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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-12 Conservation Commission Minutes� orq 0 Meeting Minutes I 6Town of Reading l s+a: �a�oav �h Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Conservation Commission Date: 2022-01-12 Building: Address: Purpose: Zoom Virtual Meeting - Conservation Commission Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Time: 7:00 PM Location: Session: Open Session Version: Final TOEC WNfIVED CLERK READING, MA,y_- 2022 JUN -7 PM 3:24 Chair Annika Scanlon, Vice Chair Martha Moore, Brian Bowe, Joe Carnahan, Andrew Dribin, John Sullivan (joined 7:09 pm); Chuck Tirone, Conservation Administrator Members - Not Present: Carl Saccone Others Present: Giovanni Fodera, Andrey Belous, Joseph Ciccariello, Stephen Cnsafulli- Activitas, Tim Power-Activitas Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn La Verde and Chuck Tirone Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held remotely via Zoom. Chair Annika Scanlon called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Public Hearinas Scheduled: 1310 Main Street, Assessor's Mao 41 Lot 75 & 84 Deo File No. 270-0746 Ms. Scanlon stated the applicant requested that the Public Hearing be continued to the January 26th meeting. Motion by Ms. Moore to continue NOI 270-0746 to January 26, 2022, seconded by Mr. Carnahan. Roll call vote 6-0-0 0 Small Lane, Assessor's Mao 40 & 41 Lot 153. 155 & 29 Deo File No. 270-0748 Mr. Tirone stated that the applicant requested to continue for a month. Motion to continue NOI 270-0749 to February 9, 2022 by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Carnahan. Roll call vote 6-0-0. Lot A Main Street, next to 1261 Main Street, Assessor's Mao 51 Lot 95. Next to 1261 Main Street DEP File No. 270-0749 Ms. Scanlon reopened the Public Hearing for the Notice of Intent filed by Frank Lanzillo to construct a new single family home on a vacant lot with improvements including a new driveway and utilities. Giovanni Fodera, the Project Engineer onsite, was present to review changes to the plan as discussed at the previous meeting. Changes Include reducing the tree removal count and adding a rain garden. Instead of impacting and filling in the wetlands, the applicant is seeking variances for distance from the wetlands, and the replication of wetlands would be kept onsite as an improvement to the wetland area. A stormwater recharge system in the rear of the house was added to capture all of the roof Page I 1 runoff. The driveway is pervious pavers and pervious asphalt. A rain garden was added to the north of the driveway to capture runoff from abutters to the north. The catch basin is located higher than the rain garden so that it will overflow into the rain garden. Clean filtered water would flow under the driveway and discharge into the wetlands. Variances requested include: a 19 -foot wide zone of natural vegetation where 25 feet is required; asking for the dwelling to be 29 feet away from the bordered vegetated wetland; and a roof cantilever overhang 4 -feet wide that will be 25.7 feet away from the BVW where 32 feet is allowed. Mitigation measures proposed include: control and removal of invasive species during construction; any soil that has seeds from Invasive species will be removed offsite; invasive species will be monitored for two years; a hedge made of shrubs spaced 6 -feet apart will be planted at the 25 -foot line to act as a barrier for the resource area and allow the vegetation beyond it to grow naturally. The Commission can request deed restrictions to enforce the 25 -foot barrier. The applicant is offering to donate about 2,300 square feet of the parcel to the Conservation Commission to prevent any addition of abutters getting closer to the resource area. In addition, the developer would be happy to place three standalone birdhouses within the zone of natural vegetation to enhance the bird population and keep the natural environment. Ms. Moore asked if the land for donation has a vernal pool habitat in the back, and if a structure on an abutter's property overlaps the property line. Mr. Fodera stated that the garage on the neighbor's property has not been located by a field survey but can be confirmed. Ms. Moore also suggested that the proposed red maples be planted more than 15 feet apart or replaced with a different tree that would grow taller and narrower to prevent the future homeowners from requesting that they be removed or altered. Mr. Dribin asked why the footprint of the house needs to be so big. Mr. Fodera explained that because the house does not have a full basement, a portion of the garage for utilities and storage was needed. The Commission had a lengthy discussion regarding the rain garden and the vernal pool, and expressed concern that the development impacts the vernal pool habitat. Mr. Fodera reviewed the state regulations that define the vernal pool boundary and explained that by adding wetland replication, it is adding more vernal pool habitat. Mr. Tirone stated that he will contact Alicia Galen at the state to get clarification on the vernal pool habitat. Mr. Fodera also agree to consider moving the rain garden to the south side of the driveway. Ms. Scanlon noted her concern about providing a 35 -foot variance, as the applicant could also go to the Zoning Board to request to move the building 6 feet. Motion to continue NOI 270-0749 to January 26, 2022 by Mr. Carnahan, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roll call vote 6-0-0. 56 Grey Coach Road, Assessor's Mao 12 Lot 11 RCC File No 2021-13 Ms. Scanlon stated that the applicant requested a continuance. Motion to continue RDA 2021-13 to January 26, 2022 by Mr. Carnahan, seconded by Ms. Moore. Roll call vote 6-0-0. 51 Sanborn Lane, Assessor's Mao 48 Lot 8, RCC File No. 2021-14 Ms. Scanlon stated that the applicant requested a continuance. Motion to continue RDA 2021-14 by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roll call vote 6-0-0. 16 Varney Circle, Assessor's Mao 29 Lot 109 Deo File No 270-0754 Mr. Tirone stated that the applicant is continuing at least until January 26°M1. Motion to continue NOI 270-0754 by Mr. Carnahan, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roll call vote 6-0-0. 93 Belmont Street, Assessor's Mao 34 Lot 136 Deo File No 270-0752 Ms. Scanlon stated the applicant requested a continuance. Page 1 2 Motion to continue NCI 270-0752 by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Carnahan. Roll call vote 6-0-0. 31 Baker Road. Assessor's Mao 34 Lot 136 Deo File No. 270-0753 Ms. Scanlon reopened the Public Hearing for the Notice of intent filed by Andrey Belous to construct an addition and a deck on an existing single family home within the buffer zone of bordered vegetated wetlands. Mr. Bowe reviewed a site visit conducted with Mr. Tirone earlier this week, and noted a number of issues including: the erosion barrier was improperly installed and clear tire marks from construction equipment beyond the erosion barrier; there was a large excavation in the front of the house that left roots of some big trees exposed close to the trunk and a large pile of soil that was removed from the hole; and in the back of the house there was a large pile of debris from the demolition that consisted of wall material, insulation, and a grill. Andrey Belous, the homeowner was present and stated that the debris from the demolition had been removed from the site in a dumpster. He consulted arborist Bob Moses who will treat the exposed tree roots, return in the spring to treat the roots again, and suggested trimming some branches from the tree. Mr. Moses also noted a tree on the side of the house with two big trunks, one of them with core decay and leaning toward the house, and suggested removing the branch with the core decay. Commission members expressed concern for the erosion control barrier, the survivability of the tree, and ensuring that no more damage would occur beyond the erosion control. Motion to close the Public Hearing for 31 Baker Road by Mr. Carnahan, seconded by Ms. Moore. Roll call vote 6-0-0. The Commission added conditions including: strong language for protection of trees and erosion control; the tree in front needs to be monitored by an arborist, and the silver maple needs to be removed; contact the Conservation Commission in a few years to conduct a site visit to confirm the health of the tree; and if the tree dies, the homeowner will come back before the Commission to ask for replacement planting. Motion to issue Order of Conditions for 31 Baker Road by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Carnahan. Roll call vote 6-0-0. 48 Pasture Road, Assessor's Mao 44 Lot 12. RCC File No. 2021-17 Ms. Scanlon reopened the Public Hearing for the Request for Determination of Applicability to remove seven trees that are hazardous and within striking distance of the house, as confirmed by a letter from a certified arborist. Three trees and ten shrubs will be planted as mitigation per the Tree Replacement Policy. All proposed work is within the 100 foot buffer zone. Joseph Ciccariello, the homeowner, was present and added that a tree from his neighbor's property has fallen and split a pine tree on his property, and requested that the Commission consider allowing him to remove that as well. There is an oak tree which the arborist says is at risk of falling if the six pine trees behind it are removed, as it has no counterweight and is leaning, and it may need to be topped in order to remove the pines behind it. The Commission expressed concern about removing the oak, as it is a healthy tree, and they were unsure what the arborist meant by it not having counterweight, and why it needs to be topped if the trees behind will be removed by a crane. Mr. Ciccariello stated that his neighbor already received his permit and is scheduled to have four pine trees in the same cluster removed from his property. Mr. Ciccariello would like to coordinate the removal of his trees for the same time. The Commission continued to discuss their concerns with the removal of the oak tree, and full removal of the split pine tree. Mr. Tirone, Mr. Bowe, and Ms. Scanlon will visit the site on Tuesday, January 180 with the homeowner and the arborist to discuss the oak tree and split pine tree in the back. Page 1 3 Motion by Mr. Carnahan that the Commission approve the removal of six pine trees in the cluster identified, and the split tree with the condition that a 10-15 foot snag be left if possible, and approve the removal of the oak tree if it is the determination of the Conservation Administrator and designated members of the Conservation Commission onsite, seconded by Ms. Moore. Roll call vote 6-0-0. 61 Oakland Road-( Hiah School (turf 1) Assessor's Mao 44 Lot 12 RCC File No 2021-20 Ms. Scanlon opened the Public Hearing for the Request for Determination of Applicability filed by the Town of Reading to renovate the existing Turf 1 synthetic turf field in the same footprint of the existing facility. Additional improvements include: retrofit of existing sports lighting with new energy efficient LED fixtures, new fencing, and landscape enhancements. All work is within the 100 -foot buffer zone of bordered vegetated wetlands. Stephen Crisafulli, Landscape Architect with Activitas, and Tim Power, Civil Engineer with Activitas, were present to review the plan. The plan is to stay within the existing footprint, but some areas will actually get further away from the wetlands. A fence will be removed and the area between the new track fence and the existing vegetation will be restored. The parking area, formerly known as Imagination Station, is proposed to be the contractor access and staging area. A mulch sock and silt fence will go around the area and along the 30 -foot buffer to give the existing vegetation some room. There is no construction fence proposed on the wetland side because the existing fence will be utilized until it is time to remove it. The grading is staying the same. The existing track has some ponding issues on the bleacher side which will be remedied by a new channel drain and perimeter drain. The Track pitches in slightly toward the field, so runoff will be directed to the new drains, which will tie into the existing drainage system. Ms. Moore expressed concern about the erosion control barrier being laid so close to the stream bank and wanted to ensure that the contractors are careful to not damage the streambanks. Mr. Crisafulli stated that they will specify that the erosion control will be installed by hand. Ms. Scanlon noted that there appeared to be spillage of light into the resource area and asked to see a reduction of light directed toward the wetland. Mr. Crisafulli explained that the lights cutoff pretty well, and the fixtures can be tweaked pretty easily. The light spill is probably half of what is already there, but he will get more information from Musco Lighting, the lighting contractor. Ms. Scanlon asked about the removal of the existing turf field and how material and outwash will be prevented from getting into the drainage. Mr. Power explained that removal is very controlled. They come in with vacuums to vacuum out all the loose material, then lift the turf like a section of rug. The track and paved areas are reclaimed just like any roadway would be. There will be silt sacks for any incidentals. There is no deep excavation planned, so there is no dewatering anticipated. Ms. Scanlon noted a portable storage building with concrete pad within the 35 -foot no -build zone and asked if a variance has been requested for that. Mr. Crisafulli stated that no variance was requested, and that area can be redesigned. The area between the wetland and left side of the track will be restored with a native seed mix and left to grow naturally. Signage can be added to ensure that it is not mowed. Mr. Tirone asked if there would be an environmental monitor and asked for the contact information for who will be onsite. Mr. Crisafulli stated that Activitas would be monitoring the site, and while not onsite daily, will be there multiple times per week and is right down the road if any issues arise. The project is anticipated to take three to four months. Mr. Tirone noted that he liked the higher barrier provided by the silt fence, but asked if it could Page 1 4 be placed without being dug in. Mr. Crisafulli stated that the silt fence could be kept out of the trench and tucked under the mulch sock. Motion to continue RDA 2021-20 by Mr. Dribin, seconded by Ms. Moore. Roll call vote 6-0-0. The Commission asked for more information about how the disturbance along the fence line between the wetlands and the road will be controlled so that it is minimized and the resource area protected from windblown debris. Ms. Scanlon also suggested keeping the fence in place as long as possible to help act as a wind barrier. Old/New Business: Proposed Conservation Commission Buda t Ms. Scanlon stated that she emailed a memo to the Select Board on January 4th with a proposed budget for Conservation. In the memo, she requested $7,800 for a baseline habitat study for Bare Meadow, plus on-going repeat operating budget amount for $2,200 for invasive plant management, and for other conservation land management goals in support of scouts and trails. Mr. Tirone explained that Conservation gets money from two sources: from Town bylaw fees, and state fees. State fees have restrictions and can only be used for things such as conservation office supplies, Conservation Administrator's salary, and conferences, so it is not available for use on a Conservation operating budget. Town bylaw fees go directly into the general fund, which the Commission cannot control, but can request a small operating fund through the budget process. There is also the Tree Fund, which collects approximately $6,000 each year, but Town Counsel believes that it can only be used for expenses related to trees. Other possible sources of funding include: grants from the Community Preservation Act, Town Manager reserve fund for certain small requests, or requests to the Select Board. Motion by Mr. Carnahan for the Commission to approve the budget memo written by Ms. Scanlan on January 4, 2022, seconded by Ms. Scanlon. Roll call vote 6-0-0. Minutes: The Commission reviewed the minutes and suggested changes to the September 22, 2021 minutes. Motion to approved the meeting minutes of September 22, 2021 as amended by Mr. Carnahan, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roll call vote 6-0-0. Last Minute Reminders: Ms. Moore stated that she received an email from the Town Forest Committee with their agenda for Tuesday, January 18th. The second Item listed is Earth Day 2022 activities with the Trails Committee and Conservation Commission, such as removal of invasive plants, plant native species, nature walk, and scavenger hunt involving science teachers. Ms. Moore asked if the Commission should be posted to attend the Town Forest Committee's meeting. Mr. Tirone stated that he will be attending the Select Board meeting that evening to discuss the garden at Matera Cabin, and noted that only a member or two of the Commission would be needed at the Town Forest Committee meeting. Ms. Moore volunteered to attend the Town Forest Committee, and Ms. Scanlon and Mr. Carnahan stated that they planned to attend the Select Board meeting. Motion to adjourn by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Carnahan. Roll call vote 6-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 11:12 pm.