07/25/2019 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Motion:Mr. Smith moved to Close and Issue, with the following conditions: there will be a bi-annual monitoring and maintenance agreement, additional review of the two questionable pitch pines by a certified arborist, and to address sediment accumulation in the marsh, seconded by Mr. Dalton. Vote unanimous 5-0. Mr. Coffey wanted clarification that the three trees in the center of the bank can be removed as soon as possible due to the threat to the house. The Agent recommended to have Davey tree out there as soon possible, and to do the work at the same time to lessen disturbance, although it is ultimately his decision. Mr. McKay reiterated the four trees can be removed as soon as the Amended Order is issued. PRE/POST-HEARING AGENDA: UPDATE: 43 Little Neck Lane On-site: The Agent discussed the on-site at 43 Little Neck Lane to satisfy the neighbor's concerns (Patrick Knight of 39 Little Neck Lane) as to the integrity of the retaining wall, brought up at the 6/27/2019 Hearing. Brad Sweet, the Agent, two gentleman from Briggs Landscaping who installed the wall, and a friend of Mr. Knight's attended the meeting. Briggs Landscaping dug three test pits towards the bottom lowest profile end of the retaining wall, where the gravel was present (it is not along the entirety of the wall). Filter fabric and gravel were present, roughly 2.5 feet thick within the test pits. Mr. Sweet agreed with the Agent, and expressed surprise he did not see a higher concentration of crushed stone, although he believes it will drain, and overflow onto the abutting property is most likely occurring more due to the high quantity of rain than design deficiencies (which was the initial concern of Mr. Knight). The Agent also stated there was not enough of a road berm to protect the properties from run-off, and Mr. Cook agreed. Mr. Caruso, Mr. Rafla, and Mr. Knight were not present at the meeting. UPDATE: New Gates: The US Fish and Wildlife Service installed two gates off Amy Brown Road and Great Hay Road to prevent unauthorized vehicular access on their land within the Jehu Pond Conservation Area. One gate was from Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and was installed at the entrance to Great Hay Road off Red Brook Road, and a 3-4 car parking lot was established. The other gate was taken from Tobisset Road (Santuit Pond Preserve), and was donated by the Town and installed at the end of the paved portion of Amy Brown Road. Some more work needs to occur, including locks, pins, stabilization of the areas, boulder placement and signage. Ron Blake (prospective full-time Commissioner): He did not attend the meeting, therefore it will be reviewed at a later date. VOTE: Horsley Witten Group Upper Quashnet feasibility study contract: The Agent stated a vote will be required to endorse the contract. Mr. Sweet expressed concern with oversight on a government project to make sure deadlines are met. The Agent clarified this will not be a government project- the contract signed between the Air Force and the Town ended their involvement, the restoration is solely on the Town and the consultant. The Air Force is still running the treatment plant. This contract is for the Conceptual Planning and Permitting Phases I and II, complete with deliverables stating the milestones to be reached, starting with 25% and end up at 100%with proper review. It will depend on existing conditions, feasibility, and existing information. The CPA funds will cover the planning and permitting phase, then the Air Force money will be used for construction (and any leftover expenses from the PP phase); CPC also can be revisited. We will find funding prior to running out of money. The Agent feels it is a comprehensive contract. The HYDRO-Cad study of the groundwater from Woods Hole Group was lost, therefore they will 5