HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-14 Conservation Commission Minutes Town of Reading RECEIVED
Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK
REP..F3 { ;,IG, !,!A..
Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2421 NOV 12 AM 11: 15
Conservation Commission
Date: 2020-10-14 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Location:
Address: Session: Open Session
Purpose: Public Meeting Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Chair Michael Flynn, Vice Chair Annika Scanlon, Scott Keefe, Martha Moore,
David Pinette, Carl Saccone, John Sullivan; Chuck Tirone, Conservation
Administrator
Members - Not Present:
Associate Members: Nichola Meserve, Tay Evans
Others Present:
Brian DeVirgeillo, Eric Hughes, Joe Peznola, Josh Latham, Alex Cates, Jackie
Welch
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting was held remotely via Zoom.
Chair Michael Flynn called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
14 Strawberry Hill Lane, Mao 7 Lots 193. RDA 2020-10
Mr. Flynn reopened the public hearing and reviewed the homeowner's request to remove
five ailanthus trees within the 100-foot buffer zone and near a potential vernal pool.
Commission members reviewed their visits to the site and agreed that there are maple trees
already growing that will be able to take the place of the trees that are removed. There is
not much space for additional plantings, though Ms. Moore noted gaps between hydrangeas
and lavender planted in the front yard that is still within the 100-foot buffer zone if
additional plantings are really needed. The Commission discussed a donation amount to the
shade tree fund. The Tree policy allows for a $500 donation to the shade tree fund as
mitigation for up to four trees. However, because this is the second time the property has
been before the Commission under the Tree Policy, the Commission debated whether a
higher amount of$750 to the shade tree fund was in order. The commission and
homeowner agreed on a $500 donation to the shade tree fund and 2 lavender plants added
to the line of shrubs in the front yard.
Motion to issue negative determination checking off N3 with mitigation as
discussed by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Roll call vote 7-0-0.
1S & 22 Small Lane — Reauest for COCs — DEP File No. 270-0532 & 270-0537
RGB No. 2008-14 & 2008-15
Homeowner Eric Hughes had requested Certificates of Compliance for an old project at his
house at 18 Small Lane, and next door his Father-in-law's house 22 Small Lane. However,
invasive multiflora rose had taken over the areas that had been planted. Mr. Hughes had a
Page 1 1
landscaping company clear out the invasive plants and clear the area. The Commission
discussed whether to plant grass seed or a wildflower mix, but the intent of the original
Order of Conditions was to not have the area become lawn, and waiting for seed to establish
would delay sign-off on the COC. After a lengthy discussion, the Commission agreed to
have the homeowner submit a planting plan with native shrubs, a monitoring plan, and a
bond to ensure that the area can be restored if the plantings do not survive.
270-0727. 259 & 267 Main Street. Environmental Monitorina Discussion
Joe Peznola of Hancock Associates, was present to discuss the Environmental Monitor for
the project. Mr. Peznola stated that he was shocked by the estimate for Environmental
Monitor services from LEC Associates and Ann Martin at $48,000. He solicited and received
estimates from two other Environmental Monitors: Greg Hochmuth of Williams and
Sparages at $32,000, and Damon Burt of Fraggle Rock Environmental at $18,000. Due to
the expense incurred in redesign and mitigation for this project, Mr. Peznola asked the
Commission to consider allowing the contractor to contract with one of the other
environmental monitoring service providers.
The Commission agreed that because Ann Martin has institutional knowledge of the project
and was instrumental in working with the Commission, the developer, and the DEP to
develop a plan that was acceptable to all, they would like to keep her and LEC as the
Environmental Monitor for the project. There is a range included in the LEC estimate, and
routine weekly inspections would likely be carried out by an associate at the firm at a lower
rate. Ann Martin would handle the monitoring for the bigger components of the project
including: restoration and replication of the wetland, stabilization of the stream bank, and
installation of the boardwalk.
Mr. Peznola requested that the first payment of the bond be reduced to $12,000, to which
the Commission agreed pending agreement from Ann Martin and LEC, as the contract is
with them.
Tree Policy Discussion:
The Commission reviewed the Tree Policy document that had been reviewed by DPW, Town
Counsel, and Director of Administrative Services Matt Kraunelis following The Commission's
last review. They made a few minor edits to further clarify responsibilities and jurisdiction
of the Tree Warden, Conservation Administrator, and Conservation Commission.
Motion to approve the Tree Policy as amended by Ms. Scanlon, seconded by Ms.
Moore. Roll call vote 7-0-0.
Old/New Business
DOC 118 Belmont Street, Map 28 Lots 12, 270-0737, Sperling
DOA 36 Whittier Road, Map 22 Lots 150, 270-0736, Boyson, Duval
The Order of Conditions for 118 Belmont Street and Determination of Applicability for 36
Whittier Road were both closed and issued at the last meeting. Nothing is required for
either application tonight.
COC Request 270-0700 17 Lenetta Lane, Map 52 Lot 129 (Lot 4), Morin Cameron
Mr. Tirone reviewed his visit to the site and stated that he recommends the Commission
issue the Certificate of Compliance. The site was clean, the trees were planted, and the
lawn was established. The new homeowners have even started their own garden projects.
There was an area where the foundation drain ended prior to the 25-foot line. Mr. Tirone
stated that he gave permission to bring it off that area and move it to an area that grades
down further from the wetland. There is a gravel area for a patio which is outside the 35-
foot line.
Motion to issue Certificate of Compliance 270-0700 for 17 Lenetta Lane by Ms.
Scanlon, seconded by Mr. Saccone. Roll call vote 7-0-0.
Page 1 2
Administrator's Report:
21 Wilson Street, Yard Waste Dumping
Mr. Tirane stated that the DPW called him to Wilson Street regarding yard waste that was
dumped over the fence into the resource area. Mr. Tirone wrote a letter to the homeowners
explaining the Commission's authority over the area, what the Commission expects, and to
give a call with any questions. There has not yet been any communication from the
homeowners.
Track Road, Three Trees
Mr. Tirone stated that there are three trees for which he granted permission for removal for
the Track Road Bridge replacement project. The trees needed to be removed in order to
swing the bridge into place. There will be replacement for those trees.
Enforcement Order, 14 Dean Street
The homeowners have asked to meet with Mr. Tirone next week and get approval to start
on the retaining wall, and then hydroseed. The project is moving along well and Steve
Erickson from Norse Environmental is keeping up with plans and communication.
Veterans Way
Mr. Tirone reviewed the current state of the project to build a five-lot subdivision. The last
lot is being finished right now and the cul-de-sac and parking area required by the
Commission, and trail to Kurchian Woods are unfinished. Jackie Welch was present and
explained that a landscaper is scheduled to clean up material in the trail next week. She
plans to schedule a meeting with the Tree Warden to determine placement of trees, and
from there can do the loom. She has been struggling to get a granite contractor for the
curb, and is working with one who is currently three weeks out. If the weather turns colder,
asphalt and curb work will need to wait until the spring. Occupancy and Certificate of
Compliance will be held up until the Conservation requirements in the Order of Conditions
are completed including: completion of the trail, parking and curbing.
Minutes:
Motion to approve the meeting minutes of September 23, 2020 by Mr. Pinette,
seconded by Ms. Scanlon. Roll call vote 7-0-0.
Last Minute Reminders:
Mr. Tirone alerted the Commission to an NOI coming before them at the next meeting to
increase parking at the Animal Hospital just outside the 35-foot zone.
Motion to adjourn by Mr. Pinette, seconded by Ms. Moore. Roll call vote 7-0-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:39 pm.
Gage 1 3