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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-14 Conservation Commission Minutes Town of Reading as z Meeting Minutes RECEIVED TOWN CLERK a READING, MA. aJ9e IflC0P Board - committee - Commission - council: 2111 $EP -4 PM 1: 54 Conservation Commission Date: 2019-08-14 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 Michael Flynn, Annika Scanlon, David Pinette, Carl Saccone; Chuck Tirone, Conservation Administrator Members - Not Present: Robert Hayes Others Present: Jonathan Pollard, James Hickey, John Weber, Steve Eriksen, Brian Morin, Greg Jones, Patricia Dababneh, Linda Snow Dockser, Carol Chapman, Steve Chapman, Julie Wallace, Evilo Livingstone, Mark Dockser, Chris Latham, Susan Bowe,Andrew Lane, Peter Anastasi, Evin Guvendiren, Debbie Ferry, John Barrows, Bill Johnson, Susan Bowe, Dennis Symes, Ellen Devecis, Jeff Brem, Leighton Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde and Chuck Tirone Topics of Discussion: Ms. Longley called the meeting to order at 7:04pm. NOI 270-0714, 135, 139 & 149R Howard Street, Map 30 Lots 75, 76 & 77, Infrastructure Holdings LLC. Update. Ms. Longley announced that the Howard Street project has been continued to the next meeting on August 28th. RDA 2019-11, 220 Charles Street, Map 34 Lot 181, Jarmuslk Ms. Longley reviewed the site visit she and Mr. Tirone took and stated that they agree with the wetland line delineated by Norse Environmental. She noted that there was leaf debris in the areas of wetland Flags 4a, Sa and 9a. Brian Morin of CJM Builders presented the proposal to add a second story to the existing single-family home. No walkways or driveways will be altered, and no tree work will need to be done. Staging of equipment and materials, as well as the dumpster, will be in front of the house. Ladders will be used in the - back, but will not be used beyond the existing deck. Mr. Tirone noted that the only condition is to clear the debris in the resource area. Motion for a negative determination for RDA 2019-11 by Mr. Flynn, seconded by Mr. Saccone. Vote 5-0-0. Page I 1 COC 270-0669, 20 Kylie Drive, Map 34 Lot 143, Nova Homebuilders Inc. Mr. Tirone reviewed the request by the Commission to remove the haybales and silt fence and noted that the project was done nicely. Motion to issue COC 270-0669 by Ms. Scanlon, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Vote 5-0- 0. NOI 270-, 101 Willow Street Map 26, 25 Lot 75, 45, 43, Austin Preparatory School Ms. Longley opened the Public Hearing. Evin Guvendiren was present with members of the design team and representatives from Austin Prep. She reviewed the proposal to improve the lower athletic fields, which includes site prep, construction of a practice baseball field, installation of synthetic turf athletic field, a baseball field, a grandstand and multipurpose field storage building, walkway and landscape installation, six tennis courts and a tennis court building, and wetland replication because a portion of wetland is proposed to be filled. John Barrows, Project Engineer, reviewed the proposed site plan and drainage plan. The present condition of the area is a natural grass field with baseball diamonds, track facilities, and a grass soccer field. The site is bordered vegetated wetland along the Aber)ona River. The drainage proposal plans to catch the additional stormwater. A crushed stone bank underneath the field with overflow for extreme events, and a natural grass area will flow into a bioretention rain garden. The members of the Commission reviewed their concerns including: proposed seed mix of grasses; additional plantings besides grass seed; removal of invasive plant species; material safety data sheets for layers of artificial turf; planting trees along lighting; operation & maintenance plan for turf field and the rubber material contained in it; why the use of artificial turf Instead of natural grass; groundwater tables; curbing along the asphalt walkway; fencing to catch windblown debris aside from post and rail fence; temporary Irrigation for wetland replication area; removal of trees; underground electrical; access for emergency vehicles; construction material storage; higher lumens of lighting going Into the replication area; and potential long-term erosion along Causeway Road due to construction. The project team will provide field data sheets for the seed mixture, which will include sensitive fern. Arrowwood and silky dogwood are proposed, and more shrubs can be added if the Commission recommends them. Site prep will include removal of soil one foot below grade which will remove whole invasive plants and their root ball. A tree Inventory will be collected so that trees that have to be removed can be replaced in accordance with the Commission's tree policy. lames Hickey, Headmaster of Austin Prep, explained that the school opted for artificial turf instead of grass to remain competitive in recruiting for athletics. Mr. Barrows noted that a geotechnical firm conducted a drainage study to make sure the soil could support the court, fields and structures. The groundwater is within inches of the wetland grade. There will be a large drainage layer approximately a foot deep and a large infiltration tank. There will be mesh behind the post and rail fencing to prevent balls and other debris from blowing Into the wetland. The wetland replication area will be hand watered via a truck with a water tank and hoses. Electricity conduits will go over land along Causeway Road, then underground once it gets to the site. There are no proposed bathrooms, sinks, or fountains. Emergency vehicles will be able to access the area using the same golf cart type transport vehicles they currently use. The current practice field, which is beyond the 200-foot riverfront buffer zone, will be the staging area for construction materials. Construction is anticipated to last three to four months. Musco lighting was able to redirect some of the lighting and decrease the lumens by 50%. Steve Chapman of 66 Causeway Road asked whether the Commission Intends to make the condition of the culvert a condition as part of the application. Mr. Flynn and Mr. Tirone noted that it would be a condition and a certificate of compliance would not be submitted until the Commission is satisfied that the area was corrected. Debbie Ferry of 53 Causeway Road asked what the structure next to the tennis courts is. Mr. Barrows noted that It is a drainage structure that will receive stormwater that Is not absorbed in the trench or the Page 1 2 drywells then infiltrate Into the soils. Another resident asked if construction vehicles will be accessing the site via Austin Prep, or via Causeway Road. The Austin Prep representatives assured her that the heavy trucks would enter through Austin Prep. Austin Prep is seeking a waiver of the bylaw fees. Mr. Pinette expressed his favor to relax the entire funding fee. Ms. Scanlon stated that she is not opposed to a reduction, and noted that the fee would be to support Conservation oversight and involvement with the project. Mr. Latham noted that Austin Prep is a non-profit facility, and is working with the Town to repair the culvert as part of this project, and requested that the Commission take that Into consideration. The Commission discussed Austin Prep's previous projects, contributions to the community, and the public value of this project. Following discussion, the Commission agreed to waive the fees. Motion to waive the fees by Mr. Flynn, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Vote 5-0-0. For the next meeting, the Commission requested a tree inventory, landscape plan, fencing plan, address the potential Issue of runoff from pavement with the rubber bits from the artificial turf, improve grayscale on the plans, and the wetland seed mix specification. Motion to continue NOI 270-, 101 Willow Street by Ms. Scanlon, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Vote 5-0-0. The Commission took a brief recess at 8:45pm and reconvened at 8:Sipm. ANRAD 270-0721, 18 Small Lane Map 40 & 41, Lot 153, 155 & 29, KC7 Del Rey Realty LLC Steve Erikson of Norse Environmental stated that they had Flagged the wetlands. The Town Engineer made changes to Flag 2c1 and deleted flag 3, which they agreed with. Mr. Tirone reviewed the history of the site. He had visited the site back In May of 2018 and took photos of an old car in a depression. Mr. Erikson stated that the area had been previously disturbed. Bill Johnson, the developer, stated that he removed the car and tires (enough to FlII a 30-yard dumpster), and oil tanks and paint cans that were partially buried at the request of the property owner. Mr. Tirone stated that a permit should have been requested prior to conducting any work in the resource area. Susan Bowe of 15 Brewer Lane asked if the developer planned to build a house at the top of the hill. Ms. Longley responded that the construction plan is not part of this application, only the wetland delineation. Dennis Symes of 30 Brewer Lane Stated that the area behind his house was a dumping area before he moved in 50 years ago. A resident of Colonial Drive stated that people on Colonial Drive received letters indicating that there would be a proposed easement purchase for a driveway to access the lot from Colonial Drive. Mr. Flynn reminded him that the only item being addressed currently is the wetland line. Motion to issue Order of Resource Area Delineation with amended flag 2c1 and elimination of flag 3 by Mr. Flynn, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Vote 5-0-0. ANRAD 270-0722, 259 & 267 Main Street, Map 12, Lot 39 &40, Finngan Kristen Farr was present representing Stonegate Construction. She reviewed the site visit and the Commission agreed with the wetland line. Ellen Devecis of 237 Main Street noted that she thought she saw a vernal pool near where the house was torn down and asked whether the property had been sold, how they would construct, and if she could get a copy of the plans. Ms. Farr stated that once permitting is Page 1 3 finished, the property will change hands. Ms. Longley stated that the applicant Is looking at placement, and Mr. Tirone asked Ms. Devecis to email him for a copy of the plans. Motion to issue Order of Resource Area Delineation by Mr. Flynn, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Vote 5-0-0. NOI 270-0717, 107 Main Street, Map 8 Lots 1, Palmer Jeff Brem was present on behalf of Michael Palmer. He reviewed changes made to the plan since the last meeting. The updated proposal includes a 3-chamber coltech system. Stormwater will be recharged into the ground. He reviewed a letter that outlined the history of trees that were planted, then damaged and removed. The new proposal is to remove four more trees, then replant eight evergreen arbor vitae on a buffer against the neighboring property, plus three red maple trees. An existing 30-inch silver maple will not be altered. Seven parking spaces will be added instead of nine as originally proposed. The Commission requested curbing along the pavement to direct the runoff toward the infiltration system. Patricia Dababneh of 113 Hopkins Street continued to voice her objection to the project and concerns about the current parking situation. Mr. Saccone recommended that emerald green arbor vitae be planted at a height of 7-8 feet. Mr. Brem explained that the proposed groundcover will be natural herbaceous covering. Mr. Tirone asked that the operation and maintenance plan include how to maintain the snow storage area. Ms. Dababneh asked if there is a way to address landscapers removing something that should not be removed. Mr. Tirone explained that he is the sole staff member for Conservation and relies on help from neighbors in such situations. The Commission explained that sometimes plants may not survive and it is up to the applicant to replace them as specified in the order of conditions. Ms. Dababneh asked why the vegetation that was removed is not being replaced under the previous order of conditions instead of tying the mitigation Into this new application which Includes the parking proposal. She stated that she spoke with the state commission who said that the Commission should not be moving forward until the existing issues of mitigation and non-compliance are rectified. She also stated that she intends to file a complaint form with the state. The Commission explained that is certainly her right to file the form. But the proposed arbor vitae will FlII in a screen much faster than replacing the maples which were removed. This new proposal adds more than what is required under the Commission's Tree Policy. The violation could be uncoupled from this application, and if Mr. Palmer withdraws this application, the Commission could issue an enforcement order to replace the five trees within a certain time frame. Peter Anastasi of Leaning Elm Drive asked if other trees to the rear of the property line would be removed. Mr. Brem stated that they would not be removed. Motion to close NOI 270-0717, 107 Main Street by Mr. Flynn, seconded by Ms. Scanlon. Vote 5-0-0. Motion to issue Order of Conditions as amended by Mr. Pinette, seconded by Ms. Scanlon. Vote 5-0-0. Old/New Business: Violation, Tree Removal 82 Fairchild Drive, Williams Leighton of Greater Boston Tree Service was present on behalf of homeowner, Bill Scott, who was not available to attend the meeting. Leighton reviewed the work he performed for Mr. Scott cutting some trees along the side of his driveway. Leighton performed the work Page 14 because Mr. Scott had indicated that he had spoken with the Town and had a permit. However, after the work was done, Mr. Scott said that he did not file the paperwork properly. Mr. Tirone reviewed his visit to the property with Bob Moses, tree expert, prior to the trees being removed. He had advised Mr. Scott that he could take down the trees and either replant or donate to the shade tree fund, but thought that he had been quite clear that a permit would be required. Leighton stated that he believes that Mr. Scott intends to replant trees closer to the wetland near his shed. Ms. Scanlon noted that the soil where the trees were located will need to be stabilized and the trees will need to be replaced. The Commission decided to conduct a site visit. Motion to issue enforcement order for 82 Fairchild Drive by Mr. Flynn, seconded by Mr. Saccone. Vote 5-0-0. COC 270-0699, 18 Lenetta Lane (formerly, 48 & 54 Franklin Street Map 52 Lot 24 & 25, S & L Homes. Mr. Tirone reviewed the site visit he took with Ms. Longley and Mr. Flynn. The weather was rainy and everything looked ok, except they were not able to see all of the granite bounds. The applicant provided pictures proving that the granite bounds were in place. Motion to issue Certificate of Compliance 270-0699 by Mr. Flynn, seconded by Mr. Saccone. Vote 5-0-0. Minutes: Motion to approve the meeting minutes from August 10, 2016 by Mr. Pinette, seconded by Ms. Scanlon. Vote 5-0-0. Motion to approve the meeting minutes from July 22, 2015 by Ms. Scanlon, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Vote 5-0-0. Motion to approve the meeting minutes from August 23, 2019 by Mr. Pinette, seconded by Ms. Scanlon. Vote 5-0-0. Motion to approve meeting minutes from June 26, 2019 by Ms. Scanlon, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Vote 5-0-0. Last Minute Reminders: Maillet trail day did not happen as planned. Mr. Tirone reminded everyone to visit the Reading Trails Committee Facebook page to see their volunteer days at Mallet Conservation Area and other sites. Mr. Tirone noted that there are currently 6 members on the Commission and would like to fill vacancies. There is currently an opening for one full member and two associate members. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Pinette, seconded by Ms. Scanlon. Vote 5-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 30:51pm. Page 1 5