare a new set of drainage plans to be reviewed by Tom Houston.
  • A letter addressed to the Commission requesting an amendment to the original Order of Conditions for the proposed Sharon Commons project referencing the compiling of a new set of drainage plans.
Page 2 SCC 10/1812 Meeting Minutes

Peg called for a motion for the Commission to agree to the concept of the proposed revisions and for Mr. Bottomley to contact the Conservation Administrator prior to harvesting the bogs for this growing season.
Keevin Geller moved. Linda Orel seconded. Voted. 4-0-0. Unanimous.

No Quorum at this point
Peg recused herself from the meeting at this point due to the previous work performed by the Applicant at her residence.

8:10 p.m. Old/New Business:

- The Commission to consider closing the RDA Hearing continuance for 186 Billings Street:

RDA Hearing filed by Carl Husselbee on October 4, 2012 for the proposed construction of a 16’ x 16’ addition on concrete piers in the back section of an existing single-family house at 186 Billings Street:

Carl Husselbee appeared before the Commission to represent the property owner. He briefly summarized the scope of the proposed project for Commission Member Linda Orel, who was absent from the initial hearing.
The Conservation Administrator reviewed the site inspection that he previously performed for the Applicant’s proposed project and explained that the proposed addition is not being proposed any closer to the wetland resource area of the proposed project site than the existing structure, at its closest point.
Commission Member Linda Orel, stated for the record, that she supports the Applicant’s proposed project.
Due to a lack of a quorum, the attending members concurred that a Commission vote will be taken at the next meeting concerning the Applicant’s proposed project.

Peg returned meeting at this point and officiated the meeting.

8:15 p.m. RDA Public Hearing filed by Joan Piona for the proposed removal of overgrown trees, vegetation, and debris, from the backyard of the existing house at 31 Clarke Court:

The Applicant, Joan Piona appeared before the Commission and submitted an aerial photo of 31 Clarke Court from the G.I.S. Office in the Town Of Sharon. She explained to the Commission that the vegetation and trees from the abutting wooded area has encroached onto her backyard since she purchased the property in 1986. The proposed project involves the removal of debris and overgrown vegetation and trees from her backyard area to reclaim a portion of her original backyard.
The Conservation Administrator explained to the Commission that he previously performed a site inspection of the Applicant’s proposed project and the proposed limit of work area is located at the edge of the 100' Buffer Zone and away from the 50' No Disturb Line of the proposed project site.
The Conservation Commission approved the Applicant's proposed project per submitted plan with the following conditions:
  • For the Applicant to contact the Conservation Administrator before starting the proposed project.
  • The Conservation Administrator shall monitor the Applicant's proposed reclamation project.
Peg called for a motion to close the hearing.
Elizabeth McGrath moved. Keevin Geller seconded. Voted. 4-0-0. Unanimous.
Peg called for a motion to issue a Negative Determination to the Applicant with the conditions as discussed.
Elizabeth McGrath moved. Linda Orel seconded. Voted. 4-0-0. Unanimous.





Page 3 SCC 10/18/12 Meeting Minutes

8:25 p.m. RDA Public Hearing filed by Hammerhead, LLC, for the proposed grading and utilities associated with the construction of a  4 bedroom single-family house at 40 Manns Hill Road:

Gary Beineke appeared before the Commission to represent the Applicant and submitted the following proposed plans:
  • Septic System Design Plan, 40 Manns Hill Rd., Sharon, MA - Alpha Surveying & Engineering, Inc.
  •  Septic System Design Details, 40 Manns Hill Rd., Sharon, MA - Alpha Surveying & Engineering, Inc.
Gary Beineke explained to the Commission that the proposed project site is comprised of a ¾ acre residential parcel containing an abandoned dwelling that is proposed to be replaced by a modular,
4 bedroom house with associated utilities, water, gas, and septic system. The proposed new septic system consists of a 1,500 gallon septic tank, distribution box and leaching field. The Applicant is proposing to perform minimal grading within the 100' Buffer Zone at the back portion of the proposed project site to match the existing grade. The proposed disturbance to the 100' Buffer Zone of the wetland resource area of proposed project site shall be re-seeded to its natural state following construction of the Applicant's proposed project.
The Commission approved the Applicant's proposed submitted plans with the condition that the Applicant contacts the Conservation Administrator before starting the proposed project for inspection of erosion control measures.
Peg called for a motion to close the hearing per submitted plans.
Keevin Geller moved. Linda Orel seconded. Voted. 4-0-0. Unanimous.
Peg called for a motion to issue a Negative Determination to the Applicant per submitted plans with the condition as discussed.
Keevin Geller moved. Elizabeth McGrath seconded. Voted. 4-0-0. Unanimous.

8:30 p.m. Notice of Intent Public Hearing filed by Bay Road Woodland Trust for the proposed construction of a single-family dwelling and associated utilities and site work at 5 Castle Drive,            Subdivision Lot 18, DEP File # SE-280-0544:

Present: Steven Gioiosa, P.E. from Sitec, Inc.
David Wluka, Owner’s Agent

Steven Gioiosa appeared before the Commission to represent the Applicant. He submitted a proposed plan entitled, “Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Plan,” 10/15/12 Last Date Revised, and the green abutter cards. He explained to the Commission that this is the sixth parcel in this phase of the original Castle Drive Development location. This parcel is part of a subdivision that was approved back in the 1970s, Sharon Highlands. This proposal is a result of a settlement between the Town of Sharon and Bay Road Woodland Trust. Steven Gioiosa explained to the Commission that the proposed project is for the construction of a single-family residence located on the southern portion of the proposed parcel. The proposed installation of the septic system on the proposed project site is adjacent to Penny Brook Lane. The initial proposed plan was revised to accommodate the Applicant’s desire to expand the lawn area for the proposed project.
The Conservation Administrator previously inspected the proposed project site. Based on the results of the Conservation Administrator’s inspection, the limit of work area defined on the Applicant’s initial plan was revised further away from the 100’ Buffer Zone and a rock barrier was added to the revised plan where a retaining wall was previously proposed.
The members of the Commission agreed to approve the Applicant’s proposed revised submitted plan.
Peg called for a motion to close the hearing per submitted revised plan.
Elizabeth McGrath moved. Linda Orel seconded. Voted. 4-0-0. Unanimous.
Peg called for a motion to issue an Order of Conditions to the Applicant as per revised submitted plan with the condition that the Applicant notifies the Conservation Administrator before starting the proposed project for inspection of erosion control measures.
Keevin Geller moved. Elizabeth McGrath seconded. Voted. 4-0-0. Unanimous.


Page 4 SCC 10/18/12 Meeting Minutes

8:35 p.m. Signatures:

The Commission signed bills. Negative Determination for 40 Manns Hill Road. Negative Determination for 31 Clarke Court. Order of Conditions for 5 Castle Drive, DEP File #SE-280-0544. The Conservation Commission Chairman, Peg Arguimbau, signed the Conservation Restriction regarding 16 and 20 Deborah Sampson Streets.

8:40 p.m., Adjournment:

Peg called for a motion to adjourn.
Keevin Geller moved. Linda Orel seconded. Voted. 4-0-0. Unanimous.