HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-13 Conservation Commission MinutesT
Meeting Minutes March 13, 2013
Approved 03/27/0013
Reading Conservation Commission Meeting
Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 pm
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Present: Jaime Maughan, Chairman; William Hecht, Jaime Maughan, Annika Scanlon, Will Finch,
Kevin Scott
Charles Tirone, Administrator
Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary
Absent: Brian Sullivan
Call to Order, Old /New Business -
Continued RDA 13 -1, 34 Roma Lane Map 12 Lot 36 & 78, Andrews — Continued to next
meeting, April 10, 2013
Continued NOI 270 -0610, 38 Cross Street, Map 12 Lot 36 & 78, Pacillo - Continued to April
24, 2013 at the applicant's request
Mr. Finch asked if a site visit be possible before the continued hearing.
Minor Project:
Mr. Maughan reiterated what the Commission now considers what Minor Projects are: Mr.
Tirane will present to the Commission a minor project and the Commission will either say issue
the permit or ask for more details.
28 Intervals Terrace - This owner would like to install a 10 x12 shed. It will be on free
standing cinderblock and is 50' away from resource area.
120 Grove Street - This owner would like to rebuild his deck in the same footprint. They need
3 new footprints.
Ivy Street Easement, Exploratory Borings - Mr. Tirone stated that Engineering withdrew
original request. They will file a NOI. The Commission discussed doing this project when the
ground is still frozen. They Commission also talked about using a Gen Pro rig and not a full rig.
It was questioned why at Town meeting Mr. Zambouras said he was doing this project
trenchless. Mr. Tirone will follow up with engineering the Commission questions. It was noted
that this project will allow a trail to connect Libby Ave to Belmont Street.
Bills approved:
RMLD — This bill will be forwarded to John Fuedo, Reading Recreation for Matters Cabin
Pearl Street — Water and Sewer for $37.27 — The Commission talked about this bill; Ms.
Scanlon asked if the Commission could ask for leniency?
Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the Pearl Street bill Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was
s -ao.
Meeting Minutes March 13, 2013
Approved 03/27/0013
1481 a Main Street —Storm water bill. This also needs to go to John Feudo for Mattera Cabin
FY14 Budget debrief — Mr. Hecht stated that the Commission met with Town Manager and
Town Planner to see if the budget would allow the administrator to have 3 additional hours.
These hours would be on Friday. Mr. Tirane will be able to do site visits on these days; and be
able to come familiar with the town land. Mr. Hecht presented a memo from Mr.
Hechenbleikner accepting the hours. This budget will be presented at Town meeting next month
Motion made by Mr. Hecht to take $4000 from the Conservation fund, and an additional
$2400 from tax rate.
MACC Workshop debrief
The Commission discussed the MACC workshops they attended. The Commission talked about
the importance of taking pictures at site visits. It was stated the pictures will be helpful if a
Commission member cannot make a site visit. Mr. Hecht will see what type of software his
camera has to he able to do the pictures.
Another thing brought up is how the white tail deer population is out of control. What they are
eating, the forests are not regenerating. Mr. Finch stated he sent a letter to the Open Land Trust
to let them know the concerns.
1 -93 Lighting upgrade notification from MassDot— Mr. Tirone stated this upgrade is basically
just changing bulbs. The Commission questioned how the lights from the led bulbs affect the
amphibians
33 Pondview Lane — Mr. Tirone stated he sent the approved letter; he cc'd the building
inspector and chief of police.
246 Walnut Street lots of clearing and grading — Mr. Hecht stated he did not see any violation;
the clearing and grading are not in the Conservation jurisdiction. Ms. Scanlon did express
concern regrading the mysterious fill material seen at the location. Mr. Finch stated that the
Town Manager and/or Health should be contacted.
Clear Channel Billboards, O &M discussion, Mike Amerio review O&M plan —. Mr. Tirone
stated that a work plan was submitted; and he is working on the O &M plan. The Commission
discussed their concerns. It was suggested that a site visit be done and stakes put into the ground.
The plants that the Commission does not want them to touch will be marked. Ms. Scanlon
questioned if the workers were trained in using the spill kits if needed. Mr. Tirone stated they
were.
COC 270 -0498 RGB 2007 -5: 22 Whittier Road, Map 140, Lot 19 & 51, Pissotti on hold waiting
for plans and use restriction — Mr. Tirone stated he has not heard from the owner and is still
waiting for a planting plan for the slope. It was suggested to send him an email just to remind
him.
Conservation activity chart from 2001 -2013 — The Commission discussed the Conservation
Permitting Activity chart. This chart was used at an earlier meeting regarding the budget. Mr.
Meeting Minutes March 13, 2013
Approved 03/27/0013
Tirone let the Commission know the WPA fees is what the Conservation votes to take money out
of. It was recognized that the Scouts in Reading have been raising their own money for the
projects they have worked on. Mr. Maughan discussed how the Commission was incorrectly
criticized for raising more money than the State's fees.
Minutes for approval: February 27, 2013 -
Motion made by Mr. Hecht to use the amended minutes that were submitted in track mode.
Ms. Scanlon seconded Vote was 5 -0-0.
Mr. Finch let the Commission know that the developer for Eric's Greenhouse needs to go to
ZBA for a continued hearing. The Commission stated if there is a new set of plans they
developer is encouraged to come to the Commission with them before Filing a NOI.
The 40B project was discussed. Mr. Finch stated he hasn't heard anything more on the
calculations.
Harold Ave Conservation Restriction — Mr. Tirone state the owner wants a Certificate of
Compliance; and one cannot be issued without this restriction being settled. A version was
found in the files and sent to Mr. Latham's office. Mr. Latham had a version from the State. Mr.
Hecht will look over the two and mark the differences up and bring back to the Commission.
One concern was the vernal pool was not mentioned in Mr. Latham's version. Mr. Tirone stated
he talked to Town Counsel and the one thing they suggested was to get the comments back from
the State.
Letter Smith Ave — Mr. Tirone stated that he drafted a letter to a resident on Smith Ave. This
resident would like a neighbor to cut down a tree that hangs in his yard. This has been going on
for a while. The letter let the resident know no tree can be cut without a permit. A letter should
be sent to the real estate's office that the house is listed at.
Motion made by Mr. Hecht to send the letter. Ms. Scanlon seconded Vote was 5 -0-0.
Ms. Scanlon discussed with the Commission that at the MACC she talked to a vendor; the
vendor is selling a pallet that is believed to be cheaper than using hay bales.
Motion made to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Vote was 5 -0 -0.
Res Ily submitted
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