HomeMy WebLinkAboutConservation Minutes 9/19/1994it
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03 OU 17 PM 3. 33
t MANSFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES ri_LD
SEPTEMBER 19,1994 !' i A'' .`; A (, U S E T TS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Gregory Cauldwell, Shirley Hanlon, Marilyn Powers, Paul
Sadowski, Jack Smith
The meeting opened at 7:35 p.m. Tonight's meeting was a workshop, no public hearings
were held.
WILLIAMS STREET BRIDGE:
The Commission reviewed preliminary plans that were received fiom the State for the
Williams Street Bridge. It was decided that the Conservation Commission will have to
issue permits and an order of conditions on this project. It was noted that there would be
some conservation land taken for this project. The Commission felt that it would be
setting a bad precedent to give land without some form of agreeable compensation. The
reasoning for the construction project was also discussed. The discussion concluded with
the following questions and issues being raised.
• Can the present bridge be made safe and durable as a walk way with some
recreation area?
• Have the new bridge constructed as a darn to hold back any flood waters fiom the
present dam/bridge.
• Will there be a significant loss of BV W - how will the bank be increased?
• How much conservation land will be taken, Who will own the land remaining?
The Conservation Commission would favorable look upon this project if these additional
factors were met.
• Project must be done as a public safety issue.
• A clear statement must be set forth station that conservation land isn't just there for
the taking, this would be a special circumstance that would not be detrimental to
the conservation effort in Town.
• The opening -- relocation of the roadway clearly must be determined as a hazard.
• What is the soundness of the present structure is it safe for a walk way and other
recreational uses?
• The Conservation Commission may not convey this property without reaching a
consensus of agreeable compensation with the Town.
• What are the proper legal procedures involved in the taking of conservation land?
• How many square feet of land would be involved?
• Would the future bridge be designed to withstand the possible collapse of the
present dam/bridge? What is the structural soundness of the bank -pond -dam?
The Commission felt that this area would be better suited for more active recreation and
not as a conservation area. A motion was made to ask Dick Lewis to draft a memo for
review on the Williams Street Bridge project. (Sadowski/Powers) The motion
passed 5 -0 -0.
MILLPOND:
The Commission reviewed the plans for Mill Pond. They discussed the project as it was
presented in a prior meeting by Dr. Phil Barske. The Commission asked if they could
receive a revised plan from Beta Engineering. They also wanted to know, from an
engineering standpoint, what effect the lowering of water would have on the project.
Commissioner Sadowski did not see a problem with some limited escavation, the added
depth of the water would be beneficial for the fish population. Chairman Cauldwell felt
that a private person may not want to be involved in a small escavation project. He also
indicated thet is it important not to move the sandbar and have a drain installed as deep as
the pond for future clean -out projects. The slopes would need to have a gradual 5 -1 or
6 -1 grade. Commissioner Powers was concerned with the time fi•ame and the grant money
that was awarded. She asked if we could ask the Town Engineer and Beta Engineering
for a time frame. Ms. Powers would like to be sure that we act responsibly to insure the
grant money is not lost.
BALCOM STREET:
The Commission reviewed the as built plans on this project. Dick Lewis discussed his
recommendations on this project. The Commission felt that the hydraulic connection was
hindered when the developer changed the pipes from the recommended three pipes to the
two pipes. The present situation is causing a dam effect. Dick will write a letter to the
developer on this issue.
Order of Conditions Lot C East Street: A motion was made to issue as written.
(Sadowski/Powers) The motion passed 5 -0 -0.
Mr. Lewis told the Commission that he had received a phone call from a resident on
Gilbert Street stating that an illegal bridge had been built on the Ash Property? Dick was
directed to send a letter to the Board of Selectmen informing them
A call was received from National Lumber requesting that they be allowed to dump snow
on the Maple Street Conservation Land? The Commission would not discuss this unless
they received a written request.
Chairman Cauldwell welcomed our newest member Shhley Hanlon to the Commission.
Shirley has been eager to get started as she has been attending the sitewalks and meeting
for several months now.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen R Doherty - Secretary