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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-08 Conservation Commission MinutesConservation Meeting Minutes February 8, 2012 Approved February 29, 2012 MINUTES Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, February 8, 2012 Present: Barbara Stewart, Acting Chairman; Thomas Loughlin, Brian Tucker, Brian Sullivan, Annika Scanlon Charles Tirone, Conservation Administrator Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Kim McLennan, resident Patti McLennan, resident Jason LeBovidget, resident Anna Demeter, resident Kathy Koliniski, resident Al Coulliard, applicant Leah Basbanes, Basbabes Wetland Consultant Dave Johnson, builder Vinnie Cameron, RMLD Absent: William Hecht, Jamie Maughan Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chairman opened the meeting at 7:00 PM Old /New Business Matera Cabin: The Conservation Administrator told the Commission about the Grant money that needs to be transferred from the Climate Committee to Conservation Department so work can be done on the Cabin. The work will be facilitated by John Fuedo to make the Cabin energy efficient. Motion made by Mr. Loughlin to transfer money to the Conservation. Mr. Tucker seconded. Vote was 5 -0.0. DOA 12 -1: 7 Harvest Road, Map 23 Lot 3, Guevara The Conservation Administrator reminded the Commission the applicant wanted to build an addition on his house. The Commission voted at the 01/25/2012 meeting; a Positive Determination was made reasons based on 1 and 3. The Commission only needed to sign the DOA; the vote was already done. NOI 270 -0596: 97 & 101 Forest Street, Map, 39 Lot, 102 & 104, Caroline Florence LLC Ms. Stewart opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Couliard presented the plan on his proposal of a subdivision. He reminded the Commission that his Anrad was already accepted by the Commission. He stated that he would like to be waived from the Commission or a variance needs to be issued because he realizes how close he is building to the wetlands. He spoke about the wall that is in bad shape. He would like to clean it up now, so the homeowner isn't stuck with it. He will reseed the wetland area. The drip drenches being installed was talked about. The Commission asked about the infiltration from the roofs. The test pits was talked about and if the calculation was right. What type of soil is in the area, B or D; discrepancy with information submitted by applicant? The Commission is concerned the basements, on a couple of lots, will get water in them. The storm sector — inline device (Rinker Materials) being installed, was talked about and if the part can do what the builder says it can do. The tree planting was talked about; the Commission would like to see trees saved rather than new ones planted in the place. Improving the wetlands was suggested. The Commission talked about their concern with how much land is being disrupted and changed; and how little the area is for so much change. There is a lot of impact on a small area. The Porous pavement was talked about; if it should be Conservation Meeting Minutes February 8, 2012 Approved February 29, 2012 used. The concern with open flared ends being installed; and having no protection from materials being tossed in was talked about. Maybe the preventive maintenance that is being proposed should be registered at the Deeds office. The homeowner will need to be educated about the maintenance needed on his property. The Commission went through with the applicant what is missing from the documents supplied and what they would like to see by the next meeting. The builder is going to follow up with his Engineer and get back to the Commission. The abutters were concerned about flooding in their back yard now and if it will be fixed or worse with development. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to continue the Hearing on February 29, 2012. Mr. Tucker seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0. RDA 12 -3: 557 Haverhill Street, Map 46 Lot 177, McLennan Ms. Stewart opened up Public Hearing. Ms. McLennan talked to the Commission about taking some trees down that are leaning towards her house and establishing a chain link fence. She showed the Commission pictures of the trees in question. The Administrator let the Commission know because of some confusion with homeowner some work was already done. Looming and seeding already there; but raking and adding more seed will need to be done. The Commission asked about putting something in front of the wetlands in case of heavy rain; using Sill fence and not hay bails was suggested. If erosion control was necessary because of how flat the land is. The Administrator said that he will go back for inspections; especially when the lawn is established. Motion made by Mr. Tucker to Close Public Hearing. Ms. Scanlon seconded. The vote was 5 -0.0. The applicant asked what type of fertilizer she should use; slow release fertilizer was recommended. The Administrator told the applicant to call him to ask if any other work is to be done; than what was discussed. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to accept Order of Conditions. Mr. Laughlin seconded. Vote was 5 -0.0. Order of Conditions signed by Commission. Minutes for Approval: Because of no quorum; the minutes for the January 25, 2012 meeting was not approved. They will have to be approved at the February 29, 2012 meeting The Conservation Administrator talked about the following • That the 2011 annual report is needed by Wednesday of next week. He will send the Commission the 2010 report and they will edit and make any changes. They will get it back to him by Monday. • He let the Commission know that a group would like to use the Conservation land for a walk. It will be carry in /carry out policy. • Mr. Bill Bergeron would like feedback of the supplement he supplied to the Commission; based on the recommended changes from the last meeting for Johnson Woods. He would like to prepare for the February 29, 2012 meeting. • He would like approval from the Commission to change the application forms to say 9 copies are needed not 11 copies. • LEC Environment, a consultant for the resident at 78 Whittier Road, called. His client would like to add an addition; 10 to 15' of proposal into wetlands. The consultant asked that the Commission come by the site and make suggestions to see if this would be accepted by the Commission. The resident didn't want to file and spend money if they don't have to. The Commission stated they do not feel comfortable doing this. The consultant should delineate wetland, read the Towns by -law and fill out an application. Regulations Discussion The Commission talked about the MACC newsletter "How to Define a Wetland" 2 Conservation Meeting Minutes February 8, 2012 Approved February 29, 2012 Vernal Pools was discussed by the Commission. Should just a definition be used or does it need a section in the Regulations. Ashburnham definition was talked about. Also, who will be responsible to certify the Vernal Pools. Motion made by Mr. Loughlin to accept definition only. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 3- 2- O..Ms. Scanlon asked that a link put on Town of Reading's website so people can go to the Natural Heritage's website Motion made by Mr. Tucker to accept Ashburnham definition. Mr. Loughlin seconded. Vote was 4 -1 -0 Wildlife definition was discussed by the Commission. Motion made by Mr. Loughlin to accept Reading Wildlife definition with reference to States MGL 131...40 paragraph 14. Mr. Tucker seconded. Vote was 3 -2 -0. Isolated Wetlands was talked about and what the Adhoc Committee suggested. Should a size be mentioned? Commission asked that they have more time to review and talk about it at next meeting. Vote was 5 -0 -0. Fees were discussed. Are they too high; especially for a resident? Should a cap be put on fees? Where do the fees go? A spreadsheet will be done by Ms. Scanlon to see other town's fees and see the difference. At the next meeting the following will be discussed: fees, isolated wetlands, Reading's Wetland line, and Mr. Loughlin's definition chart Mr. Tucker motioned to end meeting @ 10:40 pm. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5 -0.0