7/12/2018 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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6:03 Robert S. & Martha Johnson, 6 Jehu Pond Road. Proposed additions to existing dwellings, installation of swimming pool, extensive hardscape and landscape modifications, mitigation plantings, septic system upgrade, removal of an outhouse and construction of a connecting driveway to structures on property. At request of applicant, continued from 6/28 NOI Mr. O’Neill recused himself from this hearing. Resource Area: ACEC, LSCSF, Buffer Zone to ACEC, Salt Marsh, Land Under Ocean, Coastal Bank, Land Containing Shellfish, Bordering Vegetated Wetland Matt Costa, Cape & Island Engineering, represented the applicants. He reviewed the events of the last meeting. He said they went back and made some significant changes to the project. He outlined the changes on the plan. He noted the relocation of the driveway. He also noted the mitigation included for the patio. The most significant change was the relocation of the pool in an area primarily where there are rhododendrons. It is located from the top of the primary coastal bank which is moving it further away from the other resource areas. It will be closer to a fragmented coastal bank, its not adjacent to the salt marsh. The mitigation has essentially stayed the same. Our required mitigation now equals what is proposed. He said he has reviewed the project with the Agent and stated the project meets the performance standards and the requirements under the waiver regulations. The Agent reviewed the new proposal with photos provided and stated the changes proposed are a dramatic improvement of the original proposal and the mitigation will add a net benefit to the property. Motion: Mr. Sweet moved to Close and Issue, seconded by Mr. Smith. Vote 4-0 Mr. O’Neill returned to the meeting. 6;06 Edward J. Maher, 39 Uncatena Road. Proposed planting of native shrubs and herbaceous perennials. Continued from 6/28 RDA Resource Area: Dean’s Pond The applicant’s representative reviewed the planting plan that was submitted. She stated some of the trees are leaning towards the water due to storm damage. She stated the applicants are proposing to replace the trees with the native plants she submitted on a plan. The Agent noted the areas of the trees and the proposed plantings. It was noted that in the planting plan it was mostly perennials and no bushes and was suggested we need a plan that is more specific as to what is coming down and what is to be planted. The Agent said the plantings that are now there were put in as a result of mitigation. He would like to see more bushes put in there because that was the original intent. He would like to see a plan that incorporates more of a variety of shrubs. The Agent stated the applicant’s ultimate goal of mitigation is to create a natural buffer strip between the lawn and the buffer zone and stated the applicant needs to come back with a different plan. The Agent stated the applicant doesn’t have a vista pruning permit at this time and he would recommend once a planting plan is finalized and accepted, apply for the vista pruning permit and that would designate a corridor and anything outside of that corridor is to be left naturally. It was the consensus that the applicant needs to bring in the new plan. Motion: Mr. Smith moved at the request of the applicant to continue the hearing to August 9 @ 6:03 p.m. , seconded by Mr. Smith. Vote unanimous 4-0