Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes 3/8/22

Present: Tim Lovett, Chris Blair and Dave Dempsey

The meeting convened at 6:00p.m.

1. 153 Hupi Rd – RDA – construction and maintenance of a dock – application for a Chapter 91 Simplified Waterways License:

Berkshire Geo-Technologies provided revised plans and explained that this project was originally submitted in August of 2021 but was never advertised correctly by the previous Commission.  Representatives of abutters were also present to express concern that had with the proposal.  Chris Blair explained that the location of the dock does not fall under their jurisdiction but rather the Chapter 91 waterways division at the state level.  A motion was made to approve the plans as revised as a N3 with the condition that the Determination of Applicability will not be released until an agreement between both parties has been confirmed.  The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.

1. 16 Laurel Banks – RDA – Installation of a dry well system

Mark Volk of Foresight was present to review the project details.  Mark confirmed that waddles will be installed.  A motion was made to approve the project as submitted as a N3.  The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.

1. 30 Prescott Lane – NOI – site work associated with the construction of 2 additions to an existing single family home, a detached garage and the placement of a seasonal dock

Aaron Biasin provided a summary of the project and noted that architectural plans have not yet been finalized.  He confirmed the dock will be seasonal and aluminum panels will be used.  A motion was made to close the hearing and approve the project as submitted with the standard conditions.  The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.  Dave Dempsey will act as the project manager.

1. 0 Mt Hunger Rd – SMA RDA – construct a single family home

As no one was present to answer questions about the proposed project the hearing was continued to the April meeting.

Misc:

1. Review resumes for agent position: The Commission met with former agent Kim Wetherell and how she might be able to assist moving forward.  Kim offered to volunteer her services until May when the current commission decides how long they will be staying on for.  The Commission thanked her for that generous offer but felt she should be paid for her time.  A motion was made to request the Select Board appoint Kim Wetherell as the Conservation Commission Agent.  The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
2. A motion was made to request that the Select Board unappoint Margo Drohan as she has not been regularly attending meetings and has been unresponsive to any emails or calls made by the current commission.  The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
3. Janet Jensen came in to request the commission’s support of a citizen petition for town meeting to recognize the town as a pollinator friendly town.  The Commission is in full support.
4. Special permit review for 10 Northwest Cove: The Commission reviewed the application.  Chris volunteered to write a letter to the ZBA for the upcoming hearing.
5. The next meeting will be April 12^th at 6pm.
6. A motion was made to approve the minutes of February 15, 2022.  The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
7. The Commission briefly discussed the vote made by the previous Commission to use Conservation Funds toward a project on Monterey Preservation Trust Land.  All agreed that this was not an appropriate expenditure but will take all the information provided and will discuss it further at their meeting in April.

Meeting adjourned at 8:14pm

Submitted by: Melissa Noe, Town Administrator

cc: Conservation Commission Board Members