Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-09 Conservation Commission MinutesConservation Meeting Minutes May 9, 2012 Approved 06 13, 2012 MINUTES Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, May 9, 2012 Present: Jamie Maughan, Acting Chairman, Annika Scanlon, Brian Sullivan, Brian Tucker Charles Tirone, Conservation Administrator Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary George Fiorenza, 3 Zachary Lane John Arena, Selectmen Kim Honetschlager, Trails Committee Absent: William Hecht, Thomas Loughlin, Barbara Stewart Call to Order: There being a quorum the meeting opened at 7:05 PM Old /New Business Bills Approved — Kurchian Woods Mr. Tirone told the Commission that the project for Kurchian Woods is 1/3 finished. Project will be not be done by July 30th, the deadline given for the Grant. They will need to get an extension for approval for labor; however, the materials will all be bought. Safety equipment was also purchased. Motion made by Mr. Tucker to pay bills for the material purchased for Kurchian Woods. Ms. Scanlon seconded. The vote was 4 -0 -0 3 Zachary Lane Discussion, Map, 223 Lot 4, Fearenza Mr. Maughan talked about the site visit. The area is behind the house. There are concrete ZMV markers with no signs on them, There was cut brush and trash (not dumped just gathered). There was evidence of wetland plants near the isolated wetland. The Commission stated that when this development was built, the Commission went to trouble to protect the wetlands on the deed. The homeowner told the Commission he took out old patio by truck and put the dirt in the wetlands; he didn't know this was not allowed. He let the Commission know he cleans up the wetlands when he sees debris in it. The Commission decided an Enforcement Order will be issued. He will be required to remove the dirt by shovel and put down wetland seed mix. Markers should be posted (this will be handled by Mr. Tirone) The Commission will make a site visit at the end of the season. Motion made by Mr. Sullivan to approve Enforcement Order based on discussion. Ms. Scanlon seconded. The vote was 4 -0 -0. Intern Ms. Honetschlager talked about an offer from a Reading resident, who goes to school at Keene, to intern for the summer. Some suggestions that she had were: creating a management plan for Bare Meadow, organizing a project, working with the Recreation department maybe organize a hike, or connecting the trail area over by Johnson Woods. The Commission talked about if this is a Conservation Meeting Minutes May 9, 2012 Approved 06 13, 2012 volunteer position, or can he get paid through the Recreation department. Maybe he could help the Conservation administrator with site visits, minor projects, relieve the work load a little. Mr. Tirone could supervise with the help of Mr. Maughan. Some concerns that were brought up were: the training time it would take, if the Commission would accept what the intern brought back from the site visits and what hours he would be willing to work. The Commission agreed to explore offer; have him come in and meet with Mr. Tirone, Ms. Honetschlager and Mr. Maughan. Ms. Honetschlager will contact Recreation and Mr. Maughan will contact the Town Forest to discuss. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to accept offer. Mr. Tucker seconded. The vote was 4 -0 -0. Discussion: Mr. Arena wanted to let the Commission know what was discussed at the BOS meeting the night before regarding the Town Regulations. He stated that they are confusing to the average reader and they need to be simplified; maybe look at them in new modern day language. There was a discussion on the minimum size of an isolated wetland and setback requirements. The Commission talked about the purpose of them volunteering. They need to protect the wetland; not cater to the residents. How the Commission is different now, than it was a few years ago. They work with the applicant. The 35' setback is really for the new construction phase. The Commission would encourage anyone to come in and talk about the Regulations. Mr. Arena asked if it would help if he reviewed the draft language before presenting it. He questioned how long the process takes for the different applications (MP, RDA, NO1). Mr. Tirone stated compared to some other towns, the process is faster. Now, with the new permit software the Town is using, it should keep track of the process and how many. The Commission reiterated they want to minimize regulatory process; but do not want to minimize protection. Reading Woods: Outfall Mitigation Basin Calculations Mr. Tirone talked about the calculations that were furnished by Marchionda & Associates. The Town Engineer looked at the information already and approved them. A planting plan was submitted and will start to plant soon. The Commission would like to do a site visit — Mr. Tirone to add to next agenda. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to approve the latest submission. Mr. Sullivan seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. Tennessee Gas Pipeline: YOP Questions or comments Mr. Tirone talked about how the company intends to selectively apply herbicides along gas pipeline rights -of -way. He asked the Commission to highlight what to avoid; so he can show Tennessee Gas. The Commission will spend some time over the weekend to help identify protected areas. They will look to see if there are any certified vernal pools. COC 270 -0594: 26 Timberneck Drive, Map 35 Lot 65, Driscoll Mr. Maughan talked about the site visit. How the applicant did a great job; the yard was hydro seeded, there was no erosion, and the soil was stable. Mr. Tirone asked if the grass should be established before issuing an Order of Compliance. Mr, Maughan stated under normal cases, probably — but this applicant complied fully. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon for a full Order of Compliance. Mr. Tucker seconded. The vote was 4 -0 -0. Commission signed the Order of Compliance. 2 Conservation Meeting Minutes May 9, 2012 Approved 06 13, 2012 43 Martin Road Mr. Maughan talked about the site visit. It looked like a big Maple tree uprooted in storm. The fallen tree was cut and carried out of wetland. The Commission realizes whoever went into the wetland shouldn't have; but it was already done. It was confusing who made the call and why. If the caller calls back; maybe schedule a site visit with the caller to see exactly what happened. Regulations Limited Projects The document that Mr. Maughan created was discussed, The Commission decided to change the 10.24 (7), a Notice of Intent to 10.53 (3), an Order of Condition (also at the end of the paragraph). They talked about why the change and just not accepting the State; how this change will supply more flexibility. How they might not want to accept all of the States. The Commission will look through the States and go over at the next meeting. Normal Maintenance The Commission looked at the document that Mr. Maughan created. They discussed what they think normal maintenance is; and why it is important. This will stop the phone calls for site visits; will give the Conservation administrator the right to say "go ahead" verbally. The Commission decided on the changes of the paragraph. Mr. Tucker read the proposed changes. Motion made by Mr. Tucker to approve the Normal Maintenance change as discussed by the Commission. Mr. Sullivan seconded. The vote was 4 -0 -0. Mr. Tucker will type it up and it will be forwarded to the Commission. Minutes for Approval: The April 25, 2012 meeting minutes can not be approved tonight, due to not having a quorum. Site visits by the Conservation administrator: 1000 Main Street Mr. Tirone talked about how the garage is lifted and they are redoing the foundation. The signs were up for "Wetland Area" Austin Prep The trees were removed; but no planting done yet. 1198 Main Street Met with the contractor what is going to happen when the 3 houses are put in? 188 Forest Street Met with the homeowner to look at site, before the pool is filled in; erosion control was good. Earth Day winner The Commission picked the Earth Day winner for the membership to the Audubon Society, donated by Ms. Scanlon. Ms. Scanlon will contact Ms. Roscoe. Mr. Tucker will miss next weeks meeting. The next meeting Mr. Hecht will bring language for "Soil Preparation" and "Land Subject to Flooding ". Conservation Meeting Minutes May 9, 2012 Approved 06 13, 2012 Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to adjourn @ 10:00 pm. Mr. Tucker seconded. The vote was 4 -0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Kim Saunders Recording Secretary