Conservation Commission
Meeting
Sharon Community Center
June 7, 2012
Peg Arguimbau Chairman, Hank Langstroth, Stephen Cremer, Elizabeth McGrath, and Christine Turnbull were the members present. Conservation Commission Member, Keevin Geller, was absent from the meeting.
The Conservation Administrator, Greg Meister, was also present.
Alfred Mollitor, 18 Highland Street, a potential candidate to serve on the Conservation Commission, was present in the audience.
7:45 p.m. The Commission to review a request to amend the proposed project at 2 Michael Lane,
DEP File #SE-280-0534:
Present: Ken McKenzie, Surveyor from Dunn McKenzie, Inc.
Sivanram Challa, New Property Owner.
Ken McKenzie reviewed a revised plan with the Commission entitled, “Conservation Plan, 2 Michael Lane, Sharon, MA,” The new proposed limit of work area is defined at the 70’ Buffer Line on the revised plan to address the concerns of the Commission as discussed at their May 17, 2012 meeting.
Ken McKenzie said that the new property owner would like to plant a flower bed in the front yard and is interested in clearing back to the 50’ Buffer Line along the southeastern side of the site to plant an organic vegetable garden. Ken McKenzie expressed his opinion that clearing up to the 50’ Buffer Line would not encroach upon the existing 20 foot drainage easement located beneath the road spur of Michael Lane along the southeastern area of the proposed project site. At the previous meeting with the Commission, abutting property owner, Jonathan Glanz, expressed his concern of potential flooding occurring on his property, as well as all abutting properties, caused by the proposed project. He was especially concerned if the limit of work area for the proposed project was approved at the 50’ Buffer
Line. He also voiced his concern that the developer was parking construction equipment on his property as well as piling a few tree logs that were removed from the proposed project site. At that time, Ken McKenzie offered to perform a survey of Jonathan Glanz’s property in response to his concerns. He presented photos of his completed survey to the Commission that included marked boundary lines 12.2 feet from the edge of the roadway and a photo of the eight foot high hill in front of Jonathan Glanz’s house. Based on the results of his survey, Ken McKenzie feels that flooding would not occur to Jonathan Glanz’s property from the proposed project even if the limit of work area was approved at the
50’ Buffer Line. Erosion control measures have been installed along the front portion of the proposed project site for the protection of the existing wetland resource areas of the parcel.
Mr. Challa explained to the Commission that he has enjoyed organic vegetable gardening for the past eleven years and has donated some of his garden vegetables to the Food Pantry. He was a former member of the Community Gardens in Waltham before moving to Sharon. He expressed an interest in teaching his children about growing organic vegetables and planting a large garden area to enjoy with his family.
Peg explained to Mr. Challa that the Commission is concerned with the long term cumulative impact to the existing resource areas of the site from the proposed amended project.
Hank Langstroth suggested that the Applicant move the proposed limit of work further back on the hill area at the 50’ Buffer Line along the back section of the site to gain an increased area for his proposed garden, and to keep away from the 70’ Buffer Line along the side of the property near the existing drainage easement.
The Commission agreed to approve the limit of work area at the 50’ Buffer Line in the back portion of the property to provide the Applicant with an increased area of 17-20 feet along the hill area to plant his proposed organic vegetable garden and to maintain the 70’ Buffer Line near the existing drainage easement.
Stephen Cremer expressed his concern of the Applicant performing any additional tree trimming/clearing work proposed along the southeastern side of the parcel.
Peg requested that the Applicant flag any proposed tree trimming/clearing work and to arrange a site visit with the Conservation Administrator, Greg Meister, for his review.
Peg called for a motion to close the hearing and for the Conservation Administrator to review any proposed additional tree work before issuing the Amended Order of Conditions to the Applicant.
Hank Langstroth moved. Elizabeth McGrath seconded. Voted. 5-0-0. Unanimous.
Page 2 SCC 6/7/12 Meeting Minutes
8:05 p.m. N.O.I. Hearing Continuance - MooseHill Development concerning the proposed grading
and driveway associated with the construction of a single-family home at 57 South Walpole Street,
Lot 11, DEP File #SE-280-0538:
- Ken McKenzie appeared before the Commission and submitted a plan entitled, “MESA EASEMENT PLAN.” Last Date Revised, 5/22/12. The revised plan shows updated information from MESA concerning Lot 11, 57 Walpole Street. Ken McKenzie explained the updated MESA information to the Commission: The Applicant has recorded the Deed Restrictions for the MESA easements required by the NHESP on Lot Numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, & 6. The Applicant plans to close on Lot Numbers 3 and 7 next week.
- The Applicant is proposing to install signage on 6’x 6’ pressure treated posts with the wording, “Protected Habitat Area” on the properties along the entire length of the Street to Long Pond.
Peg called for a motion to close the hearing and to issue the Order of Conditions to the Applicant pending the recorded lot information from the Registry of Deeds with a copy of the deed restriction for Lot 11.
Hank Langstroth moved. Stephen Cremer seconded. Voted. 4-0-1.
8:10 p.m. Mr. Wluka met with the Commission to request a Partial Certificate of Compliance for
7 Castle Drive, DEP File # SE-280-0526:
Mr. Wluka explained to the Commission that the current property owner is preparing transfer the property tomorrow for 7 Castle Drive. The replication work has been completed and approved by the Conservation Administrator, Greg Meister. Most of the landscaping work has been completed. The proposed sod installation around the existing house and loaming and seeding the brook and septic system areas will be completed weather permitting.
The Commission agreed to sign the Partial Certificate of Compliance as requested by Mr. Wluka.
8:15 p.m. The Commission to review the Violation Advisory Letter addressed to the Board of Selectmen:
The Board of Selectmen has requested to postpone their meeting with the Commission. The Board of Health voted not to take action at this time concerning re-establishing a Dog Ban Policy at Veteran’s Memorial Park Beach. The Conservation Commission is planning to arrange a meeting with the Board of Selectmen following the ramifications of the Board of Health’s actions.
8:20 p.m. Review Past Meeting Minutes:
Peg called for a motion to approve the May 17, 2012 meeting minutes as presented.
Hank Langstroth moved. Christine Turnbull seconded. Voted. 3-0-2.
8:25 p.m. Signatures:
The Commission signed bills. Partial Certificate of Compliance for 7 Castle Dr., Lot 17, DEP #SE-280-0526.
Order of Conditions for 2 Michael Lane, DEP File #SE-280-0534. Order of Conditions for 57 S.
Walpole St., Lot 11, DEP File #SE-280-0538. The attending members of the Commission signed
the acknowledgment of receipt section of the Massachusetts Conflict of Interest Law for submittal to the Town Clerk.
8:30 p.m. A Notice of Intent Public Hearing filed by Lindsay Drisko for the proposed razing of an
existing dwelling with associated site work at 105 Beach Street. DEP File #SE-280-0539:
Present: Property Owners: Lindsay Drisko and Susan Olson. Applicant’s Attorney: Joel Fishman.
BDO Engineering Representative: David Oberlander, P.E.
David Oberlander appeared before the Commission to represent the Applicant. He submitted the
green abutter cards and a proposed plan entitled, “Reconstruction of Dwelling and Subsurface Disposal System.” Dated 3/30/12. The project site is comprised of approximately 5 acres. The proposed parcel is listed at the Assessor’s Office as two separate lots with a common ownership.
Page 3 SCC 6/7/12 Meeting Minutes
David Oberlander explained the scope of the Applicants proposed project to the Commission:
- The condition of the existing house is in disrepair and needs to be rehabilitated. The existing bungalow style house is proposed to be razed and remain as a three bedroom home. The footprint of the proposed new house is comparable to the existing structure.
- The Board of Health granted the requested variances to the Applicant concerning the setback requirements to the wetlands and groundwater table due to the proposed installation of an
Innovated Alternative Septic System. The Applicant proposes to
pump out and crush the existing septic system on the proposed
project site.
- The proposed wetland line reflected on the submitted plan encompasses the majority of the proposed project site. The proposed haybale line defined on the proposed submitted plan follows along the proposed wetland line approved by the Conservation Administrator, Greg Meister.
- The significant amount of upland present in the middle of the site is landlocked.
Stephen Cremer inquired if excavation is being proposed for the foundation of the proposed new structure.
David Oberlander explained that the existing basement floor elevation is 259.00 and the proposed elevation of the basement floor for the new structure is 257.40. Some grade work is proposed for the project.
Stephen Cremer inquired if there is a drainage system being proposed for the roof area to mitigate the impacts from any potential stormwater runoff.
David Oberlander indicated that dry wells could be installed to help mitigate any potential roof water runoff.
Peg inquired if the Applicant would be interested in placing a Conservation Restriction on the parcel to protect the wetland resource areas of the site in perpetuity.
The Applicant indicated a willingness to further discuss the opportunity of a Conservation Restriction option with his Attorney, Joel Fishman.
Stephen Cremer expressed his concern of the Applicant’s proposed installation of a bituminous concrete driveway for the proposed project.
The Commission discussed the option of installing a stone infiltration trench on the east side of the proposed bituminous driveway or pervious pavers for the new driveway.
Peg called for a motion to continue the hearing until June 21, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.
Stephen Cremer moved. Elizabeth McGrath seconded. Voted. 5-0-0. Unanimous.
8:45 p.m. Old/New Business:
Peg said that the Commission received a copy of Tom Houston’s Review of the Second Amended Decision on the Sharon Commons Site Master Plan which is currently being reviewed by the Board of Appeals.
The Conservation Administrator, Greg Meister, summarized briefly to the members of the Commission, the Board of Selectmen’s recent meeting with the Board of Health. He explained that the Selectmen offered a proposal as an alternative to implementing a Dog Ban Policy at Veteran’s Memorial Park Beach which was difficult for everyone to understand. Following a back and forth discussion, it was determined by the Board of Health to implement a Dog Ban Policy if data shows over the next three weeks that dog feces is a problem. There will be daily monitoring and reports by the Animal Control Officer for both Veteran’s Memorial Park Beach and the Community Center Beach during the next three weeks of patrolling for dog feces. The Conservation Administrator said that the Town’s Recreational Staff will be patrolling the beaches on the weekends. In the meantime, there have been no attempts by the Board of Selectmen to adhere to the violation notice presented by the Commission.
Peg responded that the Commission is waiting for the Board of Health’s decision.
Elizabeth McGrath expressed her view of the Board of Health meeting that she watched on the local cable television station. She indicated that the Board of Health voted to ban domestic animals from Memorial Park Beach. The Board of Health said they would not take action until they have an opportunity to study the extent of the current problem.
Stephen Cremer indicated that this would be a good opportunity to focus on the broader issues of the Lake; especially when he hears a Selectman talking about it as a potential source of drinking water.
8:55 p.m. Adjournment:
Peg called for a motion to adjourn:
Hank Langstroth moved. Stephen Cremer seconded. Voted. 5-0-0. Unanimous.
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