11/9/2017 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Michael Borselli, Falmouth Engineering, represented the applicants. Theresa Sprague, Blue Flax Design, was also present. Mr. Borselli stated previously the Conservation Commission issued an Order of Conditions to Nancy Cook, the previous owner, on December 18, 2008 which is valid through December 30, 2018. Mr. Borselli stated the revisions include modification to the proposed house to include an attached garage, an adjustment to the location of the house to improve views, the implementation of mitigation/restoration planting plan prepared by Blue Flax Design and the installation of a fence. The proposed house will be shifted a little which also includes the addition of a garage. The project also includes the installation of a septic system and an application has been submitted to the Board of Health. Mr. Borselli reviewed the proposed project on the site plan. The Agent noted this is unusual as the dock and pier was built with no house. He stated from a performance standard, the project meets the requirements of regulations 25 and 29. The Agent also clarified that the addition of the driveway was already approved in the original application and still meets the Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flow (30%). Theresa Sprague, Blue Flax Design, described the Land Management Plan which included the removal of invasive vegetation and damaged trees, restore and maintain a 50' wide vegetated buffer strip between the resource areas and proposed construction, restore a minimum of 30% of the total lot area in a naturally vegetated state using native plantings, manage the tree canopy, develop a landscape plan for disturbed areas around the new construction. Ms. Sprague reviewed the existing conditions and the invasive species removal. She also stated two oak trees outside of the 50' buffer zone will be removed and three trees will be removed from the 50' buffer zone due to damage and natural decline. The three trees will be replaced with four American Holly. The Agent stated the contour line between the salt marsh and the 50 foot setback needs to be addressed to make sure that the 50 foot setback is accurate. He said any activities that are taking place in this buffer zone should fall under vista pruning and there is no vista pruning request. The vista pruning would address the removal of trees. He noted none of the trees were flagged. The oak that is to be removed because of bad pruning practices wouldn't be allowed under vista pruning and he wouldn't recommend its removal. He said he was all in favor of the invasive species management plan. He said the commissioners could authorize as part of this application to allow for the invasive species treatment but anything that is proposed to be cut needs to come forward in a vista pruning permit with a defined corridor based on the frontage of the lot. Nothing should be cut that's proposed until that vista pruning request comes forward. He reiterated the salt marsh delineation and 50 foot setback contour lines are different and needs to be addressed. Mr. Borselli stated he would submit a revised plan and understood the trees were off the table and they would come back with a vista pruning request. The Agent summarized his recommendation. There is an invasive species management plan and part of that plan includes the removal of three trees, 2 cedars and one oak tree. He stated the three trees in the buffer need to be left off the table and the commissioners may recommend they come back with a vista pruning request. No Comments from the Public 2