HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-12 Conservation Commission MinutesMeeting Minutes June 12, 2013 Approved June 262013 w ' oX © *m Reading Conservation Commission Meeting ! �Zrn Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 pm "Z Wednesday, June 12, 2013 yMo cn Present: Jaime Maughan, Chairman; Brian Sullivan, Annika Scanlon, Will Finch, Kevin Scott, J Charles Tirone, Administrator Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Mr. Zambouras, Town Engineer John Fuedo, Recreation Ed Donnelly, 18 Symonds Way Terry Selle, 335 Haven Street Brad Latham, 643 Main Street Ken Lafferty, 35 Stewart Road Jim Lordan, 26 Fairchild Drive — Sage Development M. Carroll, 44 Roma Lane Absent: William Hecht, Kevin Scott Call to Order, Old/New Business - 7:00 RDA 13-10,18 Symonds Way, Map 41 Lot 39, Donnelly The owner discussed with the Commission that he would like to construct a new 15'x 24'x 4' above ground pool within 100 -feet of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland. Ms. Scanlon had concern regarding the 10' line. The applicant stated the plan shows the pool as a rectangle; he is now buying a round pool, Mr. Maughan asked that hay bales be placed at the 25' marker. The procedure of draining of the pool was talked about. Mr. Tirone asked that chlorine stop being added to the pool 3 days before the draining should occur. The owner will add this to his maintenance letter. It was suggested to the owner since a RDA is good for 3 years, the deck and stairs he would like to install in the future should be added to this RDA. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to issue a negative determination proposed as modified in discussion. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. RDA 13 -11, Sturges Park, Pine Ridge Road, Map 4 Lot 88 Mr. Zambouras talked to the Commission about the new playground at Sturges Park. He stated; • This is the first of many phases • They will be abandoning the existing playground • Will be moving the new one south, away from the street • The old site will be loomed and seeded • New shredded rubber will be used • There will be 6 -9' of grading Meeting Minutes June 12, 2013 Approved June 26, 2013 • Outside the 25', but in the riverfront area • The old swing set will be removed in the fall; and a tire swing will be installed • Erosion control in the downhill side • Will do minor seeding (protect and get growth) and will wait until fall to do the rest • Master Plan was approved by the Selectmen Mr. Maughan had concerns with the rubberized material getting into the wetlands. He stated at Barrows School the material escapes from the playground. Mr. Feudo stated the traffic at a school is much heavier than what would be at this park. The material being used at Sturges is going to be a different material; it is not so easy to throw. Mr. Maughan questioned if it is on the riverfront. It was asked and Mr. Zambouras agreed to calculate the drainage area determine if the location was within the jurisdictional river front. Ms. Scanlon asked if the playground could be moved. She had concerns with the grading being in the 35'. Mr. Zambouras stated that for the safety of the children he would not want to move the playground; and the grading is important to the project. Mr. Feudo let the Commission know that they would like to add parking in the future and that maintenance will be able to cut the strip of grass. He also believes the neighborhood will be "policing" the playground; if it is a mess, there will be complaints to the DPW. After discussion, Mr. Zambouras stated they can reshape and move the playground a little to shave off 5'. Mr. Tirone questioned; • No variance needed — working in the 35' • A motion to agree to the project but not verifying wetland flags • Asked if the proposed wetland be put on the plans every time • Stop mowing inside the flags — show what the area will like in the future Mr. Zambouras disagreed with showing the wetlands on the plans; he is not sure what the whole plan is as of yet. Mr. Finch talked about the water flow and how the wetlands will be enhanced if there was a natural flow to the dam. After reviewing the application it was found that the applicant filed a NO1 not a RDA. The legal notice was sent to the paper wrong. The Commission discussed this error and if it has an impact. The applicant will come back at the next meeting with updated plans and will make a variance request. The official public hearing for the NO1 will be held at that time. Mr. Zambouras let the Commission know that the Town would like to do curbing on Vine Street. Mr. Tirone did a site visit and sent a memo stating that this project has no impact on the wetland. Mr. Maughan questioned Mr. Zambouras if contact has been made with Danis Properties regarding the Towns restoration for the bus stop. He stated he hasn't, but plans to so and will report back at the next meeting. Old /New Business Minor Project: 364 Lowell Street, test pit, Jamieson This was not discussed with the Commission Bills Approved — Legal Notice for the Trails Committee - $113.93 Meeting Minutes June 12, 2013 Approved June 26, 2013 Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to pay the legal notice for $113.93. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 4.0- 0. Mr. Tirone stated he spoke to the newspaper and questioned the fee. Water Sewer Bill - $16.36 Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to pay the Pearl Street water and sewer bill. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. 10 Pasture Road discussion Mr. Tirone let the Commission know he dropped off a letter to the owner regarding the mowing at 10 Pasture Road. Mr. Finch asked if there was an original plan to see what area is supposed to be mowed. Mr. Tirone at first thought the owner agreed to the order of condition's and then came back and said actually the owner said the mowing is a hardship for his family, He would like the Conservation Commission to consider relaxing the order of conditions. The Commission discussed the mowing and how frequent he should be doing it. Mr. Maughan asked for the owner to be contacted and have him come into a meeting. He would like to do another site visit. Ms. Scanlon asked that the original conditions and plan be forwarded to the Commission, It was asked the Mr. Tirone let the homeowner know no more cutting. COC 270.0605, 160 Charles Street, Map 34 Lot 62, Lorden Mr. Maughan stated they did a site visit. The property looks good. The only different between the plans and the as built are the 3 added small stone.wall, Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to issue a certificate of compliance. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. COC 270 -0592, 1000 Main Street, Map 33 Lot 141, Laferty Mr. Maughan stated they did a site visit — great job on the project. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to issue a certificate of compliance for 1000 Main Street. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0 44 Roma Lane, Matt Carroll The owner stated he came to the Commission to see what his constraint would be to putting in a pool. He also stated he did some clearing on his property, Mr. Maughan stated this is an apparent violation of the original permit and an enforcement order could be issued. Ms. Scanlon read the findings and talked about the plan that was given with the fall 2013 application for tree cutting. The commission discussed if the findings were written so the homeowner knew what was allowed on his property. Mr. Finch questioned if there was grading mentioned on the application or order of conditions. There was no grading mentioned in the application or Order of Conditions. The homeowner suggested having the wetlands delineated and flagged before anything else is done. The Commission agreed that the owner should do this and reach consensus with the administrator and Commision before having the flags surveyed in a plan. The homeowner should contact Mr, Tirone to let him know when the wetland scientist will be on site. The Commission would like to do a site visit, The homeowner then can submit an application if he wants to do any additional work, If no additional work to be done, an enforcement order will be issued. The Commission asked that the grading that was done be put on the as built. The homeowner apologized for the misunderstanding. Harold Ave, Conservation Restriction Discussion Meeting Minutes June 12, 2013 Approved June 26, 2013 Mr. Latham presented the Commission his proposed wording for the Harold Avenue Conservation Restriction. He stated this document is simply meant for clarification. The Commission discussed the changes, Mr. Maughan let Mr. Latham know if the Commission finds the document acceptable it will need to go to Town Counsel and then to the Selectmen for approval. Ms. Scanlon stated that there are some discrepancies in the two versions of the plans submitted, The total conservation restriction area is 27565. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to approve the wordage presented by Mr. Latham. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. Mr. Tirone will forward to Town Council for review. Mr. Salle let the Commission know he interviewed with the Selectmen for the Conservation Commission needs to be approved next Tuesday; he might be back in two weeks. 54 Martin Road Mr. Tirone stated the homeowner talked to him about the variance. The homeowner wanted to add markers and 3 rain barrels. Mr. Tirone will meet with him on Friday to discuss other options. Mr. Sullivan will meet Mr. Tirane at the property. Last Call for NE Caterpillars, Samuel Jaffe Ms, Scanlon let the Commission know that she made contact with Mr. Jaffe. She thinks this is a great enrichment program for the Town. He likes to do day long shows 10:00 pm to 4:00 pm. His cost is $300 to $850, She would like him to come back in the fall. She talked to Rachel Baugmartner, Town librarian and let her know about Mr. Jaffe; she stated she is interested in this too. Mr. Maughan asked that the school department be contacted to see if they are interested in participating in this program, Ms. Scanlon stated she would and maybe REI would also be interested. Ms. Scanlon will pass out flyers at the Friends and Family Day. Friends and Family Day Mr. Maughan went over the staffing for Friends and Family Day, Ms. Scanlon and Mr. Sullivan will do 10 am to 12 pm. Mr. Hecht and Mr. Maughan will do 12 p,m. to 2 p.m. Mr. Finch will be at the Trails Committee table. Mr, Tirone will stop in. It was suggested to bring chairs. Mr. Tirone said the banner will be ready for the Friends and Family Day. Ms. Scanlon is doing a "in my back yard' theme. She will pick up some plants that thrive in any climate. She also has books for children and created a State park chart, Mr, Finch questioned if the bridge repair in Reading /North Reading has started. Mr, Tirone will question Ms. Norton. Continued Clear Channel Billboards, 0 &M Discussion, Mike Auterio review 0 &M Plan This was not discussed with the Commission Minutes for approval: May 22, 2013 Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. Ms, Scanlon questioned 426 Walnut Street. She thought the RDA was continued until today. Mr. Tirone stated he has not received anything as of yet, Meeting Minutes June 12, 2013 Approved June 26, 2013 The Commission discussed Pulte Homes. Mr. Maughan showed on the board the area he was concerned about. The slope is steep and the plantings are not stable or healthy. Natural swale is not being done. Mr. Maughan asked that on the next site visit have the applicant/representative be there. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to approve the Burbank Ice Rink bat houses, Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 4.0 -0. Mr. Sullivan questioned if the bat houses should be black not the color they are, Mr. Tirone will contact the builder and discuss this. Mr. Tirone told the Commission the construction was started at Perfecto's without having all the paperwork done first; maybe an enforcement order is needed. They did a pump tank without permission. They put in flow fill in the tanks that are located on the left hand side towards the front of the building, He did say he is allowing the Town Water Department to cap the water. The Commission discussed a presentation that a gentleman is willing to do on new infiltration. He is willing to come to the Conservation meetings. The Commission stated they are interested; and maybe invite Engineering. Mr. Maughan stated his term is over at the end of next month. He is not sure if the Selectmen will reinstate him. He will serve has Chairman at the next meeting, but a vote will be needed for a new chairperson. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to adjourn at 10:00 p.m. Mr. Sullivan seconded. Vote was 4 -0.0 Respectfully submitted, /Kim M Saun4ers ..-- -