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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-22 Conservation Commission MinutesKECEIVEU TOWN CLERK Town of Reading REA MIG, Meeting Minutes 2 2022 JUN -7 7 3: PM 25 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Conservation Commission Date: 2021-09-22 Time: 7:00 Building: Location: Address: Session: Purpose: Zoom Virtual Meeting - Version: Conservation Commission Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Chair Annika Scanlon, Vice Chair Martha Moore, Brian Bowe, John Sullivan, Joe Carnahan 8:24, Can Saccone 7:05, Chuck Tirone, Conservation Administrator Members - Not Present: Others Present: Thor Akerley, Jack Rivers, John Barrows, Dave Fazio, Gregory Jones, Michelle Bourdeau, Johnathan Bourdeau, Robert Schifiliti, Brian Curry Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Chuck Tirone Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held remotely via Zoom. Chair Annika Scanlon called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Public Hearings Scheduled: 1310 Main Street, Mao 41 Lot 75 & 84 Deo File No. 270-0746 Mr. Tirone explained that requests for quotes have been sent out, with responses from three consultants including quotes. Ms. Scanlon asked the commission review all three quotes from, Ecotech, LEC, and BSC. Ms. Moore said the commission has worked with LEC before and felt they are qualified and had the least expensive bid. Ms. Scanlon said LEC was the most qualified and lowest bid. Mr. Bowe said that additional tasks were added making the BSC bid higher without those additional tasks all bids would align. Motion to approve LEC as the consultant for 1310 Main Street by Mr. Bowe, seconded by Ms. Moore. Roll call vote 5-0-0. O Small Lane. Mao 40 & 41 Lot 153. 155 & 29 Deo File No. 270-0748 Mr. Tirone explained the applicant emailed a request to continue the hearing to October 13, 2021. Motion to continue 0 Small Lane to the October 13, 2021 meeting by Mr. Sullivan, seconded by Ms. Moore. Roll call vote 5-0-0. Page 1 1 Lot A Main Street, next to 1261 Main Street, Mao 51 Lot 95, Next to 1261 Main Street DEP File No. 270-0749 Mr. Tirone explained the applicant emailed a request to continue the hearing to October 13, 2021. Motion to continue Lot A Main Street to the October 13th meeting by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roll call vote 5-0-0. 118 Lllah Lane Ms. Scanlon continued the Public Hearing pertaining for 118 Lilah Lane pursuant to M.G.L. 131 Section 40 Wetland Protection Act and Reading General Bylaw section 7.1 Wetland Protections. The Notice of Intent was filed by David and Lauren Fazio to construct an inground pool, approximately 1600 square foot paver patio, and associated appurtenances. All work is within 100 feet of bordered vegetated wetland. John Barrows, the project engineer, and David Fazio, the homeowner, presented new plan they prepared for the commission showing the bordering vegetated wetland (BVW) and the 35 -foot buffer. The updates show the 35 -foot zone further away from the BVW. The plan also showed a fence on the plan crossed the 35 -foot line to maintain a straight-line appearance and the commission approved this change. Mr. Barrows said additionally the plan showed native plants to enhance buffer zone. Ms. Moore questioned the play structure and yard waste that were in the 35- and 25 -foot buffer zone. Mr. Fazio said he had a discussion with the neighbor and yard waste removal has been scheduled and the play structure will be moved out of the 35 -foot buffer zone. Mr. Bowe requested the Conservation Administrator send a formal letter to the neighbor stating that it is a violation to put yard waste in the buffer zone and should not be done again. Additionally, Mr. Bowe was concerned about the width of the buffer strip and the native plantings. This was discussed by the conservation commission and decided what was on the plan is sufficient. The Commission discussed the paver detail and the impervious area on the plans. The impervious area and paver area were shown on the plan and they meets the setback regulations. Motion to close hearing on 118 Lien Lane by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roll call vote 5-0-0. Conditions, provide planting plan and move play structure outside of the 35 -foot buffer zone. A planting plan should be submitted to commission prior to the sign off of occupancy. Motion to issue the order of conditions on 118 Ulan Lane by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roll call vote 5-0-0. 445 Pearl Street Enforcement Order, Mao 46 Lot 14 Ms. Scanlon opened the Public Hearing for the enforcement order at 445 Pearl Street. The homeowner, Mike Rivers, had done some work to manage the stream flow. FIII was added to the southern portion of the stream which diverted flow towards the northern bank of the stream with obvious signs of erosion happening. The restoration plan and narrative to re - stabilize the stream bank has been presented to the Commission for review. The work will affect intermittent stream, land under water, and bank. Mr. Akerley brought up the stream invert pipe. Mr. Akerley observed water pooling in the pipe after rainfall. Additionally, erosion controls are in place along the stream bank as shown on the plan. The work will take place in the spring but planting should happen in the fall. Akerley proposed Adding erosion control to the top of the slope to eliminate runoff. Ms. Moore commented on the back corner of the property. The bank is being undercut due to increased stream flow from the disturbance. Additional site restoration should be added to this bank as well. There is plastic lawn furniture at the back edge of the property inside Page 1 2 the wetland that should be removed. Ms. Moore questions a dam made from brush near wetland line. Mr. Bowe stated the large rocks and boulders placed artificially on the bank needs attention. It was discussed that the driveway is unfinished with a PVC pipe directing water towards the stream needs investigation. Mr. Bowe indicated creation of additional parking as a possible reason for this disturbance. Mr. Bowe noted that any expansion of the driveway should be proposed away from the stream. Mr. Rivers was agreed to remove the brush that was piled up along the stream. Mr. Akerley will review the possible removal of the PVC pipe or reducing the Flow. Mr. Akerley discussed armoring the bank with native planting to protect the bank from erosion. Seeded coconut logs were disguised for the reconstruction of the stream bank. There were no public comments. Mr. Rivers will look into removing the lawn furniture, but Noted that it may be adjoining neighbor's furniture. Mr. Rivers said that the PVC pipe in the front of the driveway is to redirect water that puddles in the driveway. The applicant indicated he would like to begin the project as soon as possible. The Commission requested a construction schedule. The Conservation Commission discussed sending a letter to the owner of the lawn furniture requesting its removal. The Conservation Commission made a request for an updated construction sequencing plan. The applicant indicated project should take two weeks once started. Commission will look into requiring a bond for this project. Motion to continue the hearing on 445 Pearl Street enforcement order by Mr. Cranahan, seconded by Ms. Moore. Roll call vote 6-0-0. 26 Avon Street Ms. Scanlon opened the public hearing on the request for determination of applicability filled by Gregory J & Sara A Jones, under the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, M.G.L. 131 section 40 Wetland Protection Act, and Reading General Bylaw section 7.1 Wetland Protections. Landscape improvement to the rear half of their property to include removal of two trees, disposal of grass clippings, compost to adjust grades, and install a fence, relocate a shed, relocate a play area, install native plantings, install a gravel fire pit, terrace and gravel path with natural stone steps. All stated on the conservation page under the current project assessors map 12 lot 11 RCC file No. 2021-10. Mr. Jones identified the two trees being removed on the plan, the plantings they have proposed, the terrace and gravel path for the project. Ms. Moore asked about the ash tree and said it was a concern since It crosses into another property owned by the apartment complex. Mr. ]ones is waiting for a tree removal quote to share information with the apartment complex. Ms. Moore requested the yard waste be removed and brought to the town compost. Mr. Bowe discussed erosion control, the homeowner agreed to find a solution if the problem arises. The Conservation Commission discussed a stockpile area with an erosion control barrier in place. Mr. Jones addresses the project timeline stating it would take approximately 1-2 weeks to complete. Mr. Jones states the fence is 6 -foot tall and wooden and it is being installed for privacy. Mr. Saccone requested species and quantities of the plants being presented to the Conservation Commission as a possible condition for project, adding erosion control to the area and adding elevations and a planting plan. Ms. Scanlon had concerns about the height of the terrace wall and the applicant Mr. ]ones explained it will be as close to the natural slope as possible. Mr. Tirone requested hay ball Page 1 3 and silt fence for erosion control and mentioned there needs to be a 3 -3.5 -Inch gap at the bottom of the wooden fence. There were no public comments Commission requested an updated planting plan that identified areas for planting on project plan. The Conservation Commission agreed to allow Mr. Jones to submit a minimum number of plants as long as they exceed those removed from the buffer zone. Motion to approve a negative determination of 26 Avon street by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sacconne. Roll call vote 6-0-0 12 Henzie Street Ms. Scanlon opened the public hearing on the request for determination of Applicability filed by Michelle & Johnathan Bourdeau, under the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, M.G.L. 131 section 40 Wetland Protection Act, and Reading General Bylaw section 7.1 Wetland Protections. For after -the -fact tree removal of four large Pine trees and one maple tree within 25 feet of the house. Replacement planting is being proposed. All work is within the 100 -foot buffer zone. Stated on the conservations page under assessor map 32 Lot 146, RCC File No. 2021-11 Mr. Bourdeau reminded the Conservation Commission they are increasing the planting quantities and changing to all native species. Ms. Moore recapped the site visit stating that the only concern was about planting, and the removal of the dogwood just to create more sunlight. Mr. Bowe had questioned the tree stumps and the applicant explained they would like to grind the tree stumps down. The two pines in the back will be included in a later permit request. Mr. Tirone requested a better understanding of the plants that are going to be used, specifically near images marked 4 and S. There were no public comments. Motion to continue 12 Henzie Street to the October 13th meeting by Mr. Bowe, seconded by Ms. Moore. Roll Call Vote 6-0-0. 11 Stone Well Road Ms. Scanlon opened the public hearing on the request for determination of Applicability filed by Robert Schifiliti, Under the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, M.G.L. 131 section 40 Wetland Protection Act, and Reading General Bylaw section 7.1 Wetland Protections. Re- building an existing multi-level deck with new footings. No change to existing deck footprint. All work is within the 100 -foot buffer zone. Mr. Schifiliti reviewed the project proposal where existing footing will be replaced and new footing will be added as shown on the plan. Ms. Scanlon asked about what kind of footings are being proposed and if conical bigfoot style footing will be used. Mr. Bowe recapped his site visit, questioned the shed next to the wetland. Mr. Shifiliti explained the shed is behind the 25 -foot line Instead of in front of it because of an error by the installer. Ms. Moore requested extending erosion control towards the driveway and cutting of lumber take place inside erosion control area or on the driveway. The Conservation Commission discussed the shed. Mr. Tirone stated straw waddle will not be accepted, mulch or silt fence is acceptable. Mr. Tirone reminded the Conservation Commission that the shed may be allowed in the 25 -foot buffer zone with a variance. Mr. Carnahan requested an updated plan with the 25 -foot buffer zone shown if the shed will be moved. Mr. Schifiliti agreed to removal of the wooden shed. Motion to approve the negative determination of 11 Stone Well Road by Mr. Carnahan, seconded by Mr. Sullivan. Roll call vote 6-0-0. Page 1 4 Old/New Business Pay bill for water and sewer $19.71 Move to pay bill by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Carnahan. Roll call vote 6-0-0. 74 Haverhill Street tree removal Mr. Curry is requesting permission to remove 11 pines trees and 7 maples trees within the 100 -foot buffer zone. Trees and branches have fallen a prove to be a possible hazard to home and the family's safety. Mr. Curry is also requesting to install a fence. Mr. Bowe recapped site visit, suggested a professional looking into trees health and generate a report for the Conservation Commission. Mr. Bowe also suggested leaving a snag instead of removing the full tree. Mr. Bowe requested a formal wetland delineation line. Ms. Scanlon suggested removing the play structure instead of the proposed tree removal. Mr. Tirone requested more information on trees being taken out of the area previously, stated an RDA permit for this work is appropriate. Mr. Curry clarified that a previous application was not an impact to the wetland. Mr. Moore asked about looking into the tree policy and questioned the replacement of the trees during this project. Mr. Tirone clarified the applicant is not eligible for the tree policy because more than 4 trees are being removed. Ms. Scanlon clarified that a report from an arborist, and replanting plan would be necessary. Mr. Curry clarified he is looking for approval, before submitting a permit request. Ms. Scanlon said the permit needed for this work is a Notice of Intent. Mr. Tirone said a tree evaluations and a plan thdt consider habitat replacement is needed. Minutes Motion to approve minutes from July 14th meeting by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Bowe. Roll call vote 6-0-0. Meadow Brook Ch. 61 land Ms. Scanlon reviewed the 5 lots up for first right of refusal along Grove Street. Discussed the usage of one of the lots for a trail head to Town Forest. Priority habitat under natural heritage. Property next too has Flagged wetlands. Mr. Tirone discussed the entrance to Strout ave, safety, large DPW trucks and MESA priority habitat. Proposed the plan does not take value from houses. 100 -foot buffer zone does go through the lot but does not mean houses cannot go through the area. Mr. Carnahan recapped a Select Board meeting that created some concern about facts. Ms. Scanlon indicated Mr. Tirone looked into previous permlt denials of the Strout Ave project. Mr. Tirone said there will be further discussed in upcoming meetings. Select Board did not approve article 9, this will be continued in the September 12th meeting before the Select Board and Town Meeting. The Conservation Commission suggested connecting with Trail and Town Forest Committees. Last Minutes Reminders: Motion to adjourn by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sullivan. Roll call vote 5-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 11:00 pm. Page 1 5