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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-14 Conservation Commission Minutes�H OfflG Town of Reading RECEIVED Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK a� r. jar" READING, a _ MA. ''axmxepP Board - Committee - commission - Council: 2025 MAR 20 pM 4: Q Conservation Commission Date: 2024-08-14 Time: 07:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Hybrid Meeting - Conservation Commission Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Location: Select Board Meeting Room Session: Open Session Version: Final Brian Bowe, chair, Martha Moore, vice chair, Walter Talbot (Remote), Tony Rodolakis (remote), Chirag Sthalekar, Craig Catalfamo Members - Not Present: Bill McCants Others Present: Chuck Tirone, Conservation Administrator, Payal Patel, Kaushal Patel, D., Bill Stantial, Fred McGrane, Edward K, Grace McGrane, Maureen Herald. Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Chirag Sthalekar Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held in person and remotely via Zoom. Chair Brian Bowe called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Public Hearings 1. 0 Cedar Swamp (North Cedar Swamp) Continue the Public Hearing on a Notice of Intent, filed by Andrew Cole, New England power Group Company (NEP), 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 is proposing general maintenance activity and improvements along the 339/349 transmission line. The activity will include the replacement and relocation of one of the caisson -supported structures, and tree removal within the BVW. All of the work is within the Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland and Wetland Resource Area. The application and plans can be viewed during regular business hours at the Town Hall Conservation Office, 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867, and on the Conservation Division page under the project by year, Assessor's Map 54 Lot 1 Dep File No. 270-0785 Applicant asked for a continuation to the meeting on 28'h August (08128/2024). Martha Moore moved to continue the discussion to the meeting on 280 August. Tony Rodolakis seconded. Approved by roll call vote 6-0-0., Walter Talbot (Remote) YES, Tony Rodolakis (Remote) YES, Chirag Sthalekar, YES, Craig Catalfamo, YES, Martha Moore, YES, Brian Bowe, YES. Page I 1 2. 323 Main Street Open the Public Hearing on a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Edward Kantorosinski under the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, M.G.L. Chapter 131, § 40 and/or the Reading Wetland Protection By-law, Section 7.1, The applicant proposes to install a catch basin and recharge system within an existing parking lot to mitigate ponding and implement stormwater treatment prior to being discharged into nearby wetlands. All work is within the Buffer Zone to a Bordering Vegetated Wetland. The application and plans can be viewed during regular business hours at the Town Hall Conservation Office, 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867, and on the Conservation Division page under project by year. Assessor's Map: 12 Lot: 109 File No. 2024-5 Applicant Giovanni Fodera (Owner, Project Engineer, Fodera Engineering, 28 Harbor Street, Suite 204, Danvers, MA 01923) was present remotely via zoom to describe the project and answer questions. Documents shown: Site Plans (20y old) Giovanni Fodera (remote) described the project which includes 1. Proposed storm water system present northern comer of existing parking lot. 2. Applicant said has a 2025 plan with the demarcated wetland areas and the town map does not show this area as wetlands but was confirmed as such visually and state map. The setbacks were identified on this map. 3. The issue is a run-off directly goes to the back and every time it rains there is ponding and sediment water goes into the wetlands. 4. A catch basin with a sump will do 80% TSS removal when rain over 1 inch. 5. Granite curbing was removed. 6. Pictures of current status were shown. On the visit, no erosion control was observed by the commissioners, but now this has been installed. 7. Some work had begun before the approval. 8. Erosion control barriers installed now to prevent any untreated storm water to get into wetlands Martha Moore covered the details of the site visit. 1. Site visit was attended by Martha Moore, Water Talbot and Brian Bowe. 2. Noticed curbing was installed. 3. Fencing on the south not drawn in plan. Giovanni Fodera said he was not sure why. 4. Pulled out concrete sono tube and broken pieces of asphalt from the back area. This has now been cleaned as per Giovanni Fodera. 5. North side fencing has a hole. The commission observed litter and some wooden pallets in the wetlands through this hole that should be cleared. Additional litter seen on the other side of the fence which should be cleared too. 6. The corner with the installed CULTEC chamber does not go as far as property boundary in the map. 7. The erosion control may not be sufficient, though is not the final position. Giovanni confirmed positioning of erosion control will be modified appropriately once work is done. 8. North landscape area has no plantings, just hard packed dirt as of now. 9. Bittersweet vines removed as much in N/E comer of the property. 10. N/E corner pile of dirt was observed. Giovanni Fodera said this has now been cleaned up. Walter Talbot (remote) requested the debris to be removed in addition to bitter sweets to be removed. A lot of it was removed from the site visit. Page 1 2 Walter Talbot (remote) asked why only 1 inch before rain water enters sump pump? Giovanni Fodera commented that this is the standard for water quality treatment. How is the overflow treated? Giovanni Fodera said the water is processed serially first through the Catch Basin, Infiltration first and then overflow. Martha Moore asked do we expect more erosion and can it be prevented. Giovanni Fodera commented, the water is not expected have a high velocity. Martha Moore asked is there a picture of the CULTEC system. Giovanni Fodera showed the picture and explained its operation. Tony Rodolakis (Remote) asked if test pits had been dug to measure infiltration rate? Giovanni Fodera confirmed yes they had in the North corner. It is a high infiltration soil and Cultec system is installed 2ft above the water table. Measurements were made with respect to the water table. High redox test showed clear distinction between loamy sand and redox levels. Brian Bowe asked why town GIS does not show this land as wetland? Giovanni Fodera said Mass GIS shows, but Reading GIS does not. Brian Bowe suggested looking at correct layers. Brian Bowe asked if after 1 inch, it will go through abore process? Can oil from cars be handled? Giovanni Fodera said a catch basin with a deep sump was installed that meets mass standards. Volume of Cultec chamber is greater than volume of water expected in that area. Volume of water expected is 625 cubic feet. The main motivation of installation being to avoid puddling of water in the back corner. Martha Moore said there is a dumpster right next to this installation. Would leaching from dumpster combine with water and would the drain catch basin be effective? Giovanni Fodera commented that this gets treated the same way and 4ft is sufficient. Martha Moore also asked if they are concerned about adding oil and grease separator. Giovanni Fodera commented that this is not necessary. Martha Moore asked if there is an operation and maintenance plan. Giovanni Fodera commented that they can include one if not already. Cultec system comes with a standard plan. Martha Moore requested details of this should be sent to Chuck Tirone and the owners. Chuck Tirone requested that RipRap be installed around the infiltration system. He asked if assuming it's a brand new system, why is clean water not delivered closer to wetlands. Giovanni Fodera said this is possible. Tony Rodolakis (remote) commented that this may not be necessary since organics from the water growing could be eaten by bugs and clean the remaining 20%. Giovanni said there is a 50ft requirement over vegetated soil hence will have more than 80% TSS removal before reaching wetlands. No more questions from the committee. Discussion opened to general public. Bill Stantial owner of the neighboring property at 335 Main Street was present and approached the microphone. Page 1 3 Bill Stantial asked will this project add water collection problems in their property and mentioned that they had similar issues around 20 years ago. Giovanni Fodera said it will only improve since impervious area will not be added and there will be a decrease in sheet flow. Bill Stantial was satisfied by that answer. Chuck Tirone asked if town engineering had reviewed the plans. Giovanni Fodera commented that Ryan from the Town Engineering office has reviewed and spoken over the phone but has not sent a formal approval. Brian Bowe mentioned that this is absolutely required and will be made a contingency. Chuck should receive a copy of this. Martha Moore moved to issue a negative determination of applicability for 323 Main Street, Tony Rodolakis (Remote) seconded. Conditions 1. Put in native ground cover and shrubs in landscaped area within the 100ft setback line 2. Bittersweet removal and replacement planting that area. To include ground cover, shrubs. Provide plans to Chuck. 3. Remove palettes and litter in the back. 4. Provide written approval from engineering to be provided to Chuck. 5. Riprap around orifice and the outflow. 6. Operation and maintenance plans need to be provided to the owners and Chuck. 7. Reset erosion control after planting. Brian Bowe requested to move for negative determination and have some conditions. Approved by roll call vote 6-0-0., Walter Talbot (Remote) YES, Tony Rodolakis (Remote) YES, Chirag Sthalekar, YES, Craig Catalfamo, YES, Martha Moore, YES, Brian Bowe, YES. 3. 565 West Street Open the Public Hearing on a Notice of Intent, filed by Kaushal Patel, 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 is proposing to raze a portion of the single-family dwelling, deck, patio, stairs, walkway, retaining wall, remove shed and gravel play area, to construct an addition, deck, stairs, farmers porch, patio, pervious walkway, repave driveway, rooftop infiltration, driveway infiltration, cut tree, trim trees, plantings, associated grading, and utilities within the Riverfront and the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland. All of the work is within the Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland. The application and plans can be viewed during regular business hours at the Town Hall Conservation Office, 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867, and on the Conservation Division page under the project by year, Assessor's Map 25 Lot 14, Dep File No. 270-0787 Maureen Herald (Norse Environmental services) present, representing the Patel family Maureen Herald presented the project. Plans Provided included the existing conditions plan. Dwelling built in 1953. Plan described by Maureen Herald. The project includes 1. Take off rear structure 2. Addition to basement with a deck that wraps around 3. Replace patio within existing foorprint. 4. Replace walkway 5. Repave driveway to abate a low spot in front of the driveway Page 1 4 6. Proposing Infiltration trench 7. Proposing Rooftop infiltration at B. within inner riparian zone. Will include planting plans 9. A portion is 35ft zone, constructed before Wetlands protection act and needs a waiver. Propose plantings. 10. One tree needs to be cut down and some need to be trimmed. North east tree has been contacted. 11. Pine brook consulting provided a report and is provided in a notice of intent. Brian Bowe said a site visit is required before full discussion and is set for 211, at 9AM and26th at 9AM. The visit is in 2 parts to accommodate schedules of the committee and Maureen Herald. Brian Bowe requested for the motion to be continued on August 280. Martha Moore moved to continue the hearing on 55 West Street to August 28' . Chirag Sthalekar seconds that. Approved by roll call vote 6-0-0., Walter Talbot (Remote) YES, Tony Rodolakis (Remote) YES, Chirag Sthalekar, YES, Craig Catalfamo, YES, Martha Moore, YES, Brian Bowe, YES. 4.1312 Main Street Open the Public Hearing on a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Johnathon Taubman under the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, M.G.L. Chapter 131, § 40 and/or the Reading Wetland Protection By-law, Section 7.1, The applicant proposes to Install by hand (3) 12-inch diameter concrete code compliant support piers below the existing entry vestibule and replacing the existing wood ramp with a code compliant concrete ramp in the same location with no increase of impermeable surfaces. Site improvements include restoring vegetation within the Zone of Natural Vegetation (ZNV) by planting three native shrubs within a 75 square -foot area. All work is within the Buffer Zone to a Bordering Vegetated Wetland. The application and plans can be viewed during regular business hours at the Town Hall Conservation Office, 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867, and on the Conservation Division page under project by year. Assessor's Map: 51 Lot: 79 File No. 2024-6 Commissioners Bill Nolan, (Architect) representing Jonathan Tubman. Owner is opening a school for guitar. Site used to be veterinary clinic. Started as interior only but issue was seen with handicap ramp. Original intention was only to replace the ramp. The handicap ramp was illegal since the landing was enclosed and was not done correctly. Had to put sono-tubes to support the foundation. Framing inspection, and building department suggested a review by the commission since a foundation is being installed. Hence this is a retro-active request for an RDA. 1. Replacing adequate foundation with 3x12 inch sono tubes. No change to impervious surface. 2. Replacing wood ramp with concrete. Concrete ramp is slightly longer but will meet an existing concrete walkway, so impervious surface will not change. Previously submitted information was available for this property plans submitted few years ago by Jack Sullivan were provided by Chuck Tirone to Bill Nolan. Waiter, Martha and Brian completed a site visit. 1. Walter asked about the property line. Bill Nolan said they are 2 properties, but not sure if owned by same owners. 2. Trash and grass clippings in south side 3. Bittersweet invasives SW and W side Page 1 5 4. Erosion sock on SW side 5. Orange bands on some trees. Are they to be cut down. Bill Nolan said client does not own property. They have no intention to remove any trees. 6. Remove trash of old 4x4 in SW corner, old concrete pillars 7. West side 25ft line has wood chips inside which need plantings. 8. Has there been any medical waste tested in soils? Bill Nolan said no. 9. Pipe extending out of the building draining into wetlands. Bill Nolan said than must be from the sump pump Martha said building is already in 35 ft zone, is it extending now? Bill Nolan said no. They are just improving the foundation. Brian asked about the dumpster in the back parking lot. What is being thrown should we be aware of? Bill Nolan said no. Brian asked for some more cleaning of concrete footings with a square opening in the middle, yard waste and trash, debris etc. and make sure the pipe is a sump pump. Bill Nolan agreed and requested to the sump pump verification as a condition. Tony Rodolakis (Remote) asked if an authorization from property owner is available? Bill Nolan said yes. Tony Rodolakis (Remote) asked about blueberry bushes for mitigation planting, what is being mitigated? Bill Nolan said that was a recommendation from the town to move things along. Other alternatives are also acceptable to help improve habitat, not really mitigation. Chuck saw it as mitigation because a permanent structure is being created and hence some plantings would be good. Chuck said this is a rental property. Brian Bowe said this is an RDA, so we will first list conditions. Martha Moore moved to issue a negative determination of applicability for 1312 Main Street, Chirag Sthalekar (Remote) seconded. Conditions 1. Trash removal on south side 2. Grass clippings removal 3. Remove erosion control sock on south west side 4. Add Riprap drainage from sump pump 5. Remove 4x4s from south west side and the concrete foundation holder 6. On the west side wood chips should be removed and replaced with ground cover 7. Orange ropes on trees left over from last project, should be removed 8. Add a silt sock for erosion control for the new project Bill Nolan asked about the silt sock, if it can be removed till the project is done? Brain said it is not required, Martha agreed that it can be done at its convenience. Martha Moore asked if an erosion control is required? Yes, will be required near the 25ft line. Will be added to conditions. Approved by roll call vote 6-0-0., Walter Talbot (Remote) YES, Tony Rodolakis (Remote) YES, Chirag Sthalekar, YES, Craig Catalfamo, YES, Martha Moore, YES, Brian Bowe, YES. Page 1 6 5. 11 Pinevale Avenue Open the Public Hearing on a Notice of Intent, filed by Daniel and Elisha Willis, 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 is proposing improvements to the porch on the rear of the home and adding a bathroom on top of the improved porch all work is within 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland and Intermittent Stream. All of the work is within the Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland and intermittent stream. The application and plans can be viewed during regular business hours at the Town Hall Conservation Office, 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867, and on the Conservation Division page under the project by year, Assessor's Map 11 Lot 219, Dep File No. 270-0788 Dan Willis and Maureen Herald Plans were provided Dan Willis said, they are asking for a waiver. House has a porch at the back of the house that does not have a proper foundation. They are looking to remove that porch and add a 2 storey addition entirely within the foot print which is still in the 35ft zone. They will mitigate by plantings. Maureen Herald said the entire lot is located within the 100ft zone, hence a waiver from the 35ft zone would be required. Effort is made to not encroach the 25ft zone. They are proposing to improve with native plantings around the backyard and get rid of some of the lawn. Brian Bowe, Martha Moore and Walter Talbot had a site visit and thanked the owner for the cooperative site -visit. Wager Talbot (online) listed observations. 1. Invasive bitter -sweets on NW side. 2. Trampoline temporary to be eventually removed. 3. Bitter -sweets on east side bed 4. Down spouts on the bed should be repositioned to make sure they are draining correctly. One was draining onto a concrete surface, and should be moved to drain into a bed. Martha Moore said the house is sided with asbestos and the home owner has assured that professionals will remove it. We need to make sure we avoid getting into the environement. Martha Moore said some there is a concern about planting plan. There are 2 red maples planned one in each back comer. The one closer to garage has good sunlight but other one may be under the shade of Norway maples and hence may not thrive. Maureen Herald said they can change species or put a shrub as appropriate. Martha Moore said the garden beds near the masonry wall seemed neglected and plantings were in the lawn. Is there a reason not to put them in the garden bed where invasives are finding a foot hold. Dan Willis said one near garage, they will plant appropriately. The one next to the other house, only a portion is owned by the owner. The neighbor would not like to modify though she is in full support of the project. Martha Moore said would like to see invasives controlled and see bittersweets removal near the garage. Dan Willis agreed Brian Bowe asked for picking up the pieces of path to the wall from falling into the buffer Page 17 Chuck Tirone said there is no erosion control on the plan. Maureen Herald said there is mulch sock on the plan labelled along the masonry wall as a dashed line between the plants labeled'ECB'. Chuck Tirone asked about construction entrance. Maureen Herald said it would be the driveway. Chuck Tirone asked about the catch basin on the front. Maureen Herald said construction is in the back. Chuck Tirone requested to clean the street. Martha Moore asked where is the dumpster going to be placed and where will the stock piles be stored. Dan Willis said dumpster will be in the driveway. No answer for stock piles. Brian Bowe confirmed asbestos removal debris will not be dumpster. Maureen Herald and Dan Willis said a professional local company will handle that. Martha Moore said current porch is on sono tubes, but now a foundation will be added, will soil be reused? Maureen Herald said some will be taken away. Martha Moore the extra soil should be covered and controlled for erosion control in case there is rain etc. Martha Moore suggested some stock piling should go in the garage and avoid the 35ft zone. Grassy area should be restored if disturbed due to being used for stock piling. Neighbor Debbie Ribbeiro joined the call to lend support to the project. Brian Bowe said this is a NOI and asked for a motion to close. Martha Moore moved to close the hearing on 11 Pinevale Ave. Chirag Sthalekar seconded. Approved by roll call vote 6-0-0., Walter Talbot (Remote) YES, Tony Rodolakis (Remote) YES, Chirag Sthalekar, YES, Craig Catalfamo, YES, Martha Moore, YES, Brian Bowe, YES. Conditions were listed by Chuck Tirone. 1. Trampoline is semi -permanent to be removed when not required 2. Bittersweet to be removed within boundaries 3. Downspouts to be relocated into garden bed. 4. If dewater when foundation is removed should be reported to the commission. 5. Brian Bowe said removal of wall caps falling into the buffer should be removed. 6. Martin Moore said the red maple in the back corner should be replaced with a shrub. Brian Bower requested Maureen Herald can provide a replacement plan and send to Chuck Tirone. Martha Moore moved to issue the order of conditions for 11 Pinevale Ave. Chirag Sthalekar seconded. Approved by roll call vote 6-0-0., Walter Talbot (Remote) YES, Tony Rodolakis (Remote) YES, Chirag Sthalekar, YES, Craig Catalfamo, YES, Martha Moore, YES, Brian Bowe, YES. Meeting slightly out of order, we will discuss discussion items first Page 1 8 Discussion Items 7. Certificate of Compliance 52 Louanis Drive, Schellenbach Joined by David Calloway from Hancock constructions with Mr. Schellenbach. There was a site walk. Martha Moore reported on the site walk. 1. Found plants inside looked healthy 2. Boxwoods replaced with inkberry 3. Wildflowers in the back are thriving trees and talked with owners about the plantings 4. Some shrubs looked nibbled but 6 are healthy 5. Black eyed susan plantings were thriving and are getting shaded. Some clearing around it should be good. 6. Brian Bowe said we found invasives and were shown to the owner to try and observe and remove. Bittersweets to be removed. Martha Moore suggests cleaning out around. Brian Bowe said progress looks good, plantings looked healthy, nothing can be done till remaining trees are planted. David Calloway said they were aware they cannot close but they just wanted to make sure they are progressing. Brian Bowe asked for them to let Chuck Tirone know when trees are being moved. Martha Moore said bittersweet should be only mechanically removed and the certificate of compliance will not be issued till tree survivability is observed after 1 year of monitoring. Bob Schellenbach was ok with that. Move the trees by September, survivability checked next summer. 8. Certificate of Compliance 18 Whittier Road Map 39 Lot 33, CJM Builders A cite visit was conducted by Brian Bowe, Martha Moore and Water Talbot. Walter Talbot (remote) observed a plastic box trap in the back. Rear fence in back had wood chips instead of ground cover. Also observed 9 shrubs. Martha Moore and Brian Bowe said number of gaps in the fence for wildlife were not specked by 4 were made. Chuck said this should be ok and that they should stay in perpetuity. Martha Moore suggested the downspouts need to be moved and the sparse grass was filled in correctly. Chuck Tirone said one tree was not in good shape. Martha Moore said ground cover is still an issue. Trees and shrubs are sufficient, gut ground cover is not sufficient. This should be at least 6inches to a foot tall. Old/New Business None. Martha asked if notice had been sent to 45 Pearl Street. Chuck Tironehas not sent letter to 45 Pearl Street yet. Page 1 9 9. Conservation/DPW Monthly Meeting August 13 Productive meeting. Erosion at lot 5. They will take a look. 10. Bills approved, Mass Audubon Ecological Extension service, Bare Meadow Chuck Tirone described that $7500 has to be paid for Mass Audubon Ecological Extension service, Bare Meadow. Brian Bowe requested a motion for Chuck Tirone to path bill. Martha Moore motions to pay $7500, Tony Rodolakis seconds. Approved by roll call vote 6-0-0., Walter Talbot (Remote) YES, Tony Rodolakis (Remote) YES, Chirag Sthalekar, YES, Craig Catalfamo, YES, Martha Moore, YES, Brian Bowe, YES. Chuck requested presence of committee at select board meeting on 09/10 to vote on maximum 3 dogs in town forest on leash. Chuck said an approval on the design of `Reading Town Forest" entrance sign will be required. 11. Administrators Report: 12. Minutes for approval: 6/2612024, 7/10/2024, 7/24/2024 minutes to be reviewed at next session. Chuck Tirone commented that the next meeting is an executive session for 87 Walker's brook drive. He asked Tony Rodolakis (Remote) if we need town council? Tony Rodolakis said only engineering would be required. ADJOURNMENT Martha Moore moved to adjourn at 9:26 pm, seconded by Chirag Sthalekar, voted 6-M. Walter Talbot (Remote) YES, Tony Rodolakis (Remote) YES, Chirag Sthalekar, YES, Craig Catalfamo, YES, Martha Moore, YES, Brian Bowe, YES. Page 1 10