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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-09 Conservation Commission MinutesRECEIVED TOWN CLERK Conservation Meeting Minutes 11/09/2011 Approved 11/30/2011 RF ANNU, P1r,CJJ- MINUTES Reading Conservation Commission Meeting 2011 DEC 15 A 8. 38Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, November 9, 2011 Present: Bill Hecht, Chairman; Jamie Maughan; Annika Scanlon; Thomas Loughlin, Barbara Stewart; Brian Tucker, Brian Sullivan, Interim Conservation Administrator, Charles Tirone Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chairman opened the meeting at 7:00 PM Old /New Business COC 270 -0387, 1364 Main Street, Map 224 Lot 5, Continental Health Care Mr. Tirone stated this case was completed at the October 26`h meeting. Extension Permit 270 -0492, 306 Main Street, Getty Petroleum Marketing Commission noted at the site visit, the test wells were unlocked. Sheen was on the screen; but it was clean. There was no sense of iron or rust. The job is not complete; a one year extension is needed. Ms. Scanlon would like to do a site visit. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to extend permit for one year. Ms. Scanlon seconded. The vote was 4 -0 -0. (3 Commission members arrived after this vote) Ratify Emergency Certification, 35 Mark Street Mr. Tirone stated that New England Tree came in for the applicant, with pictures showing that a tree fell on the house — it cracked the roof. The tree is in the 100' buffer. Motion made by Mr. Maughan to Ratify Emergency Certification. Ms. Stewart seconded. The vote was 7 -0 -0. Minutes for approval: October 12, 2011 The Commission went over the changes made by Mr. Maughan on the By -laws that were discussed at this meeting. Motion made by Mr. Maughan to approve the minutes of October 12, 2011 as amended. Ms. Stewart seconded. The vote was 7 -0 -0. October 26, 2011 Motion made by Mr. Maughan to approve the minutes of October 26, 2011 as amended. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6 -1 -0 (Mr. Sullivan was not here for this meeting). Continued, NOI 270 -0589, 1198 Main Street, Map, 195 Lot, 6 &7, Wilson The Chairman opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Tirone stated he talked with the applicant by phone; there was no objection to the Order of Conditions. A new set of plans were presented showing the 10' strip of trees. Mr. Tirone stated that from his site visit he believes there will be a fair amount of blasting and erosion protection needed. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve the Order of Conditions. Mr. Tucker seconded. The vote was 7 -0 -0. Continued, NOI 270 -0592: 1000 Main Street, Map, 33 Lot, 141, Taber Conservation Meeting Minutes 11/09/2011 Approved 11/30/2011 Mr. Chairman opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Sullivan recues himself; his coworker stamped the plans. At the October 26th meeting the DEP # was not issued. The applicant not present; but he has no concerns. The Order of Conditions states that the stockpile needs to be removed during construction. Mr. Tirone will talk to applicant about erosion control that was not on the plan. Motion made by Mr. Maughan to approve the Order of Conditions. Mr. Tucker seconded. The vote was 6 -0.1. ANRAD 270 -0593: 97& 101 Forest Street, Map, 39 Lot, 103 & 104, Carolyn /Florence LLC Ms. Leah Basbanes, Basbanes Wetland Consultant, represented the applicant. Plans were presented showing the flagging of the Wetlands. Ms. Basbanes talked about the soil testing and vegetation. The Commission was concerned about the elevation change and if there should be more flags. Flowing water was present when the Commission was at the site; maybe a culvert? Ms. Basbanes said it was not there in May. Vernal Pools were discussed; they will not be approved, only the line that is shown. An abutter was concerned about activity that is going on. Mr. Chairman stated there should be no activity and if there is, it requires a NOI. The ANRAD was not prepared; this case will be continued on November 30, 2011. The applicant will resubmit plans with a new flag showing at the elevation change. The Chairman stated he will not be at the meeting on November 30, 2011. Mr. Maughan will be the Chairman that night. NOI 270 -0591: 468 West Street & Longwood Road, Map, 19 Lot, 3 & 4, Moore Mr. William Bergeron, Hayes Engineering, represented the applicant. Mr. Bergeron talked about Phase II, Johnson Woods. He would like the case to stay open until both the CPDC and Conservation approves the plans; one plan for both departments. The CPDC continued this already. He noted that the Wetlands will not be disturbed with the new Phase. He talked about the fitness and nature trails being proposed and how they will be available to the public. There was concern from the Commission of the wood chips being used. There was a discussion regarding allowing a paved pathway and if it is exempt from riverfront area. Who would maintain and how they get slippery when wet. Planting after construction was discussed. Mr. Bergeron said the CPDC asked for a planting plan. There was a discussion about the fee that the applicant paid; should it be more? Mr. Maughan stated he would like more time to look over the plans The Commission agreed since the case is still open the fee should be thought about. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to Continue. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 7 -0 -0. Causeway Road Pole yard, unauthorized road work discussion Ms. Kristen Trudell and Mr. David Halliwell represented NStar. Mr. Kevin Sullivan and Mr. Nick D'Alleua represented RMLD. Maintenance was done to the road by NStar that was not approved. Ms. Trudell stated she would like to file a NOI. She feels the maintenance done just replaced what was already there. There was a discussion why not just let the Commission issue an Enforcement Order. RMLD wants to expedite this problem. Ms. Trudell stated she will make the 11/16`' deadline to file the NOI. The Order of Conditions would be the following: 1) Exposed areas will be stabilized with straw or covered, 2) Pave driveway, and 3) large stones put in place of the sand being washed out. Reflagging will need to be redone for the 11/27th site visit. The RMLD asked for an Order of Completion. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to issue an Order of Completion. Mr. Laughlin seconded. Vote was 7 -0 -0. Community Garden Discussion Ms. Lydia Silva and Ms. Holly Polich asked the Commission about starting a garden in Reading. They wanted to know about the process and what sites they could look at. The Commission suggested Bare Meadows, Matera Cabin and the water treatment area off of Grove Street. What type of plants and the garden needing water were discussed. It was mentioned that the applicant 2 Conservation Meeting Minutes 11/09/2011 Approved 11/30/2011 might want to do a presentation at the library, Senior Center and maybe at the chosen site. Include in the presentation a plan, maintenance plan and the size. Also keep Mr. Hechenbleikner and Recreation in the discussion. 211 Washington Street, driveway Mr. Eric McBrine asked the Commission if they would approve an extension of gravel driveway off of the driveway already there. The applicant would like to build a garage /carport on this lot. This will make the new structure 25' away from resource. The Commission said looks good, but the applicant would need to file the appropriate paperwork. Minor Projects: 28 Summer Ave, Foristall (fence) Applicant is not present. The applicant would like to install a fence. It was discussed how the fence will be located 60' from resource area. The fence will be on the original hay bale area and is 4' high. The applicant is willing to put a gate in the back of the fence. The Commission will allow an elevated fence w/ gate only on the grass area. Hunt Park: re- vegetation in process signs & No dumping letter It was agreed by the Commission that a sign should be bought. After the vegetation grows back; the sign will be stored for another time. Mr. Tirone said the letters will be going out to the abutters to remind them that no dumping is allowed. Recreational Trail Grant The Commission was notified that the Town still hasn't received the Grant in the mail. However, the State has approved; just waiting. Reading Branch Inspection Report Mr. Tirone said no trash was present. No maintenance needed. Geo Thuran Project ( ?) Ms. Scanlon said drilling is underway Ms. Scanlon wanted the Commission to know that there is a tree down in the Town Forest between the Wetlands and Boardwalk (near the meeting circle). It blocks the path. Ms. Stewart noted that the Trails Committee is checking trails for damage after the storm. Mr. Tirone updated the Commission on the following: He was contacted for inspection of erosion control on the Lowell Street project. Kiley Drive (off of Wakefield) needs hay bales Pulte Homes has not gotten back to him He talked to the contractor for the slope on Grove Street; the contractor can meet the requirements for a safe slope. By -Law Discussion The following was discussed: 1. The Commission talked about the By -Laws and the need to simplify them; the definitions are very wordy. 2. The Chairman discussed the changes he made with the suggestions he received from the Commission. 3. Mr. Laughlin suggested that the State regulations should just be used. The Town of Reading's seems to be the States with unnecessary wording. There was a concern however, if the States Regulations change, then the Town's would need to change. 4. Mr. Tirone stated that the Commission should make their suggested changes in "track changes" and he will add them to the next meeting packet. 5. Mr. Maughan suggested that the Commission drafts a whole bunch then present them. Conservation Meeting Minutes 11/09/2011 Approved 11/30/2011 Slopes — After a discussion, the definition for slopes was agreed upon by the Commission Minor Project - The Chairman stated he was trying to exempt ordinary lawn maintenance. The definition of "maintenance" was discussed. The Commission talked about giving the Conservation Administrator the go ahead to make decisions if it is a minor project or not. The applicant will still have to put in writing a description what they would like to do. A fee will have to be paid if it is a minor project. Ms. Scanlon had concerns that the wrong choice might be made. Creating a checklist was talked about; maybe having columns with the projects that have a fee and one that doesn't. The Commission would like to have a draft checklist to present at the November 14th, Town Meeting. Mr. Chairman asked that the Commission to define Wetland Jurisdiction and Vernal Pools for the next meeting. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to adjourn at 10:45 PM. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 7 -0.0. 4