Conservation Commission Meeting

MINUTES - JUNE 3, 2015

DONN B. GRIFFIN ROOM

HARWICH TOWN HALL

732 MAIN STREET

HARWICH, MA 02645

MEMBERS PRESENT:  WALTER DIGGS, CHAIRMAN; BRADFORD CHASE; JANE FLEMING; JOHN ROSSETTI; ROBERT HARTWELL; AMY USOWSKI, CONSERVATION ADMINISTRATOR; LINDA CEBULA, SELECTPERSON; CAROL GENATOSSIO, BOARD SECRETARY

MEMBERS ABSENT:  DEAN HEDERSTEDT; ROBERT SARANTIS

OTHERS PRESENT:  KAREN AND BRUCE STROEVER; MARK BURGESS; ROCKY CLARK; RUSS HOLDEN; TOM MOORE

The meeting was called to order at 6:50 P.M. by Chairman Diggs. 

6:50     Request for Determination of Applicability

Steven Tresca, 6 Pilgrim Road, Map 7, Parcel C15 - Continuance

Representatives: Russ Holden; Ryder & Wilcox Inc.; Rocky Clark; Tom Moore, Architect

Plan Title: Site Plan Showing Proposed Porch and Landscaping

Prepared By:  Ryder & Wilcox Inc.

Dated:  4/6/15 Signed & Stamped by:  David Lyttle, PLS

Scale:  1" = 20'

Proposal:  The applicants are proposing the addition of a porch and expansion of a brick drive, re-grading to accommodate a garage and landscaping.  The work is to take place in land subject to coastal storm flowage. There are no performance standards under the Wetlands Protection Act for this type of wetland. Consideration, was whether or not the proposed activities would have an adverse impact environmentally on the adjacent properties. Per recommendation by the Conservation Administrator, the wrap around porch and the construction of a new drive under garage would not increase flooding on adjacent properties, thus her recommendation was a Negative 3 Determination (which does not require a Notice of Intent), based on the grading should not be detrimental to the sight. The Commission deliberated on this proposal and the testimony taken. A motion was made by Bradford Chase to approve the project under a Negative 3 Determination, subject to the above referenced plan; seconded by Jane Fleming; motion carried.

7:04     Notice of Intent

Bruce and Karen Stroever, 65 Sequattom Road, Map 101, Parcel V3-1 -

Representative:  Mark Burgess, Shorefront Consulting; Bruce & Karen Stroever

Plan Title:  Plan Showing Proposed Bulkhead & Site Work

Prepared By:  Shorefront Consulting

Dated:  5/12/2015  No Stamp  Scale:  as shown

Proposal: The applicants are proposing to install a vinyl sheet bulkhead directly in front of an existing concrete bulkhead which is deteriorating which has undermined the concrete. This also includes 30 cubic yards of clean sand to backfill over the concrete.  Bradford Chase inquired how the representative came to the conclusion that 30 cubic yards was necessary for this project and Mr. Burgess explained. Mitigation was also at issue. It was decided by the Commission there is end scour, which could push onto adjacent property so an extension of the bulkhead eastward into the BVW should not be allowed without submission of a revised plan addressing toe protection.  Mr. Burgess suggested placing approximately 9 stones in front of the eroded area east of the new bulkhead and placed randomly, leaving a 2’ wide access path to the pond.  Seasonal access steps are being proposed from the edge of the bulkhead down to the water. Removal of a bush to install the bulkhead return in addition to the flush cutting of 7 trees to protect the existing slope without damaging the existing vegetation are also proposed. It was agreed upon that there is some validity to the applicant's claim that the 7 trees are shading out the north facing slope of the bank and once they get bigger they will actually destabilize the slope.  However it was agreed a re-planting plan needs to be submitted prior to project approval and a 3:1 restoration was recommended by Bradford Chase.  Also at issue:  is the applicant proposing to expand the existing beach.  The representative stated there were no plans to do so. When deliberations concluded, Jane Fleming made a motion to continue the hearing to June 17, 2015, for the submittal of a revised plan formalizing the planting list and a definitive plan for toe protection; seconded by Robert Hartwell; motion carried unanimously. 

Orders of Conditions

Patricia Butler, 33 Uncle Venies Road, as amended SE 32-2222

Amend existing Order of Conditions to include revision to approved landscaping plan.  Take down two additional cedars, a third out of the 100' and replace with same.  Motion made by Bradford Chase to close the hearing and approve and sign the conditions with the changes/revisions; seconded by Bob Hartwell; motion to approve unanimously.

David & Elaine Carey, 9 Glendoon Road, SE 32-2223

Title 5 Septic Upgrade -  Robert Hartwell moved to close the hearing and approve and sign the conditions as proposed; seconded by Bradford Chase; motion to approve unanimously.

Vincent Petroni, 106 Grey Neck Road, SE 32-2213

Demo of existing cottage/dwellings; removal of existing septic system; construct new.  Jane Fleming moved to close the hearing and approve and sign the conditions as proposed; seconded by Robert Hartwell; motion to approve unanimously.

Trevor Kurz, 61 Lovers Lane, SE 32-2031 as amended

Amend existing Order of Conditions to include allowance for an open porch and 2' garage front expansion; rear deck; and a more precisely defined landscape layout.  Jane Fleming moved to close the hearing and approve and sign the conditions as approved; seconded by Bradford Chase; motion to approve unanimously.

Paul & Janet Merrigan, 47 Spinnaker Lane, SE 32-2224

Construct kitchen addition and deck.  Jane Fleming moved to close the hearing and approve and sign the conditions as approved; seconded by Bradford Chase; motion to approve unanimously.

Other Topics

Hunting in Bells Neck Conservation Area

Robert Hartwell noted that there are other issues relative to the Bells Neck Conservation Area such as illegal dumping of items and trash; and a clean up is necessary.  Bradford Chase suggested that a management plan should be discussed for this area and it should be put on the agenda for July 8, 2015.  This will occur.

Thompson's Field

Possible meeting to be held in late July or August to discuss regulations regarding dogs and on/off leash regulations and the possibility of a designated off leash area.  A public meeting shall be held no date certain. 

June 17th - the Commission is scheduled to re-organize.

Town use of Fertilizer - each town differs.  Suggestion to check with other towns for information with the understanding that the Board of Health in Harwich would also have to be on board. 

Jane Fleming made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m.; seconded by John Rossetti; motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Genatossio

Executive Assistant

Harwich Conservation Department