HomeMy Public PortalAbout20210622 - Conservation Commission - Meeting MinutesTOWN OF HOPKINTON
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
TOWN HALL 18 MAIN STREET
HOPKINTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01748
Tel: 508-497-9745
Hopkinton Conservation Commission
22 June 2021
Page 1 of 5
June 22, 2021 Called to Order: 7:10 PM
Remote Meeting – Zoom Adjourned: 9:15 PM
Members Present: Ted Barker-Hook, Jeffrey Barnes, Jim Ciriello, Janine LeBlanc, Melissa Recos, Kim
Ciaramicoli, Conservation Administrator, Matt Varrell: Lucas Environmental, Anna Rogers: Inspections
Administrative Assistant
Members Absent: Ed Harrow, Kerry Reed
7:10 PM Commission Business
• Mr. Barnes noted that the meeting is being conducted remotely consistent with Governor Baker’s
Executive Order of March 12, 2020, updated June 15, 2021, due to the current State of
Emergency in the Commonwealth due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. He noted that in
order to mitigate the transmission of the virus, the Board is complying with the Executive Order
that suspends the requirement of the Open Meeting Law to have all meetings in a publicly
accessible physical location. He noted that the Executive Order allows public bodies to meet
entirely remotely as long as the public body makes provisions through adequate, alternative
means to ensure that interested members of the public are provided reasonable access to the
deliberations of the meeting. He noted that for this meeting the Commission is convening by
video conference via Zoom App as posted on the Town’s web meeting calendar and the
Commission’s agenda identifying how the public may join. He noted that the meeting may also
be broadcast by HCAM TV. He noted that the meeting is being recorded and attendees are
participating by video conference.
• A Roll Call was held for members:
Ms. Recos – not present, Mr. Ciriello – present, Mr. Barker-Hook – present,
Mr. Harrow – not present, Ms. LeBlanc – present, Ms. Reed – not present,
Mr. Barnes – present
• A Roll Call was held for staff:
Ms. Rogers – present, Mr. Varrell – present, Ms. Ciaramicoli – present
• Documents for Review:
- Toll Brothers, Chamberlain St, Lot 4 - Order of Conditions (188-1750)
- Toll Brothers, Chamberlain St, Lot 7 - Order of Conditions (188-1751)
- Toll Brothers, Chamberlain St, Lot 11 - Order of Conditions (188-1753)
- Toll Brothers, Chamberlain St, Lot 13 - Order of Conditions (188-1754)
- Toll Brothers, Whalen Rd, Lot 20 - Order of Conditions (188-1752)
- McLaughlin, 1 Oakhurst Rd - Certificate of Compliance (188-1692)
- McLaughlin, 3 Oakhurst Rd - Certificate of Compliance (188-1693)
Mr. Barker-Hook made a motion to issue the above Orders of Conditions and Certificates of
Compliance pending receipt of outstanding information and to authorize Ms. Rogers to sign the
documents on their behalf. The motion was seconded by Ms. LeBlanc and a unanimous roll call
vote was held.
Hopkinton Conservation Commission
22 June 2021
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7:16 PM Pulte Homes, Legacy Farms North DEP File No. 188-1593
Enforcement and Fines Hearing
John Engdahl, Pulte Homes
The Commission reviewed the Fines memo dated June 18, 2021 and held a discussion regarding the
March 2021 violation. Mr. Barker-Hook made a motion to assess $6900.00 in fines and to hold $6900.00
in abeyance, pending continued compliance under the SWPPP. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ciriello
and a unanimous roll call vote was held.
7:24 PM Hopkinton Historical Commission, Rt 85 Aiken Park (R24 22 0) RDA 2021-2
Request for Determination of Applicability
Michael Roughan, Historical Commission Chair; Dave LaPointe, Beals & Thomas, Inc.
Mr. Roughan gave an overview of the Request for Determination of Applicability and site plans dated
July 11, 2019. Mr. Roughan noted they would like to improve the trail and perform bridge maintenance,
while leaving the existing railings as is. A discussion was held regarding trying to recover some of the
original granite that has fallen on to the riverbank. The Commission determined to have a special
condition that a Stone Removal Plan will need to be submitted for review prior to the work being
performed. A discussion was held regarding minimize grading as much as possible and it was determined
to have Lucas Environmental meet with the contractor. It was determined that any excavated materials
need to be removed from the site and that any stockpiling will occur along the existing roadway, where
the DPW has agreed to remove a portion of the guardrail.
Mr. Barker-Hook made a motion to close the hearing and issue a Negative Determination with the noted
Special Conditions: Stone Removal Plan, Start work notice, LE review of grading, Soils removed from
site, stockpile area. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ciriello and a unanimous roll call vote was held.
7:44 PM Ristau, 21 Winter Street DEP File No. 188-1755
Notice of Intent
Dave Marquedant, JD Marquedant; Chris Ristau, applicant/owner
Mr. Marquedant gave an overview of the Notice of Intent and site plans dated May 24, 2021 for a
proposed one story addition. The Commission reviewed the Lucas Environmental memo dated
June 22, 2021. The applicant agreed to add the recommend drywells.
Discussions were held regarding the following:
- Adjustment of the southern driveway
- Removing stone at the end of the driveway and replacing it with plantings, etc.
Mr. Ciriello made a motion to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions subject to a revised site
plan and the issuance of a DEP File number. The motion was seconded by Ms. LeBlanc and a unanimous
roll call vote was held.
Ms. Recos joined the meeting at this time.
Hopkinton Conservation Commission
22 June 2021
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7:58 PM Toll Brothers, Lot 1 Chamberlain Street DEP File No. 188-1733
Notice of Intent - continuation
Toll Brothers, Lot 2 Chamberlain Street DEP File No. 188-1734
Notice of Intent - continuation
Toll Brothers, Lot 12 Chamberlain Street DEP File No. 188-1729
Notice of Intent - continuation
The hearings were continued to July 13, 2021 without discussion.
7:59 PM Claro, 0 Hayden Rowe DEP File No. 188-1716
Request for Reconsideration - continuation
Attorney Matt Watsky; Scott Goddard, Goddard Consulting
Attorney Watsky gave an overview of the site plan dated October 22, 2020 revised through June 9, 2021.
Attorney Watsky and Mr. Goddard noted the following changes to the plans:
- No work being proposed within the 50’ Buffer Zone
- Total square footage of impervious surface reduced
- House size decreased
- Driveway Removed from Buffer zone
- Added Permanent Immovable Barrier as a fence along the erosion control barrier
Mr. Varrell noted he has not had a chance to review the revised plan as it was received today. The
Commission expressed appreciation of the work the applicant has done to reduce the project.
It was noted that DEP has scheduled a site walk regarding the Appeal under the Act.
The hearing was continued to July 13, 2021.
8:17 PM Babbin, 50 Lake Shore Drive DEP File No. 188-1756
Notice of Intent - continuation
The hearing was continued to July 13, 2021 without discussion.
8:18 PM MA Laborers Training TF, 37 East St (Conti Building) DEP File No. 188-1738
Notice of Intent - continuation
The hearing was continued to July 13, 2021 without discussion.
8:18 PM MA Laborer’s Training Trust Fund DEP File No. 188-1739
37 East Street (utilities)
Notice of Intent - continuation
George Connors, Attorney & Connorstone Engineering
Mr. Connors gave an overview of the site plan dated August 14, 2020, revised through June 21, 2021. He
noted the following points:
- Applicant is proposing a single well and septic to service the whole project;
- He provided an overview of the process and location for installing the electrical, water lines
and sewer lines
- He noted temporary disturbance for the work;
Hopkinton Conservation Commission
22 June 2021
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- Directional drilling under the culvert
- All disturbed area will be returned to existing conditions
The Commission reviewed the Lucas Environmental memo dated June 8, 2021. Mr. Varrell noted that
the Commission should consider the proposed Project’s compliance with the Wetland’s Protection Act
performance standards for Riverfront Area at 310 CMR 10.58. Mr. Varrell requested the applicant clarify
if the proposed utilities are public or private. Mr. Connors indicated that the applicant maintains a public
water supply, and therefore the work as proposed qualifies for limited project status under the Act. He
also noted that impacts to Riverfront Area occur within previously disturbed Riverfront Area (driveway
and lawn), therefore no significant adverse impact will result from the Project as proposed. Mr. Barnes
indicated he agrees that much of the existing Riverfront Area is already disturbed.
In response to a question, Mr. Connors noted the drill cuttings will be contained and then either re-used or
disposed of off-site and all fluids will be captured. The Commission reviewed the Connorstone
Engineering response memo dated June 21, 2021.
Mr. Barker-Hook indicated he would prefer to wait to approve the proposed work activities at the Site
until the remainder of the proposed work activities at the Site filed under separate NOI applications can
be reviewed by the Commission. Mr. Connors noted the existing septic and wells are not in compliance
with local and state regulations and reiterated the applicant’s desire to commence work on the Project as
soon as possible.
The Commission determined a narrative on the directional drilling, a copy of the GPR survey and the staff
to be notified prior to the work starting. Ms. Ciaramicoli also noted the applicant needs to resubmit the
application as a limited project or submit an alternatives analysis.
Mr. Ciriello made a motion to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions, subject to the noted
special conditions before work begins. The motion was seconded by Ms. Recos and a unanimous roll call
vote was held.
Ms. LeBlanc made a motion to have Ms. Rogers sign the Order of Conditions on the Commission behalf
and issue it. The motion was seconded by Mr. Barker-Hook and a unanimous roll call vote was held.
8:52 PM MA Laborer’s Training TF DEP File No. 188-1740
37 East Street (Headquarters)
Notice of Intent - continuation
MA Laborer’s Training TF DEP File No. 188-1741
37 East Street (pond dredging)
Notice of Intent - continuation
MA Laborer’s Training TF DEP File No. 188-1742
37 East Street (Crane Building)
Notice of Intent - continuation
MA Laborer’s Training TF DEP File No. 188-1743
37 East Street (restoration plan)
Notice of Intent - continuation
The hearings were continued to July 13, 2021 without discussion.
Hopkinton Conservation Commission
22 June 2021
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8:53 PM Abbott Realty Trust, HCC-41
25 Parcels on Adams Street, Fitch Avenue, Myrtle Avenue
Notice of Intent – continuation
The hearing was continued without discussion to July 13, 2021.
8:53 PM Commission Business
• Delegation of signature authority and authorizing electronic signatures. Mr. Barker-Hook made a
motion to approve Kimberly Ciaramicoli to sign documents on the Commission’s behalf. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Ciriello and a unanimous roll call vote was held. Mr. Barker-Hook
made a motion to approve electronic signatures of the Commission members were accepted. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Ciriello and a unanimous roll call vote was held.
• Remote verse in-person meetings. The Commission determined to meet via Zoom through the
Summer and re-visit the issue in the Fall.
• Johnson, 14 Erika Drive – informal discussion. Ms. Kyra Jonson, 14 Erika Drive. A discussion
was held regarding the request to remove 7 trees. It was determined that 1 tree wasn’t
jurisdictional. Ms. Ciaramicoli approved 2 dead trees. Mr. Varrell noted the 4 other trees appear
healthy. Ms. Johnson noted the 2 pine trees are top heavy. The Commission determined the 4
healthy trees can be removed with replacement plantings as mitigation.
• Mr. Ciriello made a motion to have Ms. Rogers sign and issue RDA 2021-2, Aikens Park and the
Order of Conditions for 21 Winter St, on behalf of the Commission. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Barker-Hook and a unanimous roll call vote was held.
Adjourn: 9:15 PM