On Tuesday, May 20 the Rochester Conservation Commission began its meeting by addressing a request for determination of applicability filed by John Scheub.

Scheub was present to discuss a shed on his property that he would like to expand from its current 12- by 8- foot size to a 12- by 24-foot size. The committee agreed that a fence around the structure would be a good idea so there wouldn’t be any more encroachment. It was determined that 30 inches around the perimeter of the shed would suffice for maintenance. Scheub stated that “that would work great.”

This particular property rests within 25 feet of Snipatuit Pond, which concerns the committee since Snipatuit Pond is considered a “no-touch zone.”

With the stipulation that Scheub remove any debris from beyond a rock-wall barrier at the edge of his yard and comply with the fence around the perimeter of the shed, the committee agreed that a notice of intent would not be required.

The next item on the agenda was a notice of intent filed by Don Stimer regarding the removal of non-native and invasive plants, known as phragmites australis. These common reeds are overtaking the wetland near Stimer’s property at 14 Bishop Rd. in Rochester.

Chris Polatin of Polatin Ecological Services, LLC joined Stimer in presenting a plan of action to the board members. Polatin explained the stages involved in the removal of the phragmites with the help of a poster-board with pictures.

The stages include an “initial herbicide application” followed by “phragmites reduction-mowing,” then “removal” and lastly a “follow-up herbicide application.” This would be kept-up by ongoing “stewardship and maintenance.”

The wetland property being considered is only between a quarter and a half-acre of land.

Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon asked about the potential impact on the water with this plan saying, “it’s in the Mattapoisett Valley Watershed.”

Polatin replied that “we will have to get some additional info.”

ConCom member Rosemary Smith asked Stimer, “Do your neighbors have issues?”

Stimer responded that the phragmites are moving in their direction.

ConCom member John Teal suggested that as little fertilizer as possible be used on the property and Farinon asked to “please forward the chemicals you’re going to use” as well. Stimer agreed.

Polatin, when asked by the committee what plans he had for the property once the phragmites were reduced, replied that “I don’t think that we should have too much of a vision for this natural system.”

Teal stated, “I agree with you. Let nature do the job.” Only in the event of nature failing should there be any interference. Teal said that especially at the start he would “absolutely suggest no planting.”

Polatin explained that “we’re probably going to want to get more expertise on the water quality issues.” A continuance for this proposed wetland enhancement was granted by the committee.

The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted and a few positive remarks were made about a portable sawmill demonstration that was held on May 9 and which a few committee members attended. Farinon said that it was “an excellent event” and Smith said that she “learned a lot about communication in advance of anything.”

The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for June 3 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall.

By Sarah Taylor

At 7:00 pm, the Marion Planning Board meeting was called to order by former Vice Chairman Stephen Kokkins. The first order of business was to re-organize the board and welcome in three new members, Eileen J. Marum, Robert H. Lane and Michael Popitz, M.D.

Kokkins added that he would also like to “recognize the extremely good services of those that have served” and that “the door is always open in the future.”

With the new members situated into the seven member board, it was time to elect a new chairman, vice chairman, and clerk. Steve Gonsalves nominated Kokkins saying, “seeing how you performed as vice-chair, I’d like to see you as chair.”

The motion was seconded, and the board unanimously agreed. Kokkins replied, “I thankfully accept your offer for a year.”

For vice chairman, new member Marum said, “I’d like to nominate Norm Hills.” The board then nominated him into this position, which he accepted.

For the position of clerk, which Kokkins joked that at one point or another nearly all the members had been clerk and that he “dimly remembers being clerk,” Lane was nominated. The board voted him into the position.

Kokkins announced, “our board is reconstituted. As your chairman, we can now get down to business.”

The newest members briefly shared a little bit about themselves. Lane stated that he’s been a resident of Marion since 1980. He has worked in real estate development and construction management and is now semi-retired.

Popitz has been a citizen of this town for 17 years. He and his wife are both anesthesiologists. “I am looking forward to serving this town and being on this planning board.”

Marum has lived in Marion for three years. She is a retired registered nurse and a certified public housing manager. She has a “great interest in housing and environmental issues.”

Jay Hiller and Rich Riccio of Field Engineering then approached the board about a request for a modification of a site plan at 635 Mill St. The proposal was for a “relatively minor land change” and would basically involve updating a plan that was brought before the board in 2006.

Due to the lapse in time since the plan was initially proposed, a question of expiration was asked by the board and Kokkins stated that it “sounds like changes are minor. However, there is a need to verify that the site plan is still in effect.”

It was determined that the plan could be re-submitted for site-plan approval. Kokkins stated, “We might expect to see you at the next meeting.”

Next was the appointment of a SRPEDD representative from the board. The representative would be responsible for attending meetings and reporting back to the planning board. Marum stated “I would be interested.” She was voted by the board into the position.

A CPC representative was also needed. Kokkins asked if Popitz would be willing. He said that he would. Popitz was then voted into the position.

The minutes from the previous meeting were then approved by the board, and the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:20pm.

By Sarah Taylor

Mattapoisett’s Industrial Business Park will soon be the new location for Sid Wainer & Son now that Zoning Board of Appeals approval has been received. Wainer, a food merchant, will occupy the warehouse space previously home to LESCO Distributing. John Folino, owner of Cape Building Systems, Inc. and of the warehouse in question, petitioned the ZBA for approval of non-conforming placement of concrete pads where Wainer will place refrigeration units, industrial strength generators, and condensers all designed to allow the business to handle fresh food production and packaging with efficiency.

            Andy Bobola, Director of Inspectional Services, told the board that in his opinion the applicant had prepared a “great proposal” and that it was “good to see new businesses coming into town.” Henry Wainer was also present and told them that he is regulated by the FDA, which often performs unannounced inspections. He told the board that his operation would be clean, state-of-the-art, and a good neighbor. The project was approved.

            Of the other five hearings before the board, all passed with ease. A continued hearing for the Marvins of 14 Mechanic Street received permission to construct an addition to the 1840 Greek revival. First, the older additions that were not in keeping with the original architecture will be removed and replaced with an addition more compatible with the style. During the first hearing, the board wanted assurances that the proposed addition would not make the finished home larger than those in the area. Bob Field of Field Engineering did research into homes along Mechanic Street for lot fill percentages. His results proved that the average was 25 percent. The Marvin’s home would come in at 24 percent. The ZBA approved the plan.

            Jay Duker, 112 Aucoot Road, sought permission from the board to leave the home at the address in place until Labor Day while the new home planned for the site is being constructed, thereby giving them someplace to stay during the summer season. Bobola said that it was a reasonable request and suggested that the board could allow the request with condition that the old home be razed at an appointed date in September. The applicant received approval with a September 15 date for the removal of the original home.

            Tom Clancy, 10 Briar Road, received permission to build a new home – built to FEMA regulations – after demolition of the existing structure. The site is in an AE flood zone. The new home will be centered on the lot and will not be taller than 35 feet at its highest point.

            Edwin Sargent, 3 Oakland Way, was approved for the construction of a small, 685-square foot addition. When completed, the home will have a total of 1261 square feet of living space. Bobola said, “Mr. Sargent has been very thorough in his approach.”

            Richard Charon, representing Richard Wells of 10 Woodland Avenue, was able to achieve a compromise with the board that now allows the applicant to build a 20-foot wide garage. The structure will have break-away partitions and no habitable space.

            Before adjourning for the evening, Bobola told the board members that they need to plan for the appointment of a new chairman with the retiring of John Chase in that role. He also said that on May 27 at 7:00 pm in town hall, the Board of Selectmen will be honoring Chase for his 25 years of service to the community.

            He went on to say that with this vacancy, the board will need to bring one alternate member up to a full-time member, select a new chairman, and possibly seek new members. Mary Anne Brogan asked if they could also remove alternate members who hadn’t truly been involved. Bobola said that was certainly something they could discuss, but suggested that before any decisions are made, a full meeting with all ZBA members should be called. To that end, a memo will be sent to all members asking for their attendance at the next meeting.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for June 19 at 6:00 pm in town hall.

By Marilou Newell