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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-26 Conservation Commission MinutesTown of Reading RECEIVED Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK \r; READ f'3� G iNG. MA. '6�P'I.KOPPaP Board -Committee -Commission -Council: 2022 JUN -7 PM 3:25 Conservation Commission Date: 2022-01-26 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Location: Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: Zoom Virtual Meeting- Version: Final Conservation Commission Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Vice Chair Martha Moore, Brian Bowe, Joe Carnahan, Andrew Dribin, John Sullivan; Chuck Tirone, Conservation Administrator Members - Not Present: Chair Annika Scanlon, Carl Saccone Others Present: Cathy Zeek, Simone Payment, Celeste Kracke, Stephen Crisafulli, Tim Powers, lack Sullivan, Chris White, Joanne Nijssen, Ed Sartell, Chris Holten, Jim Kyle, Dave Smith Minutes Respectfully submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde and Chuck Tirone Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held remotely via Zoom. Vice Chair Martha Moore called the meeting to order at 7:06 pm. Cathy Zeek, Simone Payment, and Celeste Kracke were present to request approval from the Conservation Commission to locate the Reading Community Garden in the Mattera Cabin conservation area. Ms. Zeek reviewed the background and proposed operations for the community garden. Reading's sustainability plan includes launching a community garden. Last year the Climate Advisory Committee sent a proposal to the Select Board, who set aside $10,000 for the project. The Community Garden group has worked collaboratively with Planning, Conservation, and DPW staff. At this point, the criteria for a garden has been identified and an Initial plan drafted. Reading's Community Garden meets one of the goals in the sustainability plan, will create a community gathering space, allow residents to grow their own food and flowers for personal use or donation to the Reading Food Pantry, create educational programming around gardens and sustainability related topics, and will enhance a currently underutilized space. Other community gardens were compared and criteria for a good location were considered including: accessibility, space for at least 12 plots with potential for expansion, ample sun, good drainage, nearby water lines, and flexible site design with potential to enhance existing public space for new uses. There were several potential sites considered in Reading, with Mattera Cabin meeting many of the criteria including sunlight and space for potential expansion. Page I 1 In phase 1, development includes: creation of a pollinator garden, terrace 1 with 17 garden plots, removal and trimming of trees, and installation of a drip irrigation system on a programmable timer that will be managed by garden coordinators. Later phases could add up to 30 more plots. Gardeners will use organic practices to protect the environment and facilitate turnover, use only hand tools, and will be encouraged to grow native plants. Building materials Impacts and long term durability were also considered when budgeting for phase 1. Future possibilities include rain water collection that would enhance sustainability, though no timetables are attached, as other needs and circumstances may arise as the garden grows. In year one, Reading residents will be invited to apply for garden plots. If there are more applicants than plots, they will be assigned by lottery, and those that do not receive plots will be added to a wait list. In subsequent years, gardeners will have the option to renew their plots for three years to allow for more people to participate. More plots will become available as second and third phases open up. There will be a $50 fee per plot per year for garden expenses and fees will be reviewed annually. Additional funding could come through grants, and donations of time and materials through groups like the Scouts, community groups, and local businesses. The Commission engaged in a discussion with the Community Garden group about several topics including: parking when the cabin is in use, parking solutions such as utilizing the Pearl Street lot, communicating those concerns and suggestions to the gardeners, terms on plots to ensure more people have access, disposal of excess material removed while gardening, reserving the cabin during busy times like end of season harvest, installation of polypropylene fence with gate to deter deer and other hungry wildlife from snacking on the garden, dedicated drop off parking spot, handicapped parking spot, and grading to ensure accessibility. Ms. Moore also suggested asking DPW to consider adding parking stripes to the Pearl Street lot, and temporary parking stripes to the Mattera lot to ensure parking is properly utilized. Following a lengthy discussion, the Commission requested an updated plan, a better understanding of what to vote on, more discussion around parking and usage, a draft of the gardener's agreement, further details on the installation of the fence and gate, and the responsibilities of the garden coordinator. Motion to continue to February 9th by Mr. Carnahan, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roll call vote 5-0-0. 61 Oakland Road -High School (turf 11. Assessor's Mao 44 Lot 12. RCC File No. 2021-20 Ms. Moore reopened the Public Hearing for an RDA to renovate the existing high school turf 1 field and running track in the same footprint, with a portion of the work within the buffer zone of bordered vegetated wetlands. Stephen Crisafulli and Tim Powers of Activitas presented updates to the plan as requested by the Commission at the last meeting. He reviewed the site prep, erosion control, and fence removal, and noted that the size of the storage pad was reduced to get it out of the buffer zone. Additional planting and seeding information were provided. Ms. Moore asked about lighting Issues that were raised by Ms. Scanlon at the last meeting. Mr. Crisafulli explained that the spillage of lighting was extra security light for egress and emergency on the bleacher side of the field opposite the wetland side. Mr. Tirone asked if the erosion control close to the stream bank was addressed. Mr. Crisafulli stated that a requirement that the Commission members be onsite when it is placed was Included, and attend a pre -construction meeting to review the means and methods for doing that. The fencing being removed from that side will be done simultaneously when the small footings are removed and erosion control will be laid by hand. Mr. Tirone requested 72 hours' notice when that happens. Page 12 Motion to close the Public Hearing for 61 Oakland Road by Mr. Carnahan, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roil call vote 5-0-0. Motion to Issue negative determination for 61 Oakland Road by Mr. Carnahan, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roll call vote 5-0-0. 1310 Main Street. Mao 41 Lot 75 & 84 Deo File No. 270-0746 Mr. Tirone stated that the applicant requested a continuance to the first meeting in March. Motion to continue 1310 Main Street to March 9`h by Mr. Carnahan, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roll call vote 5-0-0. 0 Small Lane, Mao 40 & 41 Lot 153. 155 & 29 Deo File No 270-0748 The applicant requested to continue to February 9th. Motion to continue 0 Small Lane to February 9'h by Mr. Carnahan, seconded by Mr Bowe. Roll call vote 5-0-0. Lot A Main Street. next to 1261 Main Street, May 51 Lot 95. Next to 1261 Main Street DEP File No. 270-0749 At the last meeting, a discussion came up about vernal pools. Mr. Tirone asked the consultant to come back to discuss the Commission's vernal pool questions. The applicant agreed to that and agreed to pay any difference. Tom from LEC will come to the February 9'h meeting at 8:00 pm to answer any questions. The applicant requested to continue the hearing to the February 9'h meeting. Motion to continue Lot A Main Street to February 9v' by Mr. Carnahan, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roll call vote 5-0-0. 55 Grey Coach Road, Mao 12 Lot 11. RCC File No. 2021-13 The applicant requested to continue to February V. Ms. Moore asked whether the item could be removed from the agenda, as the Commission has not heard from the applicant in a while. Mr. Tirone explained that the Commission requested a plan and an easement shown on that plan. If removed from the agenda, the applicant would have to advertise again and send out abutter notifications. Jack Sullivan of the Sullivan Engineering Group was present and stated that the applicants were waiting for him to complete the survey plan, which he just emailed to them this evening. They will likely send it to Mr. Tirone this week. Motion to continue 56 Grey Coach Road to February 9'h by Mr. Bowe, seconded by Mr. Sullivan. Roll call vote 5-0-0. 51Sanborn Lane, Map 48 Lot B. RCC File No. 2021-14 Ms. Moore stated that the Commission has not heard from the applicants regarding the arborist's opinion about trees. Mr. Tirone stated that they told him twice that they had not been able to connect with an arborist. The Commission agreed to have Mr. Tirone contact the applicants to ask how they want to proceed or be removed from the agenda. Motion to continue 51 Sanborn Lane to February 9'h by Mr. Sullivan, seconded by Mr. Carnahan. Roll call vote 5-0-0. 16 Varney Circle. Mao 29 Lot 109 Deo File No. 270-0754 Jack Sullivan stated that the owner has been working with Bill Crowley to figure out the best way to transfer part of the land to the Conservation Commission. Motion to continue to February 9a' by Mr. Bowe, seconded by Mr. Carnahan. Roll call vote 5-0-0. 93 Belmont Street. Map 34 Lot 136 Deo File No. 270-0752 Ms. Moore reopened the Public Hearing to construct an addition and porch within the 200 foot riverfront area. lack Sullivan was present with homeowner Chris White. Mr. Sullivan reviewed additions to the plan as requested by the Commission at the last meeting including: proposed soil stock pile area outside the 100 foot inner riparian buffer zone, two rhododendrons and two cedar trees shown on the plan, flag SA moved one foot upgradient, trench drain for the driveway area that feeds directly into the drywell, concrete drain Page 1 3 manhole with two foot sump to collect sand and silt to prevent clogging in the drywell, pavers on southerly side of the driveway, plantings to the rear of the project area mixed instead of grouped together by species, and removal of yard waste from the previous owner near Flag 8A. There is a trampoline in the backyard that the homeowner would like to keep for the next few years, as his small children still like to bounce on it. However, Mr. White agreed to remove it when the kids are older and no longer use it. Mr. Tirone asked if the homeowner would consider replacing some of the plantings with a more substantial high-value habitat tree such as a red maple or oak. Mr. White was agreeable to that suggestion. Motion to close the Public Hearing for 93 Belmont Street by Mr. Carnahan, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roll call vote 5-0-0. Mr. Trone stated that he will prepare the Order of Conditions for the next meeting. Motion to continue to February 9'h by Mr. Bowe, seconded by Mr. Dribin. Roll call vote 5-0-0. Old/New Business: 28 Haverhill Street Camp Curtis Guild Mr. Tirone stated that he wrote the Order of Conditions, sent it to the Commission for review, and asked members to send him any comments. He also sent the OOC to North Reading and Lynnfield, and made Reading's OOC similar to Lynnfield's. The conditions specify that the Commission is notified when it is supposed to be, and receives updates on how the invasive removal is going. 25 Baker yard waste letter Joanne Nijssen of 25 Baker Street was present to discuss yard waste within the resource area of her yard. She stated that she thought she was doing a good thing by composting, but did not realize she was Infringing on the wetland. She agreed to remove the pile, but wanted to discuss options, as it is a considerable size. Mr. Bowe noted that there was also cinderblocks and concrete debris that were called out in the purchase and sale agreement as needing to be removed. While the Commission is typically in favor of composting, this pile is fairly large, is right next to the resource area, and includes everything from the Floor of the chicken coop, egg shells, and other things that are particularly bad for wetlands and can cause problems in the water. Ms. Nijssen agreed to remove the pile by June 1h. As there is construction happening at the house next door, Mr. Tirone suggested that Ms. Nijssen ask the neighbor if the construction company can help by using the heavy equipment to remove the material. She agreed to ask her neighbor for permission. 22 Oak Ridoe Road Mr. Bowe reviewed another letter that was sent out, as a neighbor informed Mr. Tirone of yard waste being dumped behind the property at 22 Oak Ridge Road. The yard waste is on two sides of the property and over a fence on a neighbor's property. The letter asked the homeowner to attend the meeting to talk about how to remove the waste and ensure that it does not happen again. Ed Sartell, homeowner of 22 Oak Ridge Road, explained that his neighbor at 20 Oak Ridge Road has allowed him to drop some branches and leaves. Normally he has a landscaper that maintains his yard and takes away the yard waste. In the fall, he has haybales and that he breaks apart and puts down the embankment, and pumpkins that roll down the hill. He stated that he does not understand why it is a problem, and that no one really understands where the jurisdictional wetland line begins. This past fall, he installed a removeable windscreen to keep leaves from blowing onto his property from the wetland. Mr. Bowe suggested a site visit to look at the backyard, to which Mr. Sartell agreed. Mr. Sartell asked if there would be a space on his property that would allow him to do what he Page 1 4 is currently doing with his yard waste. He stated that he will contact his landscaper to remove the yard waste in the spring when it is no longer frozen. Mr. Tirone will visit the site to review after the yard waste is removed. Mr. Sartell then informed the Commission that his neighbor at 62 Oak Street has rocks along the stream bank and a structure crossing the stream. 30. 38, 34 Bond Street yard waste and encroachment on Conservation Land Chris Holten of 34 Band Street, Jim Kyle of 38 Bond Street, and Dave Smith of 30 Bond Street, were present to discuss encroachment noted by Mr. Bowe at a recent site visit to Mr. Holten's property. Mr. Holten requested to trim some trees on Maillet Conservation land behind his property. While at the site, Mr. Bowe, Mr. Tirone, and Tree Warden Mike Hannaford, noticed that the lawn of 34 Bond Street extends well back beyond the trees into the conservation land that is owned by the Town, and in the custody of the Conservation Commission. The problem continued into the neighboring yards at 30 Bond Street and 38 Bond Street. All homeowners stated that the encroachment was there when they moved in. There was also an existing shed beyond the property line at 38 Bond Street, which is a known Issue to the Commission. The property owner is allowed to keep the shed there as long as he owns the house, but must remove it when he leaves. There was a worn path behind 30 Bond Street that led to a lot of yard waste. Mr. Smith stated that there was an existing compost pile there when he bought the house and admitted to adding some grass clippings on it on occasion. But he stated that he now understands that it is a problem and will remove it in the spring when the pile is no longer frozen. Mr. Bowe noted that one of the neighbors has a granite bound in the backyard and suggested that the area behind the bound be left alone to go natural, or possibly add some native plantings to speed up restoring it to a natural habitat. Ms. Moore cautioned the homeowners to watch for invasive plant species that could grow and take over the area. Mr. Tirone encouraged Mr. Holten to contact DPW for a status on when the tree in his yard would be trimmed, as Mr. Hannaford agreed that it would benefit from a trim, and added it to the DPW's list of projects. Joseph Ciccariello. 48 Pasture Road, Assessor's Mao 44 Lot 12. RCC File No. 2021- 1Z Mr. Bowe reviewed the site visit at which he and Mr. Tirone met with homeowner Joe Ciccariello, neighbor Vic Gilbert, toward whose house an oak tree leans, and the certified arborist from Keith's Tree Service. The Arborist was adamant that the leaning oak tree would pose a risk If the pine trees behind it were removed, and Mr. Ciccariello expressed concern of liability on his part if it fell. In the end, after brainstorming, the parties compromised and agreed that the leaning oak could be taken dawn, but the homeowner would replace it and plant a substantial tree, such as a sugar maple. The arborist will choose something appropriate for the habitat. Last Minute Reminders: Mr. Carnahan reviewed the meeting that he and Mr. Tirone had with Assistant Town Manager Jean Delios regarding the proposed Conservation budget. He stated that his plan is to reach out to the Bylaw Committee to ask advice on a bylaw change that would create a revolving fund into which a portion of the town bylaw fees can be deposited for use by the Conservation Commission as an operating budget. Mr. Bowe stated that he sent his first draft of the Annual Report and welcomed edits. Conservation/DPW Monthly Meeting: Mr. Bowe volunteered to attend the next meeting with the DPW. Page 1 5 Motion to adjourn by Mr. Carnahan, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roll call vote 5-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 10:38 pm. P,"' 16