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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-24 Conservation Commission MinutesMeeting Minutes July 24, 2013 Approved August 14, 2013 Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 pm Wednesday, July 24, 2013 Present: Annika Scanlon, Chairman; Jaime Maughan, Will Finch, William Hecht, Terry Selle Charles Tirone, Administrator Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Sergio Bonilla, BGC Al Couilard, Forest Street Acres Robert Bennett, 34 Martin Road Robert Judge, 10 Annette Lane Pradeeo Selvakumar, 194 Van Norden Road Absent: Kevin Scott, Brian Sullivan Call to Order, Old /New Business - 7:00 RDA 13 -16, 10 Annette Lane, Map 38, Lot 140, National Grid Mr. Bonilla represented National Grid. He let the Commission know that the homeowner at 10 Annette Lane would like to have natural gas installed at their house. They changed the point of entry from the application submitted. The original entry was on the west side of the house, and the new point of entry is between the garage and front door in front of the house, further away and east of the resource area. They are now 75' away from the wetland. Mr. Bonilla stated there would be no stockpiles on site; trenches are backfilled daily. He is willing to install erosion control as needed. Ms. Scanlon asked that a plan be submitted showing the final proposed Gas line. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a negative RDA with conditions. Mr. Selle seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. NOI 272 -0615, 1090, 1100, Main Street, Map 39, Lot 140, 145, Artis Senior Living Center/Erb Request to continue the meeting until August 14, 2013 — Mr. Tirone stated he received written documentation to continue the hearing until August 14, 2013 Old /New Business • Minor Project The Commission did not discuss Minor Projects • Bills approved- Daily Times Chronicle — Mr. Tirone let the Commission know the bill from the Daily Time Chronicle came in. The bill is for advertisement regarding the scout project on Kiley Drive. Meeting Minutes July 24, 2013 Approved August 14, 2013 Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve to pay $76.71. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0 Mr. Finch let the Commission know the Trails Committee now has documentation on what material is needed along with the pieces that go into building a boardwalk. • COC 270 -0672, 20 Fox Run Lane, Map 50 Lot 9, Fabiano Mr. Selle talked about the site visit. He stated there was a question on where and what type of trees were planted. Mr. Maughan looked into the trees and it was noted they were sugar maple. Ms. Scanlon talked about the order of conditions. She had concern that order of condition's are not matching exactly what the applicant was told to do. The Commission discussed if they should accept a professional surveyed plan or an engineered stamped plan. It was noted that a certified as built is needed for a structure or drainage; but for a fence a land surveyor is sufficient. How the order of conditions was written was discussed; the boiler plate should be looked at carefully. The Commission decided that the order of conditions should not give a "strong suggestion" or leave a decision up to the homeowner. Signing of the order of conditions was talked about. The Commission asked that they be put into the packets so they could read them in advance. Mr. Tirone discussed this and said they could but the Commission would need to close the hearing or meeting and approve the application at the next meeting this would allow all condition and pertinent information to be known before writing the order. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a Certificate of Compliance for 20 Fox Run Lane. Mr. Maughan seconded. Vote was 5 -0-0. • Site Visit 26 Collins Ave, discussion Ms. Scanlon talked about the site visit at 25 Collins Ave. It is a house up for sale that is empty. When she stepped behind the house there was a tarp there; it looked like it was shelter and someone was living there. She contacted the police department and they are going to follow up. At the site she did see a computer monitor in the wetlands. • 10 Pasture Road Meadow Management Plan discussion Mr. Tirone is waiting for the plan from the homeowner • 194 Van Norden Road, plan review as noted in 07/10/2013 minutes The Commission talked about the submitted mitigation and monitoring plan along with the granite bounds that need to be put back. Mr. Selvakumar stated his landscaper has not given him a date to start. He believes it will be in the middle of August. Motion made by Mr. Maughan to accept the wetland restoration plan. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 5 -0-0. Mr. Tirone asked the enforcement order be signed and said that the re- vegetation and monitoring plan will be part of enforcement order. Mr. Hecht let the Commission know he will miss two meetings in August. 6 Bethune Ave, Couilard Ms. Scanlon reviewed 6 Bethune Ave. The builder has requested an occupancy permit be signed off by the Commission. It was noted that the site looks stable, has been hydro seeded and is close to a Certificate of Compliance. Mr. Tirone talked to the Commission about the new procedure agreed to by the conservation office and the building Dept. for issuing an occupancy permit. The applicant starts the process for the Certificate of Compliance and the conservation office conducts a site inspection before receiving sign off for the building department occupancy permit. He feels Meeting Minutes July 24, 2013 Approved August 14, 2013 the Certificate of Compliance is forgotten about after the occupancy permit is issued to the home owner. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue an occupancy permit. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0. Mr. Maughan asked that the Commission talk about the issuing of an occupancy permit. He stated that it is Mr. Tirone's discretion if occupancy can be issued. If straight forward Mr. Tirone should sign; if it doesn't look good he should bring it to the Commission. The Commission should be able to rely on the administrator to be looking at sites. Mr. Tirone said he follows the policy of the old administrator and insist the beginning process of COC has started before signing off on occupancy. He believes that Mr. Couilard should have the application started and things that should be completed are; for example the bounds have not yet been scheduled. Mr. Maughan stated that occupancy does not negate the NOI; if a site is progressing occupancy should be issued. Ms. Scanlon had concerns if occupancy is issued and the homeowner moves in without the grass being established, there could be erosion. Mr. Couilard believes that the last house on the lot can be leverage to make sure everything is done that should be done based on the order of conditions. Mr. Tirone disagreed with the applicant for not following a process. The unauthorized retaining wall and fill was talked about. Mr. Couilard stated he followed the plan that was approved by the Commission the only thing was the stone wall and fill. He will do what the Commission suggests about the retaining wall and fill; the Commission asked for it to be put on the as built plan. Mr. Finch asked the administrator if the new permitting software that the Town uses is utilized for flagging sites. This way would make it easier to keep track of homeowners /builders who have outstanding COC. Ms. Scanlon questioned the trees that should be planted at this site. She said at the site visit she asked that a plan be brought to the meeting. The Commission discussed with Mr. Couilard where the trees could be placed. Mr. Couilard believes that the Commission said they wanted to come out and walk the site and tells him where to plant them — a total of 14 trees are needed. Ms. Scanlon questioned the plan and if the trees suggested are sufficient for the replacement of trees that were cut down. The Commission discussed if the responsibility of placing the trees are their responsibility. Mr. Tirone believes the applicant should hire someone and be responsible to provide a planting plan; the Commission should review and vote on a plan the site visit should be for verifying the location and species planted from the approved plan. Mr. Couilard should read his order of conditions on where to place the bounds. Mr. Couilard believes he should have been told that he would need to hire a specialist when the order of conditions was discussed. He reiterated he was told the Commission would walk the site with him. He asked and the Commission agreed to the placing of a couple of trees by the hay bails. The bond was talked about and if it would cover trees. Mr. Couilard agreed to hiring an arborist and getting his advice what type of trees would thrive. Mr. Tirone said he would like to come out and walk the site with the arborist if the meeting takes place within his hours. The Commission will talk to the homeowners if they have a problem with the placement of the trees. Mr. Maughan talked about the order of condition's having to be more specific in the future. • Rte 28 bridge, discussion Mr. Finch discussed with the Commission the bridge repair procedure and the appearance of the site. The Commission asked that Mass DOT restore the bank if needed when done. Harold Ave CR, discussion Mr. Tirone stated that the Town Counsel made comments on the Harold Avenue Conservation Restriction document that was drafted by Mr. Latham. Mr. Tirone let Mr. Latham know he needs to Meeting Minutes July 24, 2013 Approved August 14, 2013 go through Ms. Delios regarding any changes on this document. The Selectmen still needs to approve. The Commission discussed the document. Ms. Scanlon questioned the access provision that is in the document. Mr. Maughan asked that 26r Summer Avenue be looked at for wording purposes for this provision. Mr. Selle stated he did not receive a meeting packet and Mr. Maughan said he did not receive an agenda. Ms. Scanlon told Mr. Selle to email the Commission next time. ANRAD 270 -0616 — Mr. Tirone let the Commission know he has not heard back from the wetland scientist regarding the final location of flag placement. The Commission discussed the vernal pools in that area. It was suggested that the DEP definition be looked at regarding vernal pools by the commission. It was suggested the vernal pool application from the Natural Heritage needs to be filled out by the wetland scientist or he should hire someone to fill out. Mr. Maughan checked with Mr. Tirone that he will be involved in the DRT meetings for this site. Mr. Tirone showed a draft plan for this location, the draft plan showed five proposed houses. Mr. Tirone told the Commission he did a site visit at 1198 Main Street and discussed with the developer that the hay bales still need to be removed; he will release the bond once they have been removed. Minutes for Approval: July 10, 2013 Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the minutes from the July 10, 2013 meeting as amended. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 5 -0-0. Mr. Tirone let the Commission know the Town received an appeal for the Comverse area down by Track Road A permit was issued by the Wakefield Conservation to allow for a security fence, reconstruction of existing parking area and associated site work. The Town of Reading and Town of Wakefield are on the appeal; which a Science teacher initiated. They believe part of the land is owned by the Town and should have public access and there are drainage channels for Lake Quannapowitt. Mr. Hecht discussed the history of the land. Mr. Maughan said he has heard one of the bridges by Walker's Brook is going to be repaired. Mr. Finch discussed 1504 Main Street. There were approximately 15 trees cut down on a homeowner's property; but not in the buffer zone. Mr. Tirone stated that emails from Ms. Delios and Ms. Wilson said they have not heard any more about the 40b project or trees being cut in that area. Ms. Scanlon asked if the Commission had time to read the document from Ms. Stroman, Girl Scout. They asked to postpone on feedback until next meeting. It was suggested that she reference where she got her information. Mr. Maughan talked about the bird sanctuary site visit. He stated there was fairly recent erosion. He suggested that the DPW should birm or put in a catch basin to relieve road erosion. He has concerns where the water would go if diverted. Mr. Tirone will follow up with Engineering. Ms. Scanlon asked the Commission if the site visits should be moved back to Sunday night so more Commission members can attend. It was stated that during the summer people go away and Meeting Minutes July 24, 2013 Approved August 14, 2013 are not around on Sunday nights. Mr. Maughan asked Ms. Scanlon to lead who is going, delegate the notes and looking at the order; and Ms. Scanlon agreed. Mr. Tirone reminded the Commission that next Wednesday is distribution day for the meeting packets. They discussed the Artis Senior Living Center project. It was noted that the Commission was surprised how Haye's Engineering has not been responsive to the Commission's concerns or requests; but the owners representatives have been. Mr. Maughan reminded the Commission that Mr. Scott will be the point person for storm water concerns. Mr. Tirone said that he has talked to Hayes Engineering about having the wetlands reflagged. Mr. Finch said he will not be at the August 28th meeting. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to adjourn at 10:00 p.m. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 5 -0-0. Respectfully submitted, Kim M Saunders