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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-07-25 Conservation Commission Minutes ,umuw Meeting Mu,utes July 25,2012 AI.Ved WAM012 RECEIVED TOWN CLER MINUTES READING, MA. Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM 2019 MAR —8 PM 1: 29 Wednesday,July 25, 2012 Present: Barbara Stewart;Acting Chairman, Brian Tucker, Bran Sullivan,Annika Scanlon Charles Tirone,Administrator Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Antonio Ferrara,resident Ed Staffier, resident Daniel Staffer, Eagle Scout Anthony Adam, contractor Kam Yau,resident Ms. Honetschlager,Trails Committee Absent:William Hecht, Chairman,Jaime Maughan,Thomas Loughlin Call to Order: There being a quorum the meeting opened at 7:20 PM Ms. Gemme,Town Clerk swom in Bran Tucker and Bran Sullivan OldINew Business RDA 12.8: 93 Belmont Street, Map, 28 Lot 113,White The contractor represented the resident. He would like to replace the 8' deck with a 12'deck which is in the 100' buffer, but outside the 35'zone. The deck is falling down. They would also like to amend the RDA to include the removal of a concrete slab to make a bigger lawn;this project will be done at a later date.The concrete slab size is 16 x 20. The concrete is outside the 35'. The Commission let the applicant know the footings will need to be dug by hand; no heavy machinery. Motion made by Ms.Scanlon to issue a Negative Determination with conditions as amended. Mr. Sullivan seconded. Vote was 4.0-0. COC 270.0583: 14 Nelson Ave. Map 51, Lot 88, Kam Shiu Yau It was staled at the site visit there were discrepancies from what was in the Order of Conditions. The applicant would like to amend the original site plan. The Contractor talked about what he is proposing to resolve issues brought up at site visit: 1. Add additional boundary marker on the front right side of the driveway. 2. Intend to install an inigation system and then sod the entire lawn areas. This will eliminate any run off into the wettands from the gutters. 3. It was asked about adding an additional boundary marker in front of the house;but this was located behind a hay bail after the Commission left. Amendments the applicant would like to request to the original approved site plan: 1. Install a 3'side paver walkway in front of the house off the stairs leading to the driveway, this area is within the 100' buffer zone. 1 Conservation Meeting Minutes IWy 25,2012 Appmved 09AI 12 2. Install paver patio area behind the deck in the back of the house,this area is within the 100' buffer zone. Mr. Tucker stated the Mr. Maughan saw a couple of gaps in the silt fence at the site visit; sediment going through the gaps into the ZNV. The applicant will add an additional hay bail. The Contractor also said that there is over grown grass to the right and left that is within the ZNV, the applicant would like to mow it. The Commission stated that in the OOC's it was slated to just to let the grass grow, no planting. The Commission talked to the applicant to let him know that mowing defeats the purpose and that the wetlands need to be protected. One option would plant native species to make the area look nicer. The applicant would need a variance to be able to mow. The contractor stated he would talk to the homeowner and see what he wants to do. The Commission recapped what the applicant would like to do;which is to install paver walkway in front of the house and to install paver patio. Motion made by his. Scanlon to approve the plans as before us. Mr. Tucker seconded. Vote was 40.0. Eagle Scout Project Mr. Dan Staffer gave a presentation to the Commission on a project to refurbish and improve the Linnea Thelin Bird Sanctuary Conservation Grounds that is located on Hancock Street. He stated it is 12 acre's. The original trail is not there. There is brush,thorns, Poison Ivy and trash in the area. He would like to: 1. Clean out the overgrown area at the entrance. 2. Plant some wetland plants. 3. Make a new Kiosk sign 4. New sign at stairs 5. Make it safe to the public 6. Would like to add to the trail if feasible. He discussed with the Commission how he would be able to complete this project. The Commission asked that they be informed of the project and the placement of bridges in the wetlands. Ms. Honetschlager recommended: 1. A meeting with the Trails Committee 2. Find out the standards for a trail 3. Contact Engineering department regarding the sewer and the railroad tracks and to make sure of the location of town property. The Commission talked to the applicant about removing invasive species. That once they are removed, planting might not be as much as originally thought. The applicant stated the project will begin in the fall. Motion made by Mr. Tucker to approve the Eagle Scout Project Mr. Sullivan seconded. Vote was 40-0. Kurchian Woods: trimming up the trees at the entrance 2 C..s uan M« g Minutes July 25,2012 Appmv W/M012 Ms. Honetschlager discussed with the Commission how the new boardwalk at Kumhian Woods is progressing. The old boardwalk had telephone poles underneath holding it up. The RMLD agreed to take them with the help from the DPW. It was decided to get a dumpster to put them in. There are 92 poles/116' each. Cutting them up could be dangerous. RMLD is splitting the cost. Ms. Honetschlager asked the Commission for approval to Mm some trees so the dumpster can be placed. The trimming will be only on the right side and the Tree Warden has volunteered to help. it was suggested that RMHS be contacted for volunteers. The Commission asked about how the trail is being used. Ms. Honetschlager said the trail is overgrown and not a lot of people walking it; has seen dog walkers. Dog Waste was talked about and the"carry in and carry out" policy. A sign was suggested at entrance staling the Town's policy. Could the town take responsibility for maintaining a barrel if there was one there? Ms. Honetschlager let the Commission know that Mass.Audubon is having a meeting organized by Town Planner,Jean Delios in late September. Bills approved No Bills at this time per Mr.Tirone. Banner Mr. Sullivan stated he is still working on the Conservation banner. Minutes for approval July 11, 2012 Motion made by Mr. Tucker to approve July 11, 2012 meeting minutes as amended. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 4$0. Ms. Stewart asked the Commission if they wanted to hold off on the discussion of"Activities Outside the Buffer Zone", pg 5 part 4 in the Regulations until more members are present. There was concern regarding the single family and if this Regulation should not include homeowners. The Commission discussed how this Regulation gave them strength to do something before damage is done; previous projects were discussed. It was primary for the big development in Town. The Commission decided after discussing it to approve: 4.ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE BUFFER ZONE.,Any activity proposed or undertaken outside the areas specified above and outside the Buffer Zone is not subject to regulation under this bylaw and does not require the filing of a Notice of intent or Abbreviated Notice of Intent unless that activity is MORE LIKELY THAN UNlikely to alter an area subject to protection under this bylaw. In the event that the Commission determines that such activity is MORE LIKELY THAN UNlikely to akeran area subject to protection under the Bylaw, t MAY(strikeout "shall)impose conditions on the activity or any portion thereof as it deems necessary to contribute to the protection of the interests identified in the Bylaw. Editorial notes: mid-paragraph capital letters are added text.Words in quotes are omitted. The intent for the revision was to make it clear that the authority used by the Commission would be applied in a reasonable, case-by-case manner. 3 Conservation Meeting Minutes July 25,2012 Approved(9/12/2012 Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to approve the proposed amendments: Mr. Tucker seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Ms. Stewart went over the definitions that she emailed out to the Commission members. The river defintion was discussed. The Commission wanted to make sure canal's are included. The Commission decided after discussing rivers definition to include: 'canal's are also micuded in this defintion°. The Conservation Commission was also discussed. After reading the State's definfion they decided the Conservation Commission Town's definition was not necessary. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to accept the new regulation set. Mr. Tucker seconded. Vote was "-0. Ms. Stewart let the Commission know that Mr.Maughan would like the defintions presented the same way the regulations were—with crossout's showing the changes. Minor Project Report Mr.Tirone said there were no Minor Projects to report Mr.Tirone told the Commission he went to Wilson Street with Mr. Reinhart, Engineering. A resident complained about their yard flooding after heavy rain. The problem areas were idenfifiied. Mr. Reihart stated they are waiting far the best time to seed. It was asked by the Conservation administrator to ask DPW next time how soon they are going to plant after working on a road. Mr.Tirone stated that Perfecto's are closer to moving forward. Next meeting is August 8th. Mr.Sullivan contacted the Mass Audubon winner from Friends and Family Day Motion made by Ms.Scanlon to adjourn at 9:45. Mr. Tuckerseconded. Vote was 440. Respectfully Submitted, Kim Saunders Recording Secretary 4