Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-13 Conservation Commission MinutesNora G Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Conservation Commission Date: 2016 -04 -13 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Public Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: iglu !P!. -I P 4:45 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Session: General Session Rebecca Longley, Chair; Al Couillard, Michael Flynn, Harry Curtis, Annika Scanlon, Vice Chair; Amy Scicchitani, Chuck Tirone, Administrator Members - Not Present: Jamie Maugahn Others Present: Ryan Percival, Peter Desjardins, John Kastrinos, Ian Kastrinos, Will Finch, Len Filippone, Shawn Armstrong, Keri Armstrong,Lisa Raucci, Salvatore Magazzu, David Raucci, Greg Selvitelli,Julie Haroutunian, Scott Sewall, Judie McCafferty, Bill McCafferty,Bill Ahlert, Steve Maffeo, KathyFalkenstrom, Maria Selvitelli, Michelle Lewis, Robert Coulter Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Julia Rodger Topics of Discussion: APPROVED: April 27, 2016 Ms. Longley called meeting to order at 7:00 pm Eagle Scout Project, Town Forest under TownW ide Public Trails Maintenance 2700568 Ian Kastrinos, Troop 702, gave slide shown presentation for his Eagle Scout project. He plans to extend boardwalk from Wood End to council ring to go beyond wetland for better transition to Town Forest trails. This area is in desperate need of repair. The Beneficiary would like complete extension from boardwalk for total of 70 feet. This part of project will extend 40'. Another smut will be doing an additional 30' of boardwalk three months later. There will be 6" clearance for animals to run underneath. Mr. Tirone, Ms. Scicchitani and Ms. Longley performed site visit. Project is a benefit to stop some treading on wetland. It was noticed at end of existing boardwalk, the first 10 feet or so is dry, beyond that there is a lot of disruption to wetland area. Board asked for wood edges on either side of walkway to prevent anyone from falling off similar to new design at Kurchian Wood. Ms. Scanlon sees Ian's project as correction to a problem area and asked if Ian could be doing anything to keep people out and have it go back to natural vegetated area. Ian said other troops maybe able to work on this by ripping out old boardwalk. Will Finch, Trails Committee, reported Trails Committee had meeting to discuss putting logs down at old section of trail to discourage use of this abandoned trail. He agrees with Ian's scheme to start where this boardwalk ends. Trails Committee is glad to see this work taking place. It is a big improvement and agrees it will lessen impact on wetland. Putting plants where abandoned trail is would help to disguise and discourage use. The Trails Committee is in favor of decommissioning the dogleg part of the trail and Page I 1 prohibiting access Mr. Curtis observed there is much less than 6 inch clearance underneath the existing boardwalk near this area. Mr. Finch reported some areas are supported by cinderblocks which have shifted and sank over time. Corrugated pipe works better and spreads weight load and is sturdier and longer lasting that cinderblock. Mr. Curtis asked if scouts would be able do survey work to minimize future disturbance to wetlands. Ian indicated Eagle Scout projects need to help the community, so if an Eagle Scout project helps the wetlands, they could most likely do it. Ideally trails would go around wetland. In this case there is no other way to get across. Mr. Flynn made Motion to accept project. Mr. Curtis seconded. Vote 6-M RDA 20167: 90 Rustic Lane, Map 46, Lot 82 Dougherty Continued at request of applicant. During site visits Mr. Curtis had observed standing water in the middle of the backyard and asked about delineating wetlands in a yard environment. A follow -up site visit is scheduled. DOC 2700656: Birch Meadow Park, Map 33, Lot 52, 54 - 58, Town of Reading, DPW Conservation Commission approved this project. Mr. Tirone requested Engineering advise him when each light pole is installed. Mr. Tirone also asked for copy of final plans for review when project is ready to go out to bid. Board signed Order of Conditions. Board to sign Extension Permit 2700351: Town of Reading, Engineering Dept Ryan Percival, Engineering Division, reported Engineering Dept has permit for water and sewer, a blanket Order of Conditions to cover maintenance within roadways and buffer areas. Majority of their work is in roadway. Anytime their work is abutting wetland area or in an easement they would file notice. If any work was in a resource area they would file notice. This is an extension of the existing permit. Board signed permit which expires tonight. Permit is extended for three years. NOI 2700659: 56 Cross Street, Map 12, Lot 77, Armstrong Steve Erikson, Norse Environmental, made presentation on behalf of applicant. Proposing construction of porch, deck, breezeway and reconstruction of driveway. Resource areas include perennial stream or riverfront along westerly side, bordering vegetated wetland - a 3100 square foot area of disturbance. Infiltration of roof drains proposed for front and side. Shown as perineal on usgs topographic map. Project does meet performance standards of Riverfront anyhow. Infiltration system is a Cultec chamber. Infiltration system being designed by others. Application indicates 2 additional Cultect chambers at opposite corners of house to increase infiltration as form of mitigation. Ms. Longley reported on site visit. A lot of debris was noticed along la and b series, hoping owner would clean up. Owner willing to clean up whatever the Board recommends. Mr. Flynn requested operation & maintenance plan and specs for Cultect infiltration chambers. Ms. Scanlon in favor of infiltration system, but not sure Cultect is the solution. She is willing to accept something else if Mr. Erikson has another proposal. Mr. Erikson would prefer not to install infiltration at all because of sandy surface. Mr. Couillard suggested instead to 2 additional Cultect units, go with one drip trench along left side of house where stairs and door are and Y, way down, stopping at new addition and leave 2 chambers on existing plan. Ms. Longley would like to see both on plan for comparison to see if design fits bill for infiltration. Page 1 2 Mr. Erikson is concerned with missing the spring construction season if held up another month. Would like hearing expedited. He is requesting approval tonight as is, with two Cultect units and a sandy site, subject to verification of water table. He would come back before Board for an insignificant change or an amendment to Order of Conditions. Board requests infiltration design as part of the application. Mr Tirone indicated there is no order to sign tonight. Board will be signing at next meeting if this requested information can be provided before then. Mr. Curtis would like to discuss drainage for new driveway. Board would like to see new driveway pitched enough so substantial rains drain to east keeping gravel trench at edge on east side and Cultec in the back of the house. Public Comment: Cathy Crotty- 52 Cross Street: neighbor, would like to see plan, concerned with size of addition and driveway. Asked about variance process. She was advised the variance is a Zoning Board process and has nothing to do with wetlands. She is concerned regarding the new foundation and flooding concerns for neighbors. Pleased with plans for infiltration. Ms. Longley explained the infiltration systems are to help control flow of water. Judy McCafferty - 62 Cross Street: neighbor, question on new foundation and displacement of water. Wants to be sure water is drawn away from houses. She and other neighbors have had water problems in the past. Ms. Longley indicated infiltration systems are being put in to control water from damaging properties. Ms. Scanlon advised neighbors that new foundation has standard footings and is a slab foundation which should not displace ground water. The infiltration system handles rainwater. Ms. Scanlon made Motion to continue Notice of Intent until next meeting when Board receives additional Cultec information and drip trench design. Mr. Lynch seconded. Vote 640-0. RDA 20169:Vegetation Management Activities along the Purple line, Map NA, Lot NA, Keolis Commuter Services Continued at request of applicant. Questions from Board will be e- mailed to applicant by Mr. Tirone; at next meeting applicant will respond. Ms. Longley noticed national wetlands map did not indicate Reading's or MASS DEP wetlands. This map is not as extensive as it could be. She checked vegetation management plan. Some safety data sheets for herbicides indicate use of lycosite, which is toxic to frog larvae. There is a certified vernal pool nearby. When do they expect to spray pesticides? Board requests spraying is not at same time as active vernal pool season (spring). Board requests they compare town, state, and regional wetland maps. RDA 20168: 61 Hopkins Street, Map 7, Lot 48, Couillard Mr. Couillard recused himself since this is his property. Mr. Maughan, Mr. Curtis, and Mr. Tirone went on site visit. Mr. Couillard proposing to fill in backyard to bring uneven area up to grade. Grading plan indicates area within 35 no build zone adjacent to wetland. Intends to take out shed and feather in area. Maximum fill depth at highest point is 4 feet. Plans to level at grade and slowly grade to even out whole area. He removing aluminum shed and leaving concrete slab. Mr. Tirone asked if driveway runoff is running toward neighbor's property, and is there plan for infiltration? Mr. Couillard intends to make as level as possible by grading between the two properties. Page 1 3 Ms. Scanlon asked if he plans for any additional plantings between 35' and vegetated buffer zone. From shed to fence is stone wall 12 -18 " high runs length of property. Mr. Couillard would like to transplant 3 blueberry plants down to 25 -35 foot area Public Comment: Janet Davidson - 36 Milepost Road : owns neighboring property behind Mr. Couillard and is concerned with effect of filling and grading on water table. Mr. Couillard stated the grading will stop around 40 -60' away from her property Mr. Tirone brought up issue of Infiltration between house and property of Peter Desjardins, 69 Hopkins Street - the neighbor on other side. He is not concerned with surface water runoff onto his property. Mr. Couillard was instructed by Board to remove shed and relocate three blueberry bushes. Mr. Flynn made Motion to Issue Negative Determination including 2 additional items discussed tonight. Seconded by Mr. Curtis. Vote 5 -0.1. Mr. Couillard abstained. NOI 270 -0658: Low Meadow off of Arcadia Mr. Erickson, Norse Environmental, gave presentation. Since last meeting it was determined area shown on plan is Riverfront or perennial stream. Stream scats and usgs were both wrong. Wetland boundary remains the same. Added riverfront flags. Entire lot is within 100 foot Riverfront of area. Ms. Scanlon asked if the river (RF) flags on the plan were placed at the top of the bank. Mr. Erickson said they were. Ms. Longley asked why the disconnect between B and C series flags. Mr. Erickson stated that the flags were not attached because that area was not the area they were interested in. Ms. Longley asked about performance standards for inner riparian zone. Mr. Tirone stated this an ANRAD; Board is approving resource area, wetland line and riverfront line. Commission has not 100% verified wetland line. A a project within first 100 feet needs to have improvement over existing conditions. No project is before the Commission at this time. There are still options for this site. Mr. Curtis reported at site visit some riverfront flags were missing. He suggested going on another site visit to confirm flags. Mr. Tirone will prepare the Order to be signed at next meeting incorporating any changes found at the follow up site visit. Public Comment: Charlotte Harlan —Arcadia Avenue: turned in a letter she wrote regarding the river Maria Selvitelli - 25 Arnold Avenue: wanted to know the purpose of tonight's meeting. Ms. Longley answered that this meeting is to identify what wetland resources areas are under protection of Mass Wetlands and Reading Bylaws. Board looks to Administrator for expertise, was it Riverfront or not and in addition to being a bordering vegetated wetland. Studies in past performed by AECOM, Metcalf and Eddy's, project manager. Study identified as river. Next step is site inspection to confirm flag locations. Dave Raucci -117 Arcadia: asked how is 100 ft determined. Mr. Tirane answered that 100 buffer zone for wetland is based on water and soils, establishes line at that point, Board approves from that line forward, generally 100 off of flags. Mr. Erikson presents where flags are, it up to Commission to approve lines. Board is comfortable with the wetland line but there is some confusion regarding the riverfront line. That is why Commission has decided to have another site visit for verification. The new line 100 foot line and riverfront designation needs to be shown on plan. No Page 1 4 building is proposed at this time; nothing kills the project. Proposed project has to meet performance standards. Tom Carr — asked if there are opportunities for neighbor to go on site visit? Ms. Longley advised this is private property; Conservation Commission cannot give permission for others to go on site visit. Mr. Curtis stated Commission's job is to agree wetland flags are in right places. Applicant submits plan indicating wetland flags. Board follows Mass Protection Act and confirms flags are in right locations on behalf of the Community. Mr. Flynn made Motion to continue hearing until next meeting on April 27, 2016 so Board has opportunity to approve Riverfront flags. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote 5 -0 -1. Ms. Scicchitani abstained. 37 James Road, review planting plan, Fucarile Mr. Tirone made presentation on step incorporated into Order of Conditions. Board asked for 2 requirements which are now met, plantings (5 high blueberry bushes and 4 trees) and a plan showing planting locations. There will be more planting but owner wanted to submit this plan first. He plans to add 3 white pines in additional to Board's requirements. Commission is satisfied with plan. CDC 2700580:30 Gavin Circle, Map 51, Lot 157, Lusk Continued at request of applicant Mr. Tirone contacted owner regarding clean up. Applicant hired a landscaper who will meet with Mr. Throne to go over compliance. Mr. Tirone will direct landscaper on how much to pull out. Owner scheduled to attend meeting on April 27`h. Board will ask about two large trees in buffer cut down without permission. CDC 270039: Cedar Swamp— Northeast Boundary of Reading, Map 54, Lot 2 Coneco Engineers Continued at request of applicant C000625: Mariano Drive, 92 Sanborn Lane, Lot 3, Albert Couillard C000626: Mariano Drive, 92 Sanborn Lane, Lot 2, Albert Couillard C000627: Mariano Drive, 92 Sanborn Lane, Roadway, Albert Couillard Mr. Couillard recused himself since this is his property. A contractor is scheduled to be at property on Thursday to removed debris. Mr. Couillard flagged out items to be removed from wetland area. Mr. Tirone will go to site to for follow up and to confirm work requested by Board has been completed. Minor Project: 18 Beaver Road, Point Well Approved as minor project permit Possible unauthorized activity within protected wetland resource No reports received by the Conservation office between W3/16 to 417/1016 400 Main Street - commercial building, owner cleared brush without asking. Property abuts channelized stream. Father and son are new owners, they met with Mr. Tirone and will file a permit. They took down some trees against chain link fence and cleaned out brush. May have taken out some invasive species. Will rake and plant grass seed. Does Commission want them to file permit to remove brush and remove trees. For now no more work planned. Board could suggest they plant one or 2 native trees. Whatever clearing they did may have been beginning of improvement. An improvement requested by Board would be a barrier to keep dirt from going into stream. Mr. Tirone will send letter reminding owner not to do any work without checking with Commission first. Page 1 5 Emergency permits None at this time Bills approved: MACC Annual environmental conference attendee $115.00 Ms. Scanlon made Motion to approve bill. Mr. Flynn seconded. Vote 6 -0-0 Minutes for Approval: March 23, 2016 Mr. Flynn made Motion to approve minutes. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote 6 -0-0 Update from tree policy working group, schedule first meeting Ms. Scanlon in process of scheduling a meeting. Site Visits Board had discussion on site visits. Decision was made to have two site visits, Sunday mornings at 9 and Tuesdays at 6pm. Friends and Family Day Friends and Family Day is June 11th at Birch Meadow Field. Conservation Commission usually registers for a booth. Volunteers will be needed to work booth. There is an early morning bird watching opportunity by local expert, Dave Williams, in Town Forest 6:30 to 8:30 Sunday mornings. Also there is a Mother's Day walk, Strout Avenue walk, Lobs Pound walk. Mr. Flynn made Motion to adjourn at 9:50 pm Mc Couillard seconded. Vote 6-0-0 Page 1 6