Conservation Commission

TOWN OF PRINCETON

BOARD/COMMITTEE: PRINCETON CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES

DATE: April 21, 2020          TIME: 7:00             LOCATION: Remote access only

Note: this public meeting and public hearing were conducted via remote teleconferencing due to COVID-19 precautions.  Public participation details were posted with the agenda.

Members in attendance remotely:  Brian Keevan, John Vieira, Rachael Catlow, Barbara Laughlin, Ron Thompson

Applicants and others in attendance remotely:  Sean Coakley, Art Allen, and Christine Rainville

Brian Keevan called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Votes taken in the following actions are “all in favor” unless noted otherwise.

Public Hearings and Meetings:

Item 1: 7:00pm -7:15pm - 27 Main Street.  A Request for Determination of Applicability was received from Sean Coakley for a new garage/barn.  A site walk was conducted on Sunday April 19 by Brian Keevan and Sean Coakley at 4pm.  After discussion and review of submitted sketches the PCC determined the area of activity is non-jurisdictional because it is outside the Buffer Zone and the stream is intermittent (no Riverfront).  The PCC voted to issue a negative determination.

Item 2: 7:15pm - 7:51pm - 155 Brooks Station Road (Enforcement Order) DEP File# 267-0427.  Art Allen from EcoTec, Inc., representing the landowner, participated via video conference and a neighbor, Christine Rainville, participated though conference call. Existing conditions and grading plans were submitted in advance of the meeting.  Art Allen stated that some seed is sprouting that was planted last fall (maybe 20% cover). The proposed site work is to regrade the site to smooth out contours as well as creating two restoration areas.  Restoration area A - 1,000 sq ft (on City of Worcester watershed property) and restoration area B - 3,800 sq ft (on property of abutter Christine Rainville).  Activities for restoration include regrading, plantings (hydroseeding and native species such as sweet pepperbush), and placing boulders near property lines.  The PCC had some questions about clarifications with regards to fill and finished contour lines and would like the following points clarified and issues addressed:

• Clarification on treatment of wetland in disturbed area, and seed type to be used in the area
• How the Area B would be treated and the unhatched area of B how and if there is more fill extending beyond the property line (is the edge of disturbed area correct as shown?)
• PCC recommends that the City of Worcester be sent information on the proposed restoration activity.
• More info on biodegradable erosion control blanket - Commissioner Vieira has some suggestions with regard to wildlife concerns and will send some information to Art Allen to consider.
• Christine Rainville has concerns with the boulders and the potential pooling of water

Commission Other Business, Mail, Procedures, etc.:

7:52pm -8:19 pm -93 Main Street - Marie Auger called Brian Keevan to relay that Bill Chase of 93 Main Street will not be complying with the remaining items on the Enforcement OrderThere are several outstanding items outlined in the enforcement action letter which which have not been addressed , including the submission  of a wetlands report, a revised plan with accurate wetlands information, and a new Request for Determination of Applicability by December 1, 2019.  Brian will draft a letter outlining how Mr. Chase has not complied with the enforcement action and will submit this to Bill Chase and MA DEP.

8:19 pm -8:37 pm - Grow Lane -  Barbara and Brian conducted a site walk on Sunday April 19 on land of Jennifer Caswell on Grow Lane who is considering proposing a new house that would require a wetland crossing for driveway.  The site was partially cleared by some logging activity within the last two years.  The site has a vernal pool approximately 20’ x 30’with spotted salamander eggs present.  Brian will contact Jennifer Caswell and advise her to seek a professional wetlands scientist to evaluate the wetland resources.

8:37 pm Barbara Laughlin left the meeting

8:37 - 8:44 pm - Rick Gardner, on behalf of the Princeton Open Space Committee, submitted by email an itemized estimate of bridge construction materials in the amount of $1,520 for consideration from the PCC. The remaining four PCC members voted to spend the money out of the revolving land maintenance account at 8:44 pm.

8:44 - 8:54pm- Lot 4A Pine Hill Road - Brian went to the site on April 21 at Lot 4A Pine Hill Road.  He indicated that the silt fence is in poor condition. There was an issue raised by an abutter concerning the installation of the wetland crossing culverts.  A site walk to inspect the wetland crossing and wetland replication with the contractor and environmental consultant is scheduled for 4/23/2020 at 3:30 pm.

8:54 - 9:02pm - Review Yearly Operational Plan from TEC Associates for vegetation control along P&W railroad.  The PCC reviewed the map and plan and had no comments.

Forest Cutting plans:  no new plans to review.

9:02 - 9:26 pm - 147 Hubbardston Road - The building inspector requested the owner check with PCC to determine if wetlands permitting is required for a front porch addition.  The PCC voted to ask the applicant to submit an RDA at 9:26pm.

9:36 – 56 Hickory Drive - Discussed a site walk conducted by Rachel, Ron and Brian at 56 Hickory Drive on March 15, 2020. Brian will touch base with the landowners (Cheryl Burgoyne) and see what they want to do.

Approve Minutes

The PCC discussed and agreed to approve past meeting minutes at the beginning of future meetings rather than after other business has concluded as has been the format for years.

The approval of the March 17 minutes was postponed pending further edits from Brian.

Meeting adjourned at 9:43 pm

Respectfully submitted, Rachael Catlow

Documents submitted:

155 Brooks Station Road – Existing Conditions Plan of Land

155 Brooks Station Road – Grading and Restoration Plan

27 Main Street Map