Hi everybody. Um Todd and Doug, if you wouldn't mind uh changing your names on Zoom so I can see who you are just so for the purpose of the minutes that would be helpful. Thank you. Oh >> yes. Hi, Michael. You able to hear me?
>> Yes. >> Okay, great. Uh, thanks. Yeah, this is uh Doug Surl here. Sorry, I've got a bit of a lite connection here. Um, I was just trying to sign in with a different laptop that I so that I could be like same video and audio feed and I was having issues getting onto the website.
Then I was a work computer and I called a relevant person uh to and they were at home and they tried signing in and they were having issues with the website through various browsers and so I don't know if other people are running into that as well. >> I did notice that too.
>> Okay. Yeah. I don't know if that affects the ability to have public hearing or not. >> Well, we don't have a uh we have a public meeting tonight. There's no hearing. I'm not sure the So the URL hasn't changed. Um, but let me check with
let me check in the Zoom website to see if something has been altered. >> It was like trying to get into the shoot just the town website to get to the calendar to get to the link etc. >> Yeah, the website is extremely slow right now. There there is an issue um
with the um with the website. Um >> okay. Yeah, there was there you go to the web page and oh, I couldn't connect into the web page. Um,
but it looks like a lot of other people have been able to figure it out. So, good. >> Yeah. Yeah. For whatever reason, the uh one work computer that I typically use, maybe it had the browser history and memory or some link or something, so
it worked. But um uh I know an Okay. No, another person. Yeah, Garrison was is is to is joining me as well. So, this is um >> yeah, >> looks like he's on here. So, that is good. >> Hi, everyone. >> Hey, Garris. How you doing?
>> I'm doing well. >> Um, if people are asking, one way to do it is get rid of the www and the uh uh the location, the address. Okay,
>> that you can get in then. Let's see. So, maybe that's what's happening with Bob. Yeah, I'm in >> now. We just wait for mayor. Hopefully mayor can get in. >> Yeah, it's it's weird. I you know I've
tried I tried to get in and said site not recognized can't provide secure uh connection. So then I tried all three different browsers my wife's computer um and if if and I wouldn't come through on my phone either but Mateo sent me a link and I could get in directly that way.
Weird. >> Yeah. I um my husband said get rid of the www and it worked. >> Oh he's on the web committee. He said they're have they've been having problems all day with the web page. Something's wrong.
>> Okay. So, shitsbury.org would would get me in. >> No, that's what I had trouble just even getting to the town web page. It said the same thing you said. I couldn't get to the calendar or anything just in the normal way. I
couldn't couldn't get into those things, >> you know. So, I just just now did enter inspray.org. without the www which I had had put in before and it is taking me to the page. >> Yeah, sure what I >> Oh, and then and then it says can't
provide a secure connection. Let me try. >> Excuse me. >> Peer that off. >> There's Mayor. Yay. Tom, see if Tom you have your hand up. >> I was just going to recommend going to minetown government instead of
shootsberry.org. >> Oh, that would have been good too, >> but it might be moved now. Okay. >> Few different ways to sneak around. Whatever's going on. >> What's going on? >> Something's going something strange with the town web page. >> Oh, okay.
>> We were all having a little trouble getting in, but everybody's here now. Scott Scott can't make it tonight. He's on grandkid babysitting duty. So, we're It's just It's the four of us. Okay,
>> Michael's first meeting. >> Welcome, Michael. >> Hello. Thanks for having me. >> All right, let's get going. It's 7:08. I'm calling this meeting of the Shbury Conservation Commission to order. Um,
it's April 7th, 2026. This meeting is being recorded. All right. First on our agenda is comments from the chair. Um, all I have is that on April 14th, which is next Tuesday, there's going to be a meeting
about the Eversource um, uh, power line project, the big Eversource power line project that's being proposed. Um, I think we've talked a little bit about it before. It's so it's a line that comes through Shootsberry. um and on their entire line
going through lots of other towns, they're proposing to uh do some significant tree cutting to widen the right of ways, how open the right of way is. So, this is different again from the National Grid Project that's more about
doing tower maintenance and access roads and um this is strictly tree clearing. Anyway, there's a community meeting um the 14th um in Ammerst at the town hall, second floor um
I didn't write down the time of that meeting. Let me see. It's right on my phone. Yeah, 700 p.m. in the town room, town hall, Ammerst. Um I think I sent you guys the info, too. I think I forwarded it to you via email.
Um, the other thing is that there's another one of our hikes this weekend. It's at Southbrook Conservation Area. It's on Sunday, 11 11:00 a.m. Meeting in the parking lot by the boat launch. I
know Mayor's going to go. Um, but anybody else be great. I can't make it this weekend for this hike, but um, the recck committee will be there and I hope they get a good hope to get a good turnout. The weather is great.
I know nothing about what the weather is supposed to be. So, um, so that's all I had. Moving on, item number two is to vote on our minutes from March 12th. Um, does anybody have any changes or comments for
those minutes? Nope. I can't see Bob anymore. Where did he go? Oh, there he is. I think you're muted, Bob. >> Uh, I'm here. I switched from my phone to my computer. So, I've got all of you
in bigger faces. Much better. >> Excellent. Do you have any comments or changes on the meetings of on the minutes? >> I I don't have any changes or or comments. >> Okay, great. Uh, so I'll take a motion to approve the minutes of March 12th.
Uh, I also move. >> Second. Second. Great. All right. Roll call. I um Michael, you you were there. Um, but you weren't an actual member, so I don't think you can vote, though. You weren't you weren't Yeah, you weren't
signed. You weren't uh you didn't have your oath and all that yet. >> All right. Um, so roll call. Fox, >> hi. >> Douglas, >> hi. >> And Wilson, I Great. Um, all right. Next we have uh site
visits. Um, I'll just mention one and then mayor if you have anything. Um, there's one coming up. Uh, you guys remember the farm on Baker Road and Pelum Hill Road. So, the address is 7
Baker Road um on the 15th. So, that's next Wednesday. Uh there's going to be a site visit there. They they got in touch with Kestro. Kestrel got in touch with me. Um she's concerned again about the drainage
um and about sink holes which are dangerous for her livestock, but also she's just I think because it's spring and she's I'm sure we're getting a lot of water coming through there. She's concerned about it again. So she wants
to meet with us. So, if anybody can make that, let me see what time did I set that one up. So, that's 3:30 on the 15th, which is a Wednesday. If anybody can make it,
I can probably make it. I'm might be a few minutes late. I have a meeting at three, but it's by Zoom. >> Okay. Well, I'm sure we'll be there for a while. It's a lot to look at and um so
yeah, just come when come whenever you can. That would be great. >> And you said 3 >> 3:30. >> 3:30. Okay. Okay. >> That's on the 15th. >> Yep. >> Okay.
>> And I mean, if it's if other people can't do it, I could do it later in the afternoon. I could change it. I can't remember if Kestrel has sort of a time limit, but I can try to make it like 5 or 5:30 if that would work better for
people. I mean, four works for me, but um but if other people are able to attend at 3:30, then you know, >> Michael, what's your schedule for being able to do site visits? Uh Wednesdays
I'm usually in Boston so I can't but most other days I could probably make time. >> Oh, okay. Good to know. And um most other days any time like is there a certain like I'm I'm usually available 3:30 or later during the week during the
work week. >> Um yeah, it depends. Uh some mostly just around kids stuff. So um yeah, usually later in the day is fine. Okay. Okay. Um,
well, I'll check back on that. I'll check back with Kestrel and see if they can do maybe four and also see if they can do a different day if if that works better for people. Bob, are you around at all that week? >> Yeah, I I I I will try and make that um
and um 3:30 or 4 would be equally good for me. So, >> okay, you can make it then. All right. Well, then maybe we'll leave it that day and just I'll see if I can change it to four. >> Okay. >> And I'll let you guys know. That sounds good.
Mayor, are there any other site visits that we've done or >> um we did the one on um Lake Drive, the order of conditions. Yeah, we'll talk about that one, but that's on the agenda. >> Yeah,
>> talk about that. Okay. Um, do we have any set up for the library? I feel like we should maybe go back out. Yeah, >> I I um I I probably should reach out to
Maryanne and just ask her where it stands in terms of that pond that or that retention basin that's closest to the road that was supposed to be redone that wasn't. Um and then we were looking we the other part would be looking at
the vegetation. Um which you know so maybe in another couple weeks you know. >> Yeah. I'd be happy if you talk to her to um set up any time to go because the snow is all melted. So it'd be a good time to just check the matting that they
put out there and um >> Yeah. >> Just see if there's any because it's been raining quite a bit. Just see if there's any erosion going on. >> Yeah. Okay, that'd be great. All right, Scott's not here for land management.
Um, all I know is that he and and Matteo that we've been working on getting the contract for the um for Southbrook, figuring that out and it's not quite settled yet. But >> is it going to the um company that it
was awarded to or that that one that we saw that sending emails? >> It's still a little up in the air because there's there's been some strange stuff. So, >> okay. >> Nothing finalized yet, but >> soon I think I think this week it'll get
>> which is good because kind of need to get out there and start the project. Um, all right. Next on our agenda, we've got two certificates of compliance
for 84 Lake Drive. Um, and I think both mayor and Scott were on that site visit. Um, I don't think Bob and Michael weren't there for that, but um, both of them are very they're very old. um orders of conditions that the property
is being sold. So that often what happens when property is being sold um it can't be you know the like the the lawyers look into it and and find out that there's an order of conditions outstanding and the property can't be
until that gets resolved. So >> um I'm going to share the two orders of conditions. We'll just take a look, I think, quickly at both of them and then and then we can vote on each of them. Oh, hey Matteo, can you make it so I can
share my screen? >> Yes, I will do that. Um, hang on a second. Zoom has changed where that is located. >> Oh, helpful. Awesome. Amazing. They made it harder to figure out, huh?
>> They did. >> Okay. I just sent you I just made you co-host. So, you should be able to share using that. >> Yep, it worked. >> Oops, that's not >> Can you see my screen? >> You can see your folder.
Can you see the certificate of compliance? >> Just your email. >> Just the email folder. How's that? Okay. Okay. So, this uh this is the older of the two orders of conditions. Um goes
back to 1991. And all I really wanted to show you was what it was really for. Oh, wait. That's the certificate of compliance. All right. So, the only thing in this one that says anything about what the
work was is this 4A, which says the work is a maintenance dredging project as provided for in the act. Maintenance dredging project. Um, and let's see. It's actually prior
to 1991. This one is from >> Oh, 1993. >> Yeah, it's the old school form for sure. >> Yeah. Anyway, that's all we know is that it was for maintenance dredging. Um during our site visit, we we did go down to the
uh area where the retaining wall is and where the dredging would have been and you know saw no negative impacts to the area currently. Um so that's that one. And then the other one a little newer.
This one. Yeah. That's from 2008, I think. And it's for 2008. One thing they're saying it needed to be done during the draw down and
what were I saw in here. So it's retaining wall repair or replacement um done during the draw down in 2008. And then the only you know there's some conditions here. The retaining wall should be no longer than the
pre-existing wall. When we were at the site, the wall seemed fine. It was definitely intact. Um, erosion and sedimentation controls needed to be used. And then there's a
lot about like the debris being removed. And when we were there again, we saw no >> piles of decaying plant material nearby or anything or or even just muck. So, um,
do you agree, Mayor, that seems like they met these conditions? >> Yes. >> Yeah. Back in 2008, removal of vegetation, rock, or accumulated sediment. Yeah.
All right. I think so. Those are the two orders of conditions. And then so I wrote up the certificates of compliance. They both look very similar. We do have to do two. They're to the same person. Um,
and they're com I I'm checking off complete certification for both of them >> because it seems like, yeah, all conditions were met. All right,
stop sharing. Does anybody have any questions on those before we take a vote? >> No. All right. So, why don't we um vote first on the older one, which is um so I'll take a motion to issue the
certificate of compliance for order of condition 286-42, which is from 1993, which was for just doing maintenance dredging at 84 Lake Drive. >> So moved.
>> I will second. >> Okay. All right, roll call. Um, Duffy, >> hi. >> McDuffy. Sorry, >> that works, too. >> McDuffy. Um, Douglas, >> hi. >> Fox, >> hi.
>> And Wilson. I All right. And I'll take a similar um motion to issue a certificate of compliance for order of conditions 280 286218 which was for fixing a retaining wall
and also looked like doing some dredging at 84 Lake Drive in 2008. >> So moved. >> I will second. >> All right. Great. Roll call. McDuffy. >> I >> Douglas.
>> Hi. Fox. Bye. And Wilson. I Great. We have a lot of these tonight. We have certificates of compliance and emergency certifications.
All right. So, moving on to um 59 Shore Drive um which is also a request for a certificate of compliance. Um so, who was at that site visit? I think that was just Scott and I. It was the same day.
>> I was late. I was Yeah, I was late for that one or I showed up after you guys were there. So, >> yeah. So, that one um wish I had some pictures. Um, I have the certificate of compliance filled out
which we can look at in a second. Um, >> I'm here for that, Beth. Uh, Doug Surl here, Burkshire Design Group. Um, on behalf of Gary Weston, I'm also accompanied with Gamble who is with Hun Riddle who was uh, Gary's architect um,
for the house. So we can u talk about it um whenever. >> Great. >> Yeah. Go ahead. >> Um can I share my screen? >> Yeah, Matteo, can you let Doug share? >> You should be able to do it now.
>> Okay, great. see this uh should be is everybody able to see this? >> Yes. >> Screen. Okay. >> Could you could you enlarge it please?
>> Sure. Is that a little bit better? >> A little better. Um, so this is a site plan of the uh record plant uh you know current conditions uh that we've included with the certificate of
compliance. This is the twotory house uh that that Gary had built. This property was originally 57 and 59 Shore Drive uh the two parcels were combined together. Um and kind of the big move was to combine the two parcels together uh and
remove uh previous structures. one was removed prior to the um original um order of conditions. Uh then the uh on on 57 and then on 59 short drive the second uh house was removed. Uh the other big move was that uh if you can
see my mouse that's kind of on the center to right of the screen uh that uh this covert that went underneath Shore Drive was replaced by the owner um uh which was taking water that comes down from the hill well outside of his
parcel. And previously it had cut through. It had gone into an open hole and then a pipe went straight across and exited right at the edge of the bank um into the tributary there uh of the lake.
And uh and so it was improved by putting uh by replacing that u uh 12-in covert along the road uh and then connecting that into a closed uh catch basin uh and which then uh sent around with a 12-in
uh enclosed pipe and then daylighted uh a fair distance roughly 60 ft from the uh edge of the water to allow the water to daylight and then uh kind of slowly trickle through a dry uh stone laid swale uh with uh vegetation of which is
getting established. Um and uh and then uh planting uh a conservation seedling mix uh on the uh lakeside of the house for for part of the lawn uh towards the waterfront uh and to improve that uh and
then uh putting in a a gravel driveway. Um and uh so uh the driveway is in the uh house is in. There were a few minor modifications to the plan that was approved in the amended order of
conditions approximately two years ago and I wanted to briefly run through those. We talked about those at the site visit. We had a site visit last November um that Beth had attended uh and then we had a site visit again with Beth and Scott uh several weeks ago at this
point. Um and uh and just walking through uh these sites. So the uh vegetation is uh uh uh was installed. There's a few more plants that are slated to be installed which is uh uh highlighted here um kind of in the in
the bold ink uh rather than faded um uh colors. So, and also there's a chart on this page as part of the submission to kind of highlight what was uh installed and remaining plantings. Um and so just as a you know a full disclosure of all
this is it was the plans were in here and then when the landscaper went to install plants they chose what was available um and and planted a number of things and there were still some things that were remaining which is outlined here in this remaining column. There's
um uh roughly 49 plants that they're slated to install uh within the coming weeks this spring. Um and then uh this uh seed mix was seated last fall and they're taking care to um see that this germinates and gets established. Um one
of the things that was not included in the original uh amended order of conditions plan was uh a go stone walkway to connect the back of the house to the existing dock. Uh and so that uh was something that was requested by the owner and was installed and it's a it's
a very nice feature that um uh you know just just a allocate space for foot traffic um uh through the uh you know lawn and the uh conservation mix uh plantings. Uh the other piece was that there's an area that they wanted raised
beds. Earlier in uh previous uh iterations, the first plan that was part of the order of conditions, there were a series of raised beds that were shown on the south side of the house. Uh and then in the amended order of conditions, those raised beds were removed. Um and
then they came back as a a piece of interest and the owner wanted to kind of have a greatly reduced area for them. The the previous iteration they were kind of a larger rectangle on this side of the house. Um and and so there was a
smaller uh area. This is 12 by 16 and it's a it's a gravel bed. The gravel's several inches deep and it's like 3/4 inch stone. Um and it has a a weed barrier liner underneath it. Um and the goal is to put a wooden raised planters
for you know annual flowers uh or uh you know garden vegetables to grow into it. Um and then it will be surrounded by um you know by this uh kind of conservation plantings native mix. Uh and uh
then there were some slight uh movements around to change the location of some of those plants. The previous plantings nothing was in front of the house kind of foundation plantings uh or in the back. So a few of the previous plants were kind of shifted around in these other locations but it's still the same.
You know, what we had previously suggested was putting in 75 uh total plantings, perennials, shrubs, and trees, and we're still at 75 plants of of uh shrubs, trees, and perennials to to, you know, kind of um keep that the
same total that was originally agreed upon and proposed. Um but just to highlight that there were a few things that were moved around. Uh and so uh so that is uh basically the gist of it. Um I also have a few photos. This was also
included in the um certificate of compliance that was submitted. So this is a view from uh Shore Drive looking at the front of the house and then over towards the garage and the new uh driveway that's looking south across the front of the house. Uh the new uh swale
uh that exists is off this southern side of the house. And just behind this uh evergreen tree up by the road uh is where that new catch basin is located. and then directing water to around the side of the house. This slower just kind of skipping ahead. This slower photo
here is showing that dry laid swale. Um kind of zoom into it. Um when we were there just a few weeks ago, you could see water that was you know coming down uh you know from the hillside through the series of culverts and then was trickling down the stream. So it was definitely working as designed which is
great. Um this is a an opposite view of that same dry swale and where the um culvert is now daylighting to give the water an opportunity to reduce sediment, reduce flow and and infiltrate before going into the lake. >> Um and and so then these are other views
of just uh the uh back of the house where uh the conservation seed mix uh is is uh underway getting established. Um, so that's what I wanted to go over and then I wanted to see if uh anybody had
any questions. >> Bob, >> hi Doug. could you um put the uh overhead drawing up um and can you talk and I'm just I'm I'm interested because I'm on the sedimentation group on how
that uh catch basin functions in the front. Um can you can you just uh give us a one or two minutes on that? >> Yeah, of course. And so so there's a trench uh just you know a ditch along the side of the road um uh uh where it's
showing this far far right side of this uh culvert is this is it's kind of roughly here following this sort of rough dashed line here is the side of the road. There's a culvert underneath this driveway across the street. Uh so this swailes collecting a much larger area um than the size of this property
on the map. uh waters flowing kind of down the page uh would be in the direction headed south uh down slope of the street when it uh crosses into this culvert uh what was there before it's just like an open hole um and so water
now enters into a closed catch base and that has a sump pump to it and then uh where this pipe daylights there's there's a sump well below that so it's you know um uh when needed it's possible to vacuum out that that any sediment that would build up in there. But that is essentially designed to be able to
capture, you know, uh let sediment drop out of that water. Uh and then then it flows down uh the next 12-in pipe um through the property. There's a yard drain uh that is capturing anything uh from just the surface area of the yard.
Then that is uh heading down another uh 12-in HDP pipe and then it is uh daylighting. So all of this is this this last pipe is done at a at a low sloping angle to slow the flow of the water down. Uh this as well. So both these
pipes are I think roughly at a 2% or less grade. So the water is moving at a a slow rate within the pipes and then uh there's a kind of flared end for it uh to release and then it's landing into a large cobblestone so that the stone wouldn't move but it would you know
collect uh let sediment drop out and just allow the water to flow real slowly like um through this uh swale and then by the time it's it's exiting it's it's a very slow trickle and it's just just kind of flowing down the bank. Um and
and then into the you know the right now the obviously the lake is low. Um but there there is water coming through here but it's it's quite a a slow trickle which was the design. So that so that's working well. >> U prior the pipe was coming out just uh
past the the the big fat dash line is showing existing erosion control that is currently in place still while this is getting established. And then that would be removed once once this is established. But it was the previous pipe was exiting just right from the bank right into the lake. So there wasn't a chance for any sediment to be
removed from it. So this is >> this was the uh pretty big improvement. >> Great. Thank you, Doug. That >> that's interesting and I'm sure it's going to be going to be talked about. Quick question for you. The water that you saw trickling through the boulders, was it uh clean or or or was it um
sediment laden? What color was it? >> No, it was quite clear. Yeah. >> Oh, good. Great. that section um about I'm trying to remember how many years ago at this point maybe five or seven years ago that section and then heading uh west no
north on that road um to the property that's um looking out from the front door of the house to the left. That whole section is where they dry um dumped
truckloads of um uh mixed rock because >> that section got um uh the neighbors couldn't get out because uh in mud season. So um and that's all it took a while for it to get compacted, but so
the I'm I'm hoping that what you've put in is going to add to the system and it seems like it is. I mean, I I did take a ride past there, but it, you know, I'm hoping that it does add to it because that um I don't think that what was on
the other side of the road um was working in terms of No, the other side um to Yeah, I don't think that was working in terms of what was coming off of the M, you know, the hillside there, you know. >> Sure. Okay. So, um, uh, yeah, I'm hoping
that this all works a lot better because, um, that was a a lot of the truckloads of rock that was dropped off there and then, um, in order for people to get, you know, access to and from their, um, >> See, I appreciate learning that. Um, uh,
I came on board after that had occurred. So, yeah, that's interesting. There is a large, uh, kind of drainage watershed up the slope, across the street, and up the hill. there's quite a large area that is, you know, where of any runoff or snow melt that's coming down the hill and and and north upshore drive it's
it's splitting uh and then you know the portion that's coming this way is not insignificant. So um right >> yeah I think this is a big uh improvement um uh for you know being able to capture and and help to uh slow that flow and
and and let it uh let you know try to remove sediment as best as possible. Mhm. >> So far, it it appears to be working uh just just fine. So, that's which is great. >> Yeah.
>> Is is there a um an on andm plan for that deep sump catch basin? >> There is. Yeah. that was included in the original um uh either the original or the amended order of conditions. But it's essentially to to you know to
monitor it uh seasonally and you know that you know typical um uh maintenance plans are you know to vacuum them out. It may not need to happen every year. There may not be a bunch of sediment building up into it. The idea is is monitor it um you know twice a year uh
and then take a look and if it if it needs uh the sediment to be removed then you can hire a vacuum truck to come and uh and remove that uh if if that's not something that the town has. Some towns have them, some towns uh don't have them. But um uh but yeah, they're
they're often not, you know, some places that have just a lot of sediment moving through an area or a lot of erosion. Uh they you know, they may need to be vacuumed out on an annual basis and some are are far less than that. >> And so is it the homeowner's responsibility under the O andM plant or
you just you just mentioned the town? Oh yeah. And it could be I mean this is collecting water that's coming from you know essentially uh you know runoff that's headed down the street and then and then going uh you know across from uh and then into the property. So it's
not just water that's that's collecting. Right now it would be the homeowner's responsibility definitely. Um but I didn't know if that was something that the homeowners association or or anything was was coordinating. certainly haven't had those conversations, but the homeowner is prepared to um you know
conduct the necessary maintenance as needed for this. >> Okay, that's good to know because yeah, that's so that road is um maintained and everything by the Lake Wyola Association. >> Um and I I think us in issuing like the
certificate of compliance, we we need to know who's on the hook, you know, for maintaining that. That should definitely be defined somewhere. It sounds like it is the homeowner and but then eventually if the homeowner would like to reach out to the Lake Wyola Association for some
kind of assistance at some point, that's up to them. >> But as long as sort of legally it's it's written that it's really the homeowner. >> That's correct. Yeah, legally it is I do believe it would be the it would be Gary's responsibility. So that yeah, he's prepared to to do that. >> Great.
That's good. Um yeah, I don't I don't think I really had any other questions. It does look like this whale is working um really well. When I when we did our site visit, there was quite a bit of water coming through there. And it it doesn't look like even during the spring storms, you had any
breakthrough with any of the rocks or anything? >> It doesn't appear that way. So, that's good. >> Yeah, that's great. Are they sort of um like did you really build up almost like a a flood? Like how deep down did you dig? Did you build a few layers of gravel and or is it just
>> what's Yeah, I think it's mostly what is on the surface. It it goes down roughly 6 in to a foot deep, but it's it's it's large uh it's large cobble um you know that that builds this up. So this is you know like 6 in to you know 8 in or
larger cobble this stone. Some of these are larger than a foot. Um, and so like this large one where the mouse is here and then some of the smaller ones and then there's a smaller uh gravel stone that's that's following the trench in the middle to fill in the gaps in between. Um, so that kind of have
boulders and and stones of different size to, you know, help slow the flow. >> Yeah. And I think it's good that there's the deep sunk catch basin too that will slow the flow too, you know. >> Yes, agreed. So you don't get a big wash
out from any big storms. It gets slowed. So good. Bob, you have a question? >> Yeah. So, um I guess I had two questions. Um uh the um uh I know that some commissions don't
issue u certificates of compliance until um an area has regrown the actual grass. You've got 75% coverage. >> Yeah. So, we're not we're we I've got it written up and I talked with Doug. We're doing a partial. >> Okay. >> I mean, if if everybody's on board for
doing that, it would be written up as a partial for the work that's been accomplished so far, which is which is almost, you know, it's like almost everything except all of the vegetation is not finalized. >> Okay. And I'm curious about the the the
walkway and the um the raised bed um next to the lake. Those were not a part of the original application. >> That is correct. They were not. >> Was there an amendment for them? >> There was not an amendment for them.
>> Um so, Madame Chair, what are your thoughts on um on on that activity within the the Aura? Um yeah, I mean that the work is is done sort of you know I guess you can look at
what is the the impact um to it and I wouldn't say either one of them would be considered uh impervious. Um >> there's a picture of the of the walkway that's installed uh uh to just give you
an example of that. So, it didn't raise the uh grades at all. Um it's basically just a a sand base below these large stones. Um so, these large, you know, flat uh you know, 3-in uh thick stones of goan, they're they're certainly not
going anywhere. Um but it but it offers a nice uh cover and if you know, the lawn or the other vegetation if it was really wet walking down to the dock, this would have, you know, a less of an impact on on compacting the soils in this area. um for kind of the primary
foot traffic to get out to the dock. Um and uh and then the uh this uh gravel bed is is again it's quite uh pvious uh to go through the stone. Uh obviously uh this was not included in the original uh
uh plans as as you have uh uh um noted. uh but uh other vegetation would be there would be boxes uh that the owner is uh intending to to construct here to put uh you know vegetation in. So there there would be vegetation uh in this in this area. So uh and then it would be uh
maintained so that it's not getting weedy or uh you know anything like that. Um, and so it would add more vegetated cover and allow for infiltration to occur in the area. Um, which uh would also happen with a with a native native
plant buffer. Um, so uh I guess that would be my statement in defense of of these two items uh for what that is worth. Yeah, during the site visit, we talked a little bit about um some, you know, additional plantings
almost as mitigation for for these areas that that aren't going to be, especially that area with the gravel pad, not going to be completely vegetated like it was supposed to be with the the grass mix. Um, did you guys think I know you you
talked about the numbers of plantings basically equaling the original number? So, that doesn't sound like much of an increase in any kind. I know we talked a little bit about maybe doing some some shrubs right along the um the Lake Wuola
side of the property, like kind of right along the shore there. >> This is this is Garrison. If I I I've had direct conversations with Gary about this. Um and we discussed the opportunity to potentially plant uh along that kind of watered watered
waters edge. Um the discussion we also had was um that would offset what hasn't been planted which are the the trees and shrubs along the driveway which Beth we discussed on site about the wanting to kind of break down the barriers between
the neighbor of of not providing a kind of vegetated edge. after talking with Gary um and our g my general feeling and his general feeling was that going forward with the trees would be a better solution than low low bushes that might
impact the view from a vegetation cover and also was open to it's not as dense as what was originally proposed but more in keeping what was um proposed in the original design. So feeling like the trees were a better offset than the
blueberry bushes which we discussed on site. >> Um so that's that's why those that whole edge kind of came back into um the forefront in in both because that had gone through the community's uh purview before but also that um thinking that at
this scale it's more vegetative coverage for the property itself. >> All right. Well, I think um I mean I don't know Bob and Mayor Michael um what are your thoughts on sort of the the change in
cover due to the new walkway and the um gravel pad and I don't know like possibly asking for some additional plantings. Um, I think asking for additional
plantings would probably be um, appropriate because um, this was two lots. Uh, and I don't remember I don't know how long everybody's been on the commission, but um, this was two lots. They purchased the next door neighbor's
lot, raised the um you know, took the house down, but um and I can't remember whether this was done legally or illegally, but there were full-size trees taken down. Um and
they were supposed to leave a stump and um and none of that happened. that they they went all the way to the ground and took away what was previously um rather large trees kind of like further
down on um at the end of Shore Drive. And I remember at the time um is Donna was president of the of the LWA. And I remember at the time um reaching out to um
uh Linda um Ava Scott and saying what happened here? and she told me that, you know, that she left me a voicemail message saying that these trees were taken down and that it was all legal.
So, but they were full size trees that were taken down um right at the W's edge. So, um I think that um you know, more vegetation should be put in. Um,
and I'm trying to remember how long ago that was, but it was a number of years ago at this point when they way before they even cuz the lot sat vacant for a number of years before they even started the house. And I think Donna might have been gone by that that point. But
um >> uh to chime back in, we'd certainly be happy to talk with the owner about adding um you know, some additional uh plantings uh you know uh within this. uh you know if you were to um approve a
partial certificate of uh uh compliance for you know the the bulk of the the work and the storm water infrastructure the driveway and the house and uh and then the the remaining things are to install the plants if you conditioned in adding you know another you know series of shelves. Uh we certainly could sort
out what what the species are that would, you know, native species that'd be appropriate to the area and also that would that would fit into the neighborhood aesthetic to kind of keep that um uh you know uh keep that aesthetic and uh uh you know uh and but
we'd be happy to um comply with that if needed. >> And just this is Garrison again. And I was just curious is the intent to essentially even though it's not um impervious surface with the in totally with the raised bed in that walkway it
would be to provide a almost a one to one coverage of of that area in the new vegetation. >> That would be wonderful. No, I guess I'm asking for clarification on the what would because I you know I think um from
the homeowner's perspective the inclusion for you know the additional those other trees and other in kind of the edge to the neighbor was um above and beyond what they had hoped to plant and this was to even though that you know now after gone through the house
project um and so I I just am cautious about the extent So I just want to kind of understand the parameters at which um we're implementing that. >> Well, so along that edge um as you had said before, there were you know trees
and trees and plants that were going to be there and then you had taken them away and now you put them back again and you you did already say that the numbers in terms of what's in the table is basically the same as what it had originally been for plants and shrubs. But and yet there were supposed to be
some shrubs where that um gravel pad is right right along that corner there. There was some stuff that was supposed to originally be planted there, but that is not on this plan. Um so I'm assuming those got moved somewhere else. Um so I think what we're what we're what we'd be
asking for would would be sort of in addition to the original number of 75 or whatever it was original plants. Um, and if I if you if you do look at sort of the square footage of that gravel pad and the walkway, it's probably in the end not
not too many plants. And if if they could go along the lake shore, that'd be great. But also, if they're planted anywhere within the uh the aura, I think that would meet the requirements.
>> Okay. Thank you. I just Yep, that sounds Okay. Does that does that sound all right to the commission? >> Yeah. I'd just like to just to state that uh for the record, we're being put
in an awkward situation and that there's uh work that would normally require a permit to uh put in the the the um the garden by the lake and the um go stone walkway that's been put in um
without consulting the commission. So, I think we're we're we are in a tricky place and uh I think that should be noted for the record. And I fully appreciate that. And I I you know I think we things got um when the
landscape was on it with the owner there was conversations that um desires that given the sequencing of of uh implementation made sense to the owner and sense to the design team. Um but yes the things happened without um proper
protocol. So I I apologize to put you guys in that position. Thanks. Um, all right. I have no more questions or comments. I I did draft up the certificate of compliance that we can take a quick look at. It's a partial.
See what the commission thinks of that. Um, thanks for the presentation. >> Of course. Um, I'll stop sharing. So u >> yeah if you stop then I I can share and um you know we'll look at the certificate of compliance but then we'll
also talk a bit more with you guys about like next steps. All right, this one. Can you guys see my screen? >> Yes. >> All right. So, this is what I drafted.
I mean, it's got, you know, just the basic info. Address when we did the site visit. And then yeah, I I checked off partial. So this is the important part. Oh, it's so
tiny. See if we can make it bigger. Partial certification. Um, and then it's saying the project areas are work subject to this partial certification that have been completed and are released from the order are, and
I put house, garage, driveway, stone walkway, stream bed, and outflow. Uh, and then the yard was graded plantings and seedings not released under this certificate of compliance.
Um, I don't know. Does that say enough of what we're what we're doing? >> So, okay. and and I'm all right with with releasing those things that are basically completed and and those things were,
you know, they're done and they look like they were done, you say, in accordance with the order conditions except for the stone walkway, which was not in the amended order of conditions. But the house, the driveway, the garage were all um built according to the
original plan set. All right. And uh sorry about the anticipation would be they would come in for a uh you're we're issuing this partial. They would come in once the uh the plantings are complete. Is that correct?
>> Yep. They basically have to go they have to go through this whole process again to to ask for another a certificate of compliance but a complete one. Um, and that would have to wait until the grass is grown in and the plants have um, stabilized so that because we'd really
be looking to make sure that there's no erosion anymore. So, >> yeah. So, they would come back at that point. >> Okay. And that's all just signatures. Um I guess so um before we vote, let's
just sort of finalize what the plan is um going to the going ahead. So I think I think when you come back for the certificate of compliant the second the complete certificate of compliance which
you know may not be until the fall to you know it really got to vegetation's really got to take hold. Um, at that point we would want to see where the plantings are or maybe you'd
want to come back before that to confer with us as to where the um sort of the mitigation plantings are happening um because you want to have them in. >> Well, I guess I was going to offer that that we we'll do based on that we we'll
do an area calc on on those two areas. um propose a plan after we've had a chance to review with Gary and then um maybe submit as a addendum to this and for and maybe get it on the next agenda so that we can get approval to because
we want to start planning those um as soon as possible so they take um but we'd want your approval in location and quantity in species prior to that. >> Um >> yeah, >> that's a pretty quick turnaround from our end. I don't know if there can be
something interum or if it would be the next month meeting. Um >> well um it's April so we're starting to have meetings every two weeks now. So you you can get on the agenda for our u >> April
April April 23rd is our next meeting. >> Yeah, I think we could definitely put a updated plan together maybe even before the end of the week and have it submitted for the next agenda. >> Great. Sounds good. Well, maybe we can hold off then on voting on the
certificate of compliance. We can sort of see how this goes. Um the partial certificate of compliance. That makes more sense to me. Um we'll just bring it back in into weeks. Sound good?
>> It does to me. >> Yeah, that's fine. >> All right. All right. Well, thank you for coming. Um and and Matteo, you can get them on the agenda for the 23rd. That would be great.
>> Yep. >> Okay, great. >> Well, thanks for your time, everybody. >> All right. Thank you. >> Have a good night. >> Of course. >> Right. >> All right. Next we have um forest petting plan. I don't know did you guys get a chance to
look at that? I can bring that up too. Whoopsie. I don't know. Maybe I don't have it up. Let me see. Okay. Forest cutting plan for Sant Hill Road.
It's goals and it's a big one. Um I'm right here. I think it's 160 acres. It is got four stream crossings. Looks like they're going to use
bridging, but there's no existing structures. So, they're putting in some sort of like temporary bridging for those. Um, >> no. Now, when you say bridging, um, do you mean like swap mats or
>> That's what I would That's what I would call. Yeah. Matting type of crossing over, bridge, forward to another. Um, yeah, it must be Matting. Oh yeah, because it says stabilization.
It says corduroy. That's what CO is. So it is matting type of bottom stone. Let's look at the picture. And I've got 50 foot filter strips. 235,000
board feet of white prime. Um, this is the location. Uh, so here's West Palm Road, Stone Stone Hill Road, I mean Sand Hill Road, and it's all of this here.
Black Corner Road over here. access agreement with the town of Ammerst. I think I might know about that. Um, stream crossings one, two, and four have been used in the past. Stream crossing number three will be used only if necessary. Let's look at the map
again. Where are these stream crossing? One, two, three, four. right there. Yeah. So, they don't typically what I've seen, they don't, you know, it's not like a real bridge, obviously. It's more they lay down stone, they lay down
matting, and then they take it all up when they're done. Yep. Sorry, just looking. Is this typical of how much information is provided in these plans about their operations?
>> Yeah. And Kohl's is actually pretty good about um they're professionals. They they hire the right people to do delineations. They fill out these forms as they're
supposed to and submit them to DCR. Um, yeah, I guess you may you haven't seen these before. Um, we have no jurisdiction over this kind of thing. We're included just in the review process. So, we're we're we're mailed these from from DCR and we have
um 10 days I think actually to respond with any comments that we have. Um, and then but that's our only role. And then the uh the local forester is the one who enforces this plan on the actual um
forestry company that comes out to do the work to make sure they abide by this plan. They're the ones that do site visits and um do any kind of enforcement if it's needed. So we just review it and we really review it for you know wetland impacts and that's why I was looking at
there are some other wetland areas um Yeah, they're not listing any actual wetland crossings. So, they're not going up into those other areas, just crossing in those stream spots. And it's a little reassuring to know that they've been in this area before and they've already got
these established crossings that they're going to use again. So, I I don't propose any comments. Does anybody else propose submitting any comments? >> No. >> Yeah. No comments from me. >> Okay.
Okay. Um, might as well vote on that. Um, I take a motion to not issue any comments on the forest cutting plan from poles for Sand Hill Road. >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Okay. Roll call. McDuffy. Hi. Fox. >> Hi, >> Douglas. >> Hi. >> And Wilson. Hi. >> Yeah, I heard at work about they they just asked us about the access agreement
this this past week. >> Um, all right. Next, we have discussion of the emergency search for 74 Printer Road. I can bring that up too. All right. So, this one I think
everybody was emailed. What happened here? It was a rain the big rainstorm that we had um blew over a a large beach tree. And this is um Miriam Defant's house. She used to be the chair of the conservation commission. Um and so it
was a really large beach tree that fell down and and fell I think definitely within the buffer zone of her little wetlands. Um she has a vernal pool wetland in front of her property or and even in actually into that wetland area. Um so she asked for
an emergency sort. I went out and did the site visit. Um they'd already taken the the tree down. it it the tree broke in half and was leaning. So, she had to get the the um tree company out there pretty quickly. When I got out there, they'd
already cut the tree down and we're cutting it up. So, uh no. Does anybody have any questions on that one? No, it's all done. It's all good. >> Yep. >> Um what we do is we we ratify emergency
certification. So, because it's an emergency, I have the authority to just issue it and sign it when it happens because often it has to happen the same day and then at the next meeting the commission ratifies the approval. So I'm looking for a
motion to ratify the emergency certification for 74 Corner Road. >> So moved. >> Second. All right. Roll call. Hi >> Fox.
>> Hi >> Douglas. >> Hi. >> And Wilson. Hi. >> Great. Um, now we have a request for an emergency which I we we
just got a couple days ago. So, instead of me issuing it, I thought we could um bring it to the commission and see how people feel about it. And I see Mark Rivers is here. It's for um doing some maintenance to the boat ramp, the part
of the boat ramp that's like in the water um off of Randall Road there. So, hi Mark. >> Hi. How you doing? >> Good. >> All right. Uh thanks for squeezing me in tonight's meeting. Um uh so I sent the commission some some photographs of of
problems with the boat ramp. Uh and um what's happened is over the past last year we had a number of complaints uh about the trailers getting stuck and um uh and just you know just problems with the boat ramp. So it's not really
functioning that great. Um with the lake lowered now uh but to five feet uh and with the ice and snow gone, you can really see what's happening. Uh there's a big huge mound of gravel uh that's uh from from the boats going in
out with prop wash. Uh and um and then right in front of that or on the shore side of that is a big hole where the trailers are getting stuck or are falling into. And um and it's just because it's the the the stuff that was there got blown up onto the onto this
great big mound of gravel. Uh and it's quite easy to see. Um and to me it's a it represents a public safety hazard for people going in out of the lake and for um emergency management or emergency
crews who are going onto the lake or getting off the lake if because someone got hurt in the water. you know, they the the ambulances go down to the boat ramp and so so boats have got to get get over there to, you know, to bring someone to the boat ramp to get into an ambulance. So with the, you know, with
the uh the big mount of gravel there, the channel basically the waterway channel is really kind of blocked off now. Um, yeah, it's not terribly bad when the lake is full, but if the lake is but right now that if the lake goes
down a foot, which it happens in the summertime, um, then that gravel mound is is like 2 feet underwater, it's not really enough to to safely move boats in and out. And so, uh, my thoughts is is that while the water's down and the cove
is effectively empty, uh, now except for the pool of water there, now is a great opportunity to to fix it. And, uh, with minimal impact on the environment just be just because it's, you know, virtually dry all around there right now. Um and and so that's why I was
asking for uh the emergency certification requests so we can get it while you know within the next couple weeks while um before the data lake comes back up to its normal normal level. >> Do you have um like the funding and and
a contractor that would be able to do it right away? >> Not yet. Um I was uh there's no point in going down that road if we if you guys aren't in in favor of it. Uh but uh you know we could certainly you know look for the funding and possibly the highway
department could do it themselves. You know they have a back go really just scooping the the gravel out and uh and putting fresh gravel in and probably bigger gravel so it doesn't blow away. It's it's not like a normal it's not going to be like a normal boat ramp where you have concrete pads going into
the water. It would be just you know you know basically just getting rid of the hump and and putting down some some gravel to make it a nice smooth transition into the water. >> So is if you guys issued a certification it may not happen. >> Well that's what I was wondering because
um emergency are only valid for 30 days. They have you know they have a limit to them. So if you sometimes it's you know you want to be almost lined up to do it before you get the emergency. Um my other just one positive way of looking
at it really is if doing it now would have such less of an impact on um the lake itself than trying to do it when the water is is is even you know is higher than where it is now. Even if you did it during draw down next year, the water would still be higher than you
know it's pretty far. It's much further down five feet like you said right now, which if you go in and do all that kind of work, it it really does have less of an impact now to do it. Um, I think I mentioned to you that to to
get it really officially called the a threat to human health and safety, the board of health are the ones that need to to call it that. Um, so I I did CC Cat on one of our emails and she didn't she didn't respond, which was kind of strange because usually she responds
right away. So I I can check with her again on that. But um, what do other commissioners think? I I had a question, Mark. Um because it seems like it's forming its own little um pond, so to speak, a
little mini pond. The water that is in there and then there's like a an outer side that kind of goes east. Um, is that so is it are you taking that out or are you just kind of asking to move it
around so that it's not ponding in that specific area? >> The we're asking for is to is to take out the gravel, you know, it's probably all mucky and stuff anyways and then put in fresh gravel so there won't be any ponding at that point. >> Okay. Okay. So,
>> basically a nice smooth transition into the water. >> Okay. Bob, any thoughts? >> Yeah, I mean certainly um it's a condition that that I observe every time I go down there. Um
uh you know, is it an emergency? Um uh I would I would guess um one could make that uh uh uh supposition being that it's important to get
watercrafted in in and out of there. Um uh and uh quite correctly this is the uh a time that can be done uh on on land as opposed to actually working in the water which would be um what else is done. So,
um, uh, yeah, I I would say it's not the it's not the perfect situation, but it is certainly a way we could take care of a a problem. >> Yeah, I think that's my big debate, too,
is, you know, is it are we going through the right process to do it? You know, there's an emergency has a has a has a reason. Um and it's obviously for emergencies um instead of going through a full
application of some sort. Um but then it comes down to do we would we have time to um do a full application before the lake starts uh we go back to the higher
levels of the lake. um you know so that is really the the question. >> Certainly um gravel as has been suggested could be put in to smooth that area and has been done done in the past
um during time with wa with water in place. um uh you know other boat ramps that are permitted in in the uh you know Commonwealth are are done with the
notice of intents. Um uh so you know I'm kind of kind of torn on this one really. It's a it's a it's it's it's a project that needs an area that is is has been a chronic problem and and probably always will be just the nature of the way uh
stuff moves along slopes. Um anyway, that's really all I got to say on it. >> Yeah. Mark, what do you what are your thoughts on it being sort of an emergency? You came with us saying it was an emergency. >> Yeah. Um part of the problem with the
advantage of of of calling an emergency is that and you guys well first of all you guys are issuing authority con I think you guys can issue that certification not necessarily the board of health but um the big thing is is it wasn't until the ice was gone and the snow was gone that you could actually
see what how bad things were and so we have this window which is you know maybe more no more than four weeks between while the dam is is still down. Um, I mean the other option I think is and maybe you know more about this than I do
is um next next fall or in two years the dam is going to have to be have some substantial work done to it. Um right now this what they're doing to the dam right now is just a temporary patch. Uh, and there's there's a much more detailed
phase two investig uh investigation of the dam that's going to have to come this fall where they do core samples and yet they're going to change they have to they have to change the uh the spillway uh to to make it to make it big enough
for all the you know the anticipated rain in the future. And so um I sensed I I don't know my my thinking is that there's going to be a significant draw down again in two years or or a year depending upon the funding involved and we're talking a lot of
funding. So if you guys if you guys aren't comfortable with it anyway you know we you have time I think we're going to have a much bigger draw down in the future like when they rebuilt the dam the first in 2008. Um and so um
while it's not ideal for this season uh you know it's it's it's certainly an option and uh and to do it at that point in time. So you know it's it's just a matter of it seemed to me seemed to me looking walking down there and said this is really a nice time to do this and
have a minimal environmental impact um and uh uh and can be done in a day kind of thing you know. So, it's a it sound like a big huge project. >> Yeah. Yeah. I I think I think I personally would would prefer having it
done under a notice of intent. Um and as you're saying, it doesn't have to be a complicated project. Um so, the notice of intent doesn't have to be too complicated. And you've done them before, Mark. You're you've done notices of >> done more than my share.
>> Mark told me you would never do another one. Yeah. >> The only issue with the notice of intense is takes it takes several weeks, you know, to get the is it's got to go to uh heritage. >> Yeah. DCR and it's, you know, it's a it's a it's a couple month project and
it's c it can be costly. Just putting the ad in newspaper was 600 bucks last time I did it. >> And uh uh again, I'm fine with whatever approach you guys want want to go with. I'm I just wanted to get it out there and and see what you thought. >> Yeah. I know I I absolutely see where
you're coming from that right now is just like a great time to do it. Um after we talk about this um Haley has asked for another emergency to put that uh because they are only 30 days to
extend the time that the lake is going to be down five feet so they can finish the work um that they already started on the dam. So it is still going to be down for a little bit longer. Um, if you feel like you have time to put together a notice of
>> I think I'll wait a couple of years on that one. >> All right. I mean, I don't want to be the only one sort of making that decision, but does the rest of the commission feel? >> Yeah. You know, I think it's important to note that we're actually in a resource area. We'll actually be in the
land underwater body. Um so um and and uh we made everybody else tonight do filings because they were in the buffer zone. Um this is this is a much more sensitive area and is generally governed by the you know wetlands protection act
or bylaw etc. So, um I I I would be leaning for uh you know, I I you know, if there is an expanded time period, it sounds like uh that could could be done. Uh a permit could be filed.
>> All right. Sorry, Mark. I guess that's your answer. >> No, that's no problem at all. I'm f I'm fine with it. I just wanted, you know, I wanted you to know what was going on and uh >> and uh we're way in here. That's all. Yeah. >> Yeah. No, thank you. >> I'd like to have I'd like to hear from
uh um Michael and and Mayor as well their their thoughts on this. >> Um I I didn't know the time frame. So now that I know the time frame um because I've asked that question of Haley that
updated time frame as to when the when the work was going to be done on the dam. But um I I don't know. I you guys are more the you know this is your life's work and I'm just the new
commissioner. So you know to me I if the work can be done at and under an emergency sir at this time um I would be in favor of that but I understand where you guys are coming
from with the NOI. Um uh I I I would just love to see a lot of this work done around the lake because there's just so much um that this has revealed in terms of not just the boat launch but all these other areas like in front of your
property, Bob, and and you know and and just what the boats have done, you know, to the whole area. It it's it it's kind of sad, you know, and um uh so I I'm I would be actually in favor
of an emergency search, but I understand where you guys are coming from. So, um that's my thoughts. I I don't think I know enough about the process yet to say one way or the other if this sounds like an emergency, but um
I would be curious about how this was done initially. And it sounds like the work would be more or less in line with how that ramp was done initially. maybe larger grapple I think you mentioned. But that would be my only thought on that is that um if that makes a
difference like if this was uh already analyzed for a previous project for its impact. Um if we know how that was done. >> Yeah, I think it was it was done long ago. I think originally built long long enough ago that none of us are too
familiar with with that. Um, but they know it's good to hear from both of you. Yeah, I >> I guess I'm on board with with Bob also that that it's it's if we're requiring other applicants and folks to do full
notice of intent, it's hard to, you know, in the emergency really is got a specific reason for it and it really is supposed to be some kind of an emergency. um because it's really a like you're just being you're being exempt from having to file for a permit kind of a
thing. So >> um All right. So we're going to go with notice of intent. Sorry, Mark. >> No, no problem. Don't don't feel sorry. No, I just let people know what's going to happen.
>> Yeah. Thank you. >> Oh, another thing unrelated to that, but you might want to get down there now. You can drive down there. There's a pretty good erosion problem from the little that little brook there. Now the water's down. You can see it. Um
>> uh I took pictures of it and sent it off to Jen Wallace of the storm water committee who sent it off to the GZA people who are doing the H&H study because when they we did their walk around uh they were we weren't able to get down there because of the snow and stuff. And so I took some pictures and
uh if you wanted to see you know what some ser erosion it's almost identical to what Bob's house looks like. Uh it's it's ongoing down there too. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I'd like to see that. um take a look and if you need if you need uh you know a little bit of assistance with the
notice of intent like I'm happy to help with I can't vote on something I help too much with but if you have questions or if you need you know >> I I always feel like it's our role a little bit to help applicants >> through the process too. So
>> uh and when we do someone's going to be doing notice of intent for the draw down of the dam when they go to repair when they do the do the dam repairs and so there'll be a you know there'll be some professional help at that point I think too to that to to uh fill out the dose
of attention and get everything done right through through town employees as opposed to volunteers. >> Yeah, good. That all sounds good. All right. Um, thank you. >> You're welcome. You guys have a nice night.
>> Yeah. You too. >> You, too. Thank you. >> Off. >> All right. I got to run and get my plug to plug my computer and it just told me the battery is about to die. This is going to be the part of the
video where somebody's like, >> "Are they all frozen? >> Is it frozen? Okay. Sorry. All right. Now, we're talking about our enforcement at 87 Shore Drive. I see Bill Wells is
here. That's great. Um, why don't I share? Um, Bill, did you want to say anything about No. Okay. I will share what I know.
Okay. So, I think everybody saw a lot of the pictures of of what happened here. Um, we got a report of some trees being taken down. Um, that we discovered, you know, there was no permit to take the
trees down. It was at 87 um Shore Drive. And so I went out and um checked it out and met with the with the Wells family. They own the property. I wish so. This doesn't have any
pictures attached to it, does it? This was um I can dig up some pictures, too, but let's just look at this first. This is what was given given to the wells when I met with them. So, it's an enforcement order.
Says cutting of three large trees within the buffers owned to the bank of Lake Wyola without a permit from the conservation commission. And we've got checked off the box for the activity has been um conducted in an area subject to the act um for the
buffer zone um without approval from the issuing authority. We have checked off the property owner, his agents and others shall immediately cease and desist from whatever the activity that is occurring. That box is checked
and the property owner shall take the following action. And what I have is the property owner shall attend to this week's meeting 700 p.m. which they they are here. And that was that was all that enforcement order was about was to get
them to this meeting so that we could talk to them about what I feel if they had come to us for an actual um um request for determination even because it was trees in the buffer zone um or or
notice 710 however they had wanted to come to us. you know, what would we have probably asked for? You know, under our under our bylaw, we we asked for um replanting of trees that are taken down in the buffer zone. Um, and there was
there was three relatively large trees that were taken down. So, I wanted to have that discussion with them tonight and see how you guys feel about about that kind of thing. Um, let me see what pictures I have
available to show you. Oh, yeah. Here we go. Beth, before we get into um the discussion part, like what this is the first time I've encountered something like this. What do what are the ramifications and what are remedies or
you know what what happens is it a yeah >> well that enforcement orders are you saw what the form is you >> typically there's you know you're checking off cease and desist because it's often something that's happening
that was not permitted. Um and then really you the commission can kind of come up with whatever they they want to do. The enforcements go to the D. They see copies of everything. Um this is
this is how in Ammerst at least we typically would have done it which is asking them the first enforcement order is to come to a meeting. The second enforcement order um would be on the same form and it would be written up and it would have any kinds of restoration,
mitigation um that the commission asks for. Um so you know it it all depends on what the actual action was that was done and in this case it was the three trees being taken down. Um which I think seeing it
you guys will have a better idea. So, let me see if I can do these pictures. I found them. >> And are there I mean, it seems like from the pictures that some of the trees might have been, you know, diseased. Does is that a
mitigating factor or is that not >> um it is in terms of I think we should all think about sort of like what our regulations currently say like if they had come to us and said we've got these three um tree large trees.
>> Yeah. I don't have a lot of good pictures unfortunately. Um, so I wanted to show you kind of where where they were located. This is just some of the work when they were coming down. Let me see. I had some
um because if you know if they had come to us, we would have we would have determined those trees, you know, say they had come and an arborist had said those those trees are are are dying and are going to fall. um then most likely we would have allowed them to take those trees down.
But we also would have probably said we'd like one to one replacement somewhere on the property um with a similar tree species or just a native um tree species. That's what I think would have probably happened. So to me in this
case, you know, this isn't this isn't a huge violation. I've seen much worse violations. Um that would be my suggestion is that we ask them to to replant um similar to what our regulations would have asked
for. Um and and Bill is here so we can talk to him about that. Just want to see if I can find any more pictures to show. Anybody else has any other pictures? I took some pictures.
Anyway, they were pretty close to the to the bank. They were just on the outskirts of a little sitting area that they have down by the shore. So, I would say they were within 15 feet of the bank. 15 20 feet of bank
of the the lake. Sorry, can't picture. Um, yeah. So, those are my thoughts. Um, maybe, uh, Bill, do you want to say anything in
regard to this? >> Hit that. >> Can you hear? Oh yeah, now we can hear. >> Okay, you haven't been listening to what I've been saying all along, so I'll start. >> No. Yeah, I think you were muted. >> Whatever. See, we're not big computer people.
>> In your pictures that you have, you'll notice that as you're standing on our deck and you look to the right towards Andri's, we planted all those river birches there just a few years ago, right after Andre built his house as a barrier between us and him. So, we've
already planted three clusters of three river birches and four other shrubs in between that were not there before. >> And we have all the shrubs. >> And we have a full line of shrubs along the shoreline except for where we walk
onto the beach. >> And then we have other clusters for keeping water from running down into the lake which I put on the video. I don't know if you saw that. >> Huh. Yeah, I actually I I saw the video and I sent it to everybody. Um I just
won't have it. >> Hi there. >> My cat. Yeah, >> but um you know we our lot is the largest lot on Lake Wyola. It's one and a half acres. >> 40 ft of our lot is under your water.
We pay taxes on that land. We've been paying taxes on one and a half acre for the last 90 years. and we try to keep things clean and everything. Other than 12,000 square ft, it's
totally forested behind the house, side of our house. Um everything else is full trees and we couldn't possibly plant. We put those um stumps there, we obviously did not want to pull those up and open another can of
worms. Uh, and with erosion and filling and all of that, we happy to just leave those stumps right there and put a pot of flowers or something on it. Uh, but to plant trees in that same area would leave us no room to to get around with a
lawnmower or the the kids come and play and whatnot. Um, that's why we have one section that's open because they play their whipple ball there and whatnot. uh otherwise they have to play around the trees and the shrubs that are already there. So we feel there's enough
plantings there as there is with the uh the cedar trees and plants in front of those the use uh to block any runoff coming down the hill to the lake. I mean I we feel like we've done a lot to just preserve any of that type of going on of
erosion and whatnot. Uh, so planting more to us is I mean I'd plant flowers and like I said put them on the stumps or something, but to plant more trees in that area is there's no more room with the stumps there.
>> Yeah. No, I think we definitely want the stumps to stay. >> Yeah, that's good. That's great. Um well, I'm also, you know, willing and see what the rest of the commission thinks to to go with um some more shrubs that don't have to be in that same
location. You have such a large um expanse of of very close to bank. And I know you already have sort of a row of shrubs right along um the shoreline, but you know, even anywhere along there. And for us, the closer to the lake you plant
something really, the better it is in my opinion. We we love to try to encourage any kind of plantings um closer to the lake. So, if there's other spots along there where you'd be happy to put in um
some native uh shrubs, that's all right by me. If the rest of the commission thinks that's all right. And if you if you are willing to consider that, >> I can think of a place right now that we
could put a couple of laurels uh something like that. I have right here at our own home on this side of town. I have some beautiful red laurels uh to be put placed where the trees had fallen. >> It' be between where the stumps are and the lake. >> Yeah,
>> there's an area there that we could plant some stuff. Um, I mean, if we have to plant them over in the other part, it's just taken away from what little lawn we have for a whole total an acre and a half lot.
>> Yeah. Know I if you're thinking I when I'm picturing where those trees were um and that little swimming area between where those trees were in the lake would be wonderful. Great to put in something there. And it can be any variety of of wetlandy type
shrubs, dog woods, or >> something in that's not gonna get too tall. >> Yeah, I'm getting too old to to keep trimming everything. >> Yeah. Well, there's there's dog woods, which um some of them can get tall. I think the red oer dogwoods don't get as
tall as the other dog woods. Um alder is a wonderful one. Um pie bush blueberry is great. We actually have blueberries on this one side. Uh for yours, my folks planted them. >> They're at the lake. They're way over to
the left. >> They like their feet wet, so they're they're good for that that area. >> Yeah, that's why they were there. >> Okay. Well, that sounds good. So, you'd consider um you I'd be happy with three.
What does the rest of the commission think in terms of shrubs to sort of be mitigation for the trees? >> Yes, I agree. It's it's a pretty wooded lot. >> I I would concur. >> Yep.
>> All right. And that So that sounds good. So we could we could say three in that that general area. >> It would it would fit in there. >> Yep. Okay. Good there. >> Perfect. All right, that's great. I think to document this the way that I've
done it before is I just issue a a second enforcement order document. It's just a a way to a way to document it and I'll fill in there. Um that for the enforcement order, what we're asking you to to do is is put in the three shrubs at that location. So that would be great
and I can u get that to you next what's today? Tuesday. Probably by the end of this week. >> Sure. We'll have because shrubs are just starting to come into the landscape areas or the the retailers I should say.
>> Yep. Yep. >> We'll have choices. >> Great. And then then once I issue that, then that's the end for the for the whole enforcement. Again, Mayor was asking how it works. That's kind of how it works once we decide. So, all right. That sounds good.
>> Okay. Thank you so much for coming and uh and we'll be in touch. >> Yep. Certainly can be done. >> Great. Sounds good. >> Good night. >> We have had a long agenda. Um, last but not least, we have under
unanticipated business is the request from Haley for the um emergency search to continue to have the water down five feet at the lake so that they can finish up the um kind of like temporary
patching that they're doing to the dam. So, it would be allowing them 30 more days of having the Blake down. Jeni just sent this today, so that's why it's under unanticipated business.
>> Um, yeah, that's no problem. I'm in favor of that. Um, I did have a question though. What like I I don't understand. I've asked her like where they are in the process. Did they get a grant? You know, can she put that in her five fun facts or whatever that she does on
Friday newsletter? But um I really feel like there needs to be more communication and I don't know I've kind of asked her to do more communication and she kind of was she just was reluctant. I'm not going to say kind of. She was reluctant to do that, but I feel like there's so many people and I don't
know if she doesn't realize the lake and the draw and you know, but >> there's so many people that are talking about it, questioning about it, you know, what are we doing? You know, there's just a lot of, you know, I I I don't feel like there's rumors out
there, but a lot of people are kind of wondering what's going to happen. And I I don't feel that there's a ton of communication as to what's going on. you had that you had a conversation with her. I remember >> I did and I asked her if she could just
send out a newsletter and she's like no like why not? So, you know, I just you know and I I don't know whether it's you know you know she's new but you know like I mean it's going to affect so many different
things if if this doesn't happen. And I think people need to know all the pieces of the puzzle as to the has the grant been received, you know? I mean, every I drive behind people who slow down every single time they go buy the dam because they're like, "Is the leak still there?" You know, they're just looking. They're
just like looking to see if it's still leaking. But, you know, it'd be nice to if we could just kind of get a road map, you know, of I'm happy to write something up. If she if she would tell me what to write, I'll write it up. I have no problems doing
that. But, you know, like I did pass it on to Jan and you know, for Lake Wild West, you know, neighbors, but um but I I don't know what the disconnect is, but
>> yeah. Um a timeline to for everybody. It is that does seem like something that that they should be doing. Um Matteo, do you know any more since you work in that town hall building? I do not. I'm sorry.
>> Okay. Um and I don't either. The request she sent today was was very straightforward. She was just hope asking about an emergency s to um >> Okay. >> I'll reach out to her again and ask her. >> You should. I mean, if I I'm just so busy. Like I feel like
>> No, no, I get it. I get it. >> Great. >> You'd be great if you would. That's That's awesome. >> I mean, yeah. Put it on my list. poker again because I don't I don't see any reason that the town would need to sort of not share that. You know, even just a
timeline for the project doesn't seem like they'd be sharing any secrets that are, you know, anything that would be >> just the fact Yeah. that it's also uncertain, you know, that if this doesn't work, then then, you know, it's
going to be drawn down for the summer, you know, and it's >> a big deal. >> Yeah. And I don't, you know, people need to know that to, you know, I just feel that as I said to her that there would be risky behavior by people and then the
like a week later than the fire chief sent us. >> Yeah. Yeah. Which was good. It seems that you said something because that was very true because remember you and we saw >> Mrs. What was her name? >> The woman when we went to the 84 Lake Drive.
>> Oh, Mrs. Pickering. Yeah, >> Mrs. Pickering was out there walking right out onto the >> Yeah. >> And and then I think that that's a little hazardous to be walking out there. >> Well, it's it's mucky. Yeah. And but you know, it's like if Yeah, it would be
nice to have a road map and you know, um I'll I'll I'll put it on my calendar for tomorrow. So, I'll call her and just ask her. But yeah, um another 30 days. Sure. All in favor. >> Okay. Matteo, you had your hand up. Did you want to say something? I was just
going to say, mayor, if you wanted um some support or assistance with that, I'm happy to do what I can. Just let me know. >> Okay. Yeah. Maybe are you what? I forget. Are you around tomorrow or is that a time? >> Yeah, I'm I'm in the land use clerk office Mondays and Wednesdays 10 to 12.
>> Okay. Okay. Um I'll see if I can get there. Well, I can't get there tomorrow, but I'll give her a call. Yeah, I I'm tied up tomorrow during that during those times. But I'll give her a call and just see if I can kind of get
her to, you know, at least kind of get something going, but you know, >> newsletter would be great. >> Yeah. Yeah. But okay. >> I'm not sure what you can share and what you can't share. You know, there's got to be some >> But you think a timeline for the project
to let the the people along around the lake know makes sense? Yeah. >> All right. Well, I am looking for a motion to issue the emergency search to. >> So moved.
>> Second. >> I have a second. >> All right. Roll call. McDuffy. >> I. >> Douglas. >> I. >> Fox. >> I. >> And Wilson. I. All right. Does anybody else have any
other unanticipated business? >> All right, then we are done. Um, >> one >> Michael, did you want to um meet after this? >> Yeah, sure. I just had a couple questions. That's okay. >> Yeah, that's fine. I'm just thinking we need to probably we'll shut this Zoom
down and I will send you something from my own Zoom account. >> Okay. Thank you. or we'll figure out we'll figure out something. Sounds good. All right. So, now we need um a motion to adjurnn. >> So, moved. >> I would second that motion.
>> Great. Roll call. McDuffy >> I. >> Fox >> I. >> Douglas. >> Hi. >> And Wilson. I. All right. Thanks everybody. >> Thanks everyone. Bye now. >> See you soon. Three.