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Request: Signature of Special Permit decision approved 6-15-16 <br />The Chair read the request for the record. Planning Board members signed the Special Permit <br />Decision and the Chair signed the plan sets. <br />BOARD ITEMS <br />New Business <br />Discussion with Southport representatives for simpler process regarding tree <br />removals -Ron Bonvie of Southport and Bob Lobel from Southport's Landscape <br />Committee were present to discuss a potential new tree removal process. Mr, Bonvie explained <br />their efforts to install more trees than required, having planted 700 trees on site. Mr. Bonvie <br />indicated that there was an ongoing list, for two years, of trees requiring replacement due to rot, <br />death or endangerment. Mr. Bonvie explained his current process to address tree removal and <br />replacement, including within the wetlands. Mr. Bonvie indicated that he was no longer in <br />management, though he was assisting with the transition, and expressed interest that the tree <br />removal process originate from in house. Mr. Bonvie described Mr. Lobel's role in the <br />Southport community. There was no interest in removing a tree unless there was a good reason <br />to do so. Mr. Bonvie added that trees had been removed because they were planted too close to <br />driveways and 15 years later tree roots have pushed up the driveways. Mr. Balzarini requested <br />that some dead trees remain in place to offer habitat for animals and Mr. Bonvie agreed, wishing <br />only to remove trees in cases of safety hazard. Mr. Balzarini requested that Mr. Bonvie submit a <br />plan for removal in writing to the Planning Board. Mr. Rowley agreed that it was not necessary <br />for the Planning Board to review trees located in the complete and developed areas. Mr. Rowley <br />noted that there were setback areas and natural areas that were to remain untouched. Mr. Rowley <br />echoed that dangerous trees should be addressed on site once the development was completed. <br />Mr. Bonvie agreed to draft a plan to present to the Planning Board. Mr. Fudala requested that a <br />draft be submitted to him and to Mr. Rowley. Mr. Fudala clarified that there were three areas of <br />trees to be considered to include 1) areas with no tree walks, to be constructed (maintain current <br />procedures) ; 2) areas that are constructed and 3) areas that should remain as natural, do not <br />touch areas (map requested of these areas). Mr. Fudala suggested three separate processes to <br />address each of the three areas. Mr. Weeden recommended soliciting Conservation Agent Drew <br />McManus' opinion on the draft along with Mr. Fudala and Mr. Rowley. Mr. Bonvie will <br />develop a draft for September. <br />Old Business <br />Report on Status of Greenway Project -The Chair reported that she would be having a 1 <br />p.m. kick-off meeting on Friday with the Town Manager, Director of DPW, Town Planner and <br />Conservation Agent. There was discussion regarding design and the Chair asked that Mr. <br />Rowley oversee the technical aspects of the project and scopes of work for RFPs and will make <br />every effort to attend the kick-off meeting. Mr. Kooharian will forward information about the <br />US Forest Service. <br />Design Review Committee -No meeting <br />Community Preservation Committee -The Chair referenced last week's meeting and the <br />Open Space purchase supported by Town Meeting, noting that the language was not correct <br />regarding the Open Space Conservation Restriction. Town Counsel has indicated that a re -vote <br />would be needed at October's Town Meeting with the correct language. There was also <br />discussion regarding management of the parcel. <br />2 <br />