HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09-23 Conservation Commission Minutes t;
NOI 270-0649: 99 Fairchild Drive,Liu
Mr Sullivan opened the public hearing. Jack Sullivan,Sullivan Engineering,and Nancy Twomey,Twomey Design
Associates, represent Algi Liu. Jack Sullivan made presentation. Would like to remove existing deck on rear and create
12 x 14 foot sunporch within same footprint. Existing deck 21.7 feet from delineated wetland line. Project will be no
closer than 21.7 feet. Proposing a 5 x 14 platform at grade with crushed stone underneath. Existing sonotubes no
longer meet code requirements and will be removed. "Bigfoot" sonotubes to be used. Excavation cannot be done by
hand. Proposing to use smallest excavation equipment possible. Variance request has been submitted for work within
25'zone. Two forms of mitigation are five low bush blueberry plants and two drip trenches off sunroom area. Drip
trench would possibly be crushed stone under deck platform. No grading changes trees are to be removed.
Ms.Twomey,Architect, requesting nine Bigfoot footings on preliminary plan, may need at least six. They are presenting
worst case scenario. Has not consulted with structural engineer yet.
Mr. Lynch asked about extension to bulkhead. Bulkhead has to be extended as egress from finished basement. First and
second floor of home being extended 2 feet.
Ms. Longley suggested high bush blueberry plants since they would thrive in a wetland area.
Ms. Scanlon asked about construction access. lack Sullivan plans to protect lawn with plywood and will be using small
excavation equipment
Mr. Maughn asked about excess material. Excess material to betaken off site.
Mr.Tirone is reluctant to grant approval without finalized plans. Plans need to show changes from low to high bush
blueberry plants,construction access and stockpile area, and structural plan.
Applicant requested continuance of hearing until next meeting. Will have plans showing more detail at that time.
Mr.Maughan made Motion to continue hearing on 99 Fairchild Drive until October 14,2015. Mr. Lynch seconded.
Vote 6-0.0.
Invasive Removal Discussion: 60 Willow Street, Rindone
Mr.Sullivan reported that there was a site visit. Mr. Rindone has been removing invasive vines from Town of Reading
property in wetland area. He is working within 100' buffer zone. He wants to take trees from his property and
repopulate area where invasive plants were removed. He should go before Board of Selectmen to get endorsement of
his active role in keeping that area open.
Conservation Commission is in favor of work being done, but this Commission does not have the final word on work
being done. Mr. Rindone needs approval from owner of the property.
Mr.Couillard made Motion to approve work with stipulation that Mr.Rindone get permission from the Town of
Reading. Commission to send letter to Mr.Rindone and copy Board of Seletmen. Ms.Scanlon seconded. Vote 6-0-0
Plan Change RDA 2004-18: 115 Forest Street,Alley
Mr Alley was unexpectedly called away and therefore unable to attend tonight's meeting.
Ms.Scanlon made Motion to continue this item until the next meeting on October 14,2015. Mr. Lynch seconded.
Vote 6-0-0
11 Bethune Avenue, Edward Calo
Mr.Couillard recused himself from discussion as builder of this home.
Changes to this property will be submitted as an RDA. There are two parts; problems with drainage of a detention pond
and building a retaining wall to deal with erosion problems.
Detention Pond - Mr.Calo maintains detention pond. Some areas of detention pond do not drain properly. Standing
water is creating mosquito problems,too wet and muddy and unable to use yard. Mr, Calo wants to add loam to raise
far end to its original height and help basin drain effectively. Last winter weather caused level to drop 17".
Approximately 300 square foot area to be repaired. He discussed problem with Mr.Zambouras and is before
Conservation Commission to get input. Board informed him that no permit is required for maintenance of detention
pond.
Retaining Wall- Mr.Calo is having erosion problem with runoff from driveway. Brick walkway is sinking down. Existing
retaining wall which is set on ground is falling down. New retaining wall proposed to run approximately 5-6'within 35
foot zone but always outside the 25 foot area. Proposing any plantings suggested by Board. Owner will no longer touch
area behind retaining wall. Owner will not mow area once retaining wall is in,creating additional vegetative buffer. Mr.
Maughan suggested contractor come to a meeting to discuss retaining wall construction and proposed erosion controls.
Board suggested Mr.Calo should probably apply for Notice of Intent since work is outside of 35 foot zone. He will need a
variance with site specific plan. Certificate of Compliance was already issued on this property.
Items needed by Conservation Commission are: Notice of Intent;site plan, exact location of retaining wall and distance
from wetland; surveyor's plan; retaining wall schematics; planting plan;Variance if work is closer than 35 feet.
Old/New Business
Minor Project: 65 Dividence Road
Tree trimming was less than 25%of canopy. Minor project issued
Minor Project: 12 Johanna Drive
Minor project issued for porch
Emergency Permit: 217 Lowell Street
An emergency permit was issued. There was a dead tree taken down from bank of wetland. It could have been a hazard
in strong winds. Owner cut it up and used for firewood.
Administrators Report:
306 Main Street,Simpson
Release Abatement Measures(RAM)is required before construction can begin. Brandon Simpson is being asked to
provide more information. RAM plan required for CPDC. LSP did not provide it. Required by Town for close out.
Salem Street(inside)Rotary
Part of rotary being used as staging area for Mass DOT. Town of Reading would like to use rotary as staging for Town
projects. Permission needed from Mass DOT. Mr.Zambouras willing to allow use of jersey barriers . Requirement of
200 feet from wetland area. This could be a perpetual site for town staging.
Site Visits
Mr.Sullivan requested change to Commission's site visit schedule. Proposed site visits for Mondays at 4:30 twice per
month. Board discussed possible days and times. After a straw poll, it was decided to change site visit schedule from
Sunday mornings to Mondays at 4:30 twice per month. The Commission will revisit this matter in January.
Bills approved—None at this time
Other Business
Hunting Signs Update
New hunting signs have been attached to trees by DPW.
Belmont Street/Ivy Lane
Connection of these two streets has started.
Minutes for Approval
Mr.Maughan made Motion to approve Minutes of July 22,2015. Mr.Lynch seconded. Vote 6-0-0
Mr.Coulliard made Motion to approved Minutes of August 26,2015. Ms.Longley seconded. Vote 6-0-0
Mr. Maughan made Motion to adjourn meeting at 9:15 pm. Mr.Coulliard seconded. Vote 6-0-0