Conservation Commission

CITY OF FITCHBURG CONSERVATION COMMISSION DRAFT MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017 COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Tracey Sarefield, Chair, John Cordio, Mike Donnelly, Harry Karis, John Koutonen, David Streb (6) STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Mike O’Hara, Tim Smith CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 6:02 at Fitchburg Municipal Airport, 567 Crawford St., Administration Building, Room 106. Ms. Sarefield read an introduction stating the mission statement of the Commission, and the role & responsibilities of the Conservation Commission and the eight interests of the Wetlands Protection Act. PUBLIC HEARINGS Notice of Intent - Fitchburg Renewables, LLC, 239 Fisher Rd., 4.5 MW ground-mounted solar array Applicant had requested postponement to November meeting. Last week NexAmp requested another postponement. Their LSP’s report is not ready. Hearing postponed to next 0/26/17 meeting Notice of Intent - Stratton Players Theater, 177 Boulder Drive, work in floodplain Tom Peterman, Architect, Paul Avery, Civil Engineer and & Hal Smith & Sophia Bogdasarian, Stratton Players board members Tom gave overview of proposal. The original theater burned down in 2011. In 2013 Stratton acquired “Lucy’s Barn” a 2-story carriage house donated to Stratton by the Fay Club. The north wall and roof have been replaced. The renovation is being done in two phases: Phase 1 - renovate to allow the building to be used for set building, storage, board meetings, and some rehearsals. Phase 2 will complete renovation to allow for theatrical productions. Planning Board recently approved site plan for site work at the parking lot and exterior renovations. Project is in Commission’s jurisdiction because it involves some filling within the 100-year floodplain. Compensatory flood storage will be provided by cutting grades on site, contour by contour. Lowest floor of bldg. will be below the Base Flood Elevation, but this is permitted in Bldg. Code because it’s a historic structure. Impervious area doesn’t increase. Stormwater flows off-site to a catchbasin on other side of Boulder Dr. Sedimentation barriers to be installed to protect inlets. Tom: Storm Damage Prevention is one of the interests of the WPA. This project fits that criteria. It is a redevelopment project. Public comment: Mr. Smith & Ms. Bogdasarian spoke in favor of the project. Motion made & seconded to close hearing. Vote in favor. Motion made & seconded to Issue Order of Conditions w/ following conditions:  Straw bales be installed behind (downgradient) of silt fence.  Stormwater basin be installed first to act a sediment basin during construction.  Upon completion and stabilization of stormwater basin, Commission to be notified for an inspection. Commission to review and approve the completed stabilization of the stormwater basin prior to the start of installation of solar array. Vote in favor. 2-23-18 DRAFT FITCHBURG CONSERVATION COMMISSION Page 2 November 28, 2017 Timeline? They will be bidding the project soon OTHER BUSINESS: 2018 meeting schedule Draft schedule reviewed. Commission agreed to keep meeting date the last Tuesday of the month, and keep the same meeting space at the Airport, if that space is available Motion made & seconded to adjourn. Vote in favor. Meeting adjourned: 7:03 p.m. Next meeting: 12/26/2017 2-23-18