HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-08-27 Conservation Commission MinutesTown of Reading
( a Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Conservation Commission
Date: 2014 -08 -27
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: Public Meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
RECEVED
TOWN CLERK
.FADING. MASS.
1014SEPII A041-
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Board of Selectmen Room
Annika Scanlon, Chairman; Jamie Maughan, Terry Selle, Will Finch, Alison
Stager
Charles Tirone, Administrator
Members - Not Present:
Brian Sullivan- -
Others Present:
Eric Ford, Lucas Environmental
Mrs. Fitzpatrick, 162 Walnut Street
Brad Fuller, 162 Walnut Street
Karen Herrick, 9 Dividence Road
John Tedesco, 242 Forest Street
Dana Shayevitz, 10 Johnston Circle
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
APPROVED SEPrEMBER 10, 2014
CALL TO ORDER, OLDINEw BusiNESs - 7:00 -
2001.13, 205 Charles Street
Mr. Tirone stated the project is a deck with sono tubes, 50' away from the werdands. He approved as a minor
project. The Commission discussed if minor projects need to be ratified.
34 Oak Street
Ms. Scanlon said there was confusion at the site visit. The owner will be at the September 6"' site visit to help
clarify. The property was discussed.
Continued N0127-0630: 152 -156 Walnut Street, Map, 4 Lots, 1018102, DPW- Engineenng Division
Mr. Tirone reminded the Commission the public hearing was not closed at the last meeting. He did not draft
the Order of Conditions. Ms. Scanlon reopened the public hearing. Mr. Maughan stated his concem that the
drafting of the Order of Condition's was not a priority. Mr. Tirone explained how he prioritizes based on the
Commission's action during a meeting.
The abutters expressed their concern with the Condition's not approved and H it would delay the project. The
Commission reviewed their process and suggested to the abutters to talk to Engineering and the Board of
Selectmen to get the project moving.
Motion made by Mr. Maughan to close the public hearing on Walnut Street 270.0630. Mr. Sells
seconded. Vote was 5-0.0
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RDA 14-13: 10 Johnston Circle, Map 32, Lot 161, Shayevitz
The applicant was not present at the time of the discussion. Ms. Scanlon discussed the site visit. She stated
the resource area was not clear and there is confusion exactly what trees the applicant would like to remove or
trim. The Commission agreed they did not have enough information to vote.
Motion made by Mr. Maughan to continue the meeting until further clarification is received from the
applicant Mr. Selle seconded. Vote was 5.0.0
Mr. Finch asked the trees to be flagged. It was suggested using different flagging for trees that were trimmed
or cut down
RDA 14.14: Pleasant Street, Map various, Lot various, Coneco/Boston Gas
Mr. Ford represented National Grid. He stated National Grid would like to upgrade the gas main on Pleasant
Street. They would like to do it before the Town reconstructs and updates the street. He discussed how the
project will be done. It will be entering at Osborne Avenue and exit at Wilson Street. He said the old line will
be abandoned in place or removed during the reconstruction work.
It was stated the drilling fluid will be recycled and eventually taken out. The excavation material will be reused
as long as there is no contamination; anything else will be taken off site. The Commission asked if any
dewatering is needed, they come back to the Commission.
Motion made by Mr. Maughan to issue a negative determ ination with the condition of dewatering and
otherstandard conditions. Ms. Scanlon seconded Vote was 5 -0 -0
Continue NO[ 270 -0631: 164 Green Street, Map 17, Lot 216, Brenner
Ms. Scanlon reopened the public hearing. Mr. Tirone stated the consultant contacted him and asked the
hearing to be closed. The applicant is not doing the project until next year.
Motion made by Mr. Maughan to close the public hearing on Green Street Mr. Finch seconded. Vote
was 5.0-0
CDC 270-0560:16 Varney Circle, Li
Ms. Scanlon commented the property looks good. There were a lot of trees planted and the site was stable.
Motion made by Mr. Maughan to issue a Certificate of Compliance for 16 Varney Circle. Ms. Scanlon
seconded. Vote was 5.0-0.
DOA 14 -12: 112 Colonial Drive, Map 40 Lot 147, Mirogiannis
The project was reviewed and exactly what was approved by the Commission.
RDA 1413: 10 Johnson Circle, Map 32, Lot 161, Shayevitz
The applicant arrived and discussed her properly. She reviewed which tress will be effected and why. The
trees by the retaining wall were clarified. Mr. Maughan let the applicant know a filing would be needed on any
maintenance on the wall. The Commission agreed the line needs to be established before the trimming by the
wall can be done. The homeowner stated her concem about waiting on approval for the trees leaning over the
patio. After a discussion, the Commission agreed to allow the applicant to proceed with the trees by the patio.
Mr. Tirone will check to see if there is any old files and flagging.
Motion made by Mr. Finch to continue the meeting. Mr. Se /le seconded. Vote was 5 -0-0
CDC 270-0669,197 South Street, Map 3, Lot 15, Leach
Ms. Scanlon stated there was a site visit. The applicant did not do all the work that was applied for. Mr. Tirone
commented the homeowner is going to do a deed restriction on his property to keep his back yard forested.
Motion made by Mr. Maughan to Issue a Certificate of Compliance for 197 South Street Ms. Scanlon
seconded. Vote was 5-0-0.
DOC 270 -0632: 7 Indiana Avenue, Map 7, Lot 294, Serevitch
The Order of Conditions was signed. The Commission discussed their reasons for preferring a certain type of
erosion control. They agreed silt fence would be acceptable on this project.
Tree service and Arborist policy, discussion
The Commission reviewed the draft policy for tree cutting. Who can issue a fine and the bylaws was reviewed.
The Commission edited the policy and agreed Mr. Tirane will issue an enforcement order. The Commission will
issue the penalty. The policy will now state:
1. The Town of Reading Conservation Commission shall issue an enforcement order to the owner of the
property and /or contractor if any tree work is being done without authorization as required by both the State
and Town Wetlands Regulations.
2. Violations of this policy may be punishable by fines in accordance with Reading Town Bylaws and Mass
General Laws, chapter 40, section 6c.
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Motion made by Mr. Finch to approve the tree cutting policy as drafted tonight Mr. Sells seconded.
Vote was 5.0 -0
Conservation Land mowing list
The Commission agreed Lobbs Pond and Bare Meadows needs to be on the mowing list. Mr. Finch and Mr.
Tirone will mark out area at Bare Meadows. Due to the growth, Mr. Finch suggested mowing Bare Meadows
2x a year.
Ms. Scanlon said she saw an area at Sturges Park mowed. This park should be added and maybe signs
installed at a later date.
Castine Field mowing and why the signs have not been installed was a concem. Mr. Maughan asked that
mowing be done after the Cattails have seeded. If top soil could be added at Castine Field was talked about.
Ms. Scanlon reiterated the meeting with Engineering and the DPW. Ms. Scanlon asked Engineering for a
mowing and maintenance list with dates. She stated Engineering would like a general permit to be able to
maintain and establish access roads. The Commission discussed this and agreed It is on Engineering to come
up with a solution for access roads and file for a permit.
Peter Sanborn Place follow up, Jacqueline Carson
The Commission agreed a clear sketch is needed along with a site visit with Ms. Carson present. It was asked
that Mr. Tirone check the resource area.
Conservation elections, Chair and Vice Chair
Elections will be discussed on September IOP
Administrators Report
RHA - Wilson and Pleasant Street
Mr. Tirane stated there was a call from a neighbor that mowing was done where not allowed. He did a site visit
and the manager would like a minor project permit to install a chain link fence to keep the wetland area
separate from the lawn. The Commission agreed that the minor project permit can be issued.
Mr. Tirone let the Commission know the homeowners abutting Timbemeck Swamp would like to stop all
hunting and trapping. They believe people are using guns to hunt. There was a Town meeting, but nothing
resolved. The Commission agreed the enforcement for no firing in Timbemeck Swamp has to come from the
Police Department.
306 Main Street - this applicant will be going forward with his application. Mr. Maughan stated he saw drilling
being done at that site.
Mr. Finch talked about the Town website not being updated. The links to the State website are not working.
He questioned Mr. Tirone what could be done about this.
Mr. Finch talked to the Commission about the dam trail work and Cranberry trail. He had concems that the
Eagle Scout has not finished the project and has not answered his emails. There are screws that need to be
replaced. Mr. Maughan stated the final approval for trail work should be by the Trails Committee not
Conservation Commission.
The Commission agreed the closing out of the permit is not needed for the Kurohian to Sledge Woods trail
Bill approved — No bills at this time
Minutes for approval:
Motion made by Mr. Maughan to approve the minutes from the August 13, 2014 meeting as amended.
Mr. Sells seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0
Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to adjourn at 12:00 a.m. Mr. Sullivan seconded. Vote was 6 -M
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