The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2012-04-25 Conservation Commission MinutesConservation Meeting Minutes April 25, 2012 Approved May 23, 2012 MINUTES Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Present: William Hecht, Chairman, Jamie Maughan, Barbara Stewart, Thomas Loughlin, Annika Scanlon Charles Tirone, Conservation Administrator Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Marie Opidee, Austin Prep Jeffrey Brem, Principal Engineer Absent: Brian Sullivan, Brian Tucker Call to Order: There being a quorum the meeting opened at 7:05 PM Old /New Business Minutes for Approval: On a motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Loughlin, the Conservation Commission approved the minutes from the April 11, 2012 meeting as amended. Vote 4 -0 -0 (Ms.Scanlon was absent) Earth Day The Commission talked about Earth Day that took place at Mattera Cabin this year. The number of visitors seemed lower this year. Was it because of school vacation week and/or the move from the RMLD? The winner of the raffle will be pulled at the next meeting. Ms. Scanlon donated a membership to the Audubon Society. RDA 12 -6: 101 Willow Street, Map 98, 101 Lot 14c, 1, 4, 5, Austin Prep Ms. Opidee, Facilities Director, represented the applicant. She would like to remove 4 trees on perimeter of the new tennis courts. One is leaning and will eventually fall; the other 3 roots are showing. They will plant 4 or 5 more trees. The school has started a fundraiser to replace trees. She would like the environmental club to help plant. She talked about the method of removing the trees and tree grinding. It was noted the crane will be parked in the driveway. The Commission talked about the location of the Vernal Pool. It was asked that shrubbery be planted to stabilize wetlands and create shade; wild blueberries were suggested. They would like 3' or so, stumps to remain. The cut brush that was in the wetlands need to be removed. Ms. Scanlon asked that the invasive be removed by hand. The hay bails should remain where they are and sil fence needs to be fixed. Conservation Meeting Minutes April 25, 2012 Approved May 23, 2012 Motion made by Ms. Stewart to issue a Negative Determination with conditions. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0. It was asked by Mr. Maughan, if Austin Prep School comes before the Commission again, to supply a demarcation of the high water line of the Vernal Pool, Request for Plan Change: 270 -0589 Lots 1,2,3 1198 Main Street Mr. Brem represented the applicant. He introduced Mr. Rob Ahern, the developer. Mr. Brem talked about the letter, dated April 9, 2012, that was given to the Commission. It showed the proposed minor changes: • Lot 1 deck location moved slightly. Same size and steps lead away from wetland. • MassDot specific criteria to curb cuts. Only Lot 1 is within Buffer Zone and all other plan components for the driveway remain the same. MassDot issued permit • Lot 1 sewer service is going through Lot 2 with a new sewer easement created. This was approved by the Town Engineering Department • House footprints on Lot 2 and Lot 3 were reduced by having drive under garages. No change to trees on front or side. It was stated by Mr. Brem the stockpiles will remain the same. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve proposed plan changes. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0 26 Timberneck - Certificate of Occupancy Mr. Hecht reminded the Commission about 26 Timberneck Drive. The house roof was caved in by snow. The homeowner already came before the Commission and was approved to rebuild their house. The applicant would like the Commission to sign off on the Certificate of Occupancy. They would like to move into their house. Even though they understand part of Order of Conditions stated a lawn needs to be established. Their new lawn will not be established until late May or June; everything else has been done. It was discussed if Mr, Tirone had authority to sign off on the Certificate of Occupancy, The Commission stated if the project looks complete (like this one) the administrator can sign off; any questions bring to the Commission. No motion needed to give Mr, Tirone authorization. 88 -98 Walkers Brook — Drainage Structures Inspection Report The report from Tata & Howard regarding 88 -98 Walkers was discussed by the Commission. Mr. Loughlin questioned if the drainage structure was working properly. According to the report the sand and sediment collected was little. Mr. Loughlin understands it was a mild winter; but feels there should be more. Mr. Hecht stated that this is a concern; and should be looked at. Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad — Yearly Operational Plan The MBTA submitted their yearly operational plan for maintenance of the vegetation. It was suggested that Mr. Tirone notify the MBTA and let them know the Conservation Department needs to be notified when they plan on coming. Administrator Site Visits: Azaela Circle — Soil Testing 2 Conservation Meeting Minutes April 25, 2012 Approved May 23, 2012 The applicant would like to build 2 houses on this lot. This previously came before the Commission. It was brought to court. The applicant dropped the case. Mr. Tirone stated a new consultant will be doing the delineation. The soil tested showed no evidence of the wetland, Rice Street This is a minor project for a simple tree removal. Point Well — 40, 41, 44 and 50 Batchelder Road Irrigation point wells were put in at four locations on Batchelder Road. 15 Nelson Avenue This is removal of dead trees and a fence being installed. Regulation Discussion Fees The fees that were discussed at the last meeting were written up by Mr. Tirone. The Commission looked for any changes or suggestions. Changes were suggested on the NO1 Filing Fee letter C. It should read "$600 for 1St unit, plus $125 per additional unit... ". Owner occupied duplex fee was talked about and should there be an exemption? The Commission straw voted and decided no exemption. Ms. Scanlon suggested making the document uniformed by taking out the additional zeros after the period. It will read $125 not $125.00. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to accept the Fee changes with minor editing. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0. Mr. Maughan talked about having a public hearing to approve the regulation changes officially. He suggested that once the language is drafted to have someone other than the Commission to read it over. He feels Pat Lloyd would be a good candidate; she was on the Adhoc Committee and is an attorney. The document that Mr, Maughan created with the regulation changes to date was looked at. It was suggested to cross check it with what the Administrator has. The isolated wetlands language was talked about Mr. Maughan was asked to gather up some language for "Specific exemption of standards and limited projects" and "Maintenance in developed areas" for May gth meeting. Mr. Hecht will gather up some language for "Soil Preparation" and "Land Subject to Flooding" for the May 23rd meeting. The Commission talked about how they adopted the State definitions with exception of the one's that Reading would like to have additional information. Mr. Maughan thought the town is required to have the definition in regulations also. It was suggested that the Commission look at the Bylaw to see if this is true. It was reminded to use the one issued November 2011. Mr. Loughlin would like a statement that read "Reading will accept all State definitions with the exception of... "; which the Commission agreed to. Conservation Meeting Minutes April 25, 2012 Approved May 23, 2012 Mr. Tirone let the Commission know he had a site visit at Johnson Woods, phase Il. Erosion control up and the lots are being cleared. Mr. Hecht will not be at the next meeting, May 9, 2012; Mr. Maughan will fill in as Chairman. Mr. Maughan will not be at the May 23, 2012 meeting. Mr. Hecht stated that Mr. Tucker's term ends June 30th. Ms. Stewart stated she already filled out her paperwork to continue on the Commission. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to adjourn 9 8:30 pm. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Kim Saunders Recording Secretary 11