Conservation Commission
TOWN OF PRINCETON
BOARD/COMMITTEE: PRINCETON CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
DATE: September 17, 2019 TIME: 7:00 LOCATION: Town Hall Annex
Attendance: Chairman Brian Keevan, Barbara Laughlin, Ron Thompson, John Vieira, and Rachael Catlow
Brian Keevan called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.
Votes taken in the following actions are “all in favor” unless noted otherwise.
Public Hearings and Meetings:
Item 1: 7:06 PM – DEP File #267-0425. A public hearing was opened for a Notice of Intent (NOI) for a Presby septic system repair at 53 Bullard Road (Map 12A, Lot 8/11) for Glen Dugger. Chris Anderson of Hannigan Engineering presented on behalf of the applicant. Brian and Ron conducted a site visit on September 15, 2019. Since DCR is an abutter to the project, Brian recused himself. The DCR submitted correspondence that the project can proceed as engineered. The Commission voted to approve an Order of Conditions with standard conditions at 7:15PM.
Item 2: 7:15PM – DEP File #267-0414. A public hearing was continued for the construction of a house and septic system at property owned by Jennifer Greene. The applicant requested a continuance in order to finalize engineering revisions to the septic design. At 7:17PM, the Commission voted to continue this public hearing until October 15, 2019.
Item 3: 7:18PM – The Commission was asked to consider either a Request for Determination (RDA) or a NOI for possible regrading at 136 East Princeton Road owned by Karen Silvia. The property owner requested that the Commission take no action at this time.
Item 4: 7:19PM – An RDA was submitted by Peoples Engineering for Patrick and Luanne Deyo for septic repairs at 216 Redemption Rock Trail. Scott Peoples presented on behalf of the applicant. The location of septic repairs is located greater than 50 feet from a small isolated wetland and greater than 250 feet from Washburn Brook. Plans show both the isolated wetland and Washburn Brook. Brian conducted a site walk on September 16, 2019 and field verified no visible surface connection from the isolated wetland to the brook. The septic field is in compliance with Title V 50 foot setback from the wetland. The Commission voted to approve a Negative Determination (#1) at 7:41PM.
Commission Other Business, Mail, Procedures, etc.:
Brian emailed the Commission edits to the draft Four Corners Lease Agreement for review. The Commission reviewed the edits to the Four Corners Land Management Plan. Edits will be reviewed at the next monthly meeting in October.
The Commission discussed progress to date at 16 Pine Hill Road (Paulette Mcgaw). Brian will send the property owner correspondence via certified mail to request a progress update and proof of recording at the registry of deeds, and perform a site walk to inspect current site conditions.
Brian provided an update regarding the Conservation Restrictions for “The Clearings” regarding use of Area C for driveway easements. It was discovered that an easement to construct an access road across one of the lots to private property on Whitaker Lane, connected to the terminal cul-de-sac of Clearings Way, was deeded in 2009. Correspondence with Town Counsel has continued, but no formal action has taken place. This topic will be added to the October 2019 meeting agenda.
The Commission discussed a distance running race on the Mid-State Trail on October 13, 2019. At 9:12 PM, the Commission voted to send correspondence to the race organizers to notify them that the Commission is opposed to the race occurring on the Four Corners Property due to restrictions outlined in the current Four Corners Land Management Plan that designate approved land uses. Copies of correspondence will be sent to the Town Administrator, the Mid-State Trail organization, and the current Four Corners tenant.
Brian provided an update on the Calamint Hill Conservation Area (CHCA) Trails related to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) variance review.
Brian discussed a site walk both he and Ron attended on September 15, 2019 at the NEADs property to check the construction progress of a carriage house. The applicant submitted a Request for Certificate of Compliance, and the Commission discussed the need to inform the applicant that final site stabilization will be required before a Certificate can be issued. Brian will contact Gerry Deroche.
The Commission reviewed plans submitted by Bill Chase for work at 93 Main Street. The plans showed basic footprints of the existing house and planned reconstructed portions. The driveway footprint did not appear to represent the extent of the existing driveway. Brian will request a site visit prior to the next meeting to review erosion controls and get clarification on planned activities.
Forest Cutting Plan(s): None.
The August 20, 2019 meeting minutes were reviewed and approved as amended at 10:33PM.
Brian reviewed mail received by the Commission.
The next PCC meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2019.
Meeting Adjourned at 10:39 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Barbara Laughlin