TOWN OF OTIS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
11/16/2021 MEETING MINUTES
Location: Otis Town Hall, One North Main Road, Otis ** Remote Meeting Via Zoom ***
Conservation Commission Members present: Dave Sarnacki, Roger Meyer, Jeff Laramy, Domenic Battista, Jennifer Cole (new alternate Commissioner).
Conservation Commission Members absent: Bruce Wall
Staff and others present: Kristen Brown OCC Admin Secretary; Chris Cortigiano; Donnie Chaffee w/Chaffee Construction; Ryan Nelson with R. Levesque; Michelle Zalot; Steve Kanner; Others in attendance but unknown, as not announced/confirmed, nor signed-in with a full name on the Zoom application.
Opening items/Introduction of Commission members and staff. Dave opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m., and noted that the meeting is being recorded. The deadline for applications for the November 16, 2021 meeting is on Wednesday December 1, 2021 @ 6:00 PM. The next office hours, for the December 21, 2021 meeting, is also Wednesday December 1, 2021 from 6:00 –9:00 PM. Dave introduced the members of the commission, and asked everyone to turn off/down their cell phones for the duration of the meeting.
Minutes: Dave made a motion to approve minutes from the October 19, 2021 meeting; RM 2nd the motion and the Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the October 19, 2021 meeting.
- Public Hearing – NOI – Submitted by R. Levesque, on behalf of Anne Marie & Dennis Stempel, 41 N. Lake Ave., map 18A lot 38, regarding the repair of existing stone retaining wall in within the BZ of OR. Dave opened this hearing and asked for an update and per KB applicant has resolved the issue of the old Order, and has filed a request for COC, however, there are other issues as outlined by communication from MA DEP, on which the applicant and agents were copied. Applicant will require a continuance to resolve. Therefore, Dave made a motion to continue this item to the 12/21/21 meeting. RM 2nd the motion and the Commission voted unanimously to continue this item until the 12/21/21 meeting.
- Public Hearing – RDA – Submitted by Steven Kanner, 22 Fawn Ct., map 10E lot 69, regarding the removal of 8-10 dead/dying trees within the 200’ resource area surrounding an intermittent stream. Dave opened this hearing and asked the Commission if any issues from the site inspection. Per DB, no issues. Therefore, Dave made a motion for a -3 determination with standard conditions to include stumps cut flush with the ground. DB 2nd the motion and the Commission voted unanimously to issue a -3 determination with standard conditions to include stumps cut flush with ground.
- Public Hearing – NOI – Submitted by Chris Cortigiano, on behalf of Lake Avenue West Association, ROW between Crawford Way & Pine Grove Ridge, map 15D lot 98/99, regarding the repair of existing retaining wall, stairs & railing that are in disrepair, within the BZ of Otis Reservoir. Dave opened this hearing and reminded the Commission that this is the work previously requested under an RDA, and OCC required an NOI. Dave asked if any questions or concerns, and with none being stated made a motion to approve and issue an OOC, with standard and special conditions as applicable, to include that applicant must obtain all permits from MS DCR and/or MA DEP, with regard to this work. JL 2nd the motion and the Commission voted unanimously in agreement.
- Public Hearing – RDA – Submitted by Donnie Chaffee on behalf of Arlene Fishkind, 257 Brookman Dr., map 18C lot 32, regarding the request for a Chapter 91 license for existing dock in the BZ of OR. Dave opened this hearing and asked the Commission if any issues from the site inspection. Per JL, this is only for the purpose of a Chapter 91 licenses. Therefore, Dave made a motion for a -3 determination with standard conditions. JL 2nd the motion and the Commission voted unanimously in agreement.
- Public Hearing – RDA – Submitted by John Schulz, 52 S. Gate Island Rd., map 17C lot 12, regarding the removal of an old tree hit by lightning, within the BZ of OR. Dave opened this hearing and asked if any issues from the site inspection. Per DB, no issues and tree cut flush with ground. Therefore, Dave made a motion for a -3 determination with standard conditions to include stump cut flush with the ground. JL 2nd the motion and the Commission voted unanimously in agreement.
- Public Hearing – NOI – Continuation from October 19, 2021 Meeting – Submitted by R. Levesque Associates, Inc., on behalf of Michele Zalot, 752 Tolland Road, map 17 E lot 10, regarding the demo and rebuild of existing home & septic system with associated site improvements, within the BZ to bank of Otis Reservoir. Dave opened this hearing and asked if any resolution yet, and per Ryan Nelson – not yet, and they would like a continuance. Therefore, Dave made a motion to continue this item to the 12/21/21 meeting agenda. JL 2nd the motion and the Commission voted unanimously to continue this item to the 12/21/21 meeting.
- Public Hearing – RDA – Continued from 10/19/21 Meeting – Submitted by Patrick & Carla Patterson, 142 Kibbe Rd., map 17C lot 46, regarding the removal of asphalt on ramp (driveway), within the BZ of OR. Continued as additional info (supporting documentation) required in order to move forward. Dave opened this item and reminded the Commission that this is still on the agenda as follow-up and no action is needed at this time.
OTHER BUSINESS
Enforcement Orders/Letters:
- Enforcement Order – David Roffo, 134 Kibbe Road, map 17C lot 45, regarding unauthorized paving within the BZ of Otis Reservoir. Dave opened this item and reminded the Commission that this was still on the agenda as follow-up only. No action needed at this time.
Emergency Certifications:
Forest Cutting Plan
Extensions of Orders of Condition:
Certificate of Compliance Requests:
- Public Hearing – Request for COC – Submitted by Antonio J. & Beverly Scapin, 98 Kibbe Road, map 17A lot 34, regarding the request for COC for work completed under OOC 254-0387, that includes demo of existing cottage and reconstruction of a new home in the same footprint, with a 24’ x 28’ attached garage; repair or replace current driveway, existing retaining walls & seawall in the BZ of OR. Dave opened this hearing and asked if any issues with issuing a COC, and per DB all looks good. Therefore, Dave made a motion to approve and issue a COC for this Order; RM/DB 2nd the motion and the Commission voted unanimously to approve and issue a COC for the above referenced OOC.
Unanticipated Business:
Next office hours: Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 6-9 p.m. at Otis Town Hall.
Next meeting: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at Otis Town Hall, or Remote via Zoom.
Dave made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:01 PM. DB 2nd the motion and the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.