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Home My WebLink About2012-11-14 Conservation Commission Minutesi C)�� Meeting Minutes November I4, 2012 Approved Novenlf:HTY E D Ti`t' N CLERK MINUTES RED'.. A: ' ;ASS. Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM1011 DCI' — 3 P 2: 4 1 Wednesday, November 14, 2012 Present: William Hecht, Chairman, Jaime Maughan; Barbara Stewart, Brian Sullivan, Annika Scanlon, Will Finch Charles Tirone, Administrator Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Jim Fitzpatrick, Northeast Tree Justin St Hilarire, 30 LaFayette Circle Frances Kelliher, 5A Carnation Circle Sal & Patricia Gentile, 54 Azalea Circle Sean Malone, Oak Consulting Group Tom Hughes, Virginia Adams, 59 Azalea Circle Nathan Terry, Scout Ellen Terry, 48 Sherwood Road Absent: Call to Order: There being a quorum the meeting opened at 7:00 PM Old /New Business Bills approved Newspaper ad for the Public Hearing Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve the $106.88 newspaper ad fee. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0 (Mr. Sullivan has not arrived as of yet) COC 270.0599: 23 Buckskin Drive, Map 45 Lot 54, Lot 5A, Swanson Mr. Hecht stated the project was complete. He suggested leaving the silt fence up until the planting can be done in the spring. Mr. Tirone will schedule a spring follow up visit. Mr. Finch asked if the new Town software could be used to schedule this follow up. Mr. Tirone stated he didn't think so, and he will make a calendar note for the June visit. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to issue a Certificate of Compliance with conditions. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0. Salem Five Bank, request to modify the storm water inspection rate Ms. Scanlon volunteered to review previous inspection reports for Salem Five Bank. The Bank wants to see if the frequency of the storm water reports can be changed. She will report at next meeting. The Commission talked about if other companies asked for a modification they will have to submit a proposal first. Mr. Maughan questioned if a consultant might need to be hired to do the review. Meeting Minutes November 14, 2012 Approved November 28, 2012 Sturges Park, improvements follow up No update as of yet Cutting signs The Commission looked at a picture of a sign. They agreed that the sign is good for the "NO mow zone'; but contact information will be added. The administrator can order three. They will be posted at the Castine stream area. Bond Street: tree & wetland clearing follow up The Commission asked the administrator to make an appointment with homeowner. The Commission reviewed what they decided at a previous meeting. They will let the homeowner keep the part of the shed that is structural safe on the property until the house is sold. The bad part of the shed should be removed. The homeowner should not be mowing. There can be a 3' path to the shed. But there can be no oil or gas stored in the shed. The administrator will follow up with the Commission. Continued RDA 12.14: 64 Glenmere Circle, Map, 15 Lot 89, McCadden Mr. Fitzpatrick represented the applicant. Mr. Maughan thanked the applicant for deciding to keep the big pine tree. There will be no stump grinding allowed. The applicant submitted a planting plan, It was asked that the wood chips be spread to cover the bare ground. The homeowner was told that he should maintain the blueberry area by the garage; and spread wood chips around there too. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to issue a Negative Determination with conditions. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0. The Commission signed and Mr. Tirone will amend with the condition of executing the planting plan. RDA 12 -14: 30 LaFayette Road, Map, 39 Lot 152. St, Hillaire The applicant would like to remove brush, trees (including grinding the stumps) overgrown debris; thorn bushes & trees abutting driveway and replace with grass, re- planting of trees and shrub for an accurate property boundary. All work is within 100' of a bordering vegetated wetland. The Commission talked about the site visit; and the difficulties figuring out the wetland line. The concrete bounds and old OOC's were discussed. The Commission talked about different options with the applicant. The applicant asked if he would be grandfathered in if the wetland line changed after a new delineation. Would he have to remove stuff from his property that is already there? The Commission said no. They suggested the administrator do a site visit at the property. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to continue the RDA. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 6 -0 -0. Mr. Finch stated he might not be eligible to vote on the Azalea Circle projects. He wasn't sure how much testimony he missed. Ms. Adams stated under the Mullen Rule the tapes from the previous meetings can be reviewed by Mr. Finch. Scout Project, Bat Houses at Symonds Way, Terry Mr. Terry discussed with the Commission for his Eagle Scout project he would like approval to install approximately 20 bat houses on the perimeter of Symonds Way field. The project will take place early spring. He will be having volunteers and friends help him one weekend to build the houses from kits; they will be working at St. Agnes. The holes will be dug and poured with 2 Meeting Minutes November 14, 2012 Approved November 28, 2012 concrete. The posts will be 8' high and be pressure treated. The Commission suggested crushed stone (or reuse the rocks that are pulled out when digging the holes) so water can drain and the posts won't rot so fast. The posts should be "ground contact" posts and stainless steel screws should be used. The Commission suggested that Mr. Terry periodically go back and see which houses are colonized; and if he is willing, come back to the Commission to show pictures and update them. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve the Eagle Scout project. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 6 -0 -0. Continued NO1270.0608, Lot 126, Azalea Circle, Map 23, Kay Street Reading Realty LLC Mr, Hecht reopened the Public Hearing. Mr. Malone represented the applicant. He talked about the new plans submitted with the questions the Commission asked for at the previous meeting: • The number of trees to be removed in the 35' setback is 12 — 4" caliber; none in the 25' ZNV • In the 25-35' area more habitat planting will be done • If there is a vernal pool present was reviewed by Mr. Hughes, Environmental Consultant. After his review, it is concluded that is unlikely that any vernal pools are located within 100' of the project site, • The delineation method was questioned and Mr. Hughes supplied details and enclosed "Addendum to Notice Intent ". The delineation was discussed with the Commission at a site visit, with an emphasis on the areas that differed from the prior boundaries • A 25 retaining wall will be installed along the driveway closest to the wetland line • The proposed deck has been reduced in size to an 8x8. This will make the deck be 4' away from the 35' buffer Mr. Hughes narrated how he delineated the wetland and compared the old line. He went through why he didn't think a vernal pool is present. How the wetland area will be improved by the planting plan and removal of invasive. He let the Commission know the DEP had no comments on this project. The Commission talked about putting in "markers" and "no trees can be touched after house built" in the OOC's or in the deed. The concerns /questions that were discussed: • How much study went into the project if the presentation says "drive" not "circle" • An easement will need to be granted — not a common driveway • What land the Greenhouse owners own? Their landscapers maintain the entrance. • The Town acceptance of the road; any questions should be directed to Town Engineer • How will the water and sewage be hooked up • Should a do's and don't list be developed The Commission discussed if they should vote without a written OOC "s or continue the Hearing. The abutters stated there was a Condo meeting and some of the abutters who wanted to come couldn't, Motion made by Mr. Maughan to continue the Public Hearing. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6 -0 -0. Continued NO1270.0609, Lot 125, Azalea Circle, Map 23, Kay Street Meeting Minutes November 14, 2012 Approved November 28, 2012 Mr. Malone represented the applicant. He went over the responses submitted to the Commission: • The confusion with square feet in the N01 should be 68 square feet • He looked at 4 different alternative plans • Moved the fence as asked, added more native planting • Additional drain to help with Mr, Gentile's water build up • Amount of trees to be removed is 40. Some are grouped, but was counted separately • Vernal Pool and delineation as in lot 126 Mr. Hughes talked about the delineation and planting plan for this lot: • The planting will greatly enhance the value of the wetland. • As of right now the wetland is damaged; Buckthorn is taking over the wetland • The wetlands are deteriorating • A variance might not be needed; could be considered a performance standard. • Compliance with the 25' - no disturbance zone • Wall comes within 2 or 3'- No pile work will be allowed during construction • Whole thing will be vegetated — establish the habitat area Mr. Maughan questioned and discussed: 1) the parking and if an alternative can be constructed — if the parking can be pulled out of the 35' area 2) variance — what is the public good and 3) what is the area going to look like 5 years down the road. The concerns /questions that were discussed: • maintaining the wetland would be the homeowners responsibility; putting that request in OOC's or deed • no cutting trees in OOC's • pervious pavement must be up kept in OOC's • cut the parking lot area — making a turn around • 4' high fence rail is unnecessary; will be removed • Shrubs being planted to close to the house • Putting a split rail fence @ 25' • Putting markers @ 35' • Making the deck smaller • 0 &M plan to be typed up with more dates and description with who will be responsible. • How is the snow going to be removed from this area • Look at restoration area, could additional native trees be planted Motion made by Ms. Stewart to continue the Public Hearing. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 6 -0 -0. The applicant will present updated plans to the Commission based on earlier discussions. Minutes Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve the October 24, 2012 minutes as amended. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 6 -0 -0. The Commission asked that September 26, October 16 and November 7 minutes that still need to be approved be forwarded to them in an email; mailing them is not necessary. 4 Meeting Minutes November 14, 2012 Approved November 28, 2012 Bylaw change discussion - Article 14 — Mr, Maughan discussed with the Commission why Article 14 is needed. The Town Counsel stated the Bylaw and Regulations are inconsistent — different laws, different values. The Bylaw fine is non - criminal. The change will allow the Commission to impose the fine. It was noted that there is a misleading petition being circulated regarding the regulations. Mr, Finch talked about the Beaver Dam problem. He spoke to North Reading to see if they could force someone to upgrade their septic; but North Reading does not do this usually until a house is sold. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to adjourn meeting at 11:00 p.m. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 6 -0 -0. Rpectfullymitted, I Kim Satanders Recording Secretary