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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-27 Conservation Commission Minutes� Town of Reading 'er 9 Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Conservation Commission Date: 2022-07-27 Building: Address: Purpose: Zoom Virtual Meeting - Conservation Commission Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Tl me: 07:00 PM 'R'ECEIVED iOWN CLERK READING, MA. Rk 2023 APR 18 PM 2: 04 Location: Session: Open Session Version: Draft Martha Moore chair, Brian Bowe vice chair, John Sulivan, Andrew Dribin Members - Not Present: Carl Saccone Others Present: Chuck Tirone, Jeffrey Lonks, Steve Gousie, Yasmine Kouki, Thomas Knight, Scott Harris, Maureen Herald, Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Brian Bowe Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held remotely via Zoom. Chair Martha Moore called the meeting to order at 7:10pm. Hearinas Scheduled: 1. Eagle Scout project Jeff Lonks is seeking approval under town -wide trail permit 270-0568, RGB 2009-36 for replacement of a 30 -foot section of an existing boardwalk section on the Cranberry Dam Trail in the Town Forest. Site visit needed Mr. Lonks stated he was looking for approval for replacing a section of boardwalk in Town Forest. He then explained why he chose this location. He explained it is most damaged of that boardwalk and that it sometimes is under water. He explained the methodology and materials to be used. He explained timeline of approval, fund raising, execution. Mr. Bowe asked more about the condition of that section. Mr. Bowe questioned the under water issue. Mr. Lonks stated it may have happened perhaps a year or two ago. Mr. Bowe asked why in that location versus some other place where there may not be any boardwalk in place yet. Mr. Lonks said that he hasn't noticed other areas but said if he were made aware of other areas he would consider them. Mr. Bowe suggested Mr. Lonks talk with Mr. Tirone to find out about other area. Mr. Dribin explored what material would be used. Also said there may be other areas that need help. Mr. Sullivan asked what supports would be used to avoid further sinking. Mr. Lonks talked about using 5' posts. Then discussed when the work would be done. Ms. Moore asked about whether there would be any stockpiling of materials ahead of time. Mr. Lonks stated they might install posts first to help with completing the install in one day. Mr. Moore brought up a discussion that took place at the Town Forest Meeting about the construction of the posts and bolts. Ms. Moore also suggest coordinating with Mr. Tirone about alternate locations. Mr. Tirone agreed with Ms. Page I 1 Moored about idea of leaving extra post above the deck to allow future leveling if there is sinking. Mr Tirone said he would leave the design as is currently being done. Maybe some cover of the bolts themselves. Mr. Tirone discussed his concern about creating more waste. Chuck mentioned he had sent an email to Mr. Lonks about a location on Lenetta Lane as an alternative. He encouraged Mr' Lonks to discuss with fellow scouts about locations other than always Town Forest. Areas such as Pinevale or Linetta Lane. Mr. Tirone likes project, likes the way it looks. Mr. Tirone asked about plan for disposal. Mr. Lonks said he didn't know and would have to think about it. Mr. Tirone said he perhaps could reach out to DPW for help with that. Mr. Lonks said he could ask another scout who did this to see how he handled disposal. Steve gave some background. Town Forest Committee asked Mr. Lonks to replace this piece and that this section was high up on Trails Committee list. Mr. Tirone talked with both Trails and Town Forest Committee to get input. Steve said this is longstanding relationship between TF and scouts. He is the Chairman of Friends of Reading Scouting. Now that he is aware there will be a list, he will make sure other locations are considered. Motion to vote on project to replace bridge in TF. Motion by Brian Bowe. Seconded by John Sullivan Vote: 4-0 2. 1102 Main Street, Open the Public Hearing on a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Thomas Knight Under the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, M.G.L. Chapter 131, § 40 and/or the Reading Wetland protection By-law, Section 7.1, for the removal and replacement of a 12' x 16' exterior back deck with new hand -dug bigfoot sauna tube footings. The spoils from the digging will be removed from the site. The deck construction will be pressure -treated wood with composite decking boards and handrails. The construction access is off the driveway and the stockpile area is located next to the deck. A line of straw bale will be installed 15 feet away from the work to prevent any erosion problems. All of the work is within the Buffer Zone to a Bordering Vegetated Wetland. The application and plans can be viewed on the Conservation Division page under projects by year, Assessor's Map 39 Lot 144, RCC File No. 2022-7 Mr. Dribin described his site visit with Martha Moore. Ms. Moore mentioned there are two stone bounds along the driveway, between driveway and artist property to south and it appears there is mowing beyond the bounds. There appears be mowing south of those bounds. Mr. Tirone states that we will ask property owner to stop mowing beyond those bounds. Perhaps she could get a permit to mow once a year or so but would have to stop regular mowing. That would be part of the decision. Same thing with cattails. It's actually altering resource area. Ms. Kouki asks if that means she can't maintain the property and Mr. Tirone says yes. Reviewed property using GIS mapping. Mr. Tirone clarifies where mowing can and can't be done. Ms. Kouki discusses her 35 yr history living in the house. She's concerned about wetlands continuing to encroach. Mr' Tirone makes suggestions about using mowing to prevent further encroachment. She may maintain lawn as it is currently. Where the lawn is she can mow. Where the cattails are she can't. No questions about the deck build. It's replacing an existing deck in existing foot print. Ms. Moore asked about removal of debris. Mr. Knight says it will go directly into his dump trailer. Discussion of preferred erosion control method. Mr. Bowe asks if there should be staggered gap to allow wildlife movement. Mr. Tirone says that it could be gapped in center, but its not a long run. Mr. Dribin asks about puling the existing footings. Mr. Knight explains the approach to the build. Ms. Moore asks about future plan to install a fence. Not ready to do so yet. Ms. Kouki will have permission for next three years to put in about 140 it of post and rail fencing. Motion of Negative Determination by Brian Bowe; Seconded by John Sullivan Vote 4-0 3. 0 Small Lane, Continue the Public Hearing on a Notice of Intent, filed by LLC, Meagan Johnson, Del Rey Realty, Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 131, Section 40 -the Wetlands Protection Act and/or the Reading Wetland protection By-law, Section 7. 1, the applicant proposes the construction of a limited project stream crossing, retaining walls, wetland Page 1 2 alteration, wetland replication, drainage, grading, and associated utilities. All work is within 100 feet of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland. The application and plans can be viewed on the Conservation Division page under the current project, Assessor's Map 40 & 41 Lot 153, 155 & 29 Dep File No. 270-0748 Continued at the applicant's request until August 10th Motion to Continue to August 10th by Brian Bowe; Seconded by John Sullivan Vote 4-0 4. 550 West Street, Continue the Public Hearing on a Notice of Intent, filed by Scott Harris, Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 131, Section 40 -the Wetlands Protection Act and/or the Reading Wetland protection By-law, Section 7.1, the applicant proposes, to raze a portion of the single-family dwelling and bulkhead to construct an addition, rooftop infiltration, cut trees, tree plantings, associated grading, and utilities within the 100 -foot Buffer Zone to a Boring Vegetated Wetland and the 200 -foot Riverfront Area of the Aberjona River. The application and plans can be viewed on the Conservation Division page under the current project, Assessor's Map 25 Lot 2 Dep File No. 270-0759 Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Site visit today. Ms. Moore presents a list of trees she would allow cutting. Mr. Dribin states that there are larger issues but the list is a good place to start. Ms. Moore talks about the mission of the Commission while recognizing we are aware of homeowners concems for safety. There are some trees that are mapped differently than the actual tag. The Commission will use the actual tag in the field rather than the map. The list is the one provided by the applicant from Northeast Tree, The list is: 1,6,7,14 (this is one where there is a discrepancy. We are approving the actual tree with the number tag on it.),19,20,21,25,28,37,42,43,44,46,50. 15 trees in all. There was some discussion about tree 21 as to whether it should be allowed. It was noted that on the list provided it is described as dead. Mr. Tirone explained that is growing right alongside #20 and would likely die if there is work on #20. Ms. Moore believes this provides balance o safety for house and protecting the wetland. Mr. Bowe concurs with list. Mr. Sullivan asks about 45 and 47, shown dead on plot plan. Mr. Tirone explains the discrepancies. Mr. Sullivan asks if #30 was the one that already dropped branches on garage. Mr. Harris says it is. Ms. Harald asks that the Commission reconsider #30, 32, 34, 41, 40. She expresses concern that these large, mature pine trees could damage property or vehicles or injure people. Ms. Moore asks Ms. Harald to go over her list again. Mr. Tirone points out that just because a tree is large doesn't mean it will fall. There could be trimming. He also mentions that one of Maureen's lists has poison ivy. Mr. Tirone says that this will have to be continued to allow Mr Tirone to check into the idea that poison ivy is that big a threat to the trees and points out that the ivy could be cut. Ms. Harald states that the Commission needs to consider the liability to the town if one of these trees falls. Mr. Tirone asks what law she is referring to. There was more discussion about this topic and then it was decided that continuing to allow more research and for Mr. Tirone to consult with Town Consul. Ms. Harald pointed out that they are proposing an extensive planting plan. Mr. Dribin gives his list of clearly dead trees. He expressed concern about likely damage to trees to be saved by cutting others. Mr. Tirone points out that it is within the Commission's purview to request independent review. Ms. Moore asks for a continuance. But before some points about the new addition. Clarifies construction entrance and stockpile location. Mr. Harris stated he'd like a basement under addition but budget will drive that. Mr. Dribin opens topic on the fact that there is more that 5000 s ft of impervious in a riverfront area which is more than the regulations allow. Ms. Harald says she addressed that in her letter dated July 6'" that was sent to the Commission. She states that this is redevelopment. Mr. Tirone disagrees with that, at least in the area where trees are being taken down. Discussion of various inputs from DEP and their interpretation of impervious regulations. There is a distinct disagreement between the two. Ms. Moore suggests that more research is needed. Motion to Continue to August 10'" made by Brian Bowe; seconded by John Sullivan Vote 4 — 0 Page 1 3 5.31 Harold Ave, Continue the Public Hearing on a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Yongcheng Yu & Rong Ruan Under the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, M.G.L. Chapter 131, § 40 and/or the Reading Wetland protection By-law, Section 7. 1, for the construction of a deck with 8 -12 -inch diameter concrete footings two sections of the deck will cantilever over the 35 -foot buffer zone by 3 feet, no trees will be removed or site grading during this project. All of the work is within the Buffer Zone to a Bordering Vegetated Wetland. The application and plans can be viewed on the Conservation Division page under projects by year, Assessor's Map 39 Lot 83, RCC File No. 2022-6 Applicant has asked to continue. Mr. Dribin asks for clarification about the situation where there is a Conservation Restriction that conflicts with a Certificate of Compliance. Motion to Continue to August 10' made by Brian Bowe; seconded by John Sullivan Vote 4 — 0 6. Old/New Business Vote and approve 269 Main Street Trail Easement 270-0727 as reviewed and finalized by Town Counsel FY23 Budget request new SB meeting Date August 3rd 1505 Main Street Update Meeting with Town Counsel July 21, update Violation Notices, yard waste and encroachment on Conservation Land, New 26 Henzie 30, Henzie 34, Henzie, 126 Hanscom Ave, 79 Longfellow Rd, Follow-ups 30 Chequessett,14 Dean Road, 25 Baker, 22, 8, 14, Oakridge Street,30, 38, 34 Bond, Jim Castellano, Armor Development, LLC unauthorized clearcutting, grading, and altering an area subject to protection update on block retaining wall installed on the 25 -foot line Ch. 61 1310 Main Street update, RMLD's Integrated Vegetation Management Plan ("IVMP") for the town of Reading update Conservation/DPW Monthly Meeting August 16 7. Administrators Report: Volunteer workers, 0 Small Lane Survey Discussion Items Trail Easement for 269 Main at Josh Latham representing 269 Main St. Mr. Latham summarizes the current state now that project is nearly complete. Trail has been built, they have finalized Easement language with Town Consul and they have requested time before Board of Selectmen which will happen in August. Discussion using plan for the trail. Two sections, one the responsibility of Condo Association. The back part runs along a Sewer easement and is the Town's responsibility. This agreement is now included as an obligation in the Condo master deed. Ms. Moore is generally pleased with the trail but asks about a piece of metal that is still left. Mr. Latham is aware and has discussed with his client. They said they would handle immediately after lunch. Motion to Accept this Easement made by Brian Bowe; seconded by John Sullivan Vote 4 — 0 Mr. Tirone discusses $5,000 budget request. Aug V is meeting. Part of request is to get financial support for third party reviews, etc. Chuck would like support at that meeting. 7 pm at Town Hall. Ms. Moore is intending to go. Mr. Bowe. Mr. Tirone has already posted it as a meeting to cover Open Meeting Laws. 1505 Main St. Mr. Tirone updates situation. We cannot provide and bond money to do any work covered by OOC. Homeowner would have to cover any expense until the get COC at which point they would get their $5,000 bond back. Two separate OOC which have to satisfied independently. Chuck will inform the homeowners. Violation Notices: Some follow up with 3 addresses on Bond St (30,344,38). We have a scheduled site visit. Site visit in just Brian and Chuck. Mr. Bowe recapped similar visit to 31 Baker at. Page 14 Mr. Tirone request approval to remove Mr. Castellano from Violation Section RMLD IVM Plan. Mr. Tirone and Mr. Bowe will attend a meeting to discuss whenever it gets scheduled. They apparently thought the one time permit continued to cover them. To be discussed. Mr. Tirone has distributed IVMP to all Commissioners. Reminder of DPW meeting on Aug 16" Mr. Tirone: Next Step Ministry has done a great job. 50 ft of boardwalk, using the leftover material at Mattera cabin. Built a trail at Linetta Lane. Also painted the Matters Cabin. The Cabin now looks so natural. At Linetta Lane the developer did most of the work, the volunteers did the bridge for the most part. Developer is responsible for the clean up. 0 Sanborn Lane: we have received money from town to do the surveying required by Town Consul. Connected to Town Forest. It's about 2 acres of land. We have set up Gift Account. Set up with Sharon Engstrom. Can be used to conservation purposes. Mr. Tirone said he will send out a list of trees they are planning to remove. Commissioners can check out the list. Mr. Bowe said he would sample some trees. Ms. Moore asks about 445 Pearl St. Mr. Tirone says Thor has been involved in communication. Jack Rivers got hospitalized. Mr. Tirone wants to send a follow up letter to urge to get the remediation project started. 8. Correspondence: -None 9. Emergency Permit- None 10. Enforcement- Jim Castellano, this to be removed for future. 11. Bills —None 12. Minutes for Approval June 22"d minutes: Mr. Dribin suggests a change to two of the votes. Should be 5-0 not 6-0 because he wasn't there. Motion to Accept as Ammended by John Sullivan; seconded by Brian Bowe Vote 4 - 0 Motion to adjourn at 9:45 pm Vote 4-0. Page 1 5