HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-08 Conservation Commission MinutesMeeting Minutes May 8, 2013
Approved May 22, 2013
Reading Conservation commission Meeting
Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 pm
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Present: Jaime Maughan, Chairman; Brian Sullivan, Annika Scanlon, Will Finch, William Hecht
Charles Tirone, Administrator
Km Saunders, Recording Secretary
Bill Andrews, 34 Roma Lane
Dave Tuttle, 27 Heather Drive
Joe Zucchero, 23 Partridge Road
Tom and Wendy Foxon, 230 Walnut Street
Nicole Wilson, 211 Washington Street
Ryan Bianchetlo, Allen and Major Associates
Mary Dolben, 213 South Street
Jacalyn Wallace, 75 Hopkins Street
Phil Dube, 236 Walnut Street
Sue Mitchell, 236 Walnut Street
Ray Airhart, 246 Walnut Street
Absent: Kevin Scott
Call to order, OldINew Business • 7:11
_4iq .
Continued RDA 13 -1, 34 Roma Lane Map 12 Lot 36 & 78, Andrews
Mr. Maughan talked about the site visit. He let the applicant know t� a Commission agreed with
the flagged trees except for the small white pine. The homeowner asked if he could move the
small white pine to the forested area. The Commission agreed with moving the tree, but if it
does not survive another tree will need to be planted.
Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a negative determination with conditions as amended. Ms.
Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5 -0-0 -
RDA 13-4123 Partridge Road, Map 52 Lot 4, Zucchero
The homeowner reviewed what he would like to do. He would like the approval of the
installation of an open -loop standing column geothermal well within loo -feet of a bordering
vegetated wetland. He stated he will setup hay bales.. The Commission discussed how the well
would work.
Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a negative determination with conditions. Ms. Scanlon
seconded. Vote was 5 -0-0.
The applicant stated he will come back in a year and let them know how the new system worked
out.
RDA 13 -5, 246 Walnut Street, Map 3 Lot 19, Airhart
Meeting Minutes May g, 2013
Approved May 22, 2013
Mr. Maughan stated that the Commission was out at the site two times; once in the snow and just
recently. The homeowner talked to the Commission and reviewed what he has done on his
property and what he would like to do. He is willing to plant 4 sugar maples to replace the trees
he has already cleared. He believes he has cleared 12 trees. He knows his work is in the 100'
resource area, but not past the 50' resource area He stated that Mr. Tirone came out and staked
out the area that is in the Conservation jurisdiction. He displayed on the white board his property
and the abutters. The Commission talked to the homeowner about the work he would like to do
and how close is it to the resource area The abutters had concerns with all the clearing and
grading on the property. They questioned if the next step for the property is for housing a horse.
There was also concern about a neighbor's pool; they feel it could be in jeopardy with all the
grading. Mr. Bianchetto, a wetland scientist, represented Mr. & Mrs. Dolben, an abutter to the
property. He had concerns about the filing. He feels more information should be required with
the filing; maybe a NOI. He questioned if the property was considered to be on a river front. An
abutter thought there was a vernal pool in the area. The Commission stated if there is evidence
of a vernal pool, documentation should be provided to the Commission. If the vernal pool
qualifies, it would be offered protection under the Reading Bylaws even if it was not registered;
but looking at the current maps, there is not currently a registered vernal pool in the area Mr.
Finch asked about having concrete boundaries at the 35' mark. Ms. Scanlon questioned the hill
and how continued. will
They be
a surveyed site an s needed and suggested hiring a surveyor. On the
plan they would like:
• property boundaries
• Wetland line (the one the Mr. Tim already did)
• 2' contours of existing topography
• Overlaid proposed topography at 2' contours
• Trees proposed and where you are going to plant
• Limited work at the 50' line
• Limits of existing fill fill line
• Where the vegetation has been cut and existing
The homeowner let the Commission know his frustration on having to hire a surveyor. He does
not know when he will be able to financially. He questioned if he could keep working on his
property outside the 100' area Mr. Maughan asked the homeowner to allow abutters at the site
visit once a plan is received; the abutters would like to be emailed once scheduled. The
applicant said he would consider, but didn't commit to allowing abutters to attend the site visit.
The Commission also asked that wooden stakes be put in place to establish the line that Mr.
Tirane did.
Motion made by Mr. Hecht to continue the RDA until June 12, 2013. Ms. Stanton seconded
Vote was 5 -0-0.
Old/New Business
Minor Project —
None at this time
Meeting Minutes May 8, 2013
Approved May 22, 2013
Bills Approved
None at this time
211 Washington Street, Planting Plan, McBrine
Mr. Maugban stated the Commission did a site visit. The homeowner would like to put gravel
down next to the garage and behind the garage, because the area stays wet and shady. He will
plant blueberries in the gravel area.
Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to accept the minor project change as described. Mc Hecht
seconded Vote was 5 -0-0.
COC 270 -045A: 75 Hopkins Street, Map 89 Lot 76, Wallace
The homeowner let the Commission know she Filed for a Certificate of Compliance so she can
sell her house. Mr. Tirone stated that the 45' permit issued by the Town of Reading was lost.
The permit was for an easement; and the Order of Condition's was for re- grading and planting of
vegetation.
Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue the Certificate of Compliance. Mr. Finch seconded Vote
was 5 -0 -0.
Harold Ave, Conservation Restriction Discussion -
Mr. Tirone said Mr. Latham has not been in contact with the Conservation Department regarding
the Harold Avenue restriction. It was noted that the title cannot be transferred until the
restriction is entered into the deed; and any building on the property would need to come before
the Commission.
Continued: Clear Channel Billboards, O&M Discussion, Mike AuteriO review O&M Plan
Mr. Tirone questioned if a violation letter is need. Mr. Auterio did not show to the meeting to
discuss the O &M. The Commission talked about the clearing and how it would need to be done
possibly in the fall
Minutes for approval: April 24, 2013
Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the April 24, 2013 meeting minutes as amended Mr.
Sullivan seconded Vote was 5 -0-0.
The Commission discussed the Great Horn owl sighting at Matters Cabin.
The Commission discussed the bridge repair over Ipswich River on Main Street.
Mr. Finch let the Commission know the Trails Committee will need to file with the Commission
for a bridge from Nichols lot to Kurchian trail.
Ms. Scanlon talked to the Commission about the back hill at Barrows School. The stabs going
up to the school has small canons on either side. The Commission talked about who would be
responsible for fixing this area. It was suggested Ms. Scanlon write to the school committee and
let them know about the safety issue.
Meeting Minutes May 8, 2013
Approved May 22, 2013
Mr. Tirane stated he did a site walk at Maplewood Village with Town Manager, Engineering,
Chief of Police and staff Planner. They decided there will be a new boardwalk The DPW will
maintain the path- and the police Will patrol it. The Condo Association approved the connection
and easement. It was noted that Mr. Hechenbleinker would like it finalized this month. The
Commission questioned if the filing would be an extension of the old permit or a new permi t
would be necessary.
Mr. Tirane said that he received a call from Ms. Andrea Morton, DOT/Mass Highway. She
needs an emergency permit for a storm drain; it is collapsing into i the sidewalk. This storm drain
is down by Home Goods. He will issue the emergency permit and it will be ratified at the next
meeting.
Mr. Tuttle asked the Commission about the wild turkey in the Sturges area.
It was questioned if the soil should be tested at 246 Walnut Street before it is placed; and how
the solid waste could be a Health department issue.
Motion made by Mr. Hecht to adjourn at 9:00 P.M. Mr. Sullivan seconded. Vote was 5.0 -0.
Respectfully su itted,
pM S9unders