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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-26 Conservation Commission MinutesMeeting Minutes June 26, 2013 Approved July 10, 2013 Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 pm Wednesday, June 26, 2013 Present: Jaime Maughan, Chairman; Brian Sullivan, Annika Scanlon, Will Finch, Kevin Scott, William Hecht, Terry Salle Charles Tirone, Administrator Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Mike Hansen, 17 Plymouth Road Cynthia Hansen, 17 Plymouth Road Mary McIntosh, 14 Plymouth Road Gordon McIntosh, 14 Plymouth Road Charles Salemi, 374 Lowell Street Melissa Russell, 23 Plymouth Road Barbara Cefali, 10 Dustin Road Ralph Cerali, 10 Dustin Road Albert Gillis, 378 Lowell Street Deobrarh Koury, 6 Willard Road Mandy Neff, 11 Willard Road Annmarie, 35 Plymouth Road Kathy Tierney, 33 Plymouth Road Todd Wacomi, 12 Acorn Drive, Andover Chris Nolty, 35 Plymouth Road Rachel Gordan, 24 Evergreen Road Pat O'Brien, 27 Plymouth Road Joanne O'Briien, 27 Plymouth Road Eddie Calo, 11 Bethune Ave Tom Daley, 199 Wells Ave, Newton, MA Jaime Miron, 54 Martin Road John Russell, 23 Plymouth Road Matt Carroll, 44 Roma Lane Brenda Byrne, 78 Ashley Place Ryan Percival, DPW Engineering Al Couillard, Bethune Ave Ryan Morgan, 26 Lee Street Marwan and Nancy Kouki, 1102 Main Street Absent: Call to Order, Old /New Business - 7:00 pm Storm water Buffer Zone BMP, Todd Wacome Meeting Minutes June 26, 2013 Approved July 10, 2013 Mr. Wacome came to the Commission to do a presentation on a storm water treatment unit that combines the treatment mechanisms of both a gravity separator and staged membrane filter to address fine sediment and particulate -bound phosphorus, metals and other pollutants. He stated he is a builder /developer in Andover and has worked with other treatments. He felt they clogged and didn't do the full job they are supposed to do. He stated the Andover DPW uses this filtration; the price is approximately $3800 including a manhole and retrofitting and existing catch basin is a similar cost: the maintenance is similar to other storm water treatments; you are able to use a clam shell or a vacuum truck; and it is hard to damage. Continued RDA 13 -11, Sturges Park, Pine Ridge Road, Map 4 Lot 88 Mr. Percival talked about the changes they made on the plans for the new playground at Sturges Park. The major change is the shifting of the play area 3' of the right of way. There will be no grading in the 35' area. After doing an analysis it was found that the area should not be considered a riverfront. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a negative determination. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 7 -0-0. RDA 13-15,1-95 Route 128, Map various Lot various, Daley/ MassDOT Mr. Daley represented MassDot. He works for the engineering firm that is working on this project. He stated the work will be exit 32 in Burlington to exit 42 in Wakefield. The project range is 11 miles. The project consists of installation of an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) the fiber - optic network will be used to provide and improve communication from existing and proposed IST devices the system includes surveillance systems, traffic detectors stations, closed- circuit television, portions of the work are within 100 -feet of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland. He stated the following: • The cable will be in the buffer zone not in the wetlands • The 6x8 equipment shelter will be outside the buffer zone. • They will not be breaking up the paved surface • There will be both plowing and open trench • they will replant, and reuse what excavated material they can Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a negative determination. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was7-0 -0. RDA 13 -13, 22 Lee,Street, Map 26 Lot 6, Morgan — Mr. Morgan stated his address is 26 Lee Street. He stated he would like to expand the driveway by 8' to the right and fix the existing retaining wall within the same footprint. There will be removal of a non - native tree; but will be replaced with a small bushes; there will be no change in grading. The project is within the buffer zone. Mr. Tirone let the Commission know he did a site visit and believes the project is a good project. The homeowner will be using hay bales for erosion control. The buffer line was verified off of the Mass. GIS site. Meeting Minutes June 26, 2013 Approved July 10, 2013 Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a negative determination based on plans with hay bales and silk fence. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 7 -0 -0. RDA 13 -14, Kylie Drive, Map 34 Lot 134, Rodda Mr. Rodda stated he belongs to Troop 728. He is interested in doing his Eagle Scout project by building a boardwalk on Kylie Drive. The boardwalk will extend through the swamp land. The Commission told the applicant to make the boardwalk 4' wide so it is handicapped accessible. Mr. Tirone stated that an abutter asked that a tree at #12 Kylie Drive not be touched. He also asked that the Commission consider waiving the fee for the application and the fee for the legal notice at the Chronicle. Mr. Finch volunteered to work with the applicant on what types of material should be used. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a negative determination with conditions. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 7 -0 -0. RDA 13 -12, 11 Bethune Ave, Map 39/104, Lot 4, Calo Mr. Calo talked to the Commission about installing a point well for irrigation. It is near the buffer zone but outside the 35' area. Ciano Well and Plumbing will do the installing. The depth of the well is 20 to 30' based on the water table. The Commission questioned if a permit is required by the Health Department and was told one was required. Mr. Tirone will put into the language that a permit is needed. Mr. Tirone will also follow up to see what river shed the property is in. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a negative determination with conditions. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 7 -0 -0. ANRAD 270 -, 364 Lowell Street, Map 26, Lot 157, Jamieson Properties Mr. Maughan let the public know that an ANRAD is not a permit to do anything. It is just an official request to identify and approve the wetland line. The request does not allow any building, changes, grading or cutting. Mr. Manuel, a wetland scientist, stated he flagged the property. He received a minor project permit from the Town allowing test pits within the buffer zone. He stated the vegetation is very clear; there is a distinct line. Mr. Tirone walked the site and made some changes. He discussed the fill he found on the site. The abutters and the Commission discussed the followings: • Clarified the methods the Commission allows for the testing for wetlands • An abutter questioned if there is a vernal pool in the area and if so would building be allowed in proximity to a vernal pool. Mr. Tirone stated he identified 3 vernal pools but nowhere near the site. A homeowner disagreed said according to the Commission five years ago there was a vernal pool. The administrator agreed to check the records and investigate any identified vernal pool. • The procedure of an application was discussed • The foundation construction and how the people downhill will be affected • Talked about if the site visit was in March and April would the wetland line be different Meeting Minutes June 26, 2013 Approved July 10, 2013 • If the sand had an affect • The difference between the 100' of a wetland and the 100' of a vernal pool • Concern about flooding in the abutters basement • If the area is an the Aquifer Protection District • If the builder could be required to meet the storm water standards • Abutters want to make sure the applicant has to follow restrictions — like they had to Mr. Tirone questioned if a vote should be postponed until the Commission can do a site visit and the Commissions expressed a desire to conduct the visit. Mr. Manuel requested to be there too. Mr. Maughan asked the applicant if delaying the vote to conduct the site visit would be a hardship to the applicant. The Applicant said it would not be, so no vote will be taken on the ANRAD until after the site visit. There will be a site visit on July 8th. This applicant's site will be the first one that night. He asked that the concerns regarding the Aquifer Protection District and vernal pool be looked at. NOI 272 -0615 , 1090, 1100, Main Street, Map 39, Lot 140, 145, Artis Senior Living Center/ Erb Mr. Maughan opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Latham represented the applicant and stated he was there just to help with the presentation. He went over what the applicant would like to build. Why the building needs to be built the way they are proposing. Mr. Hilton, Hayes Engineering, went over the plans. The following was discussed: • Several of the Commissions requested a daylighted hydraulic connection among the three wetlands on the site • The new plan reduces the impervious pavement • If the pipe between wetlands was eliminated, the applicant expressed concerns of downstream flooding • Could a daylight connection be done • If the variance criteria was met. The Commission asked that the 3 criteria's that is needed for a variance be looked at again. • Could pervious pavement be used? It was suggested to Mr. Hayes to look at Austin Prep for an example • Talked about the fire lane that was requested by the Chief • Could a wing on the building be changed? • Did the wetland line change from a plan shown in December? • Could the length of the driveway of the abutter be shorter? • How does the wetland system function hydraulically, what is the drainage area, and where is the discharge going? It was asked that Hayes Engineering do more tests, they would like more data on this information • Snow storage should be reviewed in light of wetland protection Meeting Minutes June 26, 2013 Approved July 10, 2013 • Any proposal for testing the soils in the existing storage areas, where there chemicals stored on site during the operation of Eric's Green house? • The packed gravel was discussed, should not be considered impervious. Mr. Kouki talked to the Commission about the site; how it was when he first bought the house and how it is now. He has access through this property to get to his. He wants to make sure any changes won't affect his basement. He stated his yard gets flooded, but not his basement. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to continue the hearing to July 10th. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 7 -0-0. The commission will do a site visit on July 8 th Mr. Hecht stated he received an email regarding a resident on Bond Street and continued activity on Town Land. This resident already was in front of the Commission for having a shed on Town property, mowing, cutting down a tree and planting. The Commission previously told him he could keep his shed, but will have to take it down when his house is sold. There was a part of the shed that the homeowner was supposed to remove. There would be no more mowing and he had to remove some plantings. Mr. Tirone will send the Commission the photograph received and any information that is in the file. Old /New Business • Minor Project: • Bills approved- MACC membership — Mr. Tirone stated he will discuss this at the next meeting • DOA, 18 Symonds Way, Map 41 Lot 39, Donnelly The Commission signed the conditions that were discussed at the last meeting. Mr. Tirone stated the applicant brought a plan in for the deck he would like to do in the future. • COC 270 -0606, 20 Eastway, Map 212A Lot 17,Lusk Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a Certificate of Compliance. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 7 -0-0. • COC 270-0589,1198 Main Street, Map 195 Lot 6 &7, RKACO, LLC Mr. Hecht talked about the site visit. There was a little erosion and one bush died. Mr. Ahern stated he took care of everything that the Commission had a concern on. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a Certificate of Compliance. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 7 -0-0 • COC 270 -59, 153 Eastway, Map 46 Lot 156, Keane Mr. Hecht stated there was no erosion and was well established. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a Certificate of Compliance. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 7 -0-0 Meeting Minutes June 26, 2013 Approved July 10, 2013 • Bat houses at Symonds Way Field, Nathan Terry Not discussed by Commission • Friends & Family Day, debrief Commission stated it was a great day. Two winners were picked for the plants - Ms. Dimeo and Ms. Alberts 44 Roma Lane, Matt Carroll, Soil Delineation report Mr. Carroll stated the delineation was done on the lot to the left. The area of concern is Conservation jurisdiction. There will be no further activity allowed. The homeowner will present a planting plan to offset the cutting previously done. Mr. Finch asked that a survey plan showing where the wetland is and a planting proposal is needed. The Commission will do a site visit when the plan is in. Mr. Carroll will get the plan to the administrator by July 15tH • Last Call for New England Caterpillars, Samuel Jaffe Not discussed by the Commission 54 Martin Road, New variance letter has been submitted Mr. Miron talked to the Commission what he is proposing to do to offset the steps and ramp that was installed. He proposes to install rain barrels; remove the offending multi floral rose bush; he will do maintenance of that area; clean up the blueberry bushes area; and the removal of landscaping debris that is outback. The Commission told the homeowner he could use their weed wench to remove the rose bush. There will be no enforcement order. Once the changes that were talked about are done the Commission will do a site visit and a Certificate of Compliance can be the next step. • Continued Clear Channel Billboards, O&M Discussion, Mike Auterio review O&M Plan No follow up by Clear Channel as of yet. Al Couillard, Lot 5 Bethune Ave Mr. Hecht talked about the site visit at Bethune Ave, Lot 5. There was a retaining wall added to the area and the property is hydro seeded. The hay bales are ragged, but no seepage into the wetlands. The hay bales should be replaced. Mr. Couillard stated he will put the retaining wall on the as built plan. He did hydro seed the back and is meeting with Engineering for bounds. He figures a month until a Certificate of Compliance will be needed for all of the houses. Mr. Couillard apologized to the Commission for going off the plan, but said "sometimes you have to ". The owner of the house wanted a shallower slope. He stated a call to Mr. Tirone is not easy. For some reason there is friction between them. Mr. Couillard alleged that Mr. Tirone stated at the site that "he was going to slow him down on his job site ". Mr. Tirone explained that the statement was intended to prevent Mr. Coulliard from conducting any unpermitted activity until the Commission could review the additional work. Mr. Coulliard made a commitment to come to the Commission before doing any work not within the existing Order of Conditions. Mr. Coulliard said he had worked successfully with the previous administrator. He has never gotten a violation, or a stop work order before. He feels the change he did is a minor project. He stated he has asked in the past for Mr. Tirone to sign off on different things and he refuses without discussing it with the Commission first. He feels Mr. Tirone should be able to make small decisions. Meeting Minutes June 26, 2013 Approved July 10, 2013 Mr. Tirone questioned why he didn't come to the Commission before building the wall. Mr Couillard again agreed to do so in the future. The Commission asked that Mr. Couillard make a phone call to Mr. Tirone first when a change is needed. He is welcome to call the Conservation chairman or vice - chairman if Mr. Tirone is not in. They asked that the hay bales be replaced. The wall be put on the as built. Mr. Couillard questioned the 14 trees that still need to be planted. The Commission asked that he come up with a proposal and present to the Commission. Mr. Couillard asked if the privacy bushes be considered in the tree count; the Commission stated they cannot. Ms. Scanlon encouraged Mr. Couillard to work on the relationship with Mr. Tirone. • Minutes for approval: June 12, 2013 Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to accept minutes as amended. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 7 -0 -0 Mr. Finch stated the site visit is not ready for the Kurchian Woods Bridge. Mr. Maughan introduced Terry Salle, the newest Commission member. Mr. Maughan stated he was sworn in as a Commission member along with Ms. Scanlon. The Commission will have to vote at the next meeting who will be the new chairman. Then the chairman position will be yearly. Mr. Tirone showed the "No Mow Zone" sign. It was asked that he order 3 for Castine Field. Mr. Tirone will not be at the next meeting, he is going on vacation. He will have Ms. Gentile do the packets. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to adjourn at 11.20 p.m. Mr. Maughan seconded. Vote was 6 -0-0. Respectfully submitted, Kim M Saunders