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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-24 Conservation Commission Minutes VC Is� Town of Reading T� LCi LEP Meeting Minutes RFYN,CLEP,K '� x (r jA. .,,,�o„o"r° 2021 MAY -5 AM 11 42 Board - Committee - commission - council: Conservation Commission Date: 2021-02-24 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Location: Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: Zoom Virtual Meeting - Version: Draft Conservation Commission Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Chair Michael Flynn, Vice Chair Annika Scanlon, Scott Keefe, Martha Moore, David Pinette, Carl Saccone, John Sullivan; Associate Member Tay Evans; Chuck Tirone, Conservation Administrator Members - Not Present: Associate Member Nichola Meserve Others Present: Giovanni Fodera, Jack Sullivan, Joe Bankovich, James Castellano Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde and Chuck Tirone Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held remotely via Zoom. Chair Michael Flynn called the meeting to order at 7:05pm. Public Hearings Scheduled: 4 Cold Spring Road, Mao 27 Lot 404, RGB File No. RDA 2021-1 Giovanni Fodera presented changes to the plans as requested by the Commission at a previous meeting. The project seeks to create a four-lot subdivision, with the only resource area located in the northeast corner of the property. A tree inventory was completed, and a total of 21 trees are located within the 100-foot buffer zone, though there are none proposed to be removed from within the buffer. There is a large area of shrubbery between lots two and three that is proposed to be cleared out and converted to grass. Erosion will be controlled with a 12-inch straw waddle and silt fence. The Commission discussed the habitat provided by the shrubs and asked if the applicant would consider some additional plantings. The Commission and Mr. Fodera agreed that three high-bush blueberry shrubs could be added between lots one and two. A condition will be included to monitor the area cleared of shrubbery and area along the existing stone wall to ensure invasive species do not take root. Motion to issue negative determination for 4 Cold Spring Road by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Roll call vote 7-0-0. 77 Arcadia Avenue Mao DE 27 Lot 404 P File No 270-0741 lack Sullivan and homeowner Joseph Bankovich returned before the Commission for the continued Public Hearing to construct an inground pool, paver patio, fencing, and limited site grading within the 100-foot buffer zone, and 200-foot riverfront zone. Mr. Tirone had contacted the DEP for clarification on whether a swimming pool at least 50 feet away from Page i 1 the protection area is considered a minor project under the wetland protection act, and confirmed that it does, though other similar projects would not, such as an Olympic size swimming pool. The impacts during and after the projects need to be reduced. The Commission requested that erosion control be moved to protect a tree by the construction entrance, and plywood put down on the ground to minimize how much the roots are compacted by heavy equipment. Following construction, the roots will need to be aerated to relieve some of the density. The Commission discussed whether pervious pavers for the patio would be an option. But because there is not a lot of patio area, plenty of grass between the patio and the river, and the potential for sediment buildup to alter the permeability, the Commission agreed that pervious pavers would not be necessary. Even though no trees or vegetation are proposed to be removed, the Commission requested some additional vegetation be planted, particularly along the riverbank to create extra buffer and habitat. The homeowner agreed and stated he would likely add a Flowering dogwood. Motion to close NOI 270-0741 by Mr. Saccone, seconded by Ms. Moore. Roll call vote 7-0-0. The Order of Conditions will be issued at the next meeting. Old/New Business: DEP File No 270-0738 1312 Main Street Mao 51 Lots 79.83 The Commission reviewed the Order of Conditions with Mr. Sullivan, the engineer for the project. The OOC asks for assurances that plantings have been planted, and a professional issues a statement saying that at least 75% of the plantings survive. A $5,000 bond is requested. If the property is sold, the new owners are to receive a copy of the OOC and need to understand that it is in a resource area. There is no outside monitoring requested, but certain situations that the Commission should be onsite for. Monitoring for five full growing seasons is requested to ensure invasive species do not become a problem. Though the OOC expires after three years, there is an ongoing condition for the additional two years, and the bond would be held to ensure compliance with the OOC. Motion to issue the Order of Conditions by Ms. Scanlon, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Roll call vote 7-0-0. Enforcement, 1503 Main Street James Castellano was present to discuss the project at 1503 Main Street, as he has a potential buyer for the house, and is seeking an occupancy permit. Back in January, Mr. Castellano came before the Commission to discuss issues with the site. The Commission visited the site and requested a number of issues be corrected: replace the missing DEP file number sign, correct erosion along the driveway, remove part of a stone wall encroaching in the 35-foot no structure zone, move large boulders outside the 35-foot zone, move erosion control to the 35-foot line, and provide a more robust planting plan. Mr. Castellano stated that he corrected the erosion control, but argued that the current weather is too cold to complete the rest of the work. Following a lengthy discussion, the Commission asked for some Items to be completed prior to issuing occupancy: move the large boulders back to the 35-foot line, complete the erosion control, reinstall the DEP sign permanently, and pay the original $5,000 bond. Motion to issue Certificate of Occupancy contingent upon completion of boulders being moved outside the 35-foot zone, and original bond received, by Mr. Pinette, seconded by Mr. Saccone. Roll call vote 7-0-0. Mr. Tirone reviewed some of the additional conditions as discussed, and the Commission amended their vote: Motion to amend the conditions on the Certificate of Occupancy to include reinstalling the DEP sign, potential work on back egress, and schedule to complete all work including the plantings by June 15, 2021, by Mr. Pinette, seconded by Ms. Moore. Roll call vote 7-0-0. aag, 1 2 Town Forest Committee Ms. Moore attended the recent Town Forest Committee meeting and reviewed the discussion she had with them regarding the dying red pines in the Town Forest. The Town Forest Committee is working with a forester and hoping to get grant money from the state to help pay for the project to remove unhealthy trees from a few areas in Town Forest. They asked how close to the wetland they could work to remove the dead pines, and whether to leave snags or remove the trees completely. Ms. Moore noted that it was at least 25 feet, but it would be best if they attend a Conservation meeting to consult with the Commission. They also had questions as to whether to replant, or if some of the areas could remain open space similar to Bare Meadow. Ms. Moore agreed to attend Town Forest Committee meetings when this project is on the agenda as she is able. Mr. Flynn stated that he could attend when Ms. Moore is unable. aa5 Pearl Street. Michael Rivers Mr. Tirone stated that he spoke with homeowner, Michael Rivers, who said that an environmental consultant has not returned his calls. At the last meeting, the Commission expected Mr. Rivers to attend with a consultant, but he had not yet gotten in touch with one. The Commission agreed to issue an enforcement order in order to set a schedule, outline the Commission's expectations, and ensure that action is taken to restore the stream bank. Mr. Tirone will draft the enforcement order for the Commission to discuss at the next meeting. Conservation/DPW Monthly Meeting List of Items from Members. March Mr. Flynn and Mr. Tirone recapped the second meeting held with the DPW. They discussed the steps and procedures for how the new tree policy would work, and DPW agreed to start using the form even though the Select Board has not yet approved it. They discussed a site in the Pinevale Conservation area off of Warren Street that has a buildup of sediment in the stream bed and a sewer drain line that is close to being compromised. DPW considers it an emergency to go in and clear out the sediment. However, DPW was issued an emergency permit for the same issue three years ago, but the work was never done. Due to the buildup of sediment in the middle, the banks are getting undercut, and DPW would like to repair the stream banks as part of this project. The Commission agreed that a site visit is in order to determine if it is an emergency. If it is not, the DPW will have to file an NOI. Minutes: Motion to approve the meeting minutes of January 27, 2021 by Mr. Pinette, seconded by Ms. Moore. Roll call vote 7-0-0. Grey Coach Lane Mr. Tirone asked the Commission for permission to return the bond to 3 Carriage Lane, 56 Grey Coach Lane, and 62 Grey Coach Lane. The residents put forth their best efforts to remove the growth of invasive species, and the Commission agreed that the work was complete at a previous meeting. Motion to release the bonds by Mr. Pinette, seconded by Mr. Saccone. Roll call vote 7-0-0. Last Minute Reminders: The transfer of land at 102 Haverhill Street is scheduled to be voted on at the April 20'" Select Board meeting. The Town received $12,000 for the Smith Oil project at 269 Main Street. So far, they have used about $3,000. More funds are expected to be used as work ramps up in the spring. The final bill for 1312 Main Street from LEC Environmental Consultants should come soon. The Orders of Conditions for 1312 Main Street and 38 Wescroft Road will be circulated for signatures next week. Page 1 3 Motion to adjourn by Mr. Pinette, seconded by Mr. Saccone. Roll call vote 7-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 10:39pm. P,,, 4