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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-25 Conservation Commission Minutes Conservation Commission Meeting, February 25, 2009 MINUTES Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen’s Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, February 25, 2009 Present: Vice Chairman Bill Hecht; Barbara Stewart; Tina Ohlson; Doug Green; Brian Tucker, Fran Fink, Conservation Administrator; Brian Sullivan, Associate Member; Maureen Knight, Recording Secretary. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Brian Tucker arrived at 7:45, as noted below. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Reading Public Works Department, Memorial Park, Charles Street and Harrison Street, DEP 270-546, RGB 2008-45, drainage, parking, sidewalks, recreational facilities, fences This hearing was postponed to March 11, 2009 at the request of the applicant. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Robert Zeraschi, 10 Torre Street, DEP 270-538, RGB 2008- 35, day care center, parking lot, drainage, and grading This hearing was postponed to March 11, 2009 at the request of the applicant. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Mona DeAngelo, 14 Strawberry Hill Lane, DEP 270-547, RGB 2009-2, house, driveway, site work This hearing was postponed to March 11, 2009 at the request of the applicant. Old/New Business: Brian Tavernia, proposed marsh bird study Mr. Tavernia, a graduate student at Tufts University, does marsh research throughout the eastern part of the state. He presented a proposal to conduct field work in Reading to discover whether birds are avoiding marshes dominated by invasive plant species. He would like to investigate in the Town Forest area, and possibly in marshes off Eaton Street and at Parker Middle School. Mr. Greene asked to receive a copy of his final report. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve Mr. Tavernia’s study in the marsh areas of the Town Forest and elsewhere. Ms. Stewart seconded. The vote was 4-0-0. Reading Memorial High School, DEP 270-416, RGB 2003-51 – Status of work Mr. Hecht has not heard back from the Superintendent yet about plans to finish the punch list this spring. Ms. Fink said the Selectmen reviewed preliminary plans for the Imagination Station and Birch Meadow recreation complex. The plans include the Riverfront restoration are required for the RMHS project, but the configuration does not meet the standards needed. The Commission asked Ms. Fink to send a memo with the Commission’s recommendations. 39 Walkers Brook Drive, DEP 270-494, RGB 2006-37 – As-built plans, Riverfront Area mitigation revisions Present: Frank DiPieto, engineer for Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., Todd-Fremont Smith, applicant, and Chris Latham, lawyer 1 Conservation Commission Meeting, February 25, 2009 Mr. DiPietro reviewed recent work at 39 and 55 Walkers Brook Drive in response to letters from the Commission sent in December and January. He distributed a memo to the Commission with photos of the grease trap and a proposal for additional Riverfront Area restoration at #55 to mitigate excess development at #39. The lot is too frozen to work with at this time. There has been discussion of an on-site meeting to review the maintenance of the property. Mr. DiPietro said he is st hoping to have all work completed by April 1. Ms. Fink said the Commission has not yet received the revised long-term maintenance plan, and that additional details are needed for the RFA restoration plan, such as topsoil and proposed plant species including native trees or shrubs to break up the grassy area. This area should also be added to the deed restriction. th Mr. Hecht said April 15 should be the deadline for the completion of the work because April 1 may be too cold. Mr. Fremont-Smith asked for partial Certificate of Compliance. There is still a $20,000 bond in place. The Commission will review the new materials submitted tonight and discuss whether any part of the work is ready for certification at the next meeting on March 11, 2009. 82 Fairchild Drive, RGB 2008-42 – Request for occupancy Mr. Hecht said a site visit was done, and he thought an occupancy approval was appropriate. But he wondered if hay bales might be added to ensure there would not be any erosion from the access area into the nearby street drains and wetlands. Motion made by Mr. Greene to authorize the Administrator to sign off on the request for occupancy. Ms. Stewart seconded. The vote was 4-0-0. 36 Estate Lane, DEP 270-528, RGB 2008-8 – Request for occupancy and Certificate of Compliance Mr. Hecht gave a site visit report. The tree house support boards are still in the tree, and the rest of the work is done. There are two downspouts on the back of the house that need gravel or other splash pads. Overall the site looks good and occupancy would be appropriate. Motion made by Mr. Greene to authorize the Administrator to sign off on the request for occupancy. Ms. Stewart seconded. The vote was 4-0-0. Motion made by Mr. Greene to issue a Certificate of Compliance. Ms. Stewart seconded. The vote was 4-0-0. 39 Sunset Rock Lane, DEP 270-474, RGB 2006-12 – Request for Certificate of Compliance Mr. Hecht reported that a site visit was made and the site looked fine. There are a few bare patches, but it is winter. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to issue a Certificate of Compliance. Ms. Ohlson seconded. The vote was 4-0-0. 2 Conservation Commission Meeting, February 25, 2009 Kylie Drive, DEP 270-462, RGB 2005-41 – Revised plans, covenant, and request for occupancy for Lot 8, revised site plan and drainage design for Lot 5 Present: Tom Hurley, contractor for Lot 5 Mr. Hurley provided a revised site plan for Lot 5. The foundation has been changed slightly but it meets all requirements. The trail easement is shown on the plan. The Applicant’s attorney and Town Counsel are now working on the covenants and easements. Ms. Fink said the grading and drainage, and the swale easement, looked acceptable on the revised plan. She suggested a more passable trail route that would cross through the inner Buffer Zone on Lots 3, 4 and 5 to get to the Reading Open Land Trust and the Town cemetery from this property. She provided a GIS map showing the route. Mr. Hurley said he was open to this suggestion. Motion made by Mr. Greene to accept the revised site plan as a minor change but with the understanding that the trail route needs to be changed slightly. Ms. Stewart seconded. The vote was 4-0-0. Brian Tucker arrived at this point and participated in the remainder of the meeting. Bob Zwicker, the contractor for Lot 8, also arrived. Ms. Fink reported that the owners of Lot 8 have not yet submitted the executed easement and covenant for the drainage swale. The owners did provide a revised grading plan for Lot 8 and copies were distributed to the Commission. Ms. Fink gave a site visit report and showed photos that she had taken to the Commission. The Commission determined that the grading behind the house was too steep and a revision must be made. The Commission would like to know whether the owner is planning a deck or patio behind the house. The Commission would like all roof drain pipes to be backfilled before occupancy. A retaining wall might be needed at the front corner of the garage to hold back fill needed for the drain pipes there. All work should be completed before the th next meeting on March 11, 2009 and the Commission will do a site visit on March 8 to determine whether the site is ready for occupancy. 43 Latham Lane, RGB 2004-9 – Status of work Ms. Fink sent a letter but did not receive an answer. She will contact the owner via phone. 22 Roma Lane, Enforcement Order - Planting plan for approval The owner reviewed a planting plan and Ms. Fink made a few suggestions. 134 Fairchild Drive, DEP 270-475, RGB 2006-13 - Grant of Conservation Restriction Ms. Fink has filled out the forms for the Conservation Restriction and will mail them with the Grant as agreed with the owner. The Commission signed the Field Inspection Form and Municial Certification. 9 Gregory Lane, DEP 270-236, RGB 1991-10 – Grant of Conservation Restriction, Request for Certificate of Compliance Ms. Fink said the access provision was negotiated and put into the draft, but it has since been revised and returned by DCS. Ms. Fink followed with an email to DCS and the owner with further 3 Conservation Commission Meeting, February 25, 2009 revisions. DCS approved the further revisions, but Ms. Fink has not yet heard back from the owners. Plans for habitat survey . Ms. Fink and Mr. Greene met with Leo KenneyThey will do site visits to the vernal pools on Town land to see if there are any blue spotted salamanders in them. They will also go on private property, after permission is obtained, to check on those vernal pools. This will be done mid to late March depending on the weather. Work may continue into June, depending on the success of initial visits. Documentation will be sent to NHESP for the Estimated and Priority Habitat Map. Proposed DEP Storm Water Regulations for large impervious areas Ms. Fink did not prepare comments but said this is a new program by the State. They started this in the Charles River Basin and are expanding it statewide. Any existing property that has 5 acres or more of impervious surface must prepare a storm water management program with maintenance. There might be some areas in Readings. It is administered by the DEP and not by the local authorities. Trail Committee – Request for support from Conservation Fund The Trail Committee would like to put up a plaque acknowledging REI’s contribution to the viewing platform at Bare Meadow and has requested funding from the Conservation Trust Fund. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve up to $200 to pay for the plaque. Mr. Tucker seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. Causeway Road MHD Depot There was a 21E groundwater monitoring report from the Causeway Road Highway Facility and all seems to be fine. 87 Walkers Brook Drive There was a 21E groundwater monitoring report from 87 Walkers Brook Drive, and there still is contamination in the water. Earth Day, April 4, 2009 The Commission will reserve a table for the Earth Day Fair at RMLD and share it with the Trails Committee if they would like to be involved. 14 Strawberry Hill Lane Ms. Fink got a call from the attorney who is representing for the appeal of the 2007 Order of Conditions. He forwarded a letter from the owner’s lawyer, who wants to bring in a court stenographer to the next hearing session for the new Notice of Intent, and swear in anyone who is speaking, including the Commission. Town Counsel has reviewed the proposal and sent a letter to the owner’s lawyer, advising that they can bring in a stenographer but they cannot compel swearing-in of people. DRT Meetings There were two DRT meetings this week for 545 Main Street and Peter Sanborn Place. The Commission will not be involved with 545 Main Street but will be with Peter Sanborn Place. 4 Conservation Commission Meeting, February 25, 2009 Mattera Conservation Area There was a meeting with Ms. Fink, the Town Manager and the Recreation Director regarding the log cabin this week. To discuss how to fund improvements and get some activities in the building. There are many ideas but little financing so all avenues will be pursued and they are open and willing to listen to ideas. The Commission has been asked to set a general policy for use of the building, and Recreation has been asked to keep a calendar of reservations. Eagle Scout Project Ms. Fink reported that Boy Scout Pat Gildea put up 21 bat houses and various conservation areas for his project approved by the Commission, and is now under review to become an Eagle Scout. Minutes for approval: Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve the minutes of September 10, 2008 as submitted. Mr. Greene seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. Motion made by Mr. Greene to approve the minutes of October 1, 2008 as submitted. Mr. Tucker seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. Motion made by Mr. Tucker to approve the minutes of February 11, 2009 as submitted. Ms. Stewart seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. Adjournment Motion made by Ms. Stewart to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Ohlson seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. 5