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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-11-28 Conservation Commission Minutes Meeting Minutes November 28,201 Approved q TOWN CLER READING, MA. 2919 MAR -8 PM 1: 30 Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room,7:00 pm Wednesday, November 28,2012 Present: William Hecht, Chairman,Jaime Maughan, Barbara Stewart, Brian Sullivan,Annika Scanlon,Will Finch Chades Tirone,Administrator Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Justin St. Hilaire, applicant Sandy Suderland,abutter Jevon Kmshenick, abutter Tim Williams,Allen &Major Matt&Suzie Carroll, applicant Sean Malone, Oak Consulting Group Tom Hughes, Wetland Scientist Diedre Lyons, abutter Jean Humphrey, abutter David O'Sullivan, abutter Patricia&Sal Gentile, abutter Virginia Adams, abutter Absent: Call to Order,Old/Now Business Bills approved: No Bills to approve Mr. Hecht stated that the Commission does have to approve an offset from the local general bylaw for the Administrators salary Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve the offset Mr. Finch seconded Vote was 4-0-0. 1503 Main Street Discussion: The Commission reviewed the 40B conceptual project. The Commission stated this project would violate the local bylaw; a structure is not acceptable in the 35' buffer zone. Matters Cabin and Reading Open Land Trust are the abutters of this land. It was noted the plan submitted was not a current one. There is a house shown that has been removed and Matters Cabin does not show. Mr. Tirone will find out if this is an Aquifer Protection District. Mr. Finch let the Commission know the Trails Committee is also meeting on this. RDA 12.17: 312 Haverhill Street, Map,35 Lot 126, St.Athanasius Parish Meeting Minutes November 28, 2012 Approved December 12,2012 Mr. Williams represented the applicant. He stated this project will be done in 3 phases; phase I only affects the Conservation. The feedback they received from funerals and weddings is the traffic movement does not work well;they would like to enhance the front of the church. In phase I they want to grind and restripe the parking lot. They relocated the dumpster, added a new curb cut for secondary access,and they will be adding heavy landscaping in the front. Currently the grass stays wet and is hard to maintain there will be a rain garden. With these enhancements they are removing 500 square feet of impervious surface. The elevation and existing grades will stay the same. The driveway will be asphalt not cold plane. The disturbance from the construction should be 1 week. The Commission suggested planting cranberries. It was asked that when reclaiming that the sediment barrier have a second line; particularly by the channel. The applicant will keep the Commission informed of the project and the phases. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to Issue a Negative Determination with conditions. Mr. Finch seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. The wetland line for RDA 12-17 needs to be certified;this will be noted in the conditions. RDA 12-18: 44 Roma Lane, Map,50 Lot 36, Carroll The applicant would like to remove five trees(including grinding the stumps),overgrown debris and replace with grass,trees,shrub and associate landscape improvements shown on the plan. All work is within 100' of a bordering vegetated wetland. The trees will be cut down now and the planting in the spring. The Commission stated they did a site visit. For safety reasons the trees close to the house need to come down. If possible,they would like to see the applicant keep a few of the trees in the rear of the house. They would like native species planted rather than a flower bed; Mountain Laurels were suggested. The Commission asked that the homeowner look at the project again and see if the he is willing to keep some trees that are 5'from the wall. It was asked that the applicant modify his attachment with what he is proposing for the vegetated buffer. The applicant will let the Administrator know what he decides. Motion made by Ms, Stewart to continue the hearing at the next Conservation meeting, December 12, 2011 Ms Scanlon seconded. Vote was 6.0-0 Continued RDA 12.14: 30 Lafayette Road, Map,39 Lot 152, St. Hilaire The Administrator stated he looked at the property with the homeowner. He flagged where he believes the wetland area is. He is not sure why the granite bounds are so far up the hillside. The Commission and applicant talked about the project and how the applicant is now clear on where to stay out of. There will be no paving and no structures 15' from foundation. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to issue a negative determination with condition. Ms.Scanlon seconded Vote was 6-&0. Continued NO1270.0608 Lot 126 Azalea Circle, Map 23 Lot 126, Kay Street Mr. Hecht reopened the public hearing—DEP#10608. Mr. Malone represented the applicant. He stated that Tom Hughes left due to illness. The Commission asked if there were any questions on the draft OOC's. Mr. Maughan suggested that#5 in OOC's be changed to add a statement. The Commission agreed and the statement will be forwarded to Mr.Tirone. Some areas of concerns that were discussed with the abutters were: • What was decided with the driveway—two driveways or will it be shared? • Will the building do anything to the water table? It was noted that there will be no discharge to Azalea Circle and no flooding to the Gentile property Meeting Minutes November 28,2012 Approved December 12,2012 • The easement will be strictly for sewer—any questions it was suggested to talk to Town,Engineer or Water and Sewer Department • The Commission noted all departments have to approve the project and a permit issued or the Conservation permit will be voided • The wetland line was discussed and how a new line was established • When will the construction start? It was stated that the"boiler plate"Order of Conditions need to be changed to reflect the new regulations 7.1. Motion made by Mr.Maughan to close the Public Hearing. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6.0-0. The administrator stated there is a bond on this project. The Commission asked that the bond be held for an extra year after the work is done to make sure vegetation takes. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to Issue an OOC with modification. Mr.Maughan seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. Continued N01270.0609 Lot 125 Azalea Circle, Map 23 Lot 125, Madilyn Fafard Mr. Hecht reopened the Public Hearing. Mr. Malone distributed a new plan. He stated the following: • Reconfigured driveway and tum around • Not able to remove all pervious—reduced 88 to 38 square feet—within the 35'—.removed more than half • No construction in the 25'only plantings • 4'postal rail added on 25' • removed markers to 35'line—the markers signage will be what ever the Town wants • The number of trees to be removed is now 35. Mr. Hughes went back out to survey area. Six of the trees have two trunks and 16 are Norway Maple trees • Mitigation planting was discussed and the removal of the Buckthorn being a benefit Below are some concerns that were discussed: • Mr. Maughan asked that the same restriction be added to the OOC's that was suggested in Lot 126;and the bond on this project should be held for 2 growing seasons. • Ms.Scanlon and Mr. Finch both discussed their hesitation to go forward with approving building in the 35' area. • Mr. Tirone questioned the#15 wetland flag location—should the Commission go back out and take another look. • How impartial was the Wetland Scientist who did the flagging? • Will the removal of the 40 trees impact the wetland • How no more structures will be allowed if this house is approved;this will be in the deed • It was asked that the Commission think of ways to preserve Conservation land rather than allowing intrusions • How this project will be setting precedence • The signage on the bound should be made of heavier material—Mr. Malone will forward to the Administrator so it can be added to the OOC's Motion made by Ms. Stewart to accept the Variance. Mr. Maughan seconded. Vote was 42-0. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to close the Pubic Hearing. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 644. Meeting Minutes November 28,2012 Approved December 12, 2012 The Order of Conditions will be presented at the next meeting. No more testimony can be given;only the OOC can be changed. It was suggested that Mr.Malone be present. Mr. Hecht complimented the Commission on how well the discussion for this application went. Mr. Hecht stated the following items that were on the agenda will not be discussed at this meeting(people did not have time to prepare): • No mowing and cutting signs • Banner • Sturges Park improvements follow up • Bond Street: tree&wetland clearing follow up. Salem Five Bank,request to modify the storm water inspection rate Ms. Scanlon talked about her analysis. In 2009 0 sediments recorded,2010-2011 build up was 2"to 611,and 2011-2012 was 6"for a year and dropped by 2". The Commission talked about why this would happen. Mr. Sullivan questioned if it was self cleaning. The applicant made a request to measure 2x/year—once in the spring and once in the fall. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to amend the OOC's to allow twice annually. Mr. Finch seconded Vote was 6-0-0 Beaver,activity discussion Mr. Tirone stated there is nothing new,but maybe the Commission members can hammer out a policy tonight. Mr. Maughan said that he thought the policy was if the BOH says the dam is a health problem it can be removed. If not, it needs to come in front of the Commission. It was noted however the Town was given a blanket permit to maintain the wetland. This will expire in 3 years. The Commission is concerned the worker's sometimes do damage;maybe a condition should be added to the permit. Mr. Tirone will organize a meeting with Mr.Zambouras,Town Engineer and Mr. DeBrigard,DPW. One suggestion was to have worker's take a course to understand how to remove a dam. Minutes for approval: September 26,2012 Motion made by Mr. Finch to approve September 26, 2012 minutes. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. October 16,2012 Motion made by Ms.Stewart to approve October 16, 2012 Public Workshop minutes. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 6-0.0 Mr. Maughan wanted to confirm the presentations were attached and noted in the minutes. November 7,2012 Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve November 7, 2012 minutes as amended. Mr.Finch seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. Mr. Maughan asked that it is noted in the minutes that 7'people attended this Regulation meeting. Meeting Minutes November 28,2012 Approved December 12, 2012 November 14,2012 Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve the November 14, 2012 minutes. Ms. Scanlon seconded Vote was 640. Mr. Finch's picture in the local newspaper was talked about. He stated this was for the new boardwalk at Kurchian Woods. There will be a guided tour on December 2,2012. Regulations Mr.Tirone said he was told by Town Clerk the Bylaw Committee has a standardized format that needs to be used. She made the changes. Ms. Stewart will compare the new format with a previous one. The Commission asked that the full date of November 7, 2012 be on the front page. Ms. Stewart will let Mr. Maughan and Mr. Hecht know of any typos or mistakes found. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to adjourn meeting at 10:00 p.m. Ms.Scanlon seconded Vote was 6-0.0. Re;peotfully Submitted, Kim M Saunders