5/14/2015 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Resource Area: Land Under Water, Fells Pond, LSCSF, BVW, Inland Bank Jack Vaccaro, Vaccaro Engineering, was representing the applicants. Mr. Vaccaro explained the existing property which borders to the north by Fells Pond and has approximately 60' of frontage on Fells Pond. The property has a single family residence. Mr. Vaccaro described the proposed work which included the construction of a wooden stairway and installation of a small dock for canoe and kayak. The stairway will provide a safe access down the inland bank to a landing from which the proposed dock will extend, The dock is a 4 foot wide ramp and 8 foot by 12 foot float that will extend out approximately 30 feet beyond the water's edge. The dock will be held in place by galvanized pipes. Mr. Vaccaro explained that the proposed work also includes the creation and maintenance in perpetuity of a vista window that will affect 25 per cent of the width of the property to promote views between the existing house and proposed dock. The vista window will taper to a 20 foot width at the proposed residence and will include the area adjacent to the existing foot path. The vista pruning will consist of up to 30% of the limbs per tree within the vista corridor buffer; up to 20% of the saplings within the corridor may be removed; shrubs will be pruned to no lower than six feet in height within the corridor. Prior to the commencement of any pruning there will be an on-site meeting with the conservation agent. All other portions of the buffer strip will be preserved in a natural state. Mr. Vaccaro said the vista pruning will be performed in accordance with the Mashpee Conservation Commission protocols. He noted that a plan prepared by Engineering Works has been provided. Mr. Vaccaro also explained that the proposed stairway will span an area of inland bank and bordering vegetated wetland. He also noted that Fells Pond is located within: an ACEC. Fells Pond is under 10 acres and it is not considered a Great Pond so this work does not require approval from Chapter 91. The Agent noted that Mr. Vaccaro referred to the landing as 4' x 6' but is referred to on the plan as 6 by 6 and in accordance with Town dock standards it can't be wider than four feet. He requested that the plans be changed to reflect this. He said everything else is in accordance with all of the vista pruning protocols and it is allowed under the law to have a pathway to the -water. The float will be removed seasonally and encapsulated. There was a discussion on the vista pruning and the Agent read from the Conservation regulations and stated he didn't see any adverse impact to the wetland area. Mr. Vaccaro made a change. on the plans indicating the change of the proposed ramp to a dimension of 4 feet wide by 6 feet in length No comments from the public. Motion: Mr. Sweet moved to Close and Issue, seconded by Mr. Shaw. Vote unanimous 6-0. 2