HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-10 Conservation Commission Minutes� oFR
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
hECEIV €D
i rWH CLERK
",'JIHG, MASS.
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Conservation Commission iJIJ ITV 20 P 4" 1S
Date: 2014 -09 -10 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: Public Meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
Location: Board of Selectmen Room
Annika Scanlon, Chairman; Brian Sullivan, Terry Salle, Jamie Maughan,
Alison Stager
Charles Throne, Administrator
Members - Not Present:
Will Finch
Others Present:
Jeff Brenner, 164 Green Street
Dana Shayevitz,10 Johnston Circle
Grace Fitzpatrick, 162 Walnut Street
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
APPROVED OCTOBER 8, 2014
CALL TO ORDER, OLDINEW BUSINESS - 7:00
Continued RDA 14 -13: 10 Johnston Circle, Map 32, Lot 161, Shayevitz
Mr. Tirone stated after looking through the files, he could not find a previous permit but he did
find a plan. According to this plan the wetlands were delineated in 1989. He did a site visit and
marked out on the plan the retaining wall, stream, and the trees to come down and noted the
distance. Mr. Sullivan commented there is a tree not on the plan that got damaged due to a storm
that should be removed. After a discussion, the Commission agreed to 6 trees to be cut. The plan
was modified. The homeowner will replant 1 native shrub for 1 tree removed. Ms. Scanlon
questioned the replanting and if the invasive plants should be removed. It was decided the
homeowner will be responsible to keep the knotweed at bay so the new planting can thrive.
Motion made by Mr. Maughan to issue a negative determination for 10 Johnston Circle. Mr.
Selle seconded Vote was 5-0-0.
Mr. Maughan reminded the applicant any work done on the retaining wall, they will need to
come back to the Commission.
Old/New Business
OOC 270-0631: 164 Green Street, Map 17, Lot 216, Brenner
Mr. Tirone stated after receiving feedback from Mr. Manuell regarding the Order of Conditions
he created an alternative phrase. It was noted the homeowner's manicured lawn is preexisting
and is allowed even though it is in the border of vegetated wetland. After a discussion, the
location and depth of the bounds were agreed upon. The alternative document was edited to
Page I 1 .11—
Town or Reading - Meetlng Minutes
match what was discussed. Mr. Maughan questioned if the plans should be attached to the Order
of Conditions or is the language enough.
Motion made by Mr. Sullivan to approve the Order of Conditions as amended for DEP 270-
0631. Ms. Stager seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0.
OOC 270 -0630: 152 -156 Walnut Street, Map, 4 Lots, 101 & 102 DPW - Engineering Division
Mr. Tirone stated there were no comments or questions from the Engineering Division regarding
the Order of Conditions. The Commission and Ms. Fitzpatrick reviewed and edited the
document. Mr. Maughan asked that the Order of Conditions be forwarded before meetings so
the Commission has the chance to read them and make sure they are in concurrence. The
planting plan was read and edited. Ms. Fitzpatrick requested plants that repel mosquitoes. Mr.
Tirone asked if the Order of Conditions should be recorded. It was agreed they did not because
there was not a structure. Maintenance of the intake and provision to make sure the planting plan
is successful was added to the Order of Conditions.
Motion made by Mr. Sullivan to approve the Order of Conditions as amended Mr. Selle
seconded Vote was 5 -0-0.
Minor Project: 30 Lafayette Road — play area, 18 Intervale Terrace — replacement of deck, 41
Wilson Street — chain link fence
Mr. Tirone stated the minor projects do not need to be discussed, but they all fell into the
compliance with the Town's minor project.
87 Avalon Road, Emergency Permit
Polonski, the tree contractor, contacted the Town regarding removal of a tree. It was deemed to
be a hazard.
76 Willow Street, Emergency Permit
North East Tree stated they need to remove a tree within striking distance of a house.
Mr. Tirone commented the Tree contractors have been contacting him due to the letter they
received. He has been going out quickly and making decisions.
34 Oak Street, Discussion, Conway
The Commission stated the property is fine. However, at the site visit they saw a few items they
are concerned about:
The Town of Reading is storing excess baseball material, if it rains it rums into the wetlands
The Town of Reading has cut trees in the buffer zone
Dumping seen that is intentional — massive structure, pallets in the wetland and in the drainage
easement
After hours partying — material deposited into the wetland
The Commission discussed the above issues. After a discussion, it was agreed a letter should be
sent to the residents of Indian Court not the property owner of 34 Oak Street. The property
owner has tried in the past to keep people off his property and has failed.
0 Haverhill Street, comer of Batchelder, discussion
There is nothing to discuss at this time.
Administrators Report: Town website update, Peter Sanborn Place follow up — Jacqui Carson
Town website: There have been changes made from the last meeting. Mr. Tirone would like
any problems with the website to be forwarded to him. The website is being updated consistently
when needed.
Page 1 2 ouooa,
Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes
Peter Sanborn Place: The Commission and Administrator discussed this property and site visit.
It was agreed the project Ms. Carson would like to do should be considered lawn maintenance.
The wooded area on the property can't be touched. Planting replacement should be I to 1.
1102 Main Street: The driveway project has started.
92 Sanbom Lane: There has been a pre - activity meeting and hay bales installed. Mr. Couillard
questioned the cleaning up in the back. The Commission discussed if the removal would
destabilize the slope. It was suggested just removing what is on top and putting a layer of top
soil.
Mr. Sullivan let the Commission know about a new invasive - porcelain bevy
The Commission discussed holding a special meeting at a contractor's request. It was agreed
they would not be able to.
29 Gavin Circle: Mr. Tirone sent out the enforcement order. The applicant had questions
regarding leveling certain areas in their yard. The Commission agreed they would need more
understanding on this request.
Minutes for Approval: August 27, 2014
Motion made by Mr. Sullivan to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Selle seconded Vote
was 4 -0 -1.
Conservation Elections
It was agreed to wait until there is a full quorum before discussing elections. Mr. Maughan
stated it is the Town policy to rotate the chairman position.
After a discussion, Ms. Scanlon stated she is willing to add "Chairs" business to the agenda.
This way the Chair can brief the Commission on any meetings that take place within the Town
Hall.
Mr. Selle reminded the Commission about the meeting regarding the gas pipeline.
Motion made by Ms. Stager to adjourn at 10:30 p.m. Mr. Selle seconded. Vote was 5 -0-0
Page 13