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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-26 Conservation Commission Minutes6�1 Town of Reading RECEIVED Meeting Minutes TOWNREADING A. COY Board - committee - commission - Council: 2825 OCT - 7 I m I! 46 Conservation Commission Date: 2025-03-26 Time: 07:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: Hybrid Meeting - Conservation Version: Final Commission Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Brian Bowe, chair, Martha Moore, vice chair, Tony Rodolakis, Tim Michel (remote), Walter Talbot Members - Not Present: Chirag Sthelekar - on leave Others Present: Chuck Tirone (Conservation Administrator), Ryan Percival (remote), Josh Kline (remote), Andrew Thibault (remote), Ian Ainslie (remote), Sean and Denise Seifert, Jeff Mullen (remote), Christine Curtain, Matt Krekowski, Al Kachinsk, John Arena, Stephen Mays, Andrew Donahue, Lorne McKenna, Adam Drake (remote) Minutes Respectfully submitted By: Emily Mackenzie Kulenkamp Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held in person and remotely via Zoom. Chair Brian Bowe called the meeting to order at 7:06 pm. Public Hearings 1. DPW Paving Project Ryan Percival presented RDA for the annual road paving program for 2025. He showed roughly 11 roads, stating that only about four of these (Avalon Rd, Louanis Dr, Oak Ridge Rd, and Gross St) are in or around a wetland area. Ryan Percival said that the standard practice is to meet on site with Chuck Tirone and the contractor before construction and establish areas where erosion control will be put in. Ryan Percival said the road paving program will put sift sacks on all catch basins for all roads they do, whether they are near wetlands or not. Ryan Percival said all the paving for this year is reclaims and that there will be some previous road work not finished under last year's contract resuming, including Summer Ave off Woburn St. Page I r Martha Moore asked whether erosion control on Dana Rd would be continued. Ryan Percival said yes, that is one of the contracts that was not finished last year and erosion control and any other work that needs to be done will be done this year. Martha Moore confirmed that Chuck Tirone will visit the site with Ryan Percival to see where the erosion control is going to go; Ryan Percival agreed. Tony Rodolakis asked if there are plans to improve curbs or install curbs in town. Ryan Percival said there are not under the Road Paving Program although there might be minor curb repairs done as part of the paving. Ryan Percival said that the expense of granite curbing is astronomical compared to the budget of the Road Paving Program and that they might address major erosion with curbing or an asphalt berm, but have no plans to do that this year. Brian Bowe asked about Prescott St between Summer and West being paved by a utility. Ryan said that street is not jurisdictional. Martha Moore moved for a negative determination, Walter Talbot seconded, Walter Talbot in favor, Tim Michel in favor, Tony Rodolakis in favor, Martha Moore in favor, Brian Bowe in favor. (5-0 in favor). 2.153 Belmont St Chair opened public hearing on request for determination filed by Patrick Bums under MA WPA and Reading wetlands protection bylaw. The applicant proposed construction of a 12' by 35' deck off the side of the existing four -season sunroom. All of the work is within a 100' buffer zone and plans can be viewed at the town hall conservation office and on the conservation division page. Assessor's map 60 lot 11 P File 2025-4. Sean and Denise Seifert stated they are the property owners and are here. Sean Seifert stated they are looking to remove stairs going to the yard and add a deck along the back of the house. Brian Bowe asked Martha Moore to walk the committee through their site visit Monday. Martha Moore confirmed she, Brian Bowe, and Chuck Tirone met with the contractor and confirmed where the wetland line was. Martha Moore said the concern was that the wetland line bows in near the comer of the deck and may be not quite 35' from the wetland line. Brian Bowe stated he and Chuck Tirone found skunk cabbage, a wetland indicator, about 35' feet from the proposed construction. Brian Bowe stated that there is a wood pile which is a structure that is too close to the wetland and must be removed but that temporary structures currently near the wetland were okay. Chuck Tirone said he checked the wetland line and measurement by the first visible breaking slope would put the edge of your project 33' feet away when it needs to be 35' feet away. Chuck Tirone stated that in response to this sort of situation the contractor typically designs a cantilevered deck, which would be acceptable. Sean Seifert stated they have discussed a cantilevered deck with the contractor and he would send the plans to the commission. Brian Bowe asked if there were any question from the commission and then invited questions from the public. Jeff Mullen of 99 Charles St asked for a general timeline of the project (via Zoom). Sean Seifert responded it will likely be done in April or early May. Tony Rodolakis moved for a negative determination. Walter Talbot seconds, Walter Talbot in favor, Tim Michel in favor, Tony Rodolakis in favor, Martha Moore in favor, Brian Bowe in favor. Martha Moore stated cantilevered deck as a condition and Brian Bowe stated move the wood pile as a condition. Sean and Denise Seifert accept these conditions. 3. 885 Main St Page 1 2 Notice of intent to build a commercial two-story childcare facility by Primrose School Franchise and Company. The application proposes construction of a two-story childcare facility including play yard, infrastructure, parking lot (40 spaces), retaining wall, and water infrastructure. Portions of project are within wetland area. Assessor's map 28 lot 133 File 207-0796. Andrew Thibault of Goddard Consulting, Josh Kline of Stonefield Engineering Design, and Adam Drake from Stonefeld Engineering Design attended via Zoom. Andrew Thibault said this is a roughly 1.94 acre parcel bordered by single family houses and currently developed with a house and pool. Andrew Thibault states that there is a mapped wetland toward the north of the property and the Goddard found extensive deciduous wooded swamp which has been accounted for in planning and they received no technical comments from DEP at the time of wetland determination in fall 2024 (DEP 207 0796). Josh Kline showed the commission a plan for the redevelopment and states the building would be about 7,000 square feet with 40 parking spaces and two play areas. Josh Klein says there are no improvements or disturbance planned within the 25' set back and there will be disturbance within 35' setback but no structures. Josh Kline discussed drainage system that allows the water to go to the wetland area and that the project proposes 330 plants. Martha Moore asked about the dimensions of a retaining wall for a play area planned mostly within the 100' zone. Josh Kline answered that the retaining wall would be balanced on either side of the site, resulting in a wall ranging from 2' to 9'. Martha Moore stated that, although it is not a Conservation Commission issue, she is concerned about the danger posed to children playing potentially falling over the retaining wall if safety fencing fails. Martha Moore stated she is concerned about the water outflow in the upper right of the plan and that she would like to see that water treated and then aimed toward the wetland rather than away. Josh Kline stated that they can change the angle but also said that specific drain will see very little drainage. Josh Kline described their intent to clean up any trash currently in the wetland as mitigation and proposal of an outdoor observation area including picnic tables or benches. Martha Moore asked how water from the Frances Dr side of the property will get to the wetland. Josh Kline said they are planning a swale to divert stormwater back to the wetland and that there is an inlet flowing to the wetland. Martha Moore and Josh Kline discussed being cautious with condition phrasing as there is trash in the wetland area in the back corner of 877 Main St that the applicant could not access, as it is on another property. Martha Moore said that there is more lighting leakage onto the wetland than she would like to see. Josh Kline stated that the planned LSI Meridia fixtures are dark sky approved and the lighting leakage would be insignificant. Martha Moore said on plan C9 two trees are marked with tree protection fences and said I don't know how you are going to protect that deciduous tree if the land is going to be regraded. Josh Kline reiterates their intention to save those trees and says if they fail they will replace them. Martha Moore asked about non-native plants inside the 100' zone and said they have chosen a variety rather than true natives. Josh Kline says they are open to different plants but they do want diversity. Brian Bowe stated there are several cultivars rather than true natives. Martha Moore said she is concemed about the spacing of the spruce trees. Josh Kline said their trunks are intended to be 8' apart. Tony Rodolakis expressed concern about new trash blowing into the wetland and asked for an operation and maintenance longterm plan. Josh Kline states the property will be Page 1 3 professionally managed. Tony Rodolakis asked Josh Kline to talk about stormwater treatment and asks what the maximum precipitation event for this design is. Josh Klein said they are proposing a chambered underground infiltration system with an isolator row of chambers to catch suspended solids and outlet control device and have calculated based on 2, 10, 25, and 100 year stone events. Josh Kline stated that they expect the water treatment plan to help catch grease and oils via the hood and sump system. Tony Rodolakis asked about synthetic materials used outside the daycare possibly floating into the wetland. Josh Kline said the play area is synthetic turf which is a complete turf section with no rubber beads and they will use wood mulch rather than rubber mulch. Tony Rodolakis asked what the PFAS composition of the synthetic turf is. Chuck Tirone asked about possible microplastics in the synthetic turf and disposal of turf waste in the future as well as asking if the grass fibers have an infill. Chuck Tirone stated 6 PPD quinone has been known to kill rainbow trout and that the commission can extend jurisdictional setbacks if needed. Chuck Tirone stated that turf is a hazardous waste and applicant needs an operation and maintenance plan to cover disposal. Josh Kline stated the infill is envirofill and that he can add operation and maintenance details. Tony Rodolakis asked if they have modeled how stormwater in the wetland will change. Josh Kline stated it will meet state and local practices and remove phosporus. Walter Talbot asked if parking area drains into a stormtec system. Josh Kline stated that water will be pretreated by a catch basin and sump and hood which will help trap floatables and grease/oils. Chuck Tirone asked why not describe this as an oil/water separator? Josh Kline stated it works in a similar fashion but is not technically an oil/water separator. Bran Bowe asked if it is as effective. Josh Kline said it is not but is accepted and widely used. Brian Bowe stated that a lot of grading will be required and asks how far away erosion control is from the closest area of the grading. Josh Kline says there will be some placed near the 25' mark. Brian Bowe asks how they will mitigate possible overwhelm. Josh Kline said utilizing two layers of fencing. Brian Bowe asked about the tree protection fence. Josh Kline describes it as typical orange construction fencing. Brian asked if the parking could be straight across rather than having a bump out. Josh Kline says it makes parking easier. Brian asks for sequencing. Josh Kline states perimeter controls should be out there when construction starts. Brian asked for tree protection fence to be positioned to protect tree roots. Brian Bowe requested marking trees with ribbons and Josh Klein agrees to flag the trees to remain. Brian Bowe asks the commission to motion to ask Chuck Tirone to retain a third - party reviewer. Tony Rodolakis so moves, Walter Talbot seconds and in favor, Tim Michel in favor, Tony Rodolakis in favor, Martha Moore in favor, Brian Bowe in favor. Brian Bowe asked if anyone online had questions and then asked for in -person public comments, stating please be brief and don't feel the need to repeat previous comments. John Arena, 26 Francis Dr, asked what the significance of 100', 35', and 25' feet are. Brian Bowe explained that 100' is the Conservation Commission's jurisdiction, 35' is the distance from the wetland in which no structure is allowed, and 25' is the distance from the wetland in which no disturbance is allowed. John Arena also asked a question about permitting that Brian Bowe stated was more a question for the planning committee. Chuck Tirone added that there is a planning meeting in April. Stephen Mays, 59 Francis Dr, asked what will happen to winter treatment (salt, sand, etc.) at the new property. Josh Kline said generally, the property wouldn't use rock salt and would use MgCl in jurisdictional area. Brian Bowe stated the commission would want to document Page 14 this as a condition. Josh Kline said we would use any kind of product approved by Massachusetts for the circumstances and offered to come back with more information. Andrew Donahue, 35 Duck Rd, asked if the town has different conditions than the state and how do we know what winter treatment materials they are using? Josh Klne stated that enforcement is a tough question although there are procedures for inquiry. Chuck Tirone said it is hard to police after the commission issues an OOC; they will have a log for a stormwater structure and we could add a line item. Andrew Donahue said that the neighbors like the wildlife in the woods and asked what will happen to the deer? Brian Bowe stated that the Conservation Commission's jurisdiction is protecting habitat. Stephen Mays, 59 Francis Dr, asked about the impact on the vernal pool on the peoperty. vernal pools on the property. Brian Bowe said the vernal pool buffer is 100' and his understanding is that neither of the developments are within 100'. Chuck Tirone asked how much review went into the certified vernal pool and states that upstream and downstream should be checked, now that it is vernal pool season. Andrew Thibault said there are two vernal pools, one about 125' and one about 200' feet away from the development and that only the lowest level of their site had surface saturation and no indication of vernal pool on their site. Brian Bowe points out that it has been severely dry for seven months. Andrew Thibault agreed to check again for vernal pool habitat. Tony Rodolakis specified looking for egg masses and chorusing. Martha Moore explained that chorusing means hearing the frogs calling. Lorne McKenna, 34 Duck Road, said there's a reason why developers have been unsuccessful with this property before and it's because it's wetlands and they should be protected; development even with these boundaries is reckless and the community is in the process of retaining an environmental attorney. Lorne McKenna asks for a third party review of whether there is another vernal pool on the site and requests a complete environmental impact assessment including the impact of traffic, delivery, and routes for emergency services, and more specifics on the water drainage plans. Louie McKenna asks what research has been done to show that the animals will not be very impacted and asks how disruptive lighting at night will be both to neighbors and to the protected species. Brian Bowe asked if they are over MEPA thresholds, Josh said they are not. Brian Bowe stated that this hearing will be continued. Josh Kline states that this hearing is to get feedback from the commission and members of the community. Someone said that some of these questions are really for the planning commission. Andrew Thibault stated that Goddard has wildlife biologists on staff. Christine Curtain, 55 Francis Dr, said she would like to see the architects' plans with elevations to know what neighbors will be looking at. Chuck Tirone said you will see those at the planning board and asked if there is a shading plan available. Josh Kline said that is not usually done but that the already -submitted planning board application has 3D renderings. Matt Krekowski, 911 Main St, stated he has a culvert in his yard and that a pool at 917 pools and floods his yard. Matt Krekowski stated that the culvert comes from the other side of Main St and asks what his recourse is if this project goes in and it floods his house. Brian Bowe said this might be a question for DPW. Al Kachinsk, 23 Duck Rd, asked what the blue and pink ribbons represent. Andrew Thibault said the blue flags are wetland flags and the pink flags demarcate the various buffer zones. At Kachinsk said years back, I had a tree, I called the committee and you all came down, it Page 1 5 is at a 45 degree angle. He stated he was not allowed to take the tree down but the daycare is the same distance from the wetlands as the tree he wasn't allowed to take down. Chuck Tirone said we have reworked our tree policy so you might submit to the commission again. Andrew Kachinsk asked what allows a structure to be built in a wetland. Chuck Tirone stated that it is on dry land in the buffer area rather than on a wetland. Al Kachinsk asked for clarification on the tree planting. Chuck Tirone said there is a tree plan. Chuck Tirone explained that a wetland scientist will delineate the wetlands by classifying all trees and shrubs on both sides of the line, also hydrology and soils, grey soils have had minerals drained out of them. Chuck stated that the Conservation Commission then certifies the wetland line. Chuck Tirone asked for a calculation of the pervious and impervious areas and asked if there is easy enough access to go down into the wetlands for cleanup without going over retaining walls. Chuck Tirone asked what the plan is for more snow storage and if the applicant has met the commission's tree policy. Josh Kline stated that snow would not be stored within the 25' or 35' range but that excess snow would be removed by a private hauler. Josh Kline said they would provide clearer documentation about show storage and management the next time they come before the commission. Chuck Tirone suggests that the commission send him any more questions or comments to send to Josh Kline, Josh Kline says they would appreciate that feedback. Martha Moore said I am noticing that your dumpster location is not right up against the wetland line; I like that but I am not sure the neighbors will like that. Brian Bowe said let's go over what we've discussed before continuing: Dark sky compliance of light, update planting plan, update O and M plan, model the wetland for the expected loss of volume, update the erosion control, review the vernal pool and habitat area, show where the snow storage is, provide our calculations of impervious land, show access to wetland for clean up, update the planting plan with true natives, submit the architecturals to the Conservation Commission also, a third party review on the stormwater. Brian Bowe asks if there are any other takeaways from the consultants. Josh Kline said no, we appreciate the comments. Brian Bowe suggests they ask for a continuance. Chuck Tirone suggested April 2V or May 1411 as possible dates. Martha Moore moved to continue the hearing to the 23'e. Walter Talbot seconds and in favor, Tony Rodolakis in favor, Martha Moore in favor, Brian Bowe in favor, Tim Michel in favor. (5-0) (Commission took a short break.) 4. 695 Pearl St Brian Bowe said our purpose is to review bids that have been submitted and decide whether to go forward with ft. He stated the LEC proposal is the only one we have to review, which Chuck Tirone confirmed. Tony Rodolakis stated their proposal says they will put new flags in the field and provide a sketch. Chuck Tirone stated that the application has requested this and will pay for it. Tony Rodolakis moves to approve LEC. Martha Moore seconds, Tim Michel in favor, Martha Moore in favor, Brian Bowe in favor. (4-0, Walter Talbot out of room). Old/New Business 1. 246-248 Walnut Street Engineer Ian Ainslie presents minor plan changes. On behalf of the applicant Stoa Construction he presented proposed modification to previously discussed conditions. The plan modification is for a berm and fence to be installed along the property line to screen the permitted subdivision from the 93/95 interchange. Ian Ainslie has shown the trees on the Page 1 6 updated plan and taken another site visit with the commission. Ian Ainslie said they determined there was one 6 inch diameter tree that would additionally need to be removed and they changed the height of the berm of the from 3' to 2' in order to narrow the berm. He said they pulled the berm back to the 35' range and ended the chainlink fence at the 100' zone. Ian Ainslie said we added a detail to the plan to show the dimensions and materials of the berm. Martha Moore asked if there had been concerns about the driveway at the last meeting. Ian Ainslie said they pulled the turnout of the driveway in and further away from the berm and a condition would still be avoiding the trees. Martha Moore asked about ending the fence at the 1 00'foot line, as discussed during site visit. Ian Ainslie, said yes, we intend to; the stone fence is the 100' line. Chuck Tirone said taking down an additional tree needs to be taken into account for mitigation; even though we are adding a tree to the cut down list we are still getting significant mitigation for this project as a whole. Martha Moore said we might be able to swap a tree for a different tree but that is to be determined. Ian Ainslie agreed and Brian Bowe stated that could happen as long as tree -removers didn't change the plan without asking. Tony Rodolakis moves to approve amended plan, Walter Talbot seconds and in favor, Martha Moore in favor, Tim Michel in favor, Brian Bowe in favor. (5-0) 2. 1503 Main St Compliance Accommodation Request Brian Bowe said this house does not yet have a certificate of compliance because they had not yet placed the stone markers that were required on the side of the property on the wetland side. Chuck Tirone explained this is a two -lot development with 1503 finished a lot sooner than 505. Chuck Tirone said Mr. Garrett Alpha -Cobb had some issues with incurring the additional expense himself as it was not done by the developer. Chuck Tirone said he talked to Garrett Alpha -Cobb and the Alpha -Cobb family about an accommodation for this family of markers at every 80' rather than at every 40'. He promised to put one at the end of his property lines and every 80' and requested waiving the requirement for the as -built plan as the commission knows this property well. Chuck Tirone said they are asking for the waiver of requirement for a professional engineer to revisit the site, suggesting that maybe the commission could go again, as the applicants have had to pay for these conditions themselves. Chuck Tirone said we are holding some money from the developer. Martha Moore asked if the front property (1505) is a separate issue and Chuck Tirone confirmed that it is. Chuck Tirone said the homeowner accidentally took down previous zone markers thinking they were placed by hunters. Chuck Tirone said it's been 5-7 years and the developer has not been cooperative. Chuck Tirone stated the commission is holding $5,000 and a request has to come from the developer before they consider releasing the money. Chuck Tirone stated that the money can only be released to the developer, not to the homeowner to cover these costs, as per Town Council. Martha Moore confirmed that as mitigation he will try to keep the knotweed and the buckthorn under control and that she thinks it's a good idea. To Rodolakis moves to accept proposal, Walt Talbot seconds and in favor, Tim Michel in favor, Tony Rodolakis in favor, Martha Moore in favor, Brian Bowe in favor. (5-0). Discussion Items Page 1 7 Conservation -DPW Meeting on April 10' Martha Moore said she can be there and Brian Bowe said he is pretty sure he can be as well. Minutes for approval: 1-22. Martha Moore said Tony was going to write that and Tony Rodolakis said he hasn't written it. Martha Moore stated she has a W-9 form filled out from an applicant who is interested in doing our minutes. Tony Rodolakis says the 1-22 minutes are about 85% done but he would be happy to share them and would like to have the applicant do them as he would not be able to finish quickly Brian Bowe asks for a motion to approve minutes writer. Chuck Tirone said we want to make a motion using the State Wetland Fee Fund to accept or hire. Tony Rodolakis moves to use state wetland fee fund to hire a minutes taker at $250/set of minutes, Walter Talbot seconds and in favor, Tim Michel in favor, Martha Moore in favor, Brian Bowe in favor. (5-0) Martha Moore asked if she should explain any possible conflict of interest and stated for the record that the applicant is her daughter-in-law. Brian Bowe asked about minutes approval for February 12th. Martha Moore moved to approve, Walter Talbot seconds, Walter Talbot in favor, Tim Michel in favor, Tony Rodolakis in favor, Martha Moore in favor, Brian Bowe in favor. (5-0) Martha Moore moves to accept February 26th minutes as amended. Walter Talbot seconds, Walter Talbot in favor, Tim Michel in favor, Tony Rodolakis in favor, Martha Moore in favor, Brian Bowe in favor. (5-0) Martha Moore suggested the commission vote on the March 12th minutes next week since not everyone has read them. Tony Rodolakis asked if the town has a map of conservation lands and abutting properties available to use as a guide of possible properties to acquire easements or purchase. Brian Bowe said he asked for that information for that kind of information and got a very large sloppy database with lots of replication and what have you and spent some time cleaning it up. Chuck Tirone suggested that's something the town GIS person could do and stated that the open space plan has a list of areas that we want if they become available. Chuck Tirone asked Walter Talbot to update the commission about the town forest meeting. Chuck Tirone said he wants the Town Forest and Conservation Commission dog policies to be more in line. Walter Talbot said the town forest meeting refused to discuss the list of arbor day plants and said they would talk about it at the library in April. Martha Moore said the town forest meeting insisted on paw -paws and Mike Hannaford had with him list of 15 trees or so that he can get in bundles of 100. Martha Moore said that list included both native and non-native species but they found chokecherry, a native species. Martha Moore said someone pointed out that they are poisonous and Mike Hannaford said there already are lots of chokecherries in Reading. Walter Talbot said one of the meeting members had been maintaining paw -paws without them spreading. Brian Bowe said Town Forest committee backed the paw -paws idea. Mike Hannaford and Bill Sullivan are planning to walk the forest March 27th. Chuck Tirone says they are not protecting the trees and just counting on volume. Chuck Tirone says they wanted to use DPW equipment, which he did Page 18 not get feedback on. Chuck Tirone says he would personally like to use the water truck to take care of town forest and conservation commission planting. Martha Moore said the day that they are planting the water truck will be full and there and they will ask people to use jugs to water the trees that day. Martha Moore said she is on the CPA study committee and she has been asked to go to various committees for open space. Chuck Tirone suggested Brian Bowe could contact Bill Sullivan to make sure their dog policies are more in line. Brian Bowe said they're saying 3 dogs per person and Conservation Commission is saying 2. Tony Rodolakis moved to adjourn at 9:55. Martha Moore seconds and in favor, Walter Talbot in favor, Tim Michel in favor, Brian Bowe in favor. (5-0) Page 1 9