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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-27 Conservation Commission MinutesConservation Meeting Minutes June 27, 2012 Approved July 11, 2012 MINUTES Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, June 27, 2012 Present: William Hecht, Chairman, Brian Sullivan, Barbara Stewart, Annika Scanlon Charles Tirone, Conservation Administrator Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Mr. Robert Griffin, Griffin Engineering Mr. Grimmer, applicant Bill Polleys, resident Christopher Rosa, Contractor Grace Stroman, Girl Scout Ron McLaughlin, applicant Ed McColgan, applicant Rich Kirby, LEC Environmental Consultant Bob Connors, resident Absent: Thomas Loughlin, Jamie Maughan, Brian Tucker Call to Order: There being a quorum the meeting opened at 7:10 PM Old /New Business Girl Scout: Gold Award Project — Xavier Trails, Grace Stroman Ms. Stroman belongs to Troop #737312. She is working towards her Gold Award; this is equivalent to the Boy Scouts Eagle Project. She would like to put a trail through Xavier. The Environmental club she belongs to will be helping her. She has talked to the owner's of Johnson Woods Condominium; they offered to donate materials. The Commission requested that she talk to the Trail Committee about stream crossing. Mr. Hecht told her that when the project starts to let the Commission know and they will publicize for volunteers. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to accept Ms. Stroman's project. Ms. Scanlon seconded. The vote was 4 -0 -0. 105 Belmont Street: Enforcement Order, Christopher Rosa The Commission did a site visit. The patio and grading work is done. Ms. Scanlon mentioned she observed compost in the wetland area when she crossed over the foot bridge. The Commission let the owner know this is not acceptable. The Enforcement Order will state that the compost needs to be contained. The owner and contractor were told not to take down the erosion control until the grass is established. The Commission will do another site visit in a month. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to accept the Enforcement Order. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. Continued NOI 270 -0600: 311 Haverhill Street, Map, 41 Lot, 37 Grimmer Conservation Meeting Minutes June 27, 2012 Approved July 11, 2012 Mr. Hecht reopened the Public Hearing. Mr. Griffen presented a letter to the Commission why they believe they meet the needs of a variance. The draft OOC was discussed. Some changes were needed: endangered wildlife area needs to be added; wood chip area is not changing; and the rip rap will remain outside the wetland line. It was asked by the Commission to add a provision to control the salt. The applicant stated she doesn't salt; only plows. If sand is needed she sweeps it up. The DEP comments were talked about. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to accept Order of Conditions with amendments. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. NOI 270 -0601: 115 Howard Street, Map 10, Lot 168, McLaughlin Mr. Hecht opened the Public Hearing. The applicant let the Commission know he would like to construct a mudroom, deck and front entryway to his single family home. The work will take place outside the 35' ZNV. The fence separate's the resource area and property. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to accept Order of Conditions. Mr. Sullivan seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. N01270 -0602: 78 Whittier Road, Map 33, Lot 126, McColgan Mr. Hecht opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Kirby represented the homeowner. He discussed the 550 sf addition they would like; 120 sf is in the 35' ZNV. Mr. Kirby went over the plan. The following was discussed: revegetating the lawn to replicate wetland, presented a planting plan, stormwater infiltration, erosion control, no site grading — only feathering, how they meet the variance, and the contribution to the wetlands. The addition will have a full basement with a bulkhead. There will be 4 concrete bounds installed to know where to stop mowing. The Commission recommended installing caps to fit on the concrete bounds. The Conservation will order some to give to the owner. It was asked by Mr. Tirone why the bulkhead and stairs can not be moved out of the 35' ZNV. Mr. Kirby stated they will make an effort to move the bulkhead and stairs if it is within the side yard set back requirements; he will check with the Building Inspector. Mr. Kirby will let Mr. Tirone know if the bulkhead and stairs can or can not be moved. Mr. Tirone will draft an OOC and send it to applicant and Mr. Kirby before the next meeting so they can review it. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to continue Public Hearing. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. Mr. Connors spoke to the Commission about the dumping of old asphalt and road debris off of Strout Avenue. It is across from the Conservation area. Mr. Tirone presented a letter that the Town Engineer sent him. It stated that this area is not official Town Forest area; it is designated to the Department of Public Works and Water Division. The Town grinds and reuses the asphalt on Town jobs. The asphalt is old, oxidized and does not leach out when exposed to water. The resident and Commission discussed the letter. GIS Tennessee Gas ROW: update from Dan Blomerth, 2012 intern Mr. Blomerth was not present at this meeting. Mr. Tirone let the Commission know he is busy doing a GIS project; and working on a Town survey. Friends and Family Day debrief The Commission discussed how this year's Friends and Family day was busier than last. The drawing winner will be picked at the next meeting. Mr. Sullivan suggested the Commission have a 2 Conservation Meeting Minutes June 27, 2012 Approved July 11, 2012 banner made for the Town's events. He will design it. Mr. Tirone will look into how much a banner costs. Reappointment Congratulations: Barbara Stewart, Brian J Tucker, Brian Sullivan Mr. Hecht thanked the Commission members for their reappointment. He stated that Mr. Tucker has other commitments but is willing to stay on until the Regulation changes are done. Minutes for Approval: June 13, 2012 Motion made by Ms. Stewart to accept June 13, 2012 minutes. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. Mr. Hecht told the Commission members there is an applicant who is applying for a NOI. The plans are not stamped by an Engineer but are stamped by a Surveyor. The applicant would like to submit the surveyor plans with the NO[; would the Commission accept them? The Commission stated they would need a site visit; and to make sure the plans do not include structural plans for the retaining wall. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to accept the Surveyor plan. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. 58 Mill Street Mr. Tirone stated the trees are done; the resident has submitted an application for a Certificate of Compliance. 1198 Main Street A tree fell into the wetlands. Mr. Tirone told them to cut at 25' mark; and what is remaining stays. Sam's Bistro — Storm Sceptor Reports Mr. Hecht let the Commission know the report from Service Pumping and Drain Company, states Sam's Bistro has a "clean bill of health ". The Commission discussed why 3 - 4" of sediment wasn't removed; and what is in the Maintenance Plan. Regulations The assigned regulations were discussed. They should be brought back at the next meeting. Mr. Hecht presented: Land Subject to Flooding, Extensions and Excavation. Land Subject to Flooding 1. Proposed work that may alter land subject to flooding shall not adversely affect the interests protected under the Bylaw, including the flood control capacity of said area. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to modify Land Subject to Flooding Regulation. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. E. Extensions The Commission may issue an Extension Permit for an Order of Conditions or an RDA for a period of up to three years to an applicant who has demonstrated reasons for such a permit. The Commission may deny an Extension to a project that has not commenced within the original time limit, The applicant must apply in writing for an Extension Permit at least 30 days 3 Conservation Meeting Minutes June 27, 2012 Approved July 11, 2012 prior to expiration (note: application for an Extension Permit may trigger a re- delineation of the wetlands). Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve changes to Extension Regulation. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. Excavation Excavation and soil preparation timing of the replacement area shall be specified as needed in the Order of Conditions Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve changes to the Excavation Regulation. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. The Commission talked about the ownership of the Regulations. They are going to send to Mr, Tirone the ones that they are responsible for. Mr. Hecht is going to work on a draft Minor Project Permit Checklist (this is not part of the Regulation changes). He will sit down with Mr, Tirone to go over it. It was suggested that if there is a questions exactly what got voted on for a Regulation change the Minutes or DVD's are available. Mr. Tirone let the Commission know he is only responsible for accepting the changes; the Commission is responsible for the actual Regulations changes. Mr. Tirone followed up with the Commission regarding what Town Counsel said about the definitions. He was told not to repeat; and how it is important to get the Regulation changes to the Selectmen. Mr. Hecht let the Commission know he will be out 07/26 and 08 /08th. Mr. Sullivan will be absent on the 8th too. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to adjourn at 9:15 pm. Mr. Sullivan seconded. The vote was 4 -0 -0 Respectfully Submitted, Kim Saunders Recording Secretary N