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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-23 Conservatoin Commission MinutesTown of Reading 4 Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Conservation Commission Date: 2016 -03 -23 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Public Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: "EIMW DIrI91 RE�tI'VFD �Oi CLERK Q G. MASS. i_':; ,i a -� 06 Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Session: General Session Rebecca Longley, Chair; Jamie Maughan, Al Couillard, Michael Flynn, Harry Curtis, Annika Scanlon, Vice Chair; Amy Scicchitanl; Chuck nrone, Administrator Members - Not Present: Others Present Salvatore Magazzu Jen Fahey Tammi Magauu Michelle Lewis Scott Sewall Lisa Steven Maffeo Kathy Falkenstrom Ellen Emmons Earle Andrews Tony D'Areuo Bill An ent George Zambouras, Engineering Erik Fournier Donna Walsh Doris Fournier James Steenbrugen Robert Coulter Kate Shmulsky Sloan Coulter Nick Rossi Greg Selvitelli Steven Donovan Maria Selvitelli Vicki Donovan Susan Chandler Kathleen Owen Rod Chandler Chris Sweeney Tressa Snydennan Desi Hames Rick Snydennan Debbie Hames Adam Stuart Peter Shields Julie Celata Pat Shields Dave Raucci Frank Coleman Robert Lynch Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Julia Rodger Topics of Discussion: APPROVED: April 13, 2016 Ms. Longley called meeting to order at 7:00 pm Continued RDA 2016-6:420 West Street, Map 20, Lot 200, Celata Conservation Board had questions for applicant regarding percentage of imperviousness of pavers; also asked for the location and Latin or scientific name for species of tree that is replacing Norway Spruce. Page 1 1 Ms. Celata was unable to find data for scale or percentage of perviousness for pavers Ms. Scanlon searched for specs and was also unable to find exact infiltration rate or permeable measurement. Mr. Maughan reported Town's Planning/Engineering Department gives 0% credit for pervious pavers located in Acquifer Protection District. Manufactures may make other claims for permeable rates which are stated as a percentage based on various soil types. After some discussion, Board members were satisfied with specs in application. Mr Tirone will cross reference to find Latin name of (native species( replacement tree. Ms. Scanlon made motion to Issue Negative Determination of Applicability upon confirmation of native species. Mr. Flynn seconded. Vote 6 -0-1. Ms. Scicchitani abstained. Continued NO1270-0656: Birch Meadow Park, Map 33, Lot 52, 54, 55, S6,57 & 58, Town of Reading DPW Ms. Longley re- opened hearing. Mr. Zambouras gave presentation on lighting (from Musco slide show) and addressed Board's questions regarding lights that are LEED certified, dark sky compliant, and impact on migratory birds. Lights are not LEED certified, LEED certification is used for buildings Lights are not Dark Sky Compliant— IDA, the company that regulates dark sky compliance, and works closely with Musco, will not certify lighting fixtures used for outdoor sports, especially baseball and softball. Light poles are 40 -60 It tall, hit balls go higher than that, fixture shield is trimmed from 12" to 7" to be able to see ball. No baseball /softball field lighting is dark sky compliant. Town of Reading uses barest minimum standard of Illumination allowed. Musco is one of the best fixtures in Industry, maximum lighting with minimal glare. Fixtures are guaranteed 20 years. These lights are very slightly blue, but not LED. In Reading no inning can start after 10 pm, so lights are probably shut off by 10:45 —11:00 pm. Recreation Dept will be reviewing their rules for the new lights. Musco, Mr Zambouras, Ryan Percival, Engineering, and John Feudo, Recreation, are the only ones who will have access to turning off /on. Mr. Feudo can pre - program lights based on game schedules. Will be trial and error initially. Leagues pay fee for lights, not paid by taxpayers. Mr. Maughan suggested Mr. Feudo come before Board with light management plan. Ms. Scanlon stated she was satisfied with the new design as an improvement to current lights; a combination of what is needed in the area and providing protection from upward scatter. Mr. Curtis asked if there was ability to get real time data showing how long lights were on during a season. This would be helpful for following year's schedule. Mr. Zambouras believes this data could be obtained. Mr. Curtis requested existing screen along third baseline of Morton field fence stay in place in order to shield Aberjona River from light. Mr. Tirone requested removal of two areas of phregmite. Mr. Zambouras will have it removed Public Comment: Pep 12 Maria Selvitelli —25 Arnold Avenue— questioned access to lights remotely or at site. Mr. Zambouras answered access is remote. Mr. Maughan made Motion to issue Order of Conditions. Ms. Scanlon seconded. 6 -0 -1 Ms. Scicchitani abstained. Abbreviated Notice of Resource Delineation: Low Meadow, off of Arcadia Avenue, Map 14 Lot 15, Haskell Steve Erikson, Norse Environmental Services is representing applicant. His understanding is Conservation Board made changes to BVW boundary. He will find those changes and revise plan. Mr. Erickson addressed riverfront questions. Based on his understanding the area meets all regulatory requirements for an intermittent stream. He provided data to Board used to come up with this determination. Mr. Erickson used Stream5tats and the latest USES map as the basis for his determination. Board does not agree with Norse's findings that area is an intermittent stream. Mr. Maughan stated in previous applications Board measured water shed on town maps and water shed upstream of West Street, which is one square mile. This was checked and confirmed by Engineering Dept. Watershed extends back to other side of Austin Prep. There are 2 channels that join and together they are higher in total sq ft. Conservation Board will need to work with Engineering Dept to get the prior modeling data to see what the square footage was. Flood study from 7- 8 years ago modeled flow in the river. This study needs to be looked at again. Mr Tirane checked the Inwood development in Woburn. Metcalf and Eddy did study showing upper reach of drainage area as 450 sq acres. He understands confusion because Stream Stats did not come up with figures Board is looking for. Mr. Tirone contacted Woburn Conservation Administrator, Theresa Murphy, who says area was always considered riverfront for Woburn applications. Mr. Erickson stated he is willing to look at information Commission has that indicates Riverfront and come before Board again. He will accept area as Riverfront if he can see study documentation. Mr Tirone explained how ORADS are written. Commission defines resource areas then write down all flags and only approves those flags. Standard wording can be included stating "Other resource areas may exist on this site or outside of the site that this order does not approve ". This process is acceptable to DER Mr. Erikson understands he would have to come back before Board to amend if he wanted approval of additional areas of site. This ORAD is approving only flags shown on plan. Mr. Maughan would like to ask Engineering/ GIS to calculate drainage at location in question. Alsocheck calculations from Fragone property. Mr. Tirone requested 100 buffer be shown on map and flagged at site. Board will provide notations to Mr. Erikson. Public Comment: Doris Fourier— 30 Arnold Avenue: Wanted to know H any Commission members are abutters. None are abutters. Maria Selvitelli -25 Arnold Avenue: Wanted clarification on what Norse Environmental trying to Page 1 3 accomplish Ms. Longley gave definition of an Abbreviated Notification of Resource Delineation. Mr. Erikson is trying to get location of wetland resource areas such as swamp, 100 year flood plain, bank of stream, etc. The Board has jurisdiction within 100 feet of those resource areas. If area is Riverfront /perennial stream there are two other areas of concern, the Inner riparian zone, from top of bank out 100 feet, and from 100 feet to 200 feet is Outer riparian zone. Mr. Maughan stated applicant is trying to determine the "no build" area of a property before laying out a development plan. Board, applicant and applicant's consultant need to concur then ORAD would be issued. Any development on parcel would require applicant to file another permit. Maria Selvitellt -25 Arnold Avenue: Asked what is the intention of applicant. If it is a river there are severe restrictions of what can be done, on riverfront, there has to be mitigation and compensation. Mr. Erikson assumes applicant plans to build a single family home. Applicant is looking for accurate boundary and would not have to worry about changes later in the process. Sal Magazzu -105 Arcadia Avenue: Commented that tonight's discussion has been focused on delineation lines. This is his backyard. Would like more focus on animals and habitat. Mr. Maughan stated this discussion is on what part of area is a wetland, which includes water quality, wildlife habitat, and vegetation. question before Board is where is wetland line, where does it start and end? Once in concurrence, the Board will approve map as modified to show where wetland line is. There are also questions as to whether area is an intermittent stream or permanent stream (Aberjona River). Eric Fournier -30 Arnold Avenue —Asked how long wetland line is good for and asked about Commission's site visits. Mr. Maughan replied once line is determined, it is good for 3 years. Site walks were done by 4 members and Administrator. Formal site walk is for purpose of gathering information prior to meeting. All discussion and findings from site walks have to be conducted in public setting. Greg Selvitelli -25 Arnold Avenue: Commented when he had trees removed he was told by Board there was a 100 ft buffer and 200 ft buffer. He has never seen river dried up in the eleven years they have lived there. Jim Steenbrugen -29 Edgemont Avenue: Commented he has never seen it dry in 50 years. Lisa Raucci —117 Arnold Avenue: Commented she has been there 12 years and has never seen river dry up. Earle Andrews- 37 Arnold Avenue: Commented stream at back of his property continues into Woburn, has never dried up. Robert Lynch -24 Shelby Road: Commented he is a 32 year resident. At end of cul de sac always water; he has seen fish coming up stream. Mr. Flynn made Motion to continue at next meeting on April 13, 2016. Mr. Couillard seconded. Vote 7 -0-0 Page 14 Continued ORDA 270-0653: 25 Springvale Road & Randall Road, Map 10, Lot 294 and 296; Map 15, Lots S. 6, 7, 8, 9 Hall Conservation Board reviewed final map from March 7, 2016. Added findings - wfa 1 through wfa 16, wfbl through wfb3, placing wf4bl thru wf4b3, connecting back to wfb5 and wfb6. Added wfdl wfd2 wf_A wfd38 wfC wfD connecting back to wfd4. Additional resource area boundaries may exist on adjacent properties outside limits of delineation shown on the approved plan. Wetland flags wfcl, wfc2, wfc3, wfc4 are not jurisdictional due to size. Conservation Board signed off on written document that specifies what is shown on plan. Mr. Maughan commented that going forward, Board should request gps locations of flags on finalized anrads. Board members agree with this policy for future applications. Public Comment: Peter Shields - Randall Road: shared a plan he highlighted indicating wetlands and buffer zones DOA 2016.5: 1 General We% Map 54, Lot 1, Jamie Shaw, Danis Continued, Mr. Tirone and Ms. Longley met with Mr. Letacheur, Town Manager; lean Delios, Assistant Town Manager; John Dick, Hancock Associates; and representatives from Danis, on March 21, 2016 to go over state wetland filing fee and filing fee under Reading's general bylaw. Town asked for applicant's consultant to comeback with cost. Danis wanted to know where they could reduce fees with upcoming Notice of Intent process. Conservation Commission signed Denial Mr. Tirone would work with Mr. Dick to figure out fees, making a more concise package. For example, usually there is no charge for invasive removal. Fee calculated as $15,000 for project that cost about $20,000.00. Mr. Dick sees it as simple RDA. Danis felt there should have been progress made since they came before Commission 2 times. Members discussed project's history and what the Board would like to see happen. Mr. Tirone outlined fees as follows: Initial application fee $1000 Boundary line delineations are no cost. Mr. Tirone suggested Hancock not hang flags and Board should not verify flags Flood plain delineation at no cost Banks at $11 per linear foot — 130 linearfeet x 2 sides x $11= $2,860 Temporary/permanent alteration on land within 25/35 buffer @ $1.25 sq ft =$3000 total approx $6,500 fees Mr. Tirone stated Danis paid for this already with original Order of Conditions in 2004. Tony D'Arezzo -20 John Street: He noticed pink flags those are they going or staying. Boardunsureat Page 1 5 this time; Hancock Associates' next plan will be more developed and show what is being cut down CDC 270 -0457: 13 Harvest Road, Map 23, Lot 31, Chug Mou Wong Ms. Scanlon did site visit. Photo was taken of area between house and river. There were no erosion issues or dumped piles. No objection to issuing Certificate of Compliance. Mr. Tirone was advised by attorney owner wants to sell. Old Order of Conditions from 2005 for removal of underground tank. Got the RAO, but never got Certifcate of Compliance at time of removal. Commission has no as built, but there is letter from surveyor saying everything was completed. Mr. Tirone noticed chain link fence on town land which has been removed and yard waste has been removed. Ms. Scanlon made Motion to Issue Certificate of Compliance. Mr. Flynn seconded. Vote 6 -0-1. Ms. Sccichitani abstained. COC 270 -039: Cedar Swamp Northeast Boundary of Reading, Map 54, Lot 2, Coneco Engineers Mr. Tirone reported Coneco is asking for Certificate Of Compliance. Ms. Scanlon will go on site visit once plan comes in. COC 270 -0625: Mariano Drive, 92 Sanborn Lane, Lot 3, Albert Couillard COC 270 -0626: Mariano Drive, 92 Sanborn Lane, Lot 3, Albert Couillard CDC 270 -0627: Mariano Drive, 92 Sanborn Lane, Lot 3, Albert Couillard Continued Possible unauthorized activity within protected wetland resource No reports received by Conservation office between 1/7/16 and 3N16 Tree Policy No updates at this time Mr. Flynn suggested proactive approach to illegal dumping and use of Mattera Cabin. This information could be part of community flyer included in water and sewer bill. Annual Report Mr. Flynn offered to write section for Conservation Commission Bills approved: Pearl Street Water and Sewer $13.14 and Wetland Consulting $2,873.75 Ms. Scanlon made Motion to approve bill for $2873.75. Mr. Curtis seconded. Vote 7-0-0. Mr. Flynn made Motion to approve bill for $13.14. Mr. Maughan seconded. Vote 7 - ". Ms. Scanlon stated Board is invited to Earth Day event on 4/132016 at RMLD. Minutes for approval: March 9, 2016 Mr. Maughan made motion to approve minutes of 3'9/1016 as amended. Mr. Curtis seconded. Vote 7 - ". Mr. Maughan made Motion to adjourn at 10:00 pm. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote 7 -" Page 1 6