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HomeMy WebLinkAboutConservation Comm. 01/25/2021Town of Mansfield Conservation Minutes January 25, 2021 MEETING HELD VIRTUALLY USING GOTOWEBINAR PLATFORM Present: Michael Healey, Chair; Dr. Aaron Roth, Vice Chair; Aaron Gallagher; Kostas Loukos; Katelyn Gonyer, Conservation and Environmental Planner. The Chair read the following notice: Whereas both the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health have advised residents to take extra measures to put distance between themselves and other people to further reduce the risk of being exposed to COVID-19, Governor Baker has issued an order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, Massachusetts General Law c. 30A, §20. In order to satisfy the Open Meeting Law requirements, today's Town of Mansfield Conservation Commission meeting will available to the public via GoToWebinar and Mansfield Cable. The instructions for joining via GoToWebinar are in the Meeting Notice on the Town's Website at www.mansfieldma.com and then clicking on today's date on the calendar. 1. Conservation Meeting Called to Order at 6:14 pm. 2. Old Business: • Approval of December 14, 2020 minutes. Mr. Loukos made the motion to approve the December 14, 2020 minutes Dr. Roth seconded the motion. Mr. Healey — in favor Mr. Loukos—in favor Mr. Gallagher— in favor Dr. Roth — in favor Motion passed 3-0-1. 3. Mark Cook Discussion: • Request permission to do maintenance activities on conservation -owned property. Ms. Gonyer said she met on site with Mark Cook at Great Woods, specifically the Oak Street entrance. She said this area is surrounded by fields which, historically have been maintained by neighbors, but the town has recently acquired the maintenance of the fields. Ms. Gonyer and Mark Cook discussed the activities and maintenance of the Great Woods Conservation Area that they would like to do: • He would like to restore the old farm rock walls that have become overgrown with invasive species. • There is a big hay rake that he would like to restore and relocate to the entrance area. • He will remove all the dead trees, small scrub brush and invasive species. Once cleared, he will remove the stumps. • He said one of the problems DPW is having is how to maintain and mow the fields once a year. He said he would like to rebuild the stone wall and clear the area near the field entrance. At the access road to the fields he would like to open up this area so they can maintain the back fields. He said his focus has been in the area of the cemetery; the stone wall around the cemetery will be repaired but he also noted, because of the trees, some of the grave stones have been damaged. He said a line of trees would be added in the area of the cemetery, but away from the utility lines. He said the trees along Oak Street, which is a scenic road, have been cropped by the utility companies; he would like to have a scenic road hearing to put a row of trees behind the rock wall on Conservation land, but far enough back, maybe 25-30 feet, from the stone wall. Ms. Gonyer said in order to mow and maintain the fields, the outcropping of rocks would have to be removed. Mr. Cook said some of the boulders are large, and unless there is a need for the boulders elsewhere, he would dig a hole next to the larger boulders, roll the boulders into the hole and bury them. This will allow the fields to be better maintained. Ms. Gonyer said a lot of this work will be built into the annual maintenance plan. She said right now, because this area is under the care and control of the Conservation Commission, a motion would need to be made to give permission to allow the work to be done. Mr. Cook said if permitted to do the work he would work with.Ms. Gonyer to remove the brush, etc. and flag all the trees to be saved. Ms. Gonyer said the dead trees and brush are habitat and the trees can be pushed back instead of removing them so it stays in the system as habitat. Ms. Gonyer said she has walked the site with Lou Andrews and Colin Cauldwell just to get their feedback. Mr. Andrews wanted the Commission to know Natural Resources Trust is fine with all the suggestions. Board Comments: Dr. Roth said the dead trees could be habitat for woodpeckers and bats and asked if this would be considered when clearing the trees. Mr. Cook said trees would not be removed but said there are a lot of trees that could fall. Ms. Gonyer said the trees can be hollowed out and pushed over behind the wall for habitat, but away from the water. Dr. Roth asked if there was any talk about putting up nesting boxes for swallows and blue birds. Ms. Gonyer said there is a couple of boxes already there and these boxes will be preserved. Mr. Loukos said he is fine with the project as long as the habitat areas are safe. Mr. Gallagher agreed with Dr. Roth. Mr. Healey said he liked the idea of maintaining and relocating the hay rack; he said this would point out to people that the area is being maintained and watched. Regarding the fields, he said it is a good idea to dig a hole next to the boulder and then roll them into the hole; he said the area could be regraded with the excess soil. Mr. Healey said cutting once in the fall is probably a better idea because this would leave a lot of material for nesting and habitat for animals in the fields. Ms. Gonyer said all of this will have to become part of the trail management plan but she will review and get input from the Commission and Mr. Cook to produce some kind of annual plan for the fields. Mr. Cook said as soon as this is approved they will start the work. Public Comments: The Chair read the following notice: '7t is important to us that you have a platform for your questions and comments during this meeting, therefore to ask questions or make a public comment during tonight's virtual meeting you must have registered and joined the meeting via GoToWebinor where you now have the ability to submit your question or comments through the questions option in your control panel, or you can use the raise your hand option to be allowed to speak. For those who have joined the meeting via telephone who would like to ask a question or make a comment, you are now welcome to unmute your phone. We ask that you only have your phone unmuted while you are asking your question. Please mute when you are no longer live. You can unmute your phone by pushing *6. Please then state your name and address, and when acknowledge by the Chairperson you can then state your question or comment. When you are done with your comment please mute your phone again by pushing *6. As with any public meeting we ask you to be respectful of the Board members and the other residents who are making their comments by patiently and quietly waiting your turn. Thank you." There were no public comments. Dr. Roth made the motion to approve the maintenance work for the Great Woods property. Mr. Loukos seconded the motion. Mr. Gallagher — in favor Mr. Loukos —in favor Mr. Healey - in favor Dr. Roth — in favor Motion passed 4-0-0. Hearing ended at 6:41 pm. 4. Request for Determination of Applicability: Town of Mansfield, East Street Right -of -Way, Map 42 & 43. Mr. Healey opened the hearing for the proposed roadway re -construction and drainage improvements to approximately 4,400 feet of road within the town right-of-way on East Street from Shannon Lane to North Street continuing to the Easton Town line with some work being within 100 feet of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland and within the Riverfront Area. Richard Alves, Jr., Town Engineer/Assistant DPW Director, explained the Town of Mansfield Engineering Division has prepared a Roadway Reconstruction/Utility Upgrade Plan on East Street from Shannon Lane onto North Street to the town line within the Town Right of Way as shown on Assessors Map 42 & 43. The DPW is proposing approximately 4,400 linear feet of road along with drainage improvements to the existing road to the maximum extent possible, all within the town's right-of-way. He said there are two areas of concern: as shown on Sheet #2 of 9, between stations 4485-4800, they are proposing to upgrade existing drainage and removal and replacement of the roadway and provide 300 feet of erosion control along the side of the existing stone swale. The second area of concern is on Sheet #6 of 9, Station 6890-7290, which has an existing stream and a concrete three -sided boxed culvert, where they are proposing to install drainage to the east side of the existing culvert, which will collect runoff from the roadway and provide proper outlet control. Mr. Alves noted currently there are no drainage structures at this low point, which causes the roadway to deteriorate and causes erosion control issues to the resource area. DPW is also proposing to remove and replace the guardrail and chain -link fence in this area. Erosion control is shown on the plan, which will consist of 8" mulch sock. The erosion control will be installed prior to construction and will not be removed until all disturbed areas in thevicinityof construction have been permanently stabilized; once stabilized, the mulch within the sock will be spread out evenly for the habitat. The intent is to have this work performed by a contractor hired by the town during the dry months with assistance from DPW and the Engineering Department. He is requesting a Negative Determination for reason #3, since the work within the buffer zone will not alter an area subject to the protection under the Act. Ms. Gonyer said there are erosion issues with this site and everything is sheet flowing from East Street down into the system. She has reviewed and agreed with the approximate delineation for this application and said the following conditions would apply: the standard erosion control, and, because the work will be done by a subcontractor, a pre -construction on -site meeting would be required. Board Comments: Mr. Loukos and Mr. Gallagher had no comments. Dr. Roth said the proposed project look good and Mr. Healey said it will be good to get the work done and have the area more stable. Public Comments: The Chair read the following notice: "It is important to us that you have a platform for your questions and comments during this meeting, therefore to ask questions or make a public comment during tonight's virtual meeting you must have registered and joined the meeting via GoToWebinar where you now have the ability to submit your question or comments through the questions option in your control panel, or you can use the raise your hand option to be allowed to speak. For those who have joined the meeting via telephone who would like to ask a question or make a comment, you are now welcome to unmute your phone. We ask that you only have your phone unmuted while you are asking your question. Please mute when you are no longer live. you can unmute your phone by pushing *6. Please then state your name and address, and when acknowledge by the Chairperson you can then state your question or comment. When you are done with your comment please mute your phone again by pushing *6. As with any public meeting we ask you to be respectful of the Board members and the other residents who are making their comments by patiently and quietly waiting your turn. Thank you." There were no public comments. Dr. Roth made the motion to issue a Negative Determination for reason #3, work will not impact the resource area, to Town of Mansfield, East Street Right -of -Way, Map 42 & 43 for the proposed roadway re -construction and drainage improvements to approximately 4,400 feet of road within the town right-of-way on East Street from Shannon Lane to North Street continuing to the Easton Town line with some work being within 100 feet to a Bordering Vegetated Wetland and within the Riverfront Area with the following conditions: Agent is to be notified of start of work; Prior to the start of work the Agent is to inspect the siltation control (per plan). Erosion control shall consist of 8" diameter (min.) biodegradable mulch -filled silt sock and must remain in place until all disturbed areas have been seeded and stabilized; Prior to the commencement of work, a pre -construction on -site meeting shall be held with the Agent; If there is a change in the plan, the Applicant must come back to the Agent or the Commission. Mr. Gallagher seconded the motion Dr. Roth — in favor Mr. Gallagher— in favor Mr. Loukos —in favor Mr. Healey — in favor Motion passed 4-0-0. Hearing ended at 6:56 pm. 5. Request for Determination of Applicability: Town of Mansfield, 99 Maple Street, Cate Springs. Mn Healey opened the hearing for a Request for Determination of Applicability for the Town of Mansfield, 99 Maple Street, Cate Springs, for a proposed PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) Treatment facility and associated grading within 100 feet of Bordering Vegetated Wetland. Lee Azinheira, Director of DPW, Michael Ahern, Public Buildings Manager, were present. Ms. Gonyer said she flagged the wetlands and noted this is a previously disturbed area, overgrown with invasive species. This is a proposed PFAS treatment facility with a driveway area and a portion of the infiltration trench associated with stormwater will be within the buffer. She said she does not foresee any big issues with the project, it is a minimal amount of work, with approximately 60 feet of separation from the limit of work to the grading areas and 80 feet to the impervious portion of the project. She said Mr. Alves will be doing a full stormwater management review of the property. She said the Determination should be issued once all questions and comments from Mr. Alves have been approved through the stormwater management. Mr. Ahern said this will be a 30'x60' building for the PFAS equipment in an existing disturbed area. Board Comments: Mr. Healey asked if activated carbon would be used to remove the PFAS from the drinking water and how the carbon would be regenerated, either on or off site. Mr. Azinheira said he believes this will be done off site. He said everything is being peer -reviewed by industry experts. Mr. Healey said from a Conservation standpoint, he does not have an issue with this project. The special conditions would be erosion control to be installed as show on the plan, to be staked alternatively, and inspected prior to the start of work and all disturbed areas are to be stabilized as soon as possible. Public Comments: The Chair read the following notice: "It is important to us that you have a platform for your questions and comments during this meeting, therefore to ask questions or make a public comment during tonight's virtual meeting you must have registered and joined the meeting via GoToWebinar where you now have the ability to submit your question or comments through the questions option in your control panel, or you can use the raise your hand option to be allowed to speak. For those who have joined the meeting via telephone who would like to ask a question or make a comment, you are now welcome to unmute your phone. We ask that you only have your phone unmuted while you are asking your question. Please mute when you are no longer live. you can unmute your phone by pushing *6. Please then state your name and address, and when acknowledge by the Chairperson you can then state your question or comment. When you are done with your comment please mute your phone again by pushing *6. As with any public meeting we ask you to be respectful of the Board members and the other residents who are making their comments by patiently and quietly waiting your turn. Thank you." There were no public comments. Mr. Gallagher made the motion to issue a Negative Determination for reason #3, work will not impact the resource area, to Town of Mansfield, 99 Maple Street, Cate Springs for proposed PFAS Treatment facility and associated grading within 100 feet of Bordering Vegetated Wetland with the following conditions: Agent is to be notified of start of work; Prior to the start of work the Agent is to inspect the siltation control (per plan). Erosion control shall consist of 8" diameter (min.) biodegradable mulch -filled silt sock (to be staked alternatively) and must remain in place until all disturbed areas have been seeded and stabilized; If there is a change in the plan, the Applicant must come back to the Agent or the Commission; Agent is to be notified when project is complete and all disturbed areas have been seeded and established. Mr. Loukos seconded the motion. Dr. Roth — in favor Mr. Gallagher— in favor Mr. Loukos— in favor Mr. Healey— in favor Motion passed 4-0-0 Hearing ended at 7:12 pm. 6. Request for Determination of Applicability: Paul and Melissa Donovan, 17 Goose Lane, Map 40, Parcel 246. Mr, Healey opened the hearing for the construction of a 352.8-foot roof over existing patio within 100 feet of Bordering Vegetated Wetland, within the 200-foot Riverfront Area of a Perennial Stream and within NHESP Estimated and Priority Habitat. Homeowner Mellissa Donovan was present. Ms. Gonyer said this property was just issued a Certificate of Compliance under DEP SE 211-0911 for restoration issues and for the installation of an in -ground pool. She said the homeowners are now asking to revise a portion of the project; the old plan showed a proposed future awning location but the work was never done. The new plan shows a roof over the patio area instead of the awning. Ms. Donovan said this is the third summer with the pool and, because of the location of the pool, this area is in full sun. She said they have tried umbrellas and a sun sail but nothing has worked. Ms. Gonyer said the roof line would be part of the drainage system and the proposed project would not increase the impervious area. She said she had no issues with the project and recommended a Negative 3 Determination be issued. Board Comments: Mr. Loukos said he did not have an issue with the project. Mr. Gallagher had no comments. Dr. Roth said they are not changing the sheet flow or the drainage and the runoff from the proposed roof would be tied into what is already there. Public Comments: The Chair read the following notice: "It is important to us that you have a platform for your questions and comments during this meeting, therefore to ask questions or make a public comment during tonight's virtual meeting you must have registered and joined the meeting via GoToWebinar where you now have the ability to submit your question or comments through the questions option in your control panel, or you can use the raise your hand option to be allowed to speak. For those who have joined the meeting via telephone who would like to ask a question or make a comment you are now welcome to unmute your phone. We ask that you only have your phone unmuted while you are asking your question. Please mute when you are no longer live. You can unmute your phone by pushing *6. Please then state your name and address, and when acknowledge by the Chairperson you can then state your question or comment. When you are done with your comment please mute your phone again by pushing *6. As with any public meeting we ask you to be respectful of the Board members and the other residents who are making their comments by patiently and quietly waiting your turn. Thank you." There were no public comments. Dr. Roth made the motion to issue a Negative Determination for reason #3, work will not impact the resource area, to Paul and Melissa Donovan, 17 Goose Lane, Map 40, Parcel 246 for the construction of a 352.8-foot roof over existing patio within 100 feet of Bordering Vegetated Wetland, within the 200-foot Riverfront Area of a Perennial Stream and within NHESP Estimated and Priority Habitat. There were no additional conditions. Mr. Gallagher seconded the motion. Mr. Healey— in favor Mr. Loukos —in favor Mr. Gallagher— in favor Dr. Roth — in favor Motion passed 4-0-0 Hearing ended at 7:21 pm. 7. Request for Certificate of Compliance: 110 Balcom Street, Map 3, Lot 76 Ms. Gonyer said she just received an e-mail with the comments from the environmental firm for this site. She said this is for a single-family triangular lot off Balcom Street that is mostly wet except for a buildable upland area in the back of the property. She said in 2015, the Commission issued a limited Order of Conditions because they had to be able to access the upland. Part of the project was an actual mitigation area. She said this request is for a closing on the property and suggested the hearing be continued so the information received tonight can be reviewed. Ms. Gonyer said she did a site inspection and noted the house and the driveway were built in the approximate location as shown on the as built, the environmentally sensitive signs have been installed and the restoration area has had two growing seasons with a 75% survival rate. She said the Commission can put on -going conditions when issuing a Certificate of Compliance which would include that the restoration area stay as a restoration area. Board Comments: Dr. Roth said at this point the Commission would be voting without evidence of the conditions in the Order. Mr. Healey said in making a decision tonight, if you had to defend the decision there is nothing to reference because the Commission has not seen the information regarding the restoration areas. Mr. Loukos asked if there was a reason why it took so long to get the information to the Commission. Mr. Healey said the Commission does not want to set a precedent that makes last minute submittals become the normal instead of the exception. Public Comments: The Chair read the following notice: "it is important to us that you have a platform for your questions and comments during this meeting, therefore to ask questions or make a public comment during tonight's virtual meeting you must have registered and joined the meeting via GoToWebinar where you now have the ability to submit your question or comments through the questions option in your control panel, or you can use the raise your hand option to be allowed to speak. For those who have joined the meeting via telephone who would like to ask a question or make a comment, you are now welcome to unmute your phone. We ask that you only have your phone unmuted while you are asking your question. Please mute when you are no longer live. you can unmute your phone by pushing *6. Please then state your name and address, and when acknowledge by the Chairperson you can then state your question or comment. When you are done with your comment please mute your phone again by pushing *6. As with any public meeting we ask you to be respectful of the Board members and the other residents who are making their comments by patiently and quietly waiting your turn. Thank you." There were no public comments. Mr. Gallagher made the motion to continue the hearing for 110 Balcom Street to the February 22, 2021 meeting. Mr. Loukos seconded the motion. Dr. Roth — in favor Mr. Gallagher— in favor Mr. Loukos — in favor Mr. Healey— in favor Motion passed 4-0-0. Heating ended at 7:35 pm. 8. New Business: Dr. Roth asked about the flags at the baseball field on Otis Street. Ms. Gonyer said there is a small conduit that needs to be relocated around the perimeter of the field because; currently it is going through the field. She said this work is being done by the Electric Department. Ms. Gonyer said she will be applying for a $5,000.00 grant to get new kiosks at the six conservation locations. New metal signs with new tri-fold maps will also be done. She said this will be going in as a Mass Trail Grant. Mr. Healey said at the Canoe River Advisory meeting one of the issues of concern was PFAC. Ms. Gonyer said this has become a huge problem regarding the drinking water supply because the standards were reduced. She said they will now have to figure out where it is coming from as well as how to treat it. PFAC are considered a carcinogen. 9. Adjourn: Motion to adjourn at 7:45 pm (Dr. Roth/Mr. Gallagher). Dr. Roth - in favor Mr. Gallagher— in favor Mr. Loukos — in favor Mr. Healey— in favor Motion passed 4-0. Next meeting will be February 22, 2021. fhk,� s 1� Z Michael Healey, Chair Date Q