HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-11 Conservation Commission Minutes Town of Reading ikECElVt' 7
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2819 it 15 PM 5: I
Conservation Commission
Date: 2018-04-11 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, Michael Flynn, Harry
Curtis, Robert Hayes, David Pinette; Chuck Tirone, Conservation
Administrator
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Kim Honetschlager, Dave Williams, Al Couillard, Daryl Paraguya, Linda
McKenzie, Jen Killeen, Teal Bernstein, Andrea Kendall, Michael Leham,
Allison Hammer, Jack Sullivan
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde and Chuck Tirane
Topics of Discussion:
Ms. Longley called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
DOC 270-0568, Lowell Street to Willow Street, Map 26 Lot 50, Maillet Trail
Improvement, Aberjona River Trail Work
Kim Honetschlager, GIS Administrator, reviewed the grant application submitted by the
Trails Committee and approved by the Conservation Commission, seeking funds to build 45
feet of bog bridging four feet wide across the Aberjona River. If there are enough funds,
the Trails Committee would also like to build a bridge across a ditch along the trail near the
river, repaint some signs, and add junction marker signs. Ms. Scanlon asked if the bridge
would be affected if the area Floods and how it would be secured. Ms. Honetschlager noted
that staining on the trees indicates that the high-water level is at the top of the bank, and
the 12x12 supports will be secured by rebar. Mr. Tirone advised the Trails Committee to
evaluate possible beaver activity in the area.
Motion to approve under existing Order of Conditions by Ms. Scanlon, second by
Mr. Pinette. Vote 6-0-0.
Bare Meadow Habitat Study, Funding Discussion
The Trails Committee would like to clear and enhance the meadow parts of Bare Meadow
Conservation Area as part of a larger habitat study with the help and expertise of Mass
Audubon. However, the proposal received was prohibitively expensive. The Trails
Committee is willing to scale back the scope of the study with the hope of lowering the cost.
The meadow was a breeding ground for the American Woodcock in the past. Because the
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species is federally protected, Mr. Pinette asked if the federal government could provide any
assistance, or if there was anything it had already done. Dave Williams of the Trail
Committee noted that the federal government actively manages the American Woodcock at
national parks and forests, and there is limited active management locally, though not
specific to this bird. Ms. Honetschlager offered suggestions on how to raise additional funds
and utilize the revolving fund to enable the Commission to manage properties, repair
structures, and fund Scout projects in the conservation land that they are responsible for
managing. The Commission agreed to revisit the subject of funding at a future meeting.
RDA 2018-3, 16 Pinevale Avenue, Map 11 Lot 198, Couillard
Applicant Al Couillard stated that he razed a single-family house to build a new one on the
property. Mr. Tirone stated that he received a call from a neighbor regarding the
construction being near a wetland. Once the issue was brought to his attention, he
contacted Mr. Couillard to apply for an RDA, and all parties are working to correct the
situation. The edge of the wetland was marked, and the foundation is approximately 70
feet away, although some trees were removed that are within the 100-foot buffer zone.
Daryl Paraguya of 24 Pinevale Avenue asked why he had not received a notice prior to the
previous house being torn down. Mr. Tirone noted that it was a mistake. Because the
wetland area was not included on the GIS, and no other conservation permits were issued
for the area, the proximity to wetlands was missed at the initial application. Linda McKenzie
of 7 Pinevale Avenue noted that one of the trees removed fell during a storm as a result of
its roots being disturbed due to digging the foundation. Mr. Tirone asked where the
perimeter drain will discharge to, and what the plan is for tree removal and replacement.
Following a lengthy discussion with the Commission, Mr. Couillard stated that he will remove
two more trees, and replace the four trees within the 100-foot buffer zone. He stated that
the Town Engineer expressed approval at discharging the pump into the storm drain should
the Commission agree to it. Mr. Tirone stated he would prefer the drain discharge into the
wetland, as that is the source of the water coming into the drain, but would continue the
discussion with Mr. Couillard and Ryan Percival, Town Engineer. Jen Killeen of 12 Pinevale
Avenue asked if the project could bring additional flooding to the neighborhood. The
Commission agreed that the project should not cause additional water.
Motion for negative determination by Mr. Flynn, pending decision on location of
pump discharge and replacement of four trees within the 100-foot buffer zone,
second by Ms. Scanlon. Vote 6-0-0.
NOI 270-0696, 95 Walkers Brook Drive, Map 13 Lot 2, Perico
Ms. Langley opened the Public Hearing. Teal Bernstein of the Perico Group, Andrea Kendall
of LEC Environmental Consultants, and Michael Leham of Morin Cameron Group presented
their proposal for 95 Walkers Brook Drive. The wetland delineation line on the plan
presented was from five years ago, as the applicant noted that the wetlands are on the
parcel owned by the Boston Gas Company and they were unable to obtain permission to
enter the property. The existing parking lot will need to be excavated and repaved. The
size of the new parking area will be decreased, but the grading, existing catch basins, and
easements will remain the same. Following a very detailed presentation of the plan and
discussion of the current site attributes, the Commission requested the removal of fencing
surrounding a concrete pad, and the inspection schedule and additional details added to the
operation and maintenance plan.
Motion to continue NOI 270-0696 by Mr. Flynn, second by Mr. Curtis. Vote 6-0-0.
DOC 270-0641, 306 Main Street, Map 11 Lot 226, Tower Home Loans
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Allison Hammer of Hammer Design & Development and Jack Sullivan of Sullivan Engineering
were present on behalf of the applicant. The Order of Conditions was originally approved
when the site was intended to be developed as Luisa's Pizza World. The new property
owner is seeking to develop the site as office space. The 40-foot by 55-foot building
footprint, parking plan, drainage and dumpster location all remain the same. The only
changes include: air conditioner units moved to the roof eliminating the concrete pad with
bollards, rear door with concrete pad removed, 4-foot walkway added to the rear of the
building, and pavers for outdoor seating removed from the front of the building. The
lighting plan will be changed per the request of the CPDC and an updated planting plan and
photometric plan will be provided. The Commission agreed that this is a minor plan change
to the existing Order of Conditions.
COC, 270-0554, Lot 206 Lot 49, 31 Sunset Rock Lane
Ms. Longley explained that the Order of Conditions called for pervious pavers in the
driveway. The owner removed the existing pavers, as water was causing the driveway to
buckle. A filtration system was installed along with new pavers and additional plantings.
Motion to issue Certificate of Compliance by Ms. Scanlon, second by Mr. Flynn.
Vote 6-0-0.
DOA 2018-2, 18 Kenzie Street, Lot 32 Lot 147, North Shore Business Solution
The Commission reviewed the project and the DOA and signed the negative determination.
DOA 2018-1: Roadway maintenance resurfacing, Map various, Lot various, Town of
Reading, DPW
The Commission signed the negative determination.
Administrator's Report: Approve Modifications to the Minor Project List, addition
and administrative approvals
The Commission discussed changes to the Minor Project List.
Motion to approve as amended by Mr. Flynn, second by Mr. Curtis. Vote 6-0-0.
Motion to adjourn by Ms. Scanlon, second by Mr. Flynn. Vote 6-0-0.
Meeting adjourned at 30:57pm.
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