HomeMy Public PortalAboutConservation Minutes 2010-08-03 CPA121--
TOWN OF ORLEANS
TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE
Orleans Conservation Commission 10 AUG 10 AM10: 28
Town Hall, Nauset Room
Work Meetinq, Tuesdav, Auqust 3, 2010
PRESENT: Bob Royce, Arnold Henson, Chairman; Judith Bruce, Vice-Chairman;
Adrienne Pfluger; James Trainor; Steve Philips; Jamie Balliet (Associate
Member);,
ABSENT: Jim O'Brien (Associate Member); Jennifer Wood, Conservation
Administrator
8:30 a.m. Call to Order
Notice of Intent
Jav Stewart,26 Deer RunThe proposed construction of a 4-bedroom dwelling
and an attached garage. Work will occur within 100 'of the top of a Coastal
Bank.David Lyttle of Ryder & Wilcox, Theresa Sprague and Seth Wilkinson from
Wilkinson Ecological, Jay Stewart the applicant, and John Stevens, President of
the Grandview Association, and Richard Page, Vice President of the Grandview
Association, were present. David Lyttle stated that this would be new
construction as this is a vacant lot filled with invasive species. Only a limited area
is 100 feet away from the coastal bank. The septic has been placed beyond the
buffer. The only variance sought from the Board of Health regulations is for a
system within 2 feet of the adjacent lot which is also owned by the Stewarts.
David Lyttle stated that the house itself would only encompass 5.5% of the
overall lot. The grading would be kept to a minimum due to the property's steep
embankment and the installation of a lawn is not proposed. David Lyttle said that
the way the deck goes around they can still sit on the deck to look out onto the
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w .i,ter. Judith Bruce asked if the house could be turned slightly to take part of it
out of the buffer zone. Arnold Henson suggested changing the angle of the
home or eliminating the garage. David Lyttle agreed that a 2 car garage is a
luxury. David Lyttle explained that this property has 236 feet of road frontage,
and the owners also own the adjacent lot with 113 feet of frontage. 150' is
required under the Orleans Building Code. David Lyttle stated thatthe possibility
of changing the property lines could be explored, but that the curre`t developed
Stewart property is already in violation for a minimal amount of froh,tage p,nd the
frontage could not be reduced on that lot. Arnold Henson said thbt'relative to the
buildable area on this lot this is a big house. David Lyttle concurred, but stated
that for this neighborhood this is not a big home. David Lyttle also said,lh"a t th ere
is an opportunity to take off the garage, but would prefer to keep it..8nd entertain
moving the property line. John Stevens was concerned about the septic systdm S
proximity to the road. The Board of Health requires 10'.setback and they have
11 feet. John Stevens then said that although.Jpy Stewart was not a part of the
Grandview Association Covenant, should h:, .oip, the covenant venant requires a
minimum of a two car garage, and therefore�he was in support keeping the
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garage. Richard Page was concerned With water quality and asked that the
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septic system be leached properly. David Lyttle said only lawn area would be
over the leaching area, which would be over 100 feet away from the resource
areas, therefore making runoff minimal. Arnold Henson asked if the garage was
eliminated would it be possible to park underneath. David Lyttle explained that it
was not feasible due to the elevation change. Jamie Balliet asked if any other
permits had been issued on this property. David Lyttle said there have been no
other filings for this parcel. John Stevens asked if there were plans to extend the
revetment, which David Lyttle said no.
Theresa Sprague stated that over 80% of the lot was covered with invasive
species, the remaining native species were being choked out by bittersweet and
honeysuckle. Wilkinson Ecological Design is proposing a complete restoration of
the parcel including the eradication of the invasive species and recreation of an
understory for the property. Adrienne Pfluger asked what the view corridor for
this parcel looked like, and whether or not trees may be planted to reduce the
impact. Theresa Sprague explained that they will be planting numerous shrubs
and plants, but that given the slope of the parcel it would be difficult to plant large
mature trees or ensure their survival. David Lyttle said that they would be
keeping two large Cherry trees, and they would like to maintain the view corridor
from the north to northeast. There is a large pitch pine in the center of the view
corridor which will not be taken down. Steve Philips asked for additional
screening, as none of the proposed trees would provide screening from the
water. Judith Bruce said an 18" cedar and 12" cedar were going to be removed
and they were the only two trees that would provide screening. Seth Wilkinson
said that he would look into how much pruning would have to be done for those
trees to both survive and be out of the deck. Adrienne Pfluger asked about the
pathways. David Lyttle declared that they would like to keep the two paths
leading to the water, but would adhere to the 4-foot maximum wide path. James
Trainor asked if an alternative septic system could be used, or if the leaching
area could be put into the driveway, therefore allowing the house to be moved
back more from the bank. David Lyttle said that was a possibility, but that they
must adhere to the setbacks required for the system in relation to the foundation
and property lines. Steve Philips asked that hay bales be used in conjunction
with the silt fence, which David Lyttle concurred. 17th MOTION: A motion to continue the hearing to August 17 was made by James
Trainor and seconded by Jamie Balliet
VOTE: Unanimous
Abbreviated Notice of Intent
Brian Trudell.25 Prides Path, Request to enlarge a deck that goes to the top of
a coastal bank. The addition to the deck would be landward of the existing deck
and would begin within 50 feet of a Coastal Bank. Work by Geiger/Phillips.
Steven Phillips, of Geiger/Phillips said this Abbreviated Notice of Intent was filed
as the Conservation Commission rejected his Administrative Review due to
construction within the 25' buffer. The work totals 375 sq feet and will be built
similar to the deck that already exists. Adrienne Pfluger asked what species
would be in the proposed planting bed. Steven Phillips said boxwoods and holly
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trees. Steve Phillips asked what kind of fertilizer was presently being used,
which Steven Phillips said he was unsure. Steve Phillips asked that only organic
fertilizer be used. The vegetation within the buffer is mostly fertilized grass.
Steven Phillips said they would use strictly organic fertilizer. Judith Bruce said
that the work must be done so that any runoff would slope towards the driveway
and away from the buffer. James Trainor asked how large the existing deck was,
and Steven Phillips said the deck it will connect to is presently under 200 square
feet and there is no connection now to the steps outside the door. Judith Bruce
said this is a small project and she wants a complete discontinuation of
herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizer for the site if approved. Judith Bruce made a
motion to close the hearing, Adrienne Pfluger seconded, and the board
unanimously decided to close the meeting.
MOTION: A motion to approve this application with the conditions that the land
under the new deck slopes toward the driveway, only native species will be
planted in the planting area, and that the lawn within the buffer receives organic
lawn care only with pre-emergent herbicides, pesticides or quick release
chemical fertilizers prohibited on the lawn at this site was made by Judith Bruce
and seconded by Adrienne Pfluger.
VOTE: Unanimous
Continuation
Last Heard July 20, 2010 s
MA. Dept. 0 Transportation-Highwav Division,Routes 6,6A, 28 The proposed
trimming or removal of unsafe trees within the State Highway Layout within the
100' buffer to fresh and coastal wetlands. Tom McGuire and Mike Clemens,
Assistant District Engineer, were present from the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation. Tom McGuire stated that he was in front of the Commission
asking for a negative determination for the removal of dead or dying trees within
the wetlands or wetland buffer zones along routes 6, 6A, and 28 for the purpose
of public safety. Tom McGuire said they would set up a system to flag the trees
in the wetland and buffer zone. Judith Bruce reiterated to Tom McGuire that she
hoped Massachusetts DOT would continue to work with Dan Connolly throughout
the duration of the project, and to be sensitive to the public's reaction to the
overall project. Tom McGuire stated that as public safety is a concern and it is
hurricane season, he hopes to take care of this project as soon as possible.
Arnold Henson stated that he was satisfied to issue the Negative Determination.
MOTION: A motion to issue a negative determination for this project was made
by Judith Bruce and seconded by Bob Royce.
VOTE: Unanimous
Adrienne Pfluger left the meeting at 9:01 am
Request for an Extension of an Order of Conditions
Cove Condominium Trust,13 S. Orleans Road Request to extent the Order of
Conditions issued on 9/18/2007 for the installation of a new Title V septic system.
Septic tank and pump chamber to be located within 100' of the top of a coastal
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bank. Arnold Henson said the applicants were hoping that they would be able to
access the town sewers and therefore avoid the potential damaging work along
the coastal bank. Tim Brady said that he was applying for a 3-year extension, as
his clients do not want to build the system. Judith Bruce said if the Board of
Health was on board, she felt the 3-year extension should be granted. Steve
Philips asked how frequently they were monitoring the system to ensure it did not
fail prior to the potential connection to the sewers. Tim Brady said they are
monitoring the system quarterly and should it fail, the money is available to build
the system. Judith Bruce said that the installation of a septic system on this
parcel would not protect the cove from nutrient loading and she thought it was in
the best interest of the Commission to grant the 3-year extension in hopes that
the system would never be built, and town sewers would be accessed.
MOTION: A motion to approve a 3 year extension was made by Jamie Balliet
and seconded by Judith Bruce.
VOTE: Unanimous
Request for a Certificate of Compliance
Kevin Wise (2006).14 Surf Path Request to issue the Certificate of Compliance
for an Order for a Landscape Plan. This Order was considered under the
Orleans Wetland Bylaw only. It was not in the buffer according to the State. The
landscape plan was completed but the 5 red cedars that were planted did not
survive. Bob Perry, engineer, George Cavanaugh, Kevin Wise's attorney, and
Kevin Wise were present. Bob Perry stated that the landscape plan was
designed so that a minimal amount of fill would be used. The native shrubs which
were planted were doing well, but the 5 red cedar trees were exposed to a wind
corridor and did not survive. If required they would plant the cedars on the south
side instead of between the house and the street where they would be more
sheltered. Arnold Henson asked if they were requesting an Amendment to the
Plan. They would have to file for a change in the plan and when it was accepted
and completed they could ask for a COC. Judith Bruce asked if there was a
public view of this property. Bob Perry said you could see it from the beach but it
was far away. Kevin Wise did not think it was visible. Judith Bruce said we
cannot issue a COC within two weeks of planting. Kevin Wise stated that he was
never under the impression that if something died he was required to replace it.
Judith Bruce explained that a planting plan is an ongoing thing and that if there
were concerns with species being unable to survive they should bring it to the
Commission as soon as possible.
Administrative Reviews
Last Heard July 13, 2010
Erica and Fred Parra,60 Payson Lane The request to remove 22 trees has
been reduced to12 trees from the coastal bank on lots 4 and 5 of Payson Lane.
These trees include 1 dead undermined eastern red cedar, 1 cedar lying across
the beach, I cedar leaning toward the beach, 7 live undermined eastern red
cedars at the edge of the bank, 1 live black cherry, and I live oak. These trees
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would be flush cut to the ground and removed from the bank. Work to be done
by Wilkinson Ecological Design.
Seth Wilkinson and Theresa Sprague from Wilkinson Ecological Design and
Erica Parra the property owner were present. Judith Bruce said this was a
reasonable request. Jamie Balliet asked if anything would be planted in their
place. Seth Wilkinson said they had looked at fiber rolls and gabion baskets, but
it was outside of the budget, and for now would be planting a native warm
season grass. Steve Philips asked if the abutting properties had installed erosion
controls. Seth Wilkinson stated that the abutting neighbors were also leaving
their properties in their native state.
MOTION: A motion to approve this project was made by Judith Bruce and
seconded by Jamie Balliet.
VOTE: Unanimous.
Patrick and Janet Regan,21 Tanglewood Terrace, Request to restore the
native plant community within the buffer zone of the coastal bank. Invasive
species will be selectively removed over time and native vegetation will be
planted in order to restore biodiversity and improve wildlife habitat. 3 oak trees
are proposed for removal. This is a large project. Work to be done by Wilkinson
Ecological Design. Seth Wilkinson.and Theresa Sprague from Wilkinson
Ecological Design were present. Arnold Henson stated that Jenny Wood was in
favor of the project, but thought it best to be filed as a Notice of Intent or have a
bond. Seth Wilkinson said that the owners were over their head, as they had
tried to remove some of the invasives through Administrative Reviews but simply
had not kept up with the problem. Seth Wilkinson asked if he phased the project
and presented the end result, would the Commission be amendable to break it
into two to three phases all through Administrative Reviews. Arnold Henson said
that since the Commission would be unsure of the end result through the phasing
process, he thought it best to file a Notice of Intent and stretch out the
implementation of the project.
MOTION: A motion to approve this project was made by Judith Bruce and
seconded by Bob Royce.
VOTE: 0-7-0 Denied. Asked to file a N01
Curtis Villamizar, 46 Lake Drive,Request to remove 8 dead pine trees within
100' of a small freshwater wetland. There are many other trees in this area.
Work to be done by Peter Due.
MOTION: A Motion to approve this project was made by Steve Philips and
seconded by Jamie Balliet.
VOTE: Unanimous
Helen Jones.18 Uncle Vick's Wav,Request to remove and cut back vines
outside of bathroom window threatening to go under shingles and prune 2
bushes out front. Work will occur within the 50' buffer zone of a Bordering
Vegetated Wetland. Work to be done by Colson's Landscaping.
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MOTION: A motion to approve this project was made by Judith Bruce and
seconded by Jamie Balliet.
VOTE: Unanimous
Bill Shauahnessv.30 Twinnincis Lane Request to remove 1 large pine and 1
small dead cedar near the boathouse, and to prune the limbs of 3 oaks away
from boathouse Work will be done within 100' of a Coastal Bank and a Beach.
Work to be done by A to Z Treez.
MOTION: A motion to approve this project was made by Judith Bruce and
seconded by Jamie Balliet.
VOTE: Unanimous
Chairman's Business
Approval of the Minutes from the Work Meeting on July 27, 2010.
MOTION: A motion to approve the minutes was made by Judith Bruce and
seconded by James Trainor.
VOTE: Unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:49am.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin C. Shupenis, Principal Clerk, Conservation Department
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