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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-13 Conservation Commission MinutesOF R O' �ilYCORQO�A Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Conservation Commission Date: 2013 -11 -13 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Public Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Time: 7:00 PM Location: Board of Selectmen Room Annika Scanlon, Chairman; William Hecht, Will Finch (arrived late, see below), Jaime Maughan, Terry Selle, Brian Sullivan Members - Not Present: Others Present: Charles Tirone, Administrator Eugene Ware, 39 Old Farm Road Michael Casalinnaro, 39 Mill Street Grace Stroman, 46 Washington Street Jack Sullivan, 96 -100 Van Norden Road Al Couillard, Bethune Avenue Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: Approved January 8, 2014 CALL TO ORDER, OLD /NEW BUSINESS - 7:00 Grace Stroman gifted the Commission with the guide she created for her Girl Scout Gold Reward Project - "Get to Know Your Backyard: A Guide to Reading's Town Forest, Conservation Lands, and Open Lands ". She stated the Guide is available on line, at the Town library and the Town schools. RDA 13 -24, 39 Old Farm Road, Map 7 Lot 62, Ware Mr. Ware spoke to the Commission about three trees he would like to remove. He feels it is for the safety of his family. He has had Northeast Tree look at them and 2 out of the 3 are badly damaged. The third one will be removed because it is in the cluster. The trees will be removed by a crane stationed in his driveway. The Commission discussed the site visit. There was consensus that tree removal did not violate resource protection provided in the Wetlands Protection Act or Town Bylaw. They requested no stump grinding and to keep 6' of the stumps for the two trees closest to the bank. The stumps will help stabilize the banking. They will not request any additional planting because the area is too small. They also agreed no erosion control because the work is above ground. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a negative determination with conditions. Mr. Sullivan seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0 Old /New Business Page 1 1 2013 -09 -03 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes COC 270 -0597, 100 Van Norden Road, Finnegan Development Mr. Sullivan represented Finnegan Development. He asked the Commission to issue a Certificate of Compliance for 100 Van Norden Road. He apologized to the Commission that Finnegan Development did not ask for a minor plan change for the retaining wall and propane tank they installed. He did not realize they did that until they asked for an as built plan. He will let his customers know the importance of communicating changes in the plan approved. The Commission discussed the site visit. They stated the site looks great. The propane tank material was discussed. The Commission wanted to make sure it was carbon steel. Motion made to issue a Certificate of Compliance with modification of plans as noted. Mr. Sullivan seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0. Minor Plan Change Request, 96 Van Norden Road, Finnegan Development Mr. Sullivan talked to the Commission about a minor plan change for 96 Van Norden Road. The changes were already done, but wanted the Commission to know about them: a tree well was installed to save a large tree; 3 masonry retaining walls were built; and the change of an approved 14x16 deck to a paver type patio. He stated this project should be wrapped up in 2 weeks. The Commission discussed the site visit and agreed that the way the tree well is made it will not put the tree in danger. The Commission also noted that all work was not within the resource tributary area (it was on the other side of the topographic high). Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a minor plan change for 96 Van Norden Road. Mr. Se/le seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0. COC 270 -0596, Closeout this order and 3 Bethune Ave Lot 5, 97 -101 Forest Street, Couillard Mr. Tirone stated that the developer would like to close out the NOI. The Commission discussed the site visit and how the final plan meets the Commission's approval. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a Certificate of Compliance for lot 5 and the development. Mr. Sullivan seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0. Minor Project, 55 Pasture Road, Re- building existing deck Mr. Tirone reviewed this project. It is to rebuild a deck. He felt it was straight forward and felt it should be considered a minor project. Mr. Finch arrived at the meeting. Lakeview Ave Apartment, Lighting discussion The Commission discussed the lighting changes wanted at the Lakeview Avenue apartments. They agreed the new lighting is a net improvement and is less foot candles. It will be less impact to wildlife resources. Mr. Tirone stated erosion control and silt sacks will be used. After a discussion, it was decided additional planting cannot be done because of the fence. Mr. Tirone told the Commission while the link fence was being fixed last year the area was cleaned of trash. It was asked that Planning put a condition in their document that a pre activity from Conservation is needed. When Mr. Tirone finds out when they are doing the project he should let the Commission know, maybe someone can stop by the site. 2014 Schedule Approval The schedule will be sent to the Commission. The Commission discussed the meetings for the remainder of this year. Due to the holiday's, there is only one meeting in November and December. If this schedule affects the mandatory review deadlines in the Wetland Protection Act or Bylaws the applicant can sign a waiver of the mandated review times. In, an emergency the Commission has no problem meeting. • River Study update Mr. Maughan discussed the River Study. After 2 years, it was presented to the BOS last week. In the beginning there seemed to be problems all over town; but the consultant, Conservation Commission, and DPW worked through them and narrowed it down to 6 issues. There will be Page 1 2 2013 -09 -C3 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes storm water pipes replaced in 3 or 4 areas. On Track Road they will need to repair a bridge. No bridges will be taken down. On Bolton Street it is recommended putting an open channel in a culvert. The Commission discussed this and talked about other areas that could be improved. The 2 to 1 replacement was questioned by the BOS. The Commission talked about this and noted it was needed because so few resources are left in Reading. It was noted it is a good study and it achieved protection to the wetlands. These suggestions are not a done deal; filing with the Conservation will still be needed. • Bills approved- no bills at this time • Minutes for Approval: October 23, 2013 Motion made by Mr. Maughan to approve the minutes for October 23, 2013 as amended. Mr. Hecht seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -1 (Mr. Sullivan abstained, he was not at the meeting) Mr. Tirone let the Commission know Anthony's Roast Beef is still working with other Board's to approve his project. They discussed the new suggestion of a grease trap on wheels. They have concerns on how to prevent contamination. Mr. Maughan talked about his site visit at Reading Rifle Range. As requested by the Commission, they were removing the fill. Mr. Tirone discussed the soil at the site. He said the Commission should be receiving information summarizing the day and suggestions on what will be planted. Whatever is decided, it will freeze in the winter and see what happens in the spring. There were people flagging the area; maybe potential work in the future. He said the club would like to do seasonal trimming and will present an O &M plan. Mr. Sullivan read the vernal pool bylaw. They agreed it includes vernal pools in the resource area and the Commission has jurisdiction over the 100'. Mr. Tirone contacted Mr. Manuell after discussing this with Mr. Sullivan. Motion made by Mr. Maughan to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Mr. Hecht seconded. Vote was 6 -0 -0. Respectfully submitted, Kim Saunders Recording Secretary Page 1 3 1Q13 Oq C3