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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-25 Conservation Commission MinutesConservation Meeting Minutes January 25, 2012 Appmwd February 29, 2012 MINUTES Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Present: William Hecht, Chairman; Jamie Maughan, Thomas Loughlin, Barbara Stewart Charles Tirone, Conservation Administrator Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Jun Yan, resident Paul MacDonald, resident Bernadette Quigley, resident Marc & Kim Moll, applicant Christine Levesque, applicant Mr. Orazio Guevara, applicant Absent: Brian Tucker, Brian Sullivan, Annika Scanlon Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chairman opened the meeting at 7:00 PM Old /New Business 557 Haverhill Street: Mr. Tirone talked about how unpermitted work was already done on this property but the fence installation and removal of two trees have not been completed. The owner will file an after- the -fact RDA and it will be on the next agenda. Minutes for Approval: Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve the January 11, 2012 minutes. Mr. Maughn seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0 RDA Closeout Request: RGB 2010 -21 -149 Walnut Street, Malone. Mr. Chairman stated the property is in good shape; the backyard is cleaned up. The applicant saved the trees that were requested and additional ones as well. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to Closeout RDA. Mr. Maughan seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. Pearl Street: Gas line maintenance project- National Grid Mr. Chairman talked about how the Pearl Street project is not in the resource area. National Grid will file RDA's on the other gas line's replacement projects that are in the resource area. The Commission talked about their concerns about the patching the company will do; and if they will go back and check the work that is being done in the winter weather. It was suggested that Conservation follows up with Engineering, to check if resurfacing might need to be done in the spring. Regulations Discussion The Commission discussed the Vernal Pools definition that was proposed by Mr. Chairman, until the time on the Agenda was met. RDA 12 -2: 20 Benjamin Road, Map 21 Lot 114, Moll The applicant talked about how they want to put an addition over their garage — there will be no foundation work. Plans were presented to show the finished project. Erosion control was talked about. There will be hay bails up to the vinyl fence. The work in the back of the house will consist of people working on ladders; no heavy equipment is necessary in the back yard. The Commission discussed if a RDA was necessary. A neighbor asked if the Construction work could start at 9:00 AM Conservation Meeting Minutes January 25, 2012 Approved February 29, 2012 Motion made by Mr. Maughan to approve a negative determination with no conditions. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. Continued, RDA 12 -1: 7 Harvest Road, Map 23 Lot 3, Guevara The Commission talked about how this house was built on two lots and close to a stream, built pre 1996 Riverfront Act. The applicant would like to build an addition to the back of the house on a slab foundation. The Commission did a site visit on Sunday. The bank was stable and the vegetation was well rooted, however, downstream there was erosion by the abandoned bridge. The applicant stated that the all work including the foundation will be done by hand; however, the Commission believes excavation would be necessary to build this addition. The concern of heavy equipment being used was talked about. If the applicant used the access he has through his backyard to get to the proposed addition, the commission believes trees would need to be cut down. The abutting neighbor's at the meeting also raised concern about using the equipment as well. The Commission told the applicant that the next step is to file a NOI if he wants to proceed with the permitting process. The NOI would have construction details and a plot plan. The Commission also believes a variance from Zoning is needed because the proposed addition doesn't meet the setbacks. The Commission talked about why a positive determination is necessary checking off number 1 and 3 Vote was 4 -0 -0 to approve reasons. Motion made by Mr. Loughlin to approve a positive determination. Mr. Maughan seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. The applicant asked if he could put a chain link fence on the rest of his property; not on the riverside. He is concerned about someone getting hurt. The Commission talked about this being a minor project or a RDA. The Commission let the applicant know he needs to file for this request. Regulations Discussion Vernal Pools definition was brought back up from earlier. The definition presented to the Commission was talked about. They discussed whose responsibility it is to certify Vernal Pools. The Commission decided on a definition and the Chairman will rewrite and present again. Mr. Tirone let the Commission know that a Consultant told him that the Towns regulations are difficult, they are not standard with any other town The Commission talked about the Wildlife Habitat definition. Mr. Loughlin stated he had a hard time finding the States definition. Ms. Stewart proposed what she would like the definition to be. The Commission talked about the goal is to simplify the regulations. The Commission is to take another look at the Wildlife definition for the next meeting. Mr. Loughlin compared the Towns regulations to the Mass. Wetland Protection Act and the Mass MGL. The Commission is to look over the comparisons and make notes Mr. Maughan wanted to know if anyone was willing to make a presentation about the fee schedules and the proposed changes. The Commission would like to simplify fees. It was noted that the Towns fees are the same in five other towns. A suggestion was to cap fees on single family houses. After discussion, it was decided there is not enough meetings before presentation is needed. Mr. Loughlin is going to look over fee schedule for next meeting. Isolated Wetlands was discussed and exactly what it is. Mr. Maughan believes the definition is in the by laws. He let them know the Adhoc Committee talked to Town Counsel about what isolated wetlands are and about limiting the size in the regulations. It was stated by Mr. Chairman and Mr. Maughan they will not be at the next meeting. Mr. Tirone will need to make sure there is a quorum. Conservation Meeting Minutes January 25, 2012 Approved February 29, 2012 Motion made by Mr. Maughan to adjourn @ 9.10. Ms. Stewart seconded. The vote was 4 -0 -0.