HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - CC - 05/09/2019 Cohassel Conservation Commission
May 9,2019
APPROVED MINUTES
COHASSET CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
Thursday,May 9,2019 @ 7 P.M.
WILLCOTT COMMONS
IN ATTENDANCE: Justin Pimpare,Chair
Jack Creighton,Vice Chair
Eric Eisenhauer,Member
Patrick Kennedy,Member
Chris MacFarlane,Member
Maryanne Wetherald,Associate Member
James Rosebach,Associate Member
Jeff Summers,Conservation Agent
Angela Geso,Conservation Administrator
ABSENT. Edward Graham,Member
Alex Koines, Member
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM.
7:05 PM:NOI 19-06: 15 Brook Street—Norton—Garage Conversion
In attendance to represent aaenda item:Brendan Sullivan/Cavanaro Consulting;Jim Norton/Owner;Eric and
Kelly Fleming/Abutters
Documents presented to support agenda item:NOI Application and Site Plan
Brendan Sullivan described the site as bordered by a riverfront area and flood plain.The applicant wants to raze
an existing bam,raise the elevation and construct a two-story building on the original footprint.The first floor is
retail area and the second floor will be an apartment.Jeff Summers said the footprint area is below the threshoki
and does not require a stormwater permit.There will be minimal work in the 50-ft.buffer zone to install footings.
Member Eisenhauer asked if the building could be moved back 10 feet to avoid any work being done in the
buffer zone but Mr.Sullivan said there are ledge outcroppings that would impede access to the parking area.
Associate Member Wetherald and the Flemings are concerned with an oak tree not shown on the site plan being
removed but Mr.Sullivan said the tree will remain.The Flemings were also concerned with runoff but the gravel
drive will absorb some of the runoff. Chair Pimpare feels a silt sock will help protect the 504 buffer zone and
that conditions could stipulate that heavy equipment be rerouted and the oak tree is not removed.The
Commission requested a revised plan showing the oak tree and identifying the silt sock location.Mr.Sullivan
would agree to have an arborist come in to determine the best way to protect the tree during construction.
CONTINUED TO 6123119
7:20 PM:RDA 19-07—380-390 CJC Highway—Cohasset Realty Trust—Utility Trenching and Eauipment
In attendance to represent agenda item:Jack O'LearyNertex Engineering(Weymouth)
Documents presented to support agenda item:Request for Determination of Applicability;Site Plan
Utility poles and overhead wires would be installed.The wires will eventually go underground as site work is
completed.There is a proposed septic system that needs Board of Health approval.Agent Summers described
the resource area as directly off the back of the building but utility exemptions allow work in an existing paved
area.The only work that needs to be permitted is the removal of light posts and installation of utility poles that
are within the 50-it.buffer zone
MOTION: By Member Kennedy to close the public hearing for RDA 19-07 and issue a Negative 2
Determination of Applicability for proposed work at 380-390 CJC Highway.
SECOND: By Vice Chair Creighton
VOTE: 5-0 Unanimous
7:40 PM:NOI 19-10 573 Jerusglem Road—Ca�anlMcGeever—Addition
In Aftndaince to E2=12nt agengaltm: Joseph Cadigan and Teresa McGeever/Applicants
Pocuments presented to support agenda item: NOI Application,Site Plan
The property abuts Straits Pond and has an intermittent stream but the proposed work is outside of the 50-
foot buffer zone.The applicant wants to construct an addition by closing in the outdoor deck and adding a
2nd level.Vice Chair Creighton said the proposed work does not abandon the 104 No Build Zone around
Straits Pond. Member Kennedy pointed out that herbicides and pesticides cannot be used in the buffer
zone but low-nitrogen fertilizers are permitted.
Cohassel ConserMlon Commission
May 9,2019
MOTION: By Member Kennedy to close the public hearing for NO]1940 and issue an Order of
Conditions for proposed work at 573 Jerusalem Road.
SECOND: By Member Eisenhauer
VOTE: 5.0 Unanimous
Lan AI n DI ion
The Conservation Agent and Commission received a letter on 519119 from Town Counsel Karis North
pointing out that Land Alteration does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission and
cannot be discussed by the Commission.
Stormwater Review Amendment
It has been the Commission's practice that Administrative and Category 1 Stormwater Permits require no
public hearing and are approved solely by the Conservation Agent.The review process has been amended
to allow for review and comment by the Conservation Commission on these categories of applications
MOTION: By Member Kennedy to adopt the May 9,2019 procedural change to the Administrative
and Category 1 Stormwater permit review process.
SECOND: By Member MacFarlane
VOTE: 5-0 Unanimous
Pool Guidelines Discussion
Member Wetherald wants to establish guidelines for pool drainage with regards to the release of chlorine
and other chemicals or pollutants into local water sources_Member Kennedy pointed out that it is not within
the Conservation Commission's authority to adopt guidelines that would condition permits without town
meeting approval and instead suggested If the problem is widespread than it may warrant a bylaw but at
this point Member Kennedy suggested to make it a best management practice and provide guidance but
not enforcement.Agent Summers said when adding to the town's stormwater system you need permission
from the DPW if catch basins are being utilized.
With no further business to discuss,motion to adjourn was made by Member Kennedy,2nd by
Member MacFarlane and approved unanimously 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.
SIGNATURE OF CONSERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR: A /
DATE APPROVED BY CONSERVATION COMMISSION: