HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-24 Conservation Commission MinutestU k-0-- ; r ) Q___, <<'C V,.,_
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Meeting Minutes April 24, 2013
AQLTay 8, 2013
TOwNG. MASS.
Reading Conservation Commission Meetin%3 Mkl 14 P V Zl
Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 pm
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Present: Jaime Maughan, Chairman; Brian Sullivan, Jaime Maughan, Annika Scanlon, Will Finch,
Kevin Scott
Charles Tirone, Administrator
Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary
Absent: William Hecht
Call to Order, Old /New Business - 7:00
Continued RDA 13 -1, 34 Roma Lane Map 12 Lot 36 & 78, Andrews
This RDA is continued. Mr. Tirone will do a site visit on Friday. Once the wetland line is
established, trees will be marked on which ones the owner would like to cut down.
NOI 270 -0613, 87 Belmont Street, Map 28, 29 Lot 195, 5, Reading DPW — Engineering
Division
Mr. Maughan stated that the hearing was closed at the last meeting. He reviewed the conditions
with Mr. Zambouras: picking up the trash, minimize the disturbance, vehicle will stay on raised
bed area, fill in the holes as established, come in off of Ivy Street, any disturbance regarding will
be done and hay bales if necessary. Mr. Zambouras stated: no trees will be cut down, vehicle
won't have to turn around — it will back in and start at last one first and the 4'h boaring will be
decided in the field. It was asked that Mr. Tirone be contacted when the activity starts.
Motion made by Mr. Finch to approve the NO] 2 70-0613 for property located at 87 Belmont
Street. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0.
N01270 -0614, Walkers Brook Drive Right of Way, Map 17 Lot 14, Reading DPW - Engineering
Division
Mr. Maughan reopened the public hearing. The area that is being disturbed in the river front was
discussed. It was decided it was approximately 105 total square feet. The bus stop will be
moved down a little farther than what was originally planned; the planting area in front of Stop
and Shop will not be disturbed. Mr. 'Zambouras stated that a small curb might need to be
installed to help with protecting the plants. He talked to the MBTA and they were fine with the
bus stop being moved. It was suggested that Mr. Zambouras talk to the owners of the Market
Basket area and see if there is any wetland restoration the Town can do on their property; maybe
cleaning up phragmites. If they will not allow the town to work on their property Mr. Zambouras
will propose to the Con Com another project to compensate for work in the River Front.
Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to close the public hearing on NOI270 -0604, Walkers Brook
Drive. Mr. Sullivan seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0.
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Meeting Minutes April 24, 2013
Approved May 8, 2013
Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to approve Order of Conditions as amended. Mr. Finch
seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0.
Old/New Business
Bills Approved — there are no bills
Minor Project — there are no minor projects
Mr. Finch stated that this Saturday is Earth Day. The Climate Control Committee will be doing
guided walks. The Trails Committee will have a table.
COC 270 -0607: 211 Washington Street, Map 17 Lot 89, McBrine
Mr. McBrine stated he has an existing OOC's. The garage is done. There is an area to the back
of his yard that he is not able to grow grass. It stays wet and is shady. He would like to layer it
with stone for erosion control. After the Commission finished discussing this area it was
suggested a drip trench with stone and plantings or 3 or 4 blueberry bushes or equivalent. Mr.
McBrine will forward on documents stating the minor modification and what was discussed at
the meeting to Mr. Tirone.
Motion made to accept minor change as discussed. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0
Harold Ave, Conservation Restriction Discussion
Mr. Tirone stated he has not heard from Mr. Latham on this property.
Bare Meadow discussion —
Mr. Finch talked about the site visit. It is the area behind Mr. Boyd and Mr. Poirier's house.
There are trees that the tops broke off. Both residents would like permission to clean up the area.
They suggested cleaning up the buckthorn. Mr. Finch will suggest to the Trails Committee that
local boy scouts could clean up path by the area. Mr. Maughan asked that Mr. Tirone draft a
letter. The homeowners invited the Commission to do a site visit once cleaned. The neighbors
asked for a letter stating the permission and the Con Com concurred.
Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to thank the neighbors and give endorsement as described to Mr.
Boyd and Mr. Poirier. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0.
The Commission talked about the mowing at Bare Meadow. It will be done lx a year and will
be looked at again.
Continued Clear Channel Billboards, O &M Discussion, Mike Auterio review O &M Plan
Mr. Tirone stated that Clear Channel has finisher the landscape plan and will be at the next
meeting.
Bethune Ave, plan approval —
Mr. Couillard stated he is working on the last house in the subdivision. He would like the
Commission to review a minor plan change. The Commission discussed the changes and had
some concerns:
1. confirmation the drip trench is adequate with the change
Meeting Minutes April 24, 2013
Approved May 8, 2013
2. will the drywell work with new location -- can it be moved back to the original area
3. Is the drywell at least 35' away from the resource area
4. The black corrugated drain pipe was discussed and questioned how they stand up in the
future
5. How the deck will be made
Mr. Tirone let the Commission know he talked to the Building Inspector, and if the Commission
thinks they need extra time to review the plans, the permit has 30 days before it has to be issued.
Mr. Couillard stated that he would like to start the house as soon as he can. He feels that he gave
the plans to Mr. Tirone in enough time to review. Mr. Maughan identified an option as once
updated plans are received with all the material that was discussed, Mr. Tirone can have the
Engineering Department review and sign off their approval. The Commission agreed and stated
they feel comfortable since the lot is pre developed. Mr. Tirone will forward on the plans to the
Commission so they can review; any concerns the Commission needs to let Mr. Tirone know by
the end of Monday. Mr. Couillard will have to come back to the Commission if there are any
issues and the plans do not address the comments Commissioners made at the meeting..
The detention basin was talked about with Mr. Couillard. An owner on the development was
pumping water from the basin it into the wetlands. The owner has agreed to not do this again.
The Commission questioned if it was working properly. Mr. Couillard believes it is; it has been
during the fall and winter. The detention base was discussed and how the town needs to accept
it; and an as -built is still needed. Mr. Maughan stated any outstanding issues can be handled
with the Certificate of Compliance.
Motion made by Mr. Sullivan to empower Mr. Tirone to sign off on the updated plans, after
Engineering as looked at them, as discussed and to issue a minor project. Mr. Finch
seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0.
9 Smith Ave, tree —
Ms. Sherman stated she was representing the would be owners of 9 Smith Ave. While at the
house, the owner of 16 Smith Avenue let her clients know the tree has been a nuisance and
would like them cut it down. Ms. Sherman said her clients need to know if Conservation would
allow the tree to be cut down. A tree arborist has said the tree is healthy but wrote up a proposal
on other options that can be done. Her clients just do not want to move in and have issues with
the neighbors. They are willing to take on the cost of the tree. The Commission reviewed the
options. Mr. Tirone went over the history of the tree. This problem has come before the
Commission starting in 1999. Mr. Maughan let Ms. Sherman know Conservation cannot do
anything until an application is filed. He believes cutting down the tree goes against the policy
of the Commission. The tree is not a safety issue or a threat to structures. Not only would the
owner of 9 Smith Ave have to pay for the tree cutting, but the application to the Town and other
plantings. Once the clients own the house they can file an application and come back to the
Commission. The abutters will be notified. This will give the chance of 16 Smith Avenue to
come to the meeting.
Mr. Maughan let the Commission know he will not be able to attend the Monday night site visits
for two more weeks. It was decided the site visits will stay on Sunday morning then switch to
Monday nights after the next Commission meeting.
Meeting Minutes April 24, 2013
Approved May 8, 2013
Ms. Scanlon let the Commission know she met with Mr. Tirone and the consultant for 306 Main
Street. The following was discussed:
• This property is owned by Getty.
• The history and soils contamination
• Concerns about the data in the report
• If the property is buildable
• The private well at 19 Percy Avenue
• Is the BOH following the report
• Getty is willing to maintain the property even after new ownership — part of the
agreement clause
Mr. Maughan stated Ms. Scanlon will continue to follow this property. He suggested that Mr.
Friedman, BOH member, might be interested in the report. .
Mr. Tirone let the Commission know Open Land Trust came in today they would like to gift to
Conservation the property on Scotland Road. They let him know the area is a night mare with
people dumping. The wetlands were discussed. Mr. Maughan said the donation needs to go
through town counsel. He asked Mr. Tirone to find out the size of the wetland, maybe from old
files.
Minutes for approval: April 10, 2013
Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to accept the meeting minutes forApril 10, 2013. Mr. Finch
seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0
Mr. Finch said the Trails Committee is meeting on Sunday to see if the area in Sledgewood can
be bridged to Kurchian.
Mr. Finch also let the Commission know there is a structure in the Town forest; kids have built
it. He will let the Town Forest Commission know.
Motion made by Mr. Finch to adjourn at 9:15. Mr. Sullivan seconded. Vote was 5 -0.0.
Respectfully submitted
Kim M Saunders