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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-12 Conservation Commission Minutes RECEIVED Town of Reading TOWN CLERK `s Meeting Minutes READING, MA. " P"x 2021 JUL 27 PM 4: 26 '6�PIMCOPP� Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Conservation Commission Date: 2021-05-12 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Location: Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: Zoom Virtual Meeting - Version: Final Conservation Commission Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Chair Michael Flynn, Vice Chair Annika Scanlon, Scott Keefe, David Pinette, Martha Moore, John Sullivan; Chuck Tirone, Conservation Administrator Members - Not Present: Carl Saccone; Associate Members: Tay Evans, Nichola Meserve Others Present: Charlie Lloyd, Town Engineer Ryan Percival, Joanna Krainski, Manny Singh 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 7:05 pm. Charles Lloyd Eagle Scout Candidate from Troop 702. protect plan. boardwalk on the "Alligator Alley" bridge Eagle Scout candidate Charlie Lloyd presented his proposal to replace three 10-foot sections of boardwalk around Alligator Alley near the Council Ring in the Town Forest. There are sections of boardwalk with holes and rotting planks, making it hazardous for pedestrians. The damaged sections will be removed and disposed of in an environmentally conscious way. The repairs will benefit the community by making a safer, more comfortable boardwalk that will last longer and need fewer repairs. The project will be carried out over a weekend in mid-June. Tools will be supplied by the Trails Committee, Town Forest Committee, and other volunteers and scouts. The cost estimate for the project is approximately $1,200 for materials, and approximately $60 for disposal. Phase I of the project is obtaining permission from the Town. Mr. Lloyd stated that he has already obtained approval from the Trails Committee and the Town Forest Committee. Phase 11 is gathering assistance from the Troop and other volunteers. Phase III is fundraising which will likely be done through the Troop. Volunteers will access the area via the entrance at the Wood End School. Materials, such as sections of boardwalk will be brought in via a troop trailer or series of cars. Page 1 1 Due to limited availability of materials, Mr. Lloyd asked if 4x4 aluminum tubing would be an acceptable substitute for 4x4 wood posts, and whether the cinderblocks currently supporting the walkway should be removed or remain in place to preserve any moss growing on them. Mr. Pinette advised about proper aluminum material and corresponding construction techniques, and expressed concern about the design and foundation. He suggested not using aluminum, as certain types of aluminum will corrode faster than others, and utilizing the existing concrete blocks to support the foundation. Ms. Scanlon noted that she had not received detailed plans, a map, or design details. The Commission discussed their concerns and Mr. Lloyd agreed to go back to the Trails Committee and Town Forest Committee for further input on the design, provide a map of the exact location, and return to the next Commission meeting with more information. Motion by Ms. Moore to approve the project with a request for Mr. Lloyd to return at the May 26th meeting with additional details, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Roll call vote 6-0-0. Routine Resurfacing and Road Repair Reading Engineering Division RGB File No. RDA 2021-4 Mr. Flynn opened the Public Hearing and reviewed the application to pave ten roadways totaling 2.5 miles. Portions of the work will be within the 100-foot buffer zone and 200-foot riverfront area. Town Engineer Ryan Percival was present to review the annual road paving plan and highlighted the areas that fall within the Commission's jurisdiction. Sections include: parts of County Road, Prospect Street, Longwood Road, Grove Street, and Strout Avenue. Other smaller areas that will be paved by DPW crews include Morgan Park, Thorndike Street and Spring Street, and a small portion of Track Road near the bridge that was recently replaced. For erosion control, silt sacks will be used on catch basins, and straw wattles and silt fences will be used to prevent runoff into resource areas. As in years past, Mr. Tirone and Mr. Percival will drive by the areas to be paved within the resource areas so Mr. Tirone can provide guidance on where to put the erosion control. Ms. Scanlon noted some areas that are potential or certified vernal pools along Longwood Drive, County Road, and Grove Street. Mr. Percival stated that he is aware of those areas and will be sure there is adequate erosion control in those areas with Mr. Tirone. Motion to issue negative determination for RDA 2021-4 by Mr. Pinette, seconded by Mr. Keefe. Roll call vote 6-0-0. Extension Reauest Reading Engineering Division. DEP File No. 270-0638 Mr. Flynn reviewed the request by the Reading Engineering Division for an extension of NOI 270-0638. The general permit was issued back in 2015 for work within the 100-foot buffer zone and riverfront area. The permit is used by DPW crews to fix things like catch basins and headwalls. Mr. Percival stated that he was hoping to extend it for another year, but the Commission expressed concern that it is now six years old. The Commission agreed to extend the permit to February 28, 2022. Mr. Percival agreed that he will work with Mr. Tirone on a plan to decide whether to request another extension if it is needed, or submit a new NOI. Motion to extend the permit as discussed by Ms. Scanlon, seconded by Ms. Moore. Roll call vote 6-0-0. Regulation Fee Discussion Mr. Flynn stated that this discussion will be tabled until the next meeting, as Mr. Tirone is awaiting answers to questions asked of Town Counsel. Old/New Business: Jim Castellano Armor Development LLC unauthorized clearcutting, grading, and altering an area subiect to protection update Mr. Tirone stated that he sent the plan to Mr. Sactellano with the revisions made by the Commission. He received a response from Mr. Castellano indicating that he was checking Page 1 2 inventory at some nurseries. Mr. Flynn stated that he received an email from Mr. Castellano saying that the plants will be delivered in two weeks and requesting that someone from the Commission come by the site to confirm locations of where to plant them. Michael Rivers Enforcement Order Mr. Flynn stated that Thor Ackerley of Williams and Sparages confirmed that they are still working on a plan and requested to continue to May 26�. DOA 11 Veterans Way Mao 51 Lot 165 RGB File No RDA 2021-3 Liana (New Plan showing fence outside the easement areal The applicant wanted to contact the Engineering Division, as he would like to place the fence on the easement. However, Mr. Tirone stated that Town Engineer Ryan Percival is adamant about not allowing a fence on an easement, and he has not yet heard back from the applicant. Conservation/DPW Monthly Meeting. June 1st Ms. Moore noted that at the last meeting language on the tree policy was adjusted to clarify the responsibility of removing fallen trees on private property and Town owned land. Mr. Saccone will attend the next meeting scheduled for June Vt. Debris Dumping on A Street Mr. Tirone stated that he went on a site visit with Tree Warden Mike Hannaford on A Street to the parcel of land that was just given to the Commission as part of the 102 Haverhill Street project. There are two sites, one at the end of A Street, and one at the end of Canterbury Drive, that are historically yard waste dumping areas. Now that the Commission owns the land, Mr. Tirone stated that it would be a good opportunity to send letters to residents in the neighborhood letting them know that any further dumping is subject to fines. The Commission agreed and extra "No Dumping"signs will be posted in the areas. COC Request 270-0532 RGB 2008-14 18 Small Lane, Mag 166. Lot 5. Huahes COC Request 270-0532 RGB 2008-15, 22 Small Lane Mag 166. Lot 14. Dvmen Ms. Moore stated that she visited the site and noted that the homeowners had done a good job of removing the invasive multiflora rose. However, there was invasive garlic mustard starting to grow in where the multiflora rose was removed and the new plants had not yet been planted, which the homeowner said was due to early snow last fall. Mr. Tirone stated that he would contact Mr. Hughes to get an update and report back to the Commission. Correspondence: Letter 49 Zachary Lane Krainski Joanna Krainski of 49 Zachary Lane was present before the Commission to explain her situation with her neighbor. She stated that her property is in a buffer zone and the people living below her requested to do some backyard work. She received a letter in her mailbox from the neighbor saying that he was maintaining the grassland portion of her property by mowing the grass and having It professionally landscaped with lawn seed. However, she never gave authorization for him to mow the grasslands on her property. The neighbor also constructed a picnic table and structure for hitting golf balls on her property. She called the Police, who told the neighbor to remove the structure, but he said that there was a question of whose land it was. Ms. Krainski stated that it was her land and had it surveyed. Manny Singh of 10 Gregory Lane stated that he had new landscapers today and they mistakenly mowed the area beyond his pool, but he told them not to touch it going forward. The picnic table that is there is on 41 Zachary Lane's property, not Ms. Krainski's property. The Commission explained that the property lines are not within their purview. However, the Commission has control over everything within the buffer zone. Mr. Tirone will research Orders of Conditions and other documentation for the subdivision, and projects on the properties in question, to find out how the Commission intended the land in the buffer zone Page 13 to be maintained, and if any restoration may be needed. The Commission will continue the discussion at the next meeting. Administrators Report: Camp Rice Moody (CR) Mr. Tirone stated that the Conservation Restriction on Camp Rice Moody has been recorded and the property has been added to the Town's Open Space and Recreation Plan. Arbor Day April 30th Ms. Moore attended the Arbor Day event hosted by the DPW and recapped the ceremony. Tree warden Mike Hannaford and his crew had removed a dead tree and replaced it with a red maple, which will be more salt tolerant in that location in front of Town Hall. Dave Maroney from the Daily Times Chronicle took photos of the event and printed them in the newspaper. Correspondence: Letter - Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Mr. Tirone shared a letter he received from the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions congratulating Ms. Moore on completing all of her fundamental classes. Administrators Report: MODF release at D Street Ms. Scanlon stated that she spoke with the LSP, Mr. Gemalo. There was some soil removal at the end of the month which showed that they have gotten below the thresholds and removed the most important contamination. Mr. Gemalo indicated that he did not get a non-detect, which means there may have been some buildup of petroleum related contamination in this area due to typical pavement runoff. Greg Hochmuth of Williams and Sparages will be contacting Mr. Tirone regarding restoration of the vegetation that was removed from the area. Minutes: Motion by Ms. Scanlon to approve the meeting minutes of April 14, 2021, seconded by Ms. Moore. Roll call vote 6-0-0. Correspondence: Email-107 Main Street, Dababneh Mr. Tirone shared an email he received from Patricia Dababneh regarding 107 Main Street, Fusilli s restaurant. In her email, Ms. Dababneh expressed concern about the location of a truck parked in the parking lot, and when the trees will be planted. The Commission discussed the extensions to permits provided by the Governor's emergency COVID orders and the struggle of the restaurant industry during the pandemic. They reviewed photos of the current state of the Fusilli's parking lot that showed erosion control in place and the gravel, yet stable, area of the expanded parking lot. The Commission did not express concern with the limited use of the expanded parking area unless the plan is to leave it unpaved. They also asked for an update from the applicant Michael Palmer and a timeline when he plans to plant the trees and complete the project. Mr. Tirone agreed to contact Mr. Palmer then report back to Ms. Dababneh and the Commission. Last Minute Reminders: Mr. Flynn stated that his term on the Commission expires on June 30th and he is not seeking reappointment. He encouraged other members to think of people who may want to join the Commission. Mr. Tirone noted an issue at 267 Main street, the former Smith Oil property, that arose yesterday. On a site visit with Ann Martin they learned that an area along the retaining wall and along the building was clear cut and will need to be revegetated. Dave Cowell of Hancock Associates will put together a plan to replace what was removed. Because the growing season is underway, and planting is happening soon, Mr. Tirone asked the Page 14 Commission for permission that he and Ann Martin approve the planting plan without having to come back before the Commission. Motion by Ms. Moore to allow Mr. Tirone, with the assistance of Ann Martin and Dave Cowell, to approve the planting plan and report back to the Commission, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Roll call vote 6-0-0. Mr. Tirone noted another issue with the 267 Main Street site. The property owner, Jay Finnegan granted an easement to the Doggie Daycare business next door. In the approved plan, the section of the property, which is within the Commission's jurisdiction, was originally proposed to be a lawn area, stairway, and paver patio. However, now there is a retaining wall, a pile of gravel from snow plowing, and a dumpster that collects pet waste and other trash from the Doggie Daycare next door. The decision was made by Mr. Finnegan without properly notifying the Planning, Conservation, or Engineering departments. Mr. Tirone stated that he made it clear to Mr. Finnegan that he was disappointed with the plan change without the Commission's knowledge or approval, and that now the area will not be cleaned up. Mr. Finnegan gave full responsibility for the rest of the project to Dave Cowell to ensure that all future activities on the project are done correctly. Another change to relocate the patio area may be forthcoming. The Commission asked Mr. Tirone to consult with Town Counsel to see if the easement is legal. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Pinette, seconded by Mr. Sullivan. Roll call vote 6-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 11:00 pm. age 1 5