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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-10 Conservation Commission Minutes�ouDn Clea I� H Meeting Minutes April 1&2013 Approved April 2ilP201,i,i a o_fm N nm 2 � cern r< Reading Conservation Commission Meeting I.M Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 pro Wednesday, April 10, 2013 Present: Jaime Maughan, Chairman; William Hecht, Jaime Maughan, Annika Scanlon, Will Finch, Kevin Scott Charles Tirone, Administrator Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Bill Andrews, 34 Roma Lane Edand Anderson, 87 Belmont Street David Williams. 117 Oak Street Ralph Poirier, 1447 Main Street Raymond Boyd, 1451 Main Street Chris Guyott, 23 Bdanvood Marc Guyott, 23 Briarwcod Justin St. Hilarie, 30 Lafayette Road Ryan Percival, Town of Reading, DPW Absent: Bran Sullivan Call to Order, Old/Now Business • 7:00 Continued RDA 13.1, 34 Roma Lane Map 12 Lot 36 & 78, Andrews Mr. Maughan reviewed the continued RDA. Mr. Finch talked about the site visit. The Commission talked about where the wetland line would be; and if the tree removal the homeowner would like to do, is in the resource area. Mr. Tirone will walk the site with homeowner and go over the line. If the homeowner disagrees the homeowner was told he has the option of hiring a wedand scientist. The homeowner will submit a map of which trees he would like to take down; and what he is willing to plant for compensation. The Commission will do another site visit. Chris Guyott, Eagle Scout Project for wood dark nesting boxes along the Ipswick River Mr. Guyott stated he is a Scout from Troop 704. For his Eagle Scout project he would like to build nesting boxes for the Wood duck. He would like to put the boxes in two locations. Depending how much money he can raise to build the boxes is how many he will build. He received plans from the Natural Wildlife. The Commission discussed where in the Town Forest the boxes would be located. How the boxes are going to placed; and what the time of season is 40 best to place them. It was questioned if the project is in the resource area. Mr. Tirone stated the Meeting Minutes April 10, 2013 ® Approved April 24, 2013 Town should consider it an improvement. The Commission asked him to contact the Town Forest Committee to let them know. Mr. Williams suggested using pine rather than cedar. He also asked that predator guards be put on the boxes. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to accept the Eagle Scout Project for wood duck nesting bares along the Ipswich River. Ms. Scanlon seconded Vote was 4-0-0. NOI 270-0613, 87 Belmont Street, Map 28,29 Lot 195'5, Reading DPW —Engineering Division Mr. Maughan opened the Public Hearing and read the legal notice. Mr. Percival reviewed the project with the Commission. The DPW would like to do three exploratory borings in the existing sewer easement entering through Ivy and going to Belmont Street. This NOI is just for the borings; they will file a fall NOI in the near future. He talked about how he expected the project to work. The Commission talked about: the vehicle being used; if they could use a mat if the vehicle needs to come off the path; avoid cutting vegetation; the procedure on getting samples; using hay bales when necessary — especially in the b2 area; and having minimal damage. Mr. Percival stated he will talk to the boring company and question the best way to get the machine in the area. Mr. Percival also said they will explore a fourth boring if he thinks it is necessary. Ms. Scanlon questioned the soil disturbance; and asked it be kept at a minimal. The area should be restored to grade. Mr. Maughan went over the paperwork and questioned if the appropriate boxes were checked off. Mr. Anderson asked if the Town should just change the piping on Libby Avenue; looping it so you can flush it. Mr. Percival discussed with the Commission and abutter why this would not be good; not only for the fire flow, but how ® maintaining a loop is a nightmare. Mr. Maughan asked that Engineering communicate with the abutters on the project. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to close the Public Hearing. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5-0- 0. NOI 270 - 0614, Walkers Brook Drive Right of Way, Map 17 Lot 14, Reading DPW — Engineering Division Mr. Maughan opened the Public Hearing and read the legal notice. Mr. Percival talked to the Commission how the Town would like to put a covered bus stop on Walkers Brook Drive. The bus stop building will sit on a concrete pad; it is 100 square feet. The DPW will pour the cement and the building is prefab. The planting will be done either by the DPW or the Town will hire someone. The suggested Spruce plantings were talked about. Ms. Scanlon sated that the plantings that were done by the Stop and Shop were negotiated plants. Maybe the plants that need to be removed for the project can be replanted somewhere else in the area. The Commission talked about their concerns with the grading and planting. Mr. Maughan stated because of removing 100 square feet of vegetation the State requires compensation. It was asked that the applicant look at creative ideas for this compensation; maybe cleaning up the encroachment of phragmites. Mr. Tirone will look into what Stop and Shop had to plant and let Mr. Percival know. Mr. Maughan stated the Public Hearing will be continued to April 24th. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to continue the Public Hearing. Ms. Scanlon seconded Vote as 5-0-0. Minor Project — There were no minor projects Meeting Minutes April 10, 2013 Approved April 24, 2013 Bills Approved - Them were no bills to approve Mr. Tirone let the Commission know that two part time interns have contacted the Conservation Department. They are Dan Blomerth and James Treacy. They both would like a paid position; but is still interested in working with the Conservation department. Mr. Tirane believes that Mr. Treacy would like a project, because he has a summerjob. Mr. Blomerth would like to step in to the position similar to last year. Mr. Tirone talked about the mosquito spraying that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be doing on April 25m. He let the Commission know what type of chemicals being used and what to do if you do not want your land sprayed. Eric MCBrine Ok for crush stone in the back of garage This was not talked about by the Commission Harold Ave, Conservation Restriction Discussion Mr. Timne let the Commission know he has not heard back from Mr. Latham. He asked that Mr. Latham look at the draft that the Conservation office had and comment on the difference between the Conservation draft and what Mr. Latham proposed. Bare Meadow discussion Mr. Williams let the Commission know that Bare Meadow is grown out and shrinking. He discussed with the Commission why he believes the meadow should be mowed 2x a yew. The area by Pearl Street needs to be curbed the most; the footprint is being strangled. He talked about how the birds he used to see bird watching are not there this year. Mr. Maughan stated he thought Mr. Blomerth, the summer intern, was working on a project last year to figure out a way to maintain the meadow. It was suggested that Conservation do a site visit first to look for the indicator plants; then meet with the DPW about maintaining. Mr. Tiroae let the Commission know that he didn't believe the mowing should be 2x a year. He feels it would be disrupting to animals already nesting. He suggested the DPW use hand clippings to maintain. Mr. Maughan asked the administrator to follow up with the DPW their availability to view the site. Mr. Poirier told the Commission he is willing to help maintain; but wasn't sure what a homeowner could do. He talked about the path near his house and how it hasn't been cut. He asked about the pine trees that snapped and what can be done with them. Mr. Boyd also asked that he can do clean up by his property. The Commission let them both know when they do the site visit they will look at what he would like to do. Mr. Boyd stated the Commission can see the meadow from his land. Clear Channel Billboards, O&M Discussion, Mike Auterio review O&M Plan This was not talked about by the Commission G30 Lafayette project — Meeting Minutes April 10, 2013 Approved April 24, 2013 The owner of 30 Lafayette wanted the Commission to know the tree work is done on his property. He reviewed with the Commission his filing of a RDA. He was just checking in with the Commission to make sure his next step. The concrete markers were talked about. The Commission told the owner to continue to move forward. Minutes for approval: March 27, 2013 - Motion made by Mr. Hecht to accept the minutes of March 17, 1013, as amended Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5-0-0. Mr. Tirone talked to the Commission about a site visit at Bethune Avenue. He has contacted Al Couillard about cleaning up the brush and other construction debris. While at the site visit, he saw a property owner draining the detention base with a sump pump into the vernal pool. The owner stated he was under the impression that it was going to be a dry basin. After the Commission talked about if the basin was working properly, they asked Mr. Tirone to contact the Engineering department and checkout the as -built. Mr. Tirone reminded the Commission that Conservation is part of the Engineering bond; and Mr. Tirone has only issued partial occupancies. Mr. Tirone talked about the trash in the Stop and Shop wetland. He contacted the property manager and will go through the operation plan with them to keep it clean. They will also review the Salem 5 side of Walkers Brook. • Mr. Finch let the Commission know the Forest Committee did a site visit in the Pinevale Conservation area. There is dumping in the area and would like letters sent to the abutters reminding them no dumping is allowed. Mr. Maughan asked Mr. Tirone that the signs for Castine Field be a priority. He would also like "No dumping" signs; maybe the same quality signs as the signs used for elections around town. Mr. Tirone let the Commission know the Mr. Feudo has been in touch about the Sturges Park renovation. They are planning on moving the playground area. Mr. Keating, Tree Warden, has told him there is a pine tree that has to be removed; Mr. Tirone disagrees. The Commission talked about the wetlands and if it was manmade or not. They wanted to make sure Mr. Fuedo is aware that a NOI needs to be filed with plans. Mr. Hecht stated he will be away at the next meeting. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5-0-0. /Respec fully submitted, Kim M Saunders LL