TOWN OF NORTHBRIDGE

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

7 MAIN STREET

WHITINSVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS 01588

Telephone: (508) 234-0817

FAX: (508) 234-0814

Meeting Minutes

October 29, 2008

Cheryl Peckham, Terry Bradley, JoAnn Teachout, Roger Jewell, Wyatt Mills and Andrew Chagnon were in attendance. Barbara Kinney, Conservation Administrative Assistant, was also present.

Mr. Mills opened the meeting at 7:00PM.

Citizen’s Forum

There was no one present for Citizen’s Forum.

(248-564) Lot 88 Kelly Road (Map 17, Lot 88)

Proposed site work associated with the construction of a single-family dwelling including driveway, utilities and site grading. The dwelling is located completely outside the 100 foot buffer zone. The applicant is Jeffrey P. and Gloria A. Beaupre represented by Guerriere & Halnon, Inc., 1029 Providence Road, Whitinsville, MA 01588.

Normand Gamache of Guerriere & Halnon stated that the property is on the south side of Kelly Road opposite Alana Drive. There will be town water and sewer. The dwelling will sit back from the road about 500 feet on approximately 25 acres. A Special Permit has been issued for a retreat lot. The only disturbance to the buffer zone will be the foundation under drain and part of the driveway. The closest point to the wetland will be 60 feet. There will be no trees coming down in the buffer zone to install the driveway. Mr. Gamache stated that the Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program (NHESP) has changed their map and this property is no longer in an endangered habitat area. No filing will be needed. Mr. Gamache stated that they have a letter from NHESP stating so.

Motion made by Mr. Chagnon and seconded by Mr. Bradley. The Conservation Commission voted 6-0 to close the Public Hearing.

Motion made by Mr. Chagnon and seconded by Mr. Jewell. The Conservation Commission voted 6-0 to approve the plan entitled “Resource Area Plan of Land for Kelly Road in Northbridge, MA” for Jeffrey & Gloria Beaupre prepared by Guerriere & Halnon, Inc. dated September 22, 2008 with a final revision date of October 22, 2008.

(248-550) Oakhurst Farm Plaza, Lasell Road (Map 1, Parcel 97 & 98) (Sutton Map 51, Parcel 69)

Proposed offsite infrastructure improvements and water line installation in existing roadway right-of-way that will impact jurisdictional areas. No jurisdictional impacts from proposed site development. Applicant is Oakhurst Farm represented by Andrews Surveying & Engineering, PO Box 312, 104 Mendon Street, Uxbridge, MA 01569.

Motion made by Mr. Chagnon and seconded by Ms. Peckham. The Conservation Commission voted 6-0 to accept the applicant’s request to withdraw the project without prejudice.

Minutes

There were no minutes to approve at this meeting.

Old / New Business

Blackstone Canal – Erosion Controls

Richard Sasseville of the DPW gave a presentation on the erosion that is occurring on the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) property. The Rockdale sewer interceptor runs parallel to the canal for quite a distance from the Klocek property to an area past Plummer’s Landing where it bends to go cross country to the Waste Water Treatment Plant and is in danger of being exposed by the next big flood. The area in question is between Plummer’s Landing and this bend in the pipeline. There are blocks on the north side of the path that will be used to prevent more erosion as well as some smaller stones. The DPW has sent two letters to the DCR and has not received a response to either one on fixing the breach. Per Mr. Sasseville, they will use a loader and go up the path and use a backhoe to place the blocks. It will take a couple of days to complete. The Conservation Commission will send a response to the DPW that this is maintenance of an existing structure so no filing is necessary.

Regulations – Draft Review

Mr. Mills reminded the Commission that any comments should be sent to him.

The Conservation Commission will hold a workshop on Wednesday, November 19, 2008. They will then discuss how many Public Hearings to hold. A presentation will then need to be given to the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board.

At the end of the meeting, Mr. Chagnon and Mr. Mills went over some changes to the regulations draft.

High School Ball Fields - Discussion

No one was present for this discussion. It will be postponed to a future meeting.

Other

Ms. Teachout submitted information about the signs for the Elsa Mason property. The Conservation Commission members discussed the price, style and quantity. Mr. Sasseville stated that the DPW could provide the posts and install the signs. The signs will be white with black lettering. Mr. Jewell will check with the Police Department to make sure they are fine with the wording “Police Take Notice.” Ms. Teachout will order five signs in the style “B.”

The Conservation Commission discussed their response to the August 12, 2008 and August 18, 2008 correspondence from Arthur Kroll regarding the drainage issue on Sunset Drive. The changes will be made to the draft before mailing the response and the Board of Selectmen will be carbon copied.

Ms. Teachout stated that she is concerned with the mess from the Church Street Landfill onto Church Street Extension a couple of weeks ago. Ms. Kinney will send the contact information to Ms. Teachout.

Mr. Jewell wanted to know more about the approved land clearing on Mendon Road near Miscoe Brook. He did not see any erosion controls. Mr. Mills stated that he did an inspection and the erosion controls are in place, but maybe cannot be seen from the road. Ms. Peckham stated that she inspected the erosion controls as well and signed off on them.

The Conservation Commission members present performed administrative tasks (signed Orders, etc.) that were needed.

Motion made by Ms. Teachout and seconded by Mr. Bradley. The Conversation Commission voted 6-0 to adjourn the meeting at 8:20PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara A. Kinney

Conservation Administrative Assistant