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Otis Conservation Commission approves tree removals, invasive-reed control plan and multiple permits
Summary
At its Oct. 20 meeting, the Otis Conservation Commission issued unanimous -3 determinations for multiple RDA submissions involving tree removals and shoreline improvements, granted a Notice of Intent to mechanically remove invasive common reed at Benton Brook, and issued a Certificate of Compliance for DEP file #254-45.
The Otis Conservation Commission met Oct. 20, 2025, at Otis Town Hall and by Zoom and approved a series of resource-area permits affecting local ponds and wetlands.
Chair Dave Sarnacki opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m., noted the session was being recorded and announced application deadlines and office hours for the commission’s Nov. 18 meeting. The commission then moved through routine business, approving the Sept. 16, 2025 minutes by unanimous vote.
The commission considered several Requests for Determination of Applicability (RDA) and one Notice of Intent (NOI). For each RDA, Chair Dave Sarnacki moved for a -3 determination with standard conditions; most motions were seconded by Bruce Wall or Chris Chaffee and were approved unanimously. Actions approved included: removal of four trees at 86 S. Gate Island Rd. (Gallo) within the Otis Reservoir buffer zone; a stone-wall rebuild, installation of EZ-ROLL gravel pavers and removal of dead trees/limbs at 1361 E. Otis Rd. (submitted via Stetson Hallowell for Erika Mueller) in the Benton Pond buffer zone; removal of four dead trees at 97 D’Wolfe Dr. (submitted via John W Field Tree Service for Frederick Altice) affecting Watson Pond; removal of four trees at 372 Lion Hill Rd. (David Vogel) in the Big Pond buffer zone; and a 12-by-24-foot deck with sonotubes and steps at 34 East Shore Rd. (Patricia Rizzo) in the Big Pond buffer zone. A continuing RDA for demolition and construction of a new 24x36 home on piers, associated deck, and new well and septic at 349 Latimer Hill Rd. (Chaffee Construction for Michael O’Donnell) was considered with revised septic plans and received a -3 determination with standard conditions.
On a separate item, the commission granted a Notice of Intent filed by Stockman Associates on behalf of Jill Goodman to mechanically remove invasive common reed (Phragmites) in the buffer zone of Benton Brook to restore native vegetation and wildlife habitat; the motion to grant the NOI passed unanimously.
The commission also granted a Certificate of Compliance for work completed under DEP File #254-45 at the request of Veronica Martin; the motion to grant the COC passed unanimously.
Votes at a glance: - RDA: James & Maureen Gallo, 86 S. Gate Island Rd. — removal of 4 trees (Otis Reservoir). Motion: -3 determination with standard conditions. Mover: Chair Dave Sarnacki. Second: Bruce Wall. Outcome: approved unanimously. - RDA: Erika Mueller (via Stetson Hallowell), 1361 E. Otis Rd. — stone wall rebuild, EZ-ROLL pavers, removal of dead trees/limbs (Benton Pond). Motion: -3 determination with standard conditions. Mover: Chair Dave Sarnacki. Second: Bruce Wall. Outcome: approved unanimously. - RDA: Frederick Altice (via John W Field Tree Service), 97 D’Wolfe Dr. — removal of 4 dead trees (Watson Pond). Motion: -3 determination with standard conditions. Mover: Chair Dave Sarnacki. Second: Bruce Wall. Outcome: approved unanimously. - NOI: Jill Goodman (via Stockman Associates), 90 Benton Dr. — mechanical removal of invasive common reed (Benton Brook). Motion: grant NOI. Mover: Chair Dave Sarnacki. Second: Bruce Wall. Outcome: approved unanimously. - RDA (continuance): Michael O'Donnell (via Chaffee Construction), 349 Latimer Hill Rd. — demo and new 24x36 home on piers, deck, new well and septic (Big Pond). Revised septic plans supplied. Motion: -3 determination with standard conditions. Mover: Chair Dave Sarnacki. Second: Chris Chaffee. Outcome: approved unanimously. - RDA: Patricia Rizzo, 34 East Shore Rd. — install 12'x24' deck with 15 sonotubes and steps (Big Pond). Motion: -3 determination with standard conditions. Mover: Chair Dave Sarnacki. Second: Bruce Wall. Outcome: approved unanimously. - RDA: David Vogel, 372 Lion Hill Rd. — removal of 4 trees (Big Pond). Motion: -3 determination with standard conditions. Mover: Chair Dave Sarnacki. Second: Bruce Wall. Outcome: approved unanimously. - Certificate of Compliance: Veronica Martin — DEP File #254-45. Motion: grant COC. Mover: Chair Dave Sarnacki. Second: Chris Chaffee. Outcome: approved unanimously.
Why it matters: The permits affect buffer zones around Otis Reservoir, Benton Pond, Watson Pond and Big Pond; approving the NOI to remove invasive common reed is intended to restore native plant communities and wildlife habitat in Benton Brook. The actions recorded were procedural approvals of property owners’ proposed work with standard conditions intended to protect wetland interests.
The commission adjourned at 6:46 p.m. The application deadline and office hours for the next meeting (Nov. 18, 2025) were announced as Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 by 3:00 p.m.
