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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-13 Conservation Commission Minutes Orq Town of Reading c,I Meeting Minutes RECEIVED oPvop TOWN CLERK READING, MA. Board - Committee - commission - Council: 21119 JUN -4 PM 6*- 11 Conservation Commission Date: 2019-02-13 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: Public Meeting Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Chair Rebecca Longley, Vice Chair Annika Scanlon, David Pinette, Carl Saccone, Michael Flynn; Chuck Tirone, Conservation Administrator Members - Not Present: Robert Hayes Others Present: - Bill Hall, Maureen Harold, Chuck Castelluccio, Judy Castelluccio, Pauline Mastronardi, Matt Carroll, Suzie Carroll, Patricia Dababneh Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde and Chuck Tirone Topics of Discussion: Ms. Longley called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. NOI 270-0714, 135, 139, & 149R Howard Street, Map 10 Lots 75, 76, & 77, Infrastructure Holdings LLC. Greenwood Bill Hall of Civil Design Consultants and Maureen Harold of Norse Environmental Services were present to discuss the wetlands and the Commission's visit to the site. Ms. Longley reviewed the findings of the site visit which she, Mr. Tirane, Mr. Flynn, and Mr. Pinette attended, and noted that Mr. Saccone also visited the site, Independently of the Commission. Observed in the area was a small PVC pipe off of Howard Street draining into the area, wetland vegetation (specifically sensitive fern), wetland Flags presumably set out by Norse Environmental, and a very high ground water level. Ms. Harold reviewed the site conditions and explained her findings. The drainage ditch in the field is not considered a stream as it does not flow out of the area. Test pits dug in October were located at an elevation of 162.5", with the seasonal high-water table 30" below the surface, and at an elevation of 163", with the seasonal high-water table 34" below the surface. The area does not meet the definition of hydric soil, which Is soil saturated at or near (within 12" of) the surface throughout the year. Members of the Commission expressed concern that additional squishy areas were not included in the wetland delineation and discussed whether to wait until weather conditions are more favorable in the spring so they can delineate the area themselves, or obtain a third party to review. Ms. Harold stated that she would prefer to have a third-party review in order to move the process along. Chuck Castelluccio of 62 Wescroft Road, an abutter to the proposal site and geologist by trade, expressed concern about ground water and Flooding in the area, and prepared a series of maps to outline potential issues that may arise from altering the landscape. He noted that residents of the houses surrounding the site already struggle to drain ground water out of their basements and away from their houses. Backyards on Wescroft Road are Page I I lower than the Infiltration pond and may still flood. Adding impervious areas may create changes in ground water flow. He calculated that in a six-inch, 100-year rain event, the pond level could rise as much as three feet, and could receive as much as 30,000 cubic feet, or 224,000 gallons of water. Mr. Flynn requested that Mr. Castelluccio send a summary of the figures he presented to the Commission so they can better understand his calculations. A resident asked for an explanation from the Commission of what they had seen In the area with regards to the types of vegetation, how that might impact this development, and when would be the ideal time of year to test the ground water level. Ms. Long stated that there are certain types of vegetation that are found most of the time in a wetland area (obligate vegetation), and facilitative plants that are found in the wetland 75%-50% of the time. The Commission observed vegetation indicative of a wetland area, and water supporting the plants. Ms. Harold noted that ground water can be tested any time throughout the year even though the water table fluctuates, as the modeling can be determined by the soil profile. Jay Shultz of 66 Wescroft Road asked what recourse he may have if the applicant is approved and the project is constructed, but Mr. Castelluccio's model was correct and neighbors are affected by flooding. Mr. Tirane noted that stormwater is reviewed by the Engineering Department, and recommended Mr. Shultz speak with them. Pauline Mastronardi of 144 Howard Street asked when the tests were done. Ms. Harold stated the wetland was delineated in August and the deep holes were dug in October. Motion to prepare a request for proposals for a third-party review of the wetland delineation by Mr. Flynn; second by Mr. Saccone. Vote 5-0-0 Motion to continue NOI 270-0714, 135, 139, & 1491R Howard Street, Map 10 Lots 75, 76, & 77 by Mr. Flynn; second by Mr. Saccone. Vote 5-0-0 NOI 270-0709, 125 & 126 Azalea Circle, Map 23 Lot 125 & 126, Kay Street Realty Mr. Tirone stated that the applicant requested a continuance. Motion to continue NOI 270-0709, 125 & 126 Azalea Circle, Map 23 Lot 125 & 126 to February 27, 2019 by Ms. Scanlon; second by Mr. Pinette. Vote 5-0-0 NOI 270-0713, 44 Roma Lane, Map 50 Lot 36, Carroll Matt and Suzie Carroll were present to further discuss their proposal to remove trees and re-grade their backyard. Chuck reviewed the recent visit he took to the site with Mr. Pinette and Ms. Longley. Mr. and Mrs. Carroll were prepared with a new proposed line to which the Commission was agreeable. Mr. Tirone advised the Carrolls to come back with a new engineering plan and hire a wetland consultant to help advise them on their landscaping plan. Motion to continue NOI 270-0713, 44 Roma Lane, Map 50 Lot 36 to February 27, 2019 by Mr. Pinette; second by Mr. Flynn. Vote 5-0-0 Old/New Business: DOC 270-0704, 1503 Main Street, Lot B Map 60 Lot 12, Castellano OOC 270-0705, 1503 Main Street, Lot A Map 60 Lot 11, Castellano Mr. Flynn asked whether the $20,000 bond was for each application, or both. Ms. Scanlon asked why the amount was so high. Mr. Tirane stated that he could amend the amount of the bond to $5,000 on each application, to which the Commission was agreeable. Page 1 2 Motion to issue Order of Conditions 270-0704, 1503 Main Street, Lot B Map 60 Lot 12 by Mr. Pinette; second by Mr. Flynn. Vote 5-0-0 Motion to issue Order of Conditions 270-0705, 1503 Main Street, Lot A Map 60 Lot 11 by Mr. Pinette; second by Ms. Scanlon. Vote 5-0-0 OOC 270-0711, 23-25 Lakeview Avenue & Eaton Street, Map 17 & 18 Lot 131, 274, 275, 276, & 1, 2, Fodera, Eaton Lakeview Development LLC Mr. Flynn recused himself from the discussion. Mr. Tirane asked the Commission specifically to review the language that reserves the authority of the Commission to request more vegetation on the berm. Motion to issue Order of Conditions 270-0711, 23-25 Lakeview Avenue & Eaton Street, Map 17 & 16 Lot 131, 274, 275, 276, & 1, 2 by Mr. Pinette; second my Ms. Scanlon. Vote 4-0-0 Discussion 107 Main Street Patricia Dababneh of 113 Hopkins Street was present to discuss her complaints regarding the restaurant at 107 Main Street that abuts her property. Ms. Longley noted her observations at the recent visit to the site she made with Mr. Pinette and Mr. Tirane. Ms. Dababneh expressed her frustration with the actions of Mr. Palmer, the owner of the restaurant, by performing work on his property without permits and seemingly trying to bypass the process. When he gets caught, he drags out the process to delay having to rectify the situation. Mr. Tirone stated that Mr. Palmer informed him that he will be finishing up with his consultant in the next couple of weeks and understands that he needs to appear before the Commission and the Planning Board. He is scheduled to attend a Commission meeting in April to present his plan. Ms. Dababneh asked what Mr. Palmer was planning to do and why he could not be compelled to come before the Commission sooner than April. Mr. Flynn noted that this is a similar timeline that has been afforded to others in past similar situations. Mr. Tirone stated that the Commission does not know Mr. Palmer's plan until they receive a proposal. A Certificate of Compliance was Issued in 2011 or 2012 for his last project. However, due to the recent work, the area no longer complies. Whatever Mr. Palmer's plan entails, he still needs to replace the trees he has removed according to the Commission's Tree Policy. Mr. Pinette asked Ms. Dababneh to have patience with process and to alert the Commission right away if she sees any further work being done on the property. Mr. Tirone assured Ms. Dababneh that he would contact her for future meetings where this matter appears before the Commission. Administrator's Report: Azalea Circle, Arrow Circle and Johanna Drive Drainage, 2nd Discussion Mr. Tirone stated that he inspected the drainage area surrounding Azalea Circle, Arrow Drive and Johanna Drive with Alex Rozycki from the Engineering Department. He noted that the site is clean and free Flowing. There is no culvert under Azalea Circle where It seems one wetland would flow to the other. It is unclear whether the two sides were ever connected, or if the land was filled to construct the road, though both areas seem to be draining correctly. The wetland area along west side of the street is lower In elevation and closer to the road surface. To the east side, the wetland area is further away from the road surface and slightly higher In elevation. There are two areas that the DPW will need to fix: a pinch point to the southeast which is less than three feet wide and can cause a backup in the stream, and some fallen trees further upstream (east of Johanna Drive) that are obstructing water Flow. Though they found two issues to fix, Mr. Tirone noted he is unsure the corrections will have much impact on the area. Mr. Pinette asked If the applicant and Page 1 3 the Engineering Department have a plan for sewage for the new development. Mr. Tirone stated the Town is evaluating to see if it will be allowed. Minutes for Approval: Motion to approve minutes from January 23, 2019 by Ms. Scanlon; second by Mr. Pinette. Vote 5-0-0 Motion to adjourn by Mr. Pinette; second by Mr. Flynn. Vote 5-0-0 Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm. Page 1 4