Commissioners Present: Remotely via zoom: Chris Duerring, Chair and Greg Brodski Vice Chair; In person at Town Hall: Nancy Putnam, Mary Willianson, Bob Paquet
Meeting called to order at 7:09 PM Agenda item added (Andrew Spofford, Wendell Road site visit) All agreed to postpone review of meeting minutes from September until next meeting.
Ch. 61 Town’s Right of First Refusal on Northfield Road parcel (312-406-18) – C. Duerring explained that before the Selectboard releases the right of first refusal for a parcel for sale that is under Ch 61 it needs the Conservation Commission’s opinion in case the property has some significant conservation value that would require the full 120 day period for analysis. Commission discussed and was OK with the release. Duerring will inform Selectboard. Concerns expressed that land clearing is occurring on the property already. Landowner should be sent a letter informing them that they need to file an RDA as property is close to mapped wetlands. Duerring will follow up.
DCR Flagg Road Bridge Invasive Plant Management Plan — Commissioners discussed their review comments. Concerns — plan should include management of all non-native invasive shrubs and vines not just buckthorn; Commission requires prior notification before work begins; inclusion of annual reports; and clarification of project area. Commission approves of the methods described for management. Duerring will draft comment letter to Arcadis.
40 Dusty Road – Site visit (Duerring Putnam, Paquet) on Sept. 26 to review erosion control BMPs. Met with contractor doing the demolition. Planning house demolition this year. Commissioners approved the erosion control, excellent job. 6 trees are marked for removal within 50 feet of bank and will have to be replaced.
Gale Road Bridge Emergency Certification request- Site visit Oct 6. David Young, Don Matthews, Matt Dorgan, Greg Brodski, Nancy Putnam, Bob Paquet, Kai Marti Woodson. Discussion of Emergency Certification Request by the town. Project to include removal of bridge deck, replace stone(s) that have fallen out of the old abutment, clean out large pile of debris (wood and mud) that has collected on concrete decking under the bridge. Don Matthews to do the work. The Commission voted on two motions:
- G. Brodski moved to grant the emergency certification, M. Williamson 2nd Three commissioners opposed, two in favor, motion did not pass.
- C. Duerring moved to require an RDA be submitted, B. Paquet 2nd: Three commissioners in favor, two opposed, motion passed.
Further discussion re. conditions for the RDA: include abutter notification; include description of BMPs to be used to prevent erosion and sedimentation of disturbed area as well as incursion of debris and sediment into the water during work; RDA should be sent to DFW, Natural Heritage . Endangered Species Program to review as the entire area of the project lies within priority species habitat. Commission agreed to meet earlier for a special meeting, if necessary, to address the RDA as quickly as possible.
Ralph Jay Bridge — M. Williamson reports that the landowner (Paul Laflesh) is working up an updated detailed material list for G. Brodski to submit to Hamshaw Lumber.
Kelly NOI — M. Williamson spoke to Kellys about additional work observed on the property. Learned no new structures planned, just an addition to the shed roof to accommodate more solar modules. Commission needs to review last letter to Kellys regarding wetland restoration plan. May require another letter to remind them of remaining required restoration activities and overdue monitoring report. Duerring will follow up.
Andrew Spofford building permit — M. Williamson visited 64 Wendell Road responding to a request by landowner Andrew Spofford for Conservation Commission sign off on building permit for an attached garage. No wetlands involved. Permit signed.
Next meeting date —- Monday, November 3, 2025
Meeting adjourned 8:36 PM. Motion by B. Paquet, N. Putnam 2nd. All in favor.