CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
Meeting Minutes of Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Meeting Room, Town Administration Building- 7:00 PM
Chairman David Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Present were Commissioners Donald Duffy, Christine Beauregard, Peter Izyk and Robert Ring. Also present was Principal Clerk Mary Watson recording the minutes. Member Matthew Trybus was absent.
7:00 PM-Knox Pond Order of Conditions extension request-for the property located on 1094 Thorndike Street, Palmer.
The applicant Raymond Breton was present along with Donald Frydryk of Sherman and Frydryk Land Surveying and Engineering.
D.Frydryk stated that the OC is due to expire on February 21, 2010; therefore the applicant is requesting a three-year extension.
D.Frydryk gave a project update stating that work was started on the project on September 17, 2007 and earth removal has been proceeding in the Phase 1 and Phase 2 area. An amendment to the Special Permit was issued earlier this year by the Planning Board to change the phasing of the project to allow additional site preparation before construction of the buildings begin. No change has been proposed to the limit of work within the jurisdictional areas.
The PCC discussed the extension request for a three-year period.
C.Beauregard stated that because the PCC no longer has a conservation agent it would be more appropriate to grant a one-year extension.
D.Frydryk stated that monthly reports have been submitted for the site and the applicant would be moving forward with the project.
D.Duffy read the local bylaw which states that a one-year extension should be granted for all Orders of Conditions.
A motion was made by P.Izyk to grant a one-year extension for the Condominiums at Knox Pond located at 1094 Thorndike Street, Palmer. D.Duffy seconded. The vote passed (4:0:1). D.Johnson abstained.
The new OC expiration date will be February 21, 2011.
Meeting Minutes of January 5, 2010-A motion was made by R.Ring to approve the minutes. P.Izyk seconded. The vote passed (4:0:1). D.Johnson abstained.
The PCC discussed the weekly reports submitted by Lessard Environmental and their request to rescind this requirement.
D.Johnson stated he would visit the site and advise if the site has been completed.
R.Ring stated that the PCC does not need copies of the monthly Knox Pond construction reports if changes to the site have not occurred.
Bills:
A bill in the amount of $ 95.00 was presented to the PCC for member C.Beauregard to attend the advanced training certificate program for the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions.
Discussions were held regarding the PCC expense account and the wetland fund monies. The expense account monies, if not used by June 30, would revert to the general fund. The Town Council appropriates this money.
The PCC asked about the recent budget freeze. It has been determined that all training would come out of the expense account unless the Town Manager does not allow due to the budget freeze. If the monies request were denied due to the budget freeze, the training would therefore come out of the wetland account.
A motion was made by R.Ring to allow the $ 95.00 fee for training out of the expense account. P.Izyk seconded. The vote passed (5:0).
C.Beauregard discussed the Open Space Plan and extension of the plan from five years to seven years as requested by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA).
The PCC discussed having a meeting with the PCC and the Open Space Committee.
R.Ring stated that the town’s website indicates that there are only three people on the committee. The members are the Town Planner Linda Leduc, the Planning Board Chairman Michael Marciniec and Donald Duffy.
D.Johnson stated he inspected the project on 81 Flynt Street and advised that the trailer has been demolished however he has requested that they put hay bales be in place. He will continue to inspect the area.
Discussions were held regarding the RDA application received for the herbicide treatment along the railroad right of way for CSX Transportation.
M.Watson stated that it is indicated in 12.5.3.2 of the Environmental Handbook for Massachusetts Conservation Commissioners that no fees are received for Requests for Determinations of Applicability.
The PCC reviewed the local bylaw stating that no fee is required for determinations of applicability.
7:45 PM-A motion was made by R.Ring to adjourn. D.Duffy seconded. The vote passed (5:0).
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Watson
Principal Clerk
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