TOWN OF OTIS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
8/15/2023 MEETING MINUTES
Location: Otis Town Hall, One North Main Road, Otis – Zoom Meeting
Conservation Commission Members present: Dave Sarnacki, Bruce Wall, Roger Meyer, Domenic Battista
Conservation Commission Members absent: Jeff Laramy, Jenn Cole
Staff and others present: Kristen Brown OCC Admin Secretary; Candy Chaffee OCC Admin Secretary, Jeremia Pollard – Town Council
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 9/19/2023 meeting is on Wednesday September 6, 2023 @ 6:00 PM. The next office hours, for the September 19, 2023 meeting, is on Wednesday September 6, 2023 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 July, 18, 2023 meeting; BW 2nd the motion and the Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes for the July 18, 2023 meeting.
- Public Hearing – RDA – Submitted by Bert Paquin, on behalf of Scott Paquin, 242 Kibbe Rd., map 17C lot 61, regarding the replacement of existing stone steps/stairs with new stone to improve safety within the BZ of Otis Reservoir. Dave opened this hearing and asked if there were any issues with this project; no issues stated. Dave made a motion for a -3-determination w/standard conditions. RM 2nd the motion & the Commission voted unanimously to issue a -3-determination w/standard conditions.
- Public Hearing – RDA – Submitted by Chaffee Construction, on behalf of Harley Dulude, 20 Pleasant Dr., map 15D lot 136, regarding the removal of stone-wall & stairs w/addition of lawn, reconstruction of existing shed in same footprint, all within the BZ of Otis Reservoir. With all that being said, Dave made a motion for a -3 determination with standard conditions; BW 2nd the motion and the Commission voted unanimously to issue a -3-determination w/standard conditions.
- Public Hearing – RDA – Submitted by MADOT Hwy. Div., on behalf of Francisca R. Hemming, 29 E. Otis Rd., map 10D lots 37 & 41, regarding cleaning of existing headwalls, uncover, cleaning & excavation of existing swales, all within the BZ & within the 100 YR Floodplain. With all that being said, Dave made a motion for a -3 determination with standard conditions; BW 2nd the motion and the Commission voted unanimously to issue a -3-determination w/standard conditions.
OTHER BUSINESS
Enforcement Orders/Letters:
- The following 4 EO’s are regarding the improper storm water damage on Reservoir Heights Road that is causing erosion of materials into the Otis Reservoir. Dave Opened this hearing and asked if anyone was in attendance. All Applicants were in attendance except for Mr. Mazzeo who had attended the meeting on 7/18/23. Upon discussion it was agreed upon that the owners would get together to come up with a solution and issue the appropriate paperwork for permission. Dave made a motion to ratify all 4 enforcement orders and stated that the RDA for the repair work should be received by no later than September 6th, 2023; RM Seconded the motion and the commission voted unanimously to ratify all 4 enforcement orders.
- Enforcement Order –Eric Hollander, 52 Drive G, map 18C lot 9, regarding the observed work conducted within jurisdictional areas; NOI was submitted, however, has subsequently been continued as a courtesy for several months, due to non-receipt of the requested documentation, nor attendance of recent meetings. Moved to Executive session.
- Enforcement Order – Rudolph & Lori Mazzeo, 7 Reservoir Heights Road, map 15C lot 17, regarding improper stormwater drainage within the BZ of Otis Reservoir, which is causing materials to cross Reservoir Road, and run into Otis Reservoir.
- Enforcement Order – Richard & Dora Bleier, 9 Reservoir Heights Road, map 15C lot 18, regarding improper stormwater drainage within the BZ of Otis Reservoir, which is causing materials to cross Reservoir Road, and run into Otis Reservoir.
- Enforcement Order – Peter & Jeri L. Rybacki, 42 Reservoir Heights Road, map 15C lot 21, regarding improper stormwater drainage within the BZ of Otis Reservoir, which is causing materials to cross Reservoir Road, and run into Otis Reservoir.
- Enforcement Order – William J. Holland, 10 Reservoir Heights Road, map 15C lot 10/15/18, regarding improper stormwater drainage within the BZ of Otis Reservoir, which is causing materials to cross Reservoir Road, and run into Otis Reservoir.
- Emergency Certifications:
- Emergency Certification: Submitted by Mark Bergeron, 81 Vine Street, map 16C lot 1, regarding the request to remove 2 dead/dying trees that represent a danger to persons and/or property, within the BZ of Otis Reservoir. Dave opened this hearing and asked if there were any questions regarding the tree removal with none being stated he made a motion to ratify this EC as issued; BW 2nd the motion and the Commission voted unanimously to ratify this EC.
Forest Cutting Plan:
Extensions of Orders of Condition:
Certificate of Compliance Requests:
Unanticipated Business:
Next office hours: Wednesday, September , 2023 from 6-9 p.m. at Otis Town Hall.
Next meeting: September 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at Otis Town Hall, or Remote via Zoom.
Dave made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 PM. BW 2nd the motion and the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting and go into Executive Session.