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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-14 Conservation Commission Minutes h OFRF g+ �� Town of Reading RECEiVEU Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERKREADING, MA. 2821 JUL 27 PH 4; 25 Board - committee - Commission - council: Conservation Commission Date: 2021-04-14 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, Martha Moore, David Pinette, Carl Saccone, John Sullivan; Chuck Tirone, Conservation Administrator Members - Not Present: Associate Members: Tay Evans, Nichola Meserve Others Present: Scott Harris, Mike Monagle, Thor Ackerley, Michael Dopler 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 7:00pm. Public Hearings Scheduled: 550 West Street Mao 25 Lot 2. RGB File No. RDA 2021-2 Mr. Flynn reopened the public hearing and recapped the proposal to remove several hazardous trees to the rear and side of the property. Mr. Flynn, Ms. Moore, Mr. Saccone, and Mr. Tirone visited the site with the applicant, Scott Harris, a few weeks ago after the last meeting. They walked through both areas and took measurements from the wetland lines to the tree lines. Commission members reviewed the visit and noted that there are a lot of very tall pine trees, some of which are already dead. There is an area that is likely a vernal pool that was just over 100 feet away from the trees. There was poison ivy growing up some of the trees. There was understory vegetation growing in the area, which appeared to include a lot of invasive buckthorn. Measurements were taken from near the Aberjona River. The distance from the wetland was approximately 25 feet in the back corner, then 32 feet from the back corner moving south, then back to 25 feet. At the site visit, Mr. Harris was tasked with indicating which trees on the plan were dead. Mr. Harris stated that he identified 19 dead trees. There were also three smaller trees that really do not pose a safety concern that are no longer considered for removal. Mr. Flynn stated that he understood the reason for the request, as the day of the site visit was windy, and he could hear the pines rattling overhead. He also felt that it will take the expertise of a professional to understand what is in the understory and make recommendations to replace what is removed. Page 1 1 The Commission discussed getting input from a horticulturist and arborist, a closer look at the vernal pool and the buffer around it, and needing an NOI to be able to get a more thorough review of how the project will impact the resource area. Though trees that are declared a hazard by a certified arborist could be taken down without having to come back before the Commission. Mr. Pinette made a motion to continue RDA 2021-2, which was seconded by Mr. Saccone. Ms. Scanlon made a motion to issue a positive determination. The Commission discussed the two motions. Mr. Pinette reasoned he felt a continuance would help the applicant explore further options from an LSP and an arborist. The Commission agreed that if an arborist deems some trees a hazard, then they can come down without having to come back before the Commission, but would prefer an NOI be fled for the project. Mr. Pinette rescinded his motion to continue. Motion by Ms. Scanlon to issue positive determination for 550 West Street, checking off #4 indicating work is within the buffer zone and the Commission has determined that the work would alter the resource area, and #2 Indicating the Commission is not verifying the wetland line with this determination, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Roll call vote 7-0-0. 67 Belmont Street Mao 28 Lot 24, DEP File No. 270-0744 Mr. Flynn reopened the Public Hearing and reviewed the application to construct an addition and deck with site grading within 200 feet of a riverfront area, and a portion within the 100- foot buffer of a bordered vegetated wetland. At the last meeting, the Commission asked for an updated plan and some additional plantings. The new plan shows the proposed enhancement plantings within the existing lawn area within the 35-foot buffer. The eleven new plantings are five low bush blueberry, 3 summer sweet, and 3 spice bush. The Commission discussed the proposed 1000-gallon concrete drywell. According to the plan, it is to be installed underground at the 93-foot elevation, but the wetland elevation is marked at 89-feet, which would not allow the drywell to function effectively if it is half- submerged. The Commission agreed that a drip trench is acceptable. The applicant, Mike Monagle, stated that he thought that Jack Sullivan, the Project Engineer, had given that kind of consideration to the drywell. Mr. Tirone stated that he will email Mr. Sullivan explaining that the Commission would like to be informed which infiltration feature will be used, and that a condition will be added to the order of conditions that asks for the specifications of what was installed when he does the Certificate of Compliance. Motion to close the Public Hearing for 67 Belmont Street by Ms. Scanlon, seconded by Mr. Saccone. Roll call vote 7-0-0. Motion to issue Order of Conditions as amended by Ms. Scanlon, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Roll call vote 7-0-0. Old/New business: Plan Chance 270-0718 Mao 45 Lot 2 128 Fairchild Drive Dopler Applicant Michael Dopler was before the Commission in October 2019 for a failing retaining wall behind the house. The applicant was going to terrace off the back side of the house to create some lawn area and re-do the existing deck. Thor Ackerly of Williams and Sparages was present with Mr. Dopler to present some additional minor changes to the open application. There is a retaining wall along the driveway that is also showing signs of failure. Mr. Dopler is proposing to repair the retaining wall with a fieldstone and mortared concrete wall within the identical footprint, and replace an existing pathway in the front of the house within its same footprint. He would also like to add a 140 square foot bluestone paver patio area in the front that is on the 100-foot buffer line. The area the patio will be built on is an area on top of ledge where grass has not grown well. Motion to approve minor plan change by Ms. Scanlon, seconded by Mr. Saccone. Roll call vote 7-0-0. Michael Rivers Enforcement Order John Tilton of Williams and Sparages contacted Mr. Tirone to say that he is working with Mr. Rivers on a plan to restore the streambank on his property. They will attend the next Page 1 2 I meeting in April. The erosion control is still in place. The DPW will be sent the plans for their approval, but DPW is leaving it up to the Conservation Commission to work with the applicant on the plan. PCOC Reguest 270-0140 Mao 46 Lot 55 38 Grey Coach Lane. Ursino Trust Mr. Tirone stated that he received a request for a partial Certificate of Compliance for 38 Grey Coach Road. There is no structure on the property, it was just part of a subdivision. He noted that there was nothing from an old Order of Conditions that was not complete and recommended that the Commission issue the partial COC. Motion to issue partial Certificate of Compliance for 38 Grey Coach Road by Ms. Scanlon, seconded by Mr. Saccone. Roll call vote 7-0-0. DOA 11 Veterans Way Mao 51 Lot 165 RGB File No RDA 2021-3. Liana (New Plan showing fence outside the easement area) At the last meeting, the Commission approved the applicant's request to install a fence, contingent on information from the Engineering Department. Mr. Tirone stated that he spoke with Town Engineer Ryan Percival who said that the fence cannot be put on the easement. The applicant will need to provide an updated plan showing the fence on his property and off the easement so that Mr. Tirone can write the determination of applicability. Conservation/DPW Monthly Meetina. April meeting review Mr. Tirone and Mr. Flynn reviewed the topics of discussion from the last meeting with the DPW. Tree Warden Mike Hannaford will be planting trees for Arbor Day in various locations. The Commission was asked by the Select Board liaison to be part of Arbor Day. Next year, the Commission would like to try to plan something for Arbor Day. They discussed the Enforcement Order on Pearl Street. DPW remains engaged and attentive in case anything happens in the area. There is a resident in Town who removes trash and debris from wetland areas. At times it is helpful, and others it creates a disturbance to the wetland area. DPW and Conservation continue to discuss how to minimize the impacts of that and making sure those areas stay addressed. Mr. Tirone noted that he has spoken with the resident and is working with him to keep cleaning, but not altering the wetlands. The DPW would like to submit an RDA for light maintenance and cleaning out some of the channels similar to the one they submit annually for road paving. However, the DEP will likely not accept an RDA for the streams. The DPW and Conservation division are working on a path forward to enable the DPW to come before the Commission once a year with the plan for stream maintenance and cleaning. 1457 Main Street Tree Removal Update Tree evaluation discussion Elke, the homeowner, had marked trees on Town Conservation land that abut her property line with a pink ribbon to indicate she would like them to be taken down. Mike Hannaford visited the property and evaluated the trees. He rated them on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = healthy tree/no hazard, and 5 = immediate danger) and ranked five of the trees a "2", and three others between "3" and "4". The Commission agreed that they would push to keep the trees ranked a "2", and discuss removing the trees ranked higher. Because none of the trees pose an immediate danger, the Town will not pay for their removal as stated in the tree policy. Mr. Tirone stated that Elke already received an estimate from a tree company. The Commission also discussed whether replanting would be needed, or if there was sufficient understory growth to allow it to grow back naturally. There is concern that an open area Is being created after allowing the removal of trees at the neighboring property at 1447 Main Street late last year. Commission members agreed that a site visit would be needed to view the trees and understory, and to discuss at their next meeting. Administrator's Report: Page 1 3 Downed Pole-mounted transformer located on the eastern side of D Street off o} Libby Avenue released approximately 24 gallons of non-PCB mineral oil dielectric fluid (MODF) At 3:50pm on March 280, on the eastern side of D Street off Libbey Avenue, a pole was struck and released approximately 24 gallons of non-PCB material, mineral oil fluid, which flowed along the roadway surface and into approximately 25-35 feet of wetland soil beyond the eastern dead end of the D Street road pavement. Mr. Tirone discussed the release with someone at the DEP and verified that it does not need to be reported to the DEP or written up in any way. Soil tests were conducted and soil will need to be removed. Mr. Tirone requested a plan for mitigation which he will share with the Commission, which will be developed with the help of Greg Hochmuth of Williams and Sparages. Ms. Scanlon stated that she will reach out to the LSP and visit the site to inspect the work being done. She will send her observations to Mr. Tirone and update the Commission at the next meeting. The Commission agreed that a permit may be needed, but would like to see at least a summary memo with the details of the extent of the contamination before requesting an application. Minutes.; Motion to approve the meeting minutes of March 10, 2021 by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Roll call vote 7-0-0. Last Minute Reminders: Mr. Tirone presented an issue that was raised with the Track Road bridge replacement. The wingwall is undercut on both sides and the contractor has requested filling in behind it with riprap. The project is almost finished, and in a couple of weeks will be planted on both sides. The Commission agreed that there was no issue with adding the riprap, but on future projects like this, an environmental monitor would be needed throughout the process to 1 ensure the project is completed properly. Ms. Moore asked for clarification on sections 5 and 6 of the tree policy with DPW. It was unclear what portion of a fallen tree, whether private tree falling onto Town land, or Town tree falling onto private land, that the DPW has jurisdiction for cleaning up. Mr. Tirone and Mr. Flynn agreed that it was confusing and it would be discussed at the next DPW meeting on May 4t6, which Ms. Moore stated she would also attend. Mr. Tirone asked if the Commission would be ready to review COC requests for 22 Small Lane, 18 Small Lane, and 53 Arcadia Avenue. Ms. Moore noted that things have not yet leafed enough and it would be better to identify the survival of plantings in May. The applicant for 1503 Main Street submitted a planting plan, which will be included on the next agenda. The Commission will need to see if proper mitigation has been added for what was removed. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Saccone, seconded by Mr. Pinette. Rall call vote 7-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:39pm. Page 1 4