CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
Meeting Minutes of Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Meeting Room #1- 7:00 PM
Chairman David Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:55 PM. Present were Commissioners Harry Johnson, Peter Izyk, Matthew Trybus, Robert Ring and Donald Duffy. Also present were Conservation Agent Sheryl Becker and Principal Clerk Mary Watson recording the minutes. Member Vincent Yurkunas was absent.
There were no public hearings scheduled.
Matthew Domnarski requested to speak to the PCC. Matt stated that he is a resident of Palmer and is interested in having a baseball field for little league. Matt had approached John Lizak for a possible donation of land, however Mr. Lizak would not move forward with the idea until his problems with the PCC are resolved. Therefore, Matt stepped in to ask the PCC questions pertaining to the Enforcement Order for the property located on Shearer and Thorndike Street, Palmer.
Discussions were held regarding the timeline of events pertaining to the EO and the next course of action required by Mr. Lizak.
Matt stated that he spoke to Mr. Lizak regarding the EO. Mr. Lizak had shown Matt the property and the drains that he claims the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA) caused the wetland problem due to these drains being clogged.
Matt asked the PCC what could be done to resolve the problem.
D.Johnson stated that correspondence has been sent to Mr. Lizak since December. The timeline of events indicate that the first step for Mr. Lizak is to provide a letter indicating that he has hired a wetland consultant. This consultant must be approved by the PCC in order for the fines to cease.
Matt stated Mr. Lizak had shown him the drains on the property and provided pictures for the file. Matt asked if the clogged drains are in any violation against the state and if the state is responsible to maintain them.
Discussions were held pertaining to the area, which has always been a wetland and Mr. Lizak has been advised of this issue years ago by the PCC.
Matt thanked the PCC for their time and stated that he would be working with Mr. Lizak to help resolve the problem.
7:30 PM-Amy Bourget, a senior from Framingham State College, was present to discuss a summer biology research program. She has requested to work with the PCC to visit six streams from June-August and conduct various testing on each one.
The PCC discussed which water areas they would be interested in having Amy research and would be in contact with Amy once the winter thaw begins.
Paula Therrien, Court Services Coordinator for Community Corrections was present. Paula stated that she works with inmates to clean up areas around town and has had much success in the past with this service.
The PCC thanked Paula for her past efforts and provided many suggestions in town for clean up.
S.Becker would provide a list for Paula of areas for the clean up projects.
7:47 PM-Meadowbrook Green Condominium Association Request for Determination of Applicability for the property located on Meadowbrook Lane, Palmer.
M.Watson stated that at the meeting held on January 6, the PCC voted to continue this hearing until March 17 and therefore issued a positive determination.
Lee Lyman sent a letter dated February 25, 2009 requesting to meet with the PCC regarding this positive determination.
Lee Lyman of Lycott Environmental Incorporated was present along with Richard Benoit, President of the Meadowbrook Condominium Association.
Lee stated that he spoke to a representative from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) who issues the licenses for herbicide. The DEP requires either a negative determination or an Order of Conditions, in order for the license to be issued. This license would allow herbicides to be applied to the pond.
Discussions were held regarding the treatment used on the pond and what the pond would be treated for.
Lee stated that the treatments are mainly for algae and the lily pads.
The PCC discussed having a timeline provided of what is being used, when and to provide a schedule of the treatments. Also, to be provided is the license and the required DEP form BRPWW4.
A motion was made by D.Duffy to issue a negative determination for Meadowbrook Green Condimiums. R.Ring seconded. The vote passed (6:0).
Meeting Minutes of February 17, 2009-A motion was made by D.Duffy to approve the minutes. M.Trybus seconded. The vote passed (6:0).
R.Ring stated that the Bylaw Subcommittee consisting of D.Duffy, R.Ring and D.Johnson met to review the local bylaw.
R.Ring stated that he is a member of the Historical Commission and they are working on having a memorial for Jane Golas, former Conservation Commission member.
8:30 PM-A motion was made by R.Ring to adjourn. H.Johnson seconded. The vote passed (6:0).
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Watson
Principal Clerk
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