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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-11 Conservation Commission Minuteso�P °r fv 0 Town of Reading „r Meeting Minutes �ow.oa. .d bK Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Conservation Commission Date: 2016 -05 -11 Time: 7:00 PM W`:5 ` ��� -- P 29 Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Public Meeting Session: General Session Attendees: Members - Present: Rebecca Longley, Chair; Michael Flynn, Harry Curtis, Annika Scanlon, Vice Chair; Amy Scicchltanl, Jamie Maughan; Chuck Tirone, Administrator Members - Not Present: Al Couillard Others Present: Erik Hagstrom, Mona DeAngelo, Lisa Raucci, David Raucci, Ken Lafferty Getano Fodera, Joan Pick, Guy Manganiello, Greg Selvltelll, Tony D'Arezzo Eric Fournier, Bill Manuell, Charlotte Hanlan, Kyle Lally, Karen Herrick Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Julia Rodger Topics of Discussion: APPROVED: May 25, 2016 Ms. Longley called meeting to order at 7:00 pm Extension DOC 270 - 0547,14 Strawberry Hill Lane, DeAngelo Mona DeAngelo is owner of property at 14 Strawberry Hill Lane and would like to build a house there. She currently lives at 15 Strawberry Hill Lane. Mr. Tirone reported an Order of Conditions was issued in 2009 and was extended through Permit Extension Act until April 28, 2016. Ms. DeAngelo is before Commission tonight requesting extension of Order of Conditions along with plans for developing the property. Ms. Scanlon questioned what has caused delay in work up to this point. Ms. DeAngelo gave background information. She got approval from Conservation, Building Department told her lot size changed, for which she needed a variance and she applied for variance. Turned out she did not need variance. An abutter sued the Town and sued her. Two years was spent on litigation and settling lawsuit. About the time building permit was issued her husband got sick. She oversaw his business in Maine and her own business. During this time one of her sons passed away. Had been working on plans for foundation and put in silt fence and erosion controls. Then her husband passed away. Boulders from site were used to build stone wall in back of site. That is where the work stopped. Shanks Construction provided an estimate for her project. She wants to get estimate from another contractor. Ms. Longley asked for estimate of timing for when work will start. Ms. DeAngelo is hoping to start work before next winter. There are two bidders for foundation. Her bank will give construction loan once foundation is in. Plans to have exterior done and closed in within a year. Mr. Flynn stated he wants to make sure work progresses this time. Commission does not want to be Page 1 1 back here next year for same thing after seven years. Commission understands circumstances beyond owners control but would like to see action. He asked if project has changed /expanded since 2009 from date of original order of conditions. Ms. DeAngelo has come before Conservation Commission 3 times; once for normal size house, design was rejected, small house design was rejected, then she had vernal pool decertified. House now proposed takes up all space available within allowed limits. Proposed house has same footprint as house proposed in 2009. Building Dept extended permit for 6 months; as long as building process starts within six months, permit will be extended an additional year. Getting another building permit will be easier to get than another Order of Conditions, which is much more involved. To run Order of Conditions tandem with Building permit may not be fair. Mr. Flynn is still open to idea of adding extra time to Order of Conditions. Another 12 months to finish construction and get permit which should be enough time for Commission. If Conservation had to go thru whole process of NOI and DOC again, it would be more difficult than obtaining building permit. Ms. Scanlon concerned about following Building Dept practice. Commission should do what members think is right, she not open to a six month extension and a one year extension at six months. Commission should just call an extension if that what members want. Commission has waited 7 years (understanding the extenuating circumstances) and if work has not progressed yet, based on track record it may still not progress. Ms. Scanlon is open to one year extension. Ms. Longley is open to two year extension. If Ms. DeAngelo does nothing, she would have to file another permit. Mr. Tirone questioned what would Commission want to gain from extension by having more control. One example would be that if no work starts in six months, Commission could ask owner to hydro seed property. Mr. Curtis had 3 questions: Is there still a $10,000 bond? yes there is a bond What happens to bond money when extension expires? If project is withdrawn, bond goes back to owner, Commission would ask for stabilizing seed. If owner does not seed, bond money would be used to do that. What is requirement for concrete or stone bounds? They are already in. Mr. Curtis concerned with turning property into functional land. It is better for resource area to have vegetation and water runoff from a roof going into ground. Mr. Curtis is in favor of 1- 2 year extension. Ms. Scicchitani is also in agreement with extension. Mr. Flynn made motion to extend Order of Conditions for 14 Strawberry Lane for twelve months. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote 5-0-0. ANRAD 270 -0658: Low Meadow off of Arcadia Avenue, Map 14, Lot 15, Haskell Ms. Longley gave update since last meeting. Commission felt Riverfront flags did not go far enough to end of property. At site visit, from end of last Riverfront flag, course of stream goes west about 25 ft. Took measurement off wetland flag Al, where stream meanders, which was 85 feet. Conservation will ask Norse to put flags onto plan. If Norse wants to go out put in flags and complete survey that would be okay. Mr. Tirone reported Norse indicated they did not want to change flags at site and will go with what the Commission wants. Commission wanted most accurate plan possible. Ms. Scanlon reported that even with flags mentioned, the rfl flag is the defining flag. It dominates inner riparian zone. Page 1 2 Public comment: Greg Selvitelli — 25 Arnold Avenue - asked if flags were incorrectly set prior to recent site walk. Ms. Longley reported flags were not incorrect; Commission did not see anything beyond Riverfront flag 1, area was not flagged to end of property line. Concern was location of Riverfront to end of property line. Rf1 sets boundary for inner and outer zone. It defines 100 foot inner and outer riparian zone He asked about joint meeting with Commission, developer and owner. That meeting did not take place. Dave Rauai —117 Arcadia Avenue: asked which flags were moved No flags were moved at recent site visit. Mr. Tirone informed Revisions #1 done on 333/2016; flags 7, 8, and 9 were moved. Ms. Longley re- clarified wetland determination is based on vegetation, hydric soils versus upland soils, presence of hydrology, Riverfront is based on mean annual high water line. This line is challenging because this does not look like typically defined channel. Commission is now satisfied with Riverfront line. Gap on plan indicates applicant chose not to include that data; there was no value to owner to include it. Mr. Maughan joined meeting M 7:50 pm Ms. Longley made Motion to issue ORAD for Low Meadow of Arcadia Avenue. Ms. Scanlon seconded. 501. Mr. Maughan abstained. ANRAD 270 -0660: 116 Van Norden Road, Map 39, Lot 72, Gately- Herrick Conservation Commission had issues with the a series wetland flags and requested access to neighboring private properties. Commission just received that permission, but has not had an opportunity to conduct site visit. Continued until next meeting. Ms. Scanlon made Motion to continue until next meeting. Mr. Flynn seconded. Vote 600. NOI 270 -0662: 154 Green Street, Map 17, Lot 21 Mr. Manuel represents owner, who would like to tear down existing house and replace with duplex. There are Wetlands in back of lot. He extended wetland flags along property line, indicated 25 foot line of natural vegetation, 35 foot no structure zone, and 100 foot buffer zone. Proposing side by side driveway, increase of runoff handled with infiltration pits. Storm water report provided with Notice of Intent reflects decreased rate of runoff. Board discussed Cultect systems and determined they should be moved up gradient closer to the house. There will still be 18" cover but will be set a bit higher than the ground water. Ms. Scanlon asked where deck stairs are going. Stairs are considered additional structure, should be shown on plans, concrete pad at base should be shown. Garages are at grade with no egress from garage to backyard. Sono tube for deck posts are 12 '. Bigfoots are going in 4' below grade. Mr. Flynn notice trash in back corner in no disturb zone, needs to be removed. Rep pointed out old concrete slab, old foundation, they want to remove it. To be tapped dress with loam and seed. Temporary erosion control must be in place. Mr. Tirone reported mulch sock has to be 12 inch. When concrete slab removed, tree will probably come down. If they can break up slab they will try to work around tree. Ms. Scanlon would like to see replacement tree if that tree comes down. Proposed vegetation up to tree line is to reinstate grass lawn. Page 1 3 Mr. Tirone reported when culvert is more than 200 ft long resource area starts at end of culvert. Mr. Longley stated Commission needs updated plan reflecting changes mentioned tonight. Items to be addressed include stairs, access to bulkhead, 12' mulch sock, temporary mulch sock around slab, silt sack in storm drain, and adjust system A. Mr. Maughan made Motion to continue until next meeting on May 25, 2016. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote 5 -M NO1270-0661: 1 General Way, Map 41, Lot 1, Danis For the record, John Dick, Hancock Assoc turned in receipts to Mr. Tirone. Mr. Dick gave updated presentation. Project started out as large wetland restoration project; devolved into maintenance activity. Restoration work at Area 5 - removal of phragmites in most expedient method possible. Ms. Longley asked about small birch trees on site. Mr. Dick replied they will be removed. Mr. Maughan asked if there is a maintenance plan. Mr. Dick replied drainage has maintenance plan. Everything else is landscaping. Mr. Maughan suggests maintenance plan be included in Order of Conditions outlining what could and could not be cut and interval of forebay to be cleaned. Mr. Tirone would prefer to review one submitted by applicant. Mr. Dick indicated there already is protocol, it will be resubmitted for the record and include schedule for cutting poplars and mowing. Seed mix to be planted in October and mowed once annually. Danis will be preparing operation and maintenance plan. Mr. Flynn had question on vacuum dredge process. How do they know when back to existing grade? Dredging will stop at liner at surface. The riprap apron at the outlet of the retention basin overflow pipe will be repaired by replacing stones by hand to original design specifications. Mr. Dick reported the old silt fence will be cut at grade stakes will be cut off at their bases. Ms. Scanlon had question on repair of graded stone erosion at area 3. Mr. Dick will augment paragraph 3 to restore to original construction Mc Tirone wanted to know if amp will be on site to oversee the work. Mr. Dick introduced new rep, Kyle Lally, who will be overseeing project Commission approved reduced fee because it was only for work on bank of stream. Town received fee of $2800. Public Comment: TcmV Arezzo -140 John Street: Is there intention for replacement of trees that are removed? Ms. Longley replied there is no tree replacement plan. They will maintain low growing mix. Commission still needs operations and maintenance plan. Commission needs to review Order of Conditions for Notice of Intent Ms. Scanlon made Motion to continue until next meeting on 5/25/2016. Mr. Flynn seconded. Vote 5-0- 1. Ms. Scicchitani abstained. Applicant is allowed to work on forebay or other work under previous existing Order of Conditions Old /New Business Minor Plan Change 270-0618,53 Arcadia Avenue, Map 19, Lot 6 Hagstrom Page 14 Extension 270-0618: 53 Arcadia Avenue, Map 19, Lot 6, Hagstrom Eric Hagstrom is before Commission for 3 items, reissuance of original Order of Conditions from 9/2013, extension of Order of Conditions for 2 years, and a minor modification of that plan. He has three areas of decreased construction: Originally proposed deck 32 x 16 extended off proposed addition, has now been reduced to 10 x 14. Additional work to back addition, originally 16 foot across back of house now reduced to 14 foot. Garage next to existing porch has now been moved in front of porch, more toward street by 5 feet. There are two areas with minor increases - a 3' section to farmer's porch and bulkhead access for additional egress from basement Original project was delayed while making decision whether to live with ongoing construction or move to a house that meets their large family's needs. They could not find that in Reading with current market. Original order issued 2013, construction has not started. He now has contractor on board, ready to break ground as soon approval received. Mr. Hagstrom is asking for two years extension in use he needs it, plans to finish work in one year. This property is registered land; state will not accept filings over a year. Mr. Maughan made Motion to approve minor plan change and extend Order of Conditions for 53 Arcadia Avenue. Mr. Flynn seconded. Vote 6-0-0. Commission re- signed original Order of Conditions. DOA 2016 -9 Vegetation Management Activities along the Purple Line, Map NA, Lot NA, Keolis Commuter Services Commission members signed DOA DOC 270 -0659: 56 Cross Street, Map 12, Lot 77 Armstrong Commission members signed Order of Conditions including comments on page 1 submitted by Ms. Scanlon and small correction made by Ms. Longley COC 270 -039: Cedar Swamp— Northeast boundary of Reading, Map 54, Lot 2, Coneco engineers, continued Mr. Tirane received narrative and plan as requested. Members signed Certificate of Compliance. CDC 270-0625: Continued Mariano Drive, 92 Sanborn Lane Lot 3, Albert Couillard Continued until next meeting on May 25, 2016 COC 270 -0626: Mariano Drive, 92 Sanborn Lane Lot 2, Albert Couillard Conservation signed Certificate of Compliance CDC 270-0627: Mariano Drive, 92 Sanborn Lane, Roadway, Albert Couillard Conservation signed Certificate of Compliance Administrators Report: Ms. Longley recused herself from discussion. Mr. Tirone reported owner of 110 John Carver Road had planted trees on his property which were too close to power lines. Trees were hacked back a lot, now one is dead and the other is damaged. Owner would like to replace them, proposes to stump and grind and wants to replant in approximately same area. Mr. Tirone suggests it would be a minor project permit, cost of $50.00 Mr. Tirane suggested adding language to tree policy -that to replace a tree it should be a minor project permit, possibly Commission would waive $50. Mr. Tirone will provide tree list for native species. Town day —June 11'", Commission will have a booth. Members discussed participation at Town day Possible unauthorized activity Page 15 Mr. Tirone reported on 13 Tennyson Road there has been clearing. This was reported thru the Health Department. Mr. Curtis observed trees were cut down adjacent to wetland. Also there is a new 2 tiered retaining wall with significant excavation /grading, and a steep cut into bank. Should there be any next steps, Mr. Maughan suggests Mr. Tirone go to site to check if enforcement order needs to be issued. Ms. Scanlon proposed Commission issue letter to owner explaining protocol, and if they ignore it, there could be issuance of enforcement order. Mr. Tirone would like to visit property before sending letter. Members agree documentation is necessary so Commission has a paper trail. Emergency permits: None at this time Bills approved: None at this time Minutes for Approval: April 27, 2016 Mr. Flynn made motion to approve minutes of April 27 2016. Mr. Curtis seconded Mr. Tirone discussed process going forward with minutes. Update from tree policy working group, first meeting 42$2016 Mr. Curtis forwarded draft to members with results of first meeting. Town of Lexington's manual was used as guideline. Commission will review at next meeting on May 25, 2016. Mr. Curtis requested feedback from Mr. Couillard and Ms. Scanlon first and then will get feedback from the other members. Mr. Maughan made Motion to adjourn at 9:50 pm. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote 6.0.0 Page 1 6