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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-12-13 Conservation Commission Minutesg� orq� Town of Reading I . � i Meeting Minutes "INCOPr��`` Board - committee - Commission - Council: Conservation Commission Date: 2023-12-13 Building: li,IIT-MOYA6111%W Location: t�ERK 2624 HAR 12 AH 10 16 Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: In Person and Zoom Virtual Version: Final Meeting - Conservation Commission Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Martha Moore- Chair, Brian Bowe- Vice Chair, Andrew Dribin- Member, Bill McCants- Member, Tony Rodolakis- Member, Walter Talbot- Member Members - Not Present: Carl Saccone- Member, Dan Allen, Jim Bernadino, Frances Heslin, Jack Sullivan, Joe Orzel, Bob Judge, Kendra Cooper, Carlton Quinn, Nicole Hayes, Saverio Fulciniti, Jennifer Killeen, Ken Reardon, Jason Brown, Mary Richards, Mike Farrell, Sriram Narayan, Eileen Barret, Chris and Amanda Haley, Others Present: Chuck Tirone- Conservation Administrator Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jennifer Velazquez Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held In Person at Town Hall and remotely via Zoom. Chair- Martha Moore called the meeting to order at 7:05pm. Hearinas Scheduled: 1. 0 Small Lane- Assessor's Map 40 S 41 Lot 153, 155 & 28 Dep File No. 270-0748 Continued until January 10, 2024 at the applicants request. 2. 413 Main Street- Assessor's Map 17 Lot 64, 85 File No. 270-0774 Mr. Allen explained to the Commission that this project is still in waiting for approval with the CPDC. The new plans were shown with the updated blueberry bush plantings above the culvert. The geotechnical consultant confirmed there was no contaminated soils in the project area. There is full time and part time staff on daily to maintain trash in the location as well as around the exterior. Trash is removed weekly or more if needed. There is also monthly pest control contracted out for interior and exterior pest management. The operator has agreed to a three- year landscape agreement. Lighting cut sheets have also been provided with resubmittal. Mr. Dribin was curious about snow removal. Mr. Allen stated it would be plowed and piled into the perimeter landscaping areas of the property. The Commission is requesting a documented plan for snow removal and what happens to it during a significant snow fall season. The total reduction in impervious covers across the whole site will be about 3,700 square feet. Within the 100 -foot buffer it will be a 2,700 square foot reduction. The 35 -foot buffer will be 280 square feet and the 25 -foot buffer will be 200 square feet. Mr. Tirone would like an updated plan of the photo metrics with the changes requested by CPDC. Also requesting what the numbers would Page 1 1 project 10 feet beyond the property line. Mr. Rodolakis is requesting more information about the lighting spectrum being planned for outside. He would like the lighting to be longer than 560 nanometers and nothing shorter. Motion to continue hearing to next meeting on January 10, 2024- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Andrew Dribin, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. 3. 87 Walkers Brook Drive- Assessor's Map 13 Lot 3 Dep File No. 270-0777 Mr. Bernadino went over the updated plans to the Commission. The stone diaphragm on the western portion of the property has been extended 30 feet northward with specific instructions for contractors to construct it the way it is intended in the plans. The stock pile was moved closer to the building and behind the dumpster which is further away from the resource area. The Contractor and Environmental Engineering notes have been highlighted and added to the project plans. A mulch sock requested by Mr. Tirone was also added to the revised plans to be used. Mr. Bemadino is proposing swale maintenance within the DOT right of way on the drainage ditches. This will remove the sediments and reestablish the drainage ditches in the front of the property with filter fabric lining and riprap. Mr. Bowe would like to see some written communication and acknowledgement from DOT and the contractor about the proposed maintenance plan of the draining ditches on the property. Ms. Moore is proposing a third -party review to have someone look at the project to see if there is any way the wetlands can be protected without impacting the rights of the property owner. Motion to approve a third -party review of the proposed project- Motioned by Tony Rodolakis, Seconded by Walter Talbot, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. Motion to continue hearing to next meeting on January 10, 2024- Motioned by Andrew Dribin, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. 4. 37 Melbourne Avenue -Assessor's Map: 71 Lot: 156 File No. 2023-20 Mrs. Heslin has provided the Commission with a planting plan as well as a water run off plan for the proposed addition. An update to the plans with an 8x15 shed, stock pile area and the erosion control. Ms. Moore is requesting the number of shrubs to double to four from the original plan of only two. The Commission is also requesting a tree be planted on the property within the 100 -foot buffer zone. Motion to require homeowner add two more shrubs to the planting plan and add a tree within the 100 -foot buffer zone- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. Motion to close the hearing on 34 Melbourne Avenue- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Andrew Dribin, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. Motion to vote a negative determination to 37 Melbourne Avenue- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Andrew Dribin, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. 5. 41 Winter Street -Assessor's Map 29 Lot 3 Dep File No. 270-0778 Mr. Sullivan gave a brief description of the proposed plans for this location. The project owner would like to demolish the existing home and shed, remove a paved driveway, cut and cap existing utilities with the majority of the work being done within the 200 -foot river front area and within the 100 -foot buffer zone of natural vegetation. This is projected to greatly reduced the impervious areas amongst the property. Mr. Sullivan made the plans to have the new home as far from the riverfront as possible, no work within 100 feet of the riverfront and all of the work further away from the limits of the degraded areas. Ms. Moore observed during a site visit excessive amounts of trash in the yard from full barrels to pool equipment. Owner plans for extensive clean up with project. There are also large amounts of knotweed and phragmites, Ms. Moore would like to see invasive control in the planting and vegetation plans as well as some native Red Maple trees. Mr. Rodolakis is requesting the flag delineation line be reviewed by a third -party reviewer but will agree on an adjustment for this project. The Commission would like to see the planting plan be more spread out than the strip on the proposed plans. The Commission is also requesting an infiltration storm water management plan for the new house despite the decrease in impervious area. Page I 2 Motion to continue hearing to next meeting on January 10, 2024 Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. 6.0 Annette Lane -Assessor's Map 38 Lot 139 Dep File No. 270-0780 Mr. Orzel game a brief description of the proposed plans for 0 Annette Lane. No foundation or construction structures are proposed within the 35 -foot buffer zone. There is minimal amount of work proposed within the 25 -foot zone of natural vegetation. Storm water infiltration plan is included. Erosion control barriers are proposed at the limit of work and construction entrance. There are 32 trees greater than 6 inches proposed to be cut on the site. The applicant is requesting to contribute to the voluntary shade tree fund as mitigation for those trees being cut down. Mr. Tirone would like to know why the retaining wall can't be pulled back to the 35 -foot line and have more information on snow storage area. The Commission is planning on doing a site visit on Monday December 18, 2023. Mr. Judge, an abutter, is concerned about extra water getting onto his property with this proposed project. Ms. Cooper is a neighbor on Covey Hill and is also concemed about water build up due to the 0 Annette Lane project. Motion to continue hearing to next meeting on January 10, 2024 Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. 7. 252- 262 Main Street & 10 Pinevale Avenue- Assessor's Map 11 Lot 192, 194, 196 Dep File No. 270-0779 Mr. Quinn was able to speak in depth about the proposed project at this location for a raze and rebuild of multiple lots on Main Street and one on Pinevale Ave. The plans are currently still being discussed with CPDC. The Commission did a site visit of the proposed project location. Ms. Moore is concerned about the future of two pine trees in the back of the lot, Mr. Dribin would like to know how many trees will be taken down and how many will be added back during the planting phase. Also concerning the Commission was the amount of impervious space. There was a question about the standing water being a vernal pool and Ms. Hayes stated that the water is not deep enough to support reproduction of vernal pool species. The area is also not part of riverfront as it is over 400 feet away. Ms. Moore would like clarification on why Pinevale Ave was the choice to have the construction entrance and not off of Main Street. Mr. Quinn clarified that after speaking with the Town they will move the construction entrance to Main Street. Mr. Quinn agrees with Ms. Moore that the primary snow storage be over the infiltration units and secondary be within the buffer zones of the resource area. Mr. Tirone had questioned the placement of the dumpster and Mr. Quinn had agreed to move it out of the 100 - foot buffer zone. Mr. Quinn confirmed that all water will stay on the property site and not spill out onto Pinevale Ave. Mr. Tirone would like confirmation that all plantings within the 100 -foot buzzer zone are true native species and not non -hybrids. Mr. Rodolakis mentioned the specific type of lighting being used by the resources area and has stated it maybe be highlighted at wildlife friendly. Mr. Quin will look into specks. There were numerous Reading residents in attendance with concerns about vernal pools, wetland delineation lines, infiltration systems, tree removal, snow removal and overall opposed to the proposed project. Motion to approve a third -party review and an evaluation on the impact of wildlife habitat that this project would create- Motioned by Martha Moore, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, Abstained by Bill McCants, 5-1-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. Motion to continue hearing to next meeting on January 10, 2024- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. 8. 71 Tennison Road -Assessor's Map: 11 Lot: 156 File No. 2023-21 Mrs. Haley gave a brief presentation of her proposed project at her home in the backyard area to the front of them home. The Commission has agreed to do a site visit of the location on December 18, 2023. All work being done is outside of the 35 -foot buffer zone. Permeable pavers are replacing current asphalt. The deck is being rebuilt smaller but with a plunge pool built into it. The plans will decrease the impervious surface by about 2,500 square feet. The Haley s have agreed to clean up the excessive dump piles in the back of the property from over many years. Page 1 3 Motion to continue hearing to next meeting on January 10, 2024- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. 9. Discussion regarding proposed clarifying amendments to Reading's wetlands protection regulations, review and vote. Motion to adopt the amended regulations- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Andrew Dribin, Abstained by Tony Rodolakis, 5-1-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. 10. Meadow Brook Access Easement 11. Old/New Business Violation Notices, yard waste and encroachment on Conservation land, 26 Willow Street Follow-ups 30 Henzie shed, 126 Hanscom Ave, 30 Chequessett, 22, 8, 14, Oakridge Street, 38, 34 Bond, 12. Discussion Items Motion to authorize Chuck Prone to pay for a survey to obtain bids for 1 Waverly Road - Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Andrew Dribin, Abstained by Tony Rodolakis, 5-1-0. The Votes were made by roll call vote. 13. Conservation/DPW Monthly Meeting December 5 14. Bills approved, 15. Administrators Report: Recreational Land Use Summit with Trails Committee, Town Forest, and Conservation Commission, Saturday January 13th from 10-1 PM and January 14th 2-5 has been the most popular dates. Land donation 0 Waverly Road Map 33 Lot 38 16. Minutes for approval: 1118/2023 ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn at 11:55pm by Tony Rodolakis, all in favor. Page 1 4