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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-10 Conservation Commission Minutes Fq ��, Town of Reading � l'�'�� C�i Ef2 K � r Meeting Minutes =r i`.s C�a . ^o��,:meanwa� 'II,1 a )�a L J fii"i �� � `; J Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Conservation Commission Date: 2024-04-10 Time: 07:00 PM Building: Location: 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, Tony Rodolakis- Member, Walter Talbot- Member, Bill MCCants- Member (signed off at 10:00pm) Members - Not Present: Carl Saccone- Member Others Present: Chuck Tirone- Conservation Administrator, Jennifer Relstab, Alex Rozycki, Karen Herrick, Elaine Parker, Joseph Flurry, Carlton Quinn, Saverio Fulcintini, Mary Richards, Elisha Willis, Jack Sullivan, Aiden Schlotman, Tom Walsh, Patricia Takach, Tom Finn, Kathy McGlathery, Debjyoti Ghosh, Josh Latham 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 7:10 at pm. Hearings Scheduled: 1. Maillet, Sommes, and Morgan construction update, Horsley Witten Jennifer Relstab, Water Resources Engineer with Horsley Witten gave an update with a slide presentation of the project that is happening. Ms. Herrick is excited about this project and she has been in touch with Representative Moultons office about coming out to view the project, pending completion timeline. Elaine Parker- 256 Lowell Street, is concerned about the amount of water that is coming closer to her home and upset by the number of trees that have been removed. Mr. Tirone informed the residents that there are beavers in the area creating that blockage for the time being but there will be a plan to install a beaver deceiver to help with the water levels. Ms. Parker asked if the project was State or Town funded? Ms. Relstab stated the project design was funded through the municipal vulnerability preparedness grant, the Town has also received direct congressional spending, Town select board had also approved ARPA funds, as well as supplementary stormwater enterprise funds. Ms. Relstab also commented that tree removal may be a concem to most residents however the team is replanting about 100 shrubs and 80 trees for replacement within the project area. Joseph Flurry- 20 Willow Street, family is excited for the project. Mr. Flurry has a question about the area closer to 129 Willow Street where there seems to be an extension of the path and it is within 5 feet of his property Page I 1 line and did not appear to be on the original plans and wanted to know if there had been an update in the plans and with it being so close will there be any plantings to help with privacy within his property? Mr. Tirone stated that the path had been there but was not shown on the original plans but is showing now on the updated plans and the project will be following the planting plan that has been sent in to the Commission for approval. Mc Rozycki followed up with Mr. Tirone that the path was always on the construction site plans and the only change that had been made was to make it stone as that area of land in particularly wet. Mr. Rozycki informed lhe resident that they will be seeing more large iruck adivity in the neut 2 months as much soil is going to start to be removed from the project area. 2. 252-262 Main St�eet & 10 Pinevale Avenue-Assessor's Map 11 Lot 192, 194, 196 Dep File No. 270-0779 Mr. Quinn has updated the Commission that they had approval from CPDC earlier in the week. Mr. Quinn also spoke in detail about the dumpster and the enclosure as this is what abutters seem to be most concerned about in the area. The applicant has also agreed to provide a $7,500 donation to help improve the Pinevale Conservation area. The landscaping plan has also been updated to remove 44 existing trees, keep 9 existing trees and plant another 60 trees not including all the shrubs and lower plantings. Mary Richards- 50 Pinevale Avenue, concerned that a project is allowed to happen so close or within a buffer zone of conservation land. Mr. McCants replied to Ms. Richards that the Commission has to follow the rules and regulations . and cannot treat projects differently based on the proposed plans to a particular area. The Commission has to look at the facts presented to them and be mindful of the constraints on their jurisdiction. Ms. Richards would like to do more research about the potential vernal pools in the area and how to get them certified. Members of the Commission only reiterated that the plans for the project within theirjurisdiction is all they are allow to discuss and vote on. The area of concem for Ms. Richards is well out of the jurisdiction of the project hearing. Elisha Willis- 17 Pinevale Avenue, was wondering if the abutters could be notified when work will be done or parking added to the Pinevale entrance7 Mr. Tirone said it would be up to the Commission to decide if abutters would be notified but he says because of the place it would be considered and a good idea to do so. Motion to close hearing on 252- 262 Main Street& 10 Pinevale Avenue- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. 3. 71 Lilah Lane-Assessor's Map 55 Lot 18 Dep File No. 270-0783 Mr. Sullivan had given a summary of the plan changes to the Commission. The owner of the home has agreed to remove the fire pit entirely from the property as well as the ninja training ropes. A material stock pile location has been added to the plans as well as the planting plan. The Commission is conditioning that the shrubs have 80% survival after three years, and 100% for any of the trees being planted. The homeowner has declined to deal with the Buckthorn. Mr. Bowe would like to add that the yard waste and lawnmowers are on the abutting property at 77 Lilah Road. If in fact years down the road it comes to that the piece of property in questions is in fact 71 Lilah Road, that the owners would maintain clean up of that area. The Commission would also like the extended patio to be permeable as well as the slope be stabilized especially if there is heavy rains predicted in the forecast. The pipe under the new pervious pa[io should be protected. Motion [o close the hearing on 71 Lilah Lane- Motioned by Bnan Bowe, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. Motion fo approve a notice of intent for 7l Lilah Lane- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by And�ew Dribin, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vo[e. 4. 44 Chequessett Road-Assessor's Map 28 Lot 131 Dep File No. 270-0782 Mr. Schlotman gave an overview of the changes he had made to the proposed project. The invasive tree in question in the backyard is going to be removed. The plans now show a construction track mat added to the site. This mat will help protect the roots that are buried and protect the trees from injury. A note was added to the plans to have all inorganic material with the 25-foot buffer zone to be removed prior to any planting that occurs. A pool drains basin Page I � crushed stone pit had been added for winterization of the pool. Mr. Rodolakis asked about the dichlorination of the pool water. Ms. Moore believes that the chlorine will be gone on its own as you have to chlorinate the pool continually for it to stay chlorinated. R. Tirone stated homeowners should not add chlorine to a pool within 3 days of draining it. Mr. Rodolakis is requesting an operation maintenance plan based off of the DCR recommendation for draining the pool properly to minimize the chance of chlorine being discharged into the ground. Motion to close hearing on 44 Chequessett Road- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. Motion to issue notice of intent for 44 Chequessett- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, 6-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vo[e. 5. 0 Forest Street(between 126 and 106 Forest Street)Assessor's Map 33 Lot 92 Dep File No. 270- Currently there is not a DEP file number available. Mr. Sullivan gave a detailed presentation of the proposed project on the property. The applicant is looking to build a single-family home and a paved driveway. The Commission has done a site walk of the property. It was agreed on that the flags on the property do not match the numbered flags on the plans. They have also asked for further investigation on the flow of what seemed to be a stream or such, that flows down to the vernal pool. Ms. Moore was asking for clarification on the trees that are planned to be removed for this project. Mr. Sullivan said he would go to the property and mark all the trees to be removed. Mr. Bowe would like to see the plans moved outside of the 35- foot buffer zone. Mr. Sullivan said he would make that adjustment. Mr. Talbot asked if the concrete markers currently on the property are in line with the proposed retaining wall as to which Mr. Sullivan replied, yes. Mr. Sullivan explained the grading that would be involved for water draining after the project is completed. A swale will be created on the back lek of the property so that water does not move towards the abutter. Mr. McCants requested more plantings be added to the plans to cover the amount that is being removed. The Commission has asked for more information as to who approved the Conservation Easement onto the property. Mr. Tirone asked if there was paperwork on the vernal pool for when it was certified in 1992. Also wanted to know what size of the drywell was and if there was a test pit there to know if you have two feet of separation or not. Mr. Sullivan confirmed there was not test hole done but it could get done. Mr. Tirone would like details of the proposed retaining wall and the basement walkout landing added to the plans. Ms. Takach- 111 Forest Street, has concem for the wildlife in the undeveloped area and has also stated her worry for the numerous amounts of turtles in the area that use the vernal pool. Tom Finn- 126 Forest Street, also has concerns about the wildlife in the undeveloped parcel and was curious if flag 61 was actually a vernal pool. He also expressed worry for where the water will drain and will it affect his property. Kathy McGlathery- 104 Forest Street, the integrity of the vernal pool and the maintenance of the lot is important. Motion fo continue the hearing to Apri124, 2024- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, 5-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. OIdINew Business 6. Community Preservation Act Committee vote for Commission's liaison Marth Moore has agreed to be the liaison, pending her schedule. Motion to approve Martha Moore as liaison- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, 5-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. 7. Certificate of Compliance (4), 50 Azalea Circle, Ghosh There has been a request by ihe potential buyers of ihis house to have some of the old order of conditions closed out. Condition 270-162 for the roadway- checked off as no work done. Condition 270-0442- checked off as no work done. Condition 270-0609- checked oH as no work done. Condition 270709-checked off as no work done. Motion to approve 50 Azalea Circle DEP 270-0609 for partial certificate of compliance- Motioned by Tony Rodolakis, Seconded by Brian Bowe, 5-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. aa9e I 3 Motion to approve 50 Azalea Circle DEP 270-0608 for full certificate of compliance- Motioned by Tony Rodolakis, Seconded by Andrew Dribin, 5-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vofe. Motion to approve 50 Azalea Circle DEP 270-162 for partial certificate of compliance- Motioned by Tony Rodolakis, Seconded by Andrew Dribin, 5-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. Motion [o approve 50 Azalea Circle DEP 270-442 Por full certificate of compliance- Motioned by Tony Rodolakis, Seconded by Andrew Dribin, 5-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. 8. Violation Notices, yard waste and encroachment on Conservation Land, Follow-ups 51 Cross Street, 30 Henzie, shed, 126 Hanscom Ave, 30 Chequessett, 22, 8, Oakridge Road, 38, 34 Bond, 445 Pearl Street Discussion Items 9. Bare Meadow land-use discussion continued to April 24 10. ConservationlDPW Monthly Meeting May 7 Martha Moore and Brian Bowe are available to be present at this meeting. 11. Bills approved 4 tubes of Black Balsam tree repair for two damaged trees in Bare Meadow. Motion to approve spending bill for$100- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, 5-0-0. The votes were made by roll call vote. 12. Administrators Report: CR for Lot 4 signatures needed 13. Minutes for approval: 3I27I2024 Motion to approve minutes for 4/10/2024- Motioned by Brian Bowe, Seconded by Tony Rodolakis, Abstained by Andrew Dribin, 4-0-1. The votes were made by roll call vote. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn at 1036pm by Brian Bowe, all in favor. Pa9e I 0