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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-10 Conservation Commission MinutesMeeting Minutes July 10, 2013 Approved July 24, 2013 Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 pm Wednesday, July 10, 2013 Present: Jaime Maughan, Chairman; Brian Sullivan, Annika Scanlon, Will Finch, Kevin Scott, William Hecht, Terry Selle Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Sergio Rotstein, 10 Pasture Road Attorney Mark J Gillis, 237 Forest Street John Crosby, 16 Dustin Road Ralph Cefeli, 10 Dustin Road David Jamsmeson Steve Dodge Tom Hughes, Hughes Environmental Pradeep Selvakumar, 194 Van Norden Road Victor Miriam Gilbert, 56 Pasture Road Deb Koury, 6 Willard Road Bill Manuell, Wetlands & Land Management Absent: Charles Tirone, Administrator Call to Order, Old /New Business - 7:00 ANRAD 270 -0616, 364 Lowell Street, Map 26, Lot 157, Jamieson Properties Mr. Hecht stated there was a site visit on this property. They found when they augured the gravel in certain spots there were no wetland soils below. Since the fill is not in the wetlands there will be no requirements to remove it. The Commission also walked the property for the Vernal Pool concern. It is believed that the Vernal Pool is not encroaching on the property. Mr. Manuell said there were no changes in the flag location. Mr. Maughan reiterated that the ANRAD is only to confirm the flags. Mr. Crosby wanted to make sure that once the builder presents plans the Commission will make sure the project is away from the Vernal Pools and that the Aquifer Protection District is considered. Mr. Hecht made a motion to approve the ANRAD at 364 Lowell Street. Mr. Sullivan seconded Vote was 7 -0 -0. NOI 272 -0615, 1090, 1100, Main Street, Map 39, Lot 140, 145, Artis Senior Living Center /erb Mr. Maughan stated the Commission received a continuation letter from Mr. Latham; it will be continued until August 14, 2013. Mr. Hecht talked about the site: • DEP had concerns with site Meeting Minutes July 10, 2013 Approved July 24, 2013 • The gravel was highly compacted; but not considered impervious from the Engineer. • The greenhouse was discussed and the fill beneath it. • The client stated he is willing to redo the wetland area • Client willing to look at Austin Prep for pervious pavement. • Client will consider a hydraulic connection between the isolated wetland and the pond area • Client willing try to find the culvert • A complete set of plans will be coming • Where the end of the abutters driveway would be The Commission talked about the site and how they would like to do another site visit before August 14th. They would like the plans before the site visit. Mr. Scott questioned if there were borings being done to determine soils for stormwater design; but was told some had previously been done but the commission was not made aware that others were planned. Mr. Maughan let the Commission know that Mr. Scott will coordinate storm water issues for this site. Old /New Business • Minor Project: 550 West Street, Kenny, above ground pool The Commission received an email from Mr. Tirone there is no action from the Commission for this minor project. • Bills approved- MACC membership Motion made by Mr. Hecht to, approve the MACC membership fee of $670.00. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 5 -0-0 • Release the Performance Bond request 270 -0589, 1198 Main Street, Map 195 Lot 2 & 3, RKACO, LLC Mr. Maughan reviewed the property. There are 3 lots. The Commission already issued the Certificate of Compliance. Mr. Hecht made a motion to release the bond for 1198 Main Street. Mr. Finch seconded. Vote was 5 -0-0. • 10 Pasture Road Discussion -site visit permission to enter the property received, discussion on Mr. Maughan reviewed this property. There was an Order of Condition's issued 4 -5 years ago. It was agreed upon that a section of the yard would only be mowed 2x a year. This order was consistently complied with in the earlier years. The Commission saw in the spring it got mowed outside the provisions of the conditions. Mr. Sergio discussed his concern with the Commission. He stated when the conditions were set forth there was no way knowing how the wetland would grow; it has explosive growth. He believes the area is a health hazard; creates deer ticks and attracts rodents. When he signed the condition's it was not completely understood the impact of only mowing 2x a year. When mowed at a full extent, the equipment is different than the standard mower. He has to hire someone which he is charged $1600.00 — the contractor removes the cuttings in bales. He bid it earlier this year and did mow it before the agreed upon July to manage the land better. He would like the Commission to consider changing the Order of Conditions to allow more frequent mowing. This way he can mow it himself and not have to hire someone. Meeting Minutes July 10, 2013 Approved July 24, 2013 Mr. Maughan stated that when the Order of Condition was issued the piece of land was a trade off to be able to build in the wetlands. He asked the homeowner what he would propose to replace what the Commission asked for. Mr. Gillis stated the owner understands the condition's as written he is just seeking a determination, maybe to the negative. He does not want to alter the function of the wetland. Mr. Maughan stated when the Commission looked at the land in the spring it looked like a golf course. Mr. Finch talked to the abutters how the land was managed before the house was built. It was discussed if the cutting schedule was relaxed, maybe taking a portion of the land and let it grow naturally. Mr. Hughes talked about a meadow management plan and maybe synchronizing the cutting. It was discussed with the homeowner the clippings can be left on the property and the do not have to be removed. The homeowner stated he will get in touch with Mr. Tirone and come back with a proposal. He asked if he could mow before the October allowed cutting; the Commission told him no cutting unless an agreement is reached. • 194 Van Norten Road, Pradeep Selvakumar Mr. Hecht stated the road is Van "Norden" not Van "Norton" as on the agenda. Mr. Maughan said that an enforcement order was issued by Mr. Tirone. There was a site visit and the contractor and homeowner was asked to stop work. There was brush clearing, stones moved, grading and fill being done without a permit; but no tree cutting. It was asked at the visit for erosion control and the stones that were placed in the wetland be removed by hand. Mr. Maughan read the enforcement order. Mr. Hughes, representing the owner, presented a wetland restoration plan. He explained that the owner did what he did for the protection of his daughter; they were getting ticks and thorns. The plan was discussed between the Commission and Mr. Hughes. He stated the property will be monitored going forward. Mr. Maughan asked for the bound markers be put back. He also asked the homeowner if he had any plans in the future of doing anything in the front yard; if he did, it might negate the proposal. The homeowner stated he did not. The wetland line was talked about and if a certain area is in the wetlands. There was a discussion if the soil.in the yard be moved to another part and if it is worth the owner's time and money. The homeowner said he is just going to remove the soil. Mr. Hughes said the homeowner will get 2 proposals to do the restoration. Mr. Maughan discussed with the Commission whether they are comfortable with the plan and having Mr. Tirone draft another enforcement order to be consistent with the plan presented. After a discussion, it was suggested that the Commission review the plan in more detail. They will ask Mr. Tirone to revise his enforcement order and the Commission will vote at the next meeting. Mr. Hughes asked if sending monthly reports until vegetation is established is an acceptable monitoring. • Minutes for approval: June 26, 2013 Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve June 26, 2013 minutes as amended. Mr. Scott seconded. Vote was 6 -0 -0. Mr. Maughan let the Commission know that the CPDC has told him they are revising the zoning bylaws and wanted to know if the Conservation Commission had any changes. The Selectmen has given the CPDC approval to hire a consultant to review. A letter will be sent to the CPDC letting them know the Conservation Commission has no changes. Mr. Hecht talked about a letter he received regarding the Eagle Scout project at the Bird Sanctuary. There has been erosion and the Scout would like to install a step on the top staircase to redirect the runoff causing the erosion. The Commission will like to do a site visit. Meeting Minutes July 10, 2013 Approved July 24, 2013 Mr. Finch talked about tree cutting at 1498 Main Street (next to the Mattera Cabin) and also test pits being done. The Commission discussed this site and how the delineation has not been confirmed. It will be asked that Mr. Tirone look into to see if anyone has been in touch with the Town. Mr. Hecht talked about trash in the wetlands on Curtis Street? He will circulate the email again to the Commission. Mr. Maughan talked about the nomination needed for Conservation Commission chairman. The nomination will be for 1 year and end on June 30, 2014. Mr. Maughan and Mr. Finch suggested Mr. Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Hecht suggested Ms. Scanlon. Mr. Sullivan talked about the time commitment for being chairman. He suggested Ms. Scanlon and he asked that he stays as the vice chairman. Mr. Maughan stated with a part time administrator it takes an effort from two people. The commitment is needed to be available to an "event" a week. The "event" could take 20 minutes or 2 hours. There are meetings needed with Mr. Tirone, the Monday before the Conservation Commission meeting. There are quarterly meetings with the Community Service Director and Mr. Tirone. The Town has DIRT meetings for new projects and the chairman or vice chairman should attend. Mr. Hecht talked about members stepping up for big projects; for example: Perfecto's and Artis Senior Living Center. Mr. Sullivan said he receives calls from Mr. Tirone discussing different situations. Ms. Scanlon talked about the Commission member's technical expertise and how she feels it makes the Commission stronger. Mr. Maughan asked who is in favor of Mr. Sullivan being Chairman — vote was 0 -7. Mr. Maughan asked who is in favor of Ms. Scanlon being Chairman — vote was 7 -0 Mr. Maughan asked who is in favor of Mr. Sullivan being Vice Chairman — vote was 7 -0 Motion made by Mr. Hecht to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Mr. Sullivan seconded. Vote was 7 -0-0 Respectfully submitted, Kim M Saunders