CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
Meeting Minutes of Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Meeting Room #1- 7:00 PM
Chairman David Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Present were Commissioners Peter Izyk, Robert Ring, Matthew Trybus and Harry Johnson. Also present were Conservation Agent Sheryl Becker and Principal Clerk Mary Watson recording the minutes.
There were no public hearings scheduled.
Heather Comee from Pioneer Environmental was present to review the proposed delineated plan under the Enforcement Order against John Lizak for the property located on Shearer Street, Palmer.
Also present was Joe Barbeau of Barbeau Associates, project manager for John Lizak.
A site visit was conducted on March 26, 2009 with John Lizak, Joe Barbeau, Heather Comee, Tim Mckenna of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Sheryl Becker, David Johnson, Robert Ring and Mary Watson.
During the site visit, T.Mckenna approved the delineation done by Pioneer Environmental and stated that no action would be needed by DEP.
H.Comee presented the plan dated March 26 showing the wetland line and survey edge of the tree cutting line.
H.Comee stated that test pits were conducted during the site visit and the disturbed area was identified. The plan indicates the location of the stormwater outlets and the cart road.
The PCC agreed with the wetland delineation conducted by Pioneer Environmental.
Discussions were held regarding the restoration plan.
The restoration plan includes the removal of logs and slash on the site; supplemental planting, seeding and an erosion control siltation fence along the 50-foot no disturb area.
H.Comee stated that no new soils are needed. They are proposing to restore the area with hardwood, pine and to add white and red oak trees for diversity.
R.Ring stated that the cart road had been extended and therefore a landmark would be needed as to where the road stops.
The PCC reviewed the vegetation and soil data conducted by Pioneer Environmental. The document is entitled Section II Indicators of Hydrology Shearer Street, Palmer, MA 20 Mar 2009.
A motion was made by R.Ring to accept the delineation as presented by Pioneer Environmental and required by the Enforcement Order. H.Johnson seconded. The vote passed (5:0).
Member D.Duffy joined the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
A motion was made by R.Ring to table the restoration plan until the next meeting on April 21, 2009. H.Johnson seconded. The vote passed (6:0).
The PCC discussed allowing the restoration work on a monitored basis when the restoration plan has been received.
A letter dated March 19, 2009 was received from Vincent Yurkunas informing the PCC of his resignation.
A motion was made by R.Ring to accept the resignation letter from Vincent Yurkunas. H.Johnson seconded. The vote passed (6:0).
A motion was made by R.Ring to pay for a one-week ad in the Palmer Journal to inform the community of the vacant spot on the PCC. H.Johnson seconded. The vote passed (6:0).
Meeting Minutes of March 17, 2009-A motion was made by R.Ring to approve the minutes as amended. D.Duffy seconded. The vote passed (4:0:2). Member H.Johnson and M.Trybus abstained.
JT Brown Quarterly Report-for the gravel pit located on Ware Road, Palmer. A letter dated March 14, 2009 was received and signed by Robert LeMaitre.
The report was sent to the Planning Board, however it states that the silt barriers and fencing are being maintained and the settlement basins are being monitored and cleaned.
Wetland Bylaw Committee Update-R.Ring stated he met with the Town Planner, L.Leduc and Chris Curtis of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) regarding having language similar to the Transfer Development Rights (TDR) ordinance.
Discussions were held regarding the All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) no trespassing signs and possible funding for the signs out of the maintenance account. These signs are needed on McMaster Road, Browns Road, St. John Road, Rondeau Road, the Midura area and Tavern Road.
The PCC would discuss the signs at the next meeting.
D.Duffy stated he received a call from an abutter regarding the trash on Bacon Road.
Discussions were held regarding having the police department enforce searching the trash for possible identification and having the police department taking action.
R.Ring stated he has spoken with Police Chief Robert Frydryk regarding the fees for policing the area.
A motion was made by D.Duffy to authorize payment of up to $ 900.00 for policing the PCC land. H.Johnson seconded. The vote passed (6:0).
Quaboag Trailer Park Emergency Certification-S.Becker stated an emergency certification was issued for the removal of an oil storage tank and the contaminated soils and vegetation surrounding the tank for the property located of Palmer Road, Three Rivers.
A motion was made by R.Ring to accept the Emergency Certification for the Quaboag Trailer Park. H.Johnson seconded. The vote passed (6:0).
The PCC would sign the certification at the next meeting.
Bills:
A motion was made by R.Ring to approve S.Becker’s travel in the amount of $ 11.80. D.Duffy seconded. The vote passed (6:0).
A motion was made by D.Duffy to approve D.Johnson travel in the amount of $ 39.60. H.Johnson seconded. The vote passed (6:0).
D.Duffy stated he met with the Charter Commission before the PCC meeting as requested by them in an invitation letter that was sent.
D.Duffy stated he spoke with the Charter Commission and presented them with the proposed changes to the Charter as follows “of the lands under the care, custody and control of the Conservation Commission including the lands accepted under Chapter 179 of the Acts of 1987 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”
M.Trybus stated that there are tires and trash along the river located in Bondsville and Belchertown at the bridge on Route 181.
Discussions were held regarding contacting Belchertown to arrange a clean up of the area.
S.Becker stated she spoke with Neal Geary of Riverwalk Associates regarding an extension for the Order of Conditions issued for the property located off Chudy Street and Barker Street, Three Rivers.
The PCC discussed having the applicant submit the extension request in writing to be discussed at the next meeting on April 21.
8:15 PM-A motion was made by R.Ring to adjourn. D.Johnson seconded. The vote passed (6:0).
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Watson
Principal Clerk
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