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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-13 Conservation Commission MinutesPq e Town of Reading RECEIVED TOWN Meeting Minutes CLERK READING, MA, Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2025 OCT -7 PM 1: 45 Conservation Commission Date: 2024-11-13 Time: 07:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting 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, Chirag Sthalekar, Tim Michele, Walter Talbot (remote) Members - Not Present: Others Present: Chuck Tirone, Conservation Administrator, Michael Kessman, Assistant Director of DPW (remote), Chris Cole, Director of DPW, Ian Ainsley (remote), Eleanor and Adam Chankoff (remote), Steve DiFiora from Phoenix Architects (remote), Jeremy Fontaine (remote), Janis Kearny (remote), Allistair Sores, Andrew McNichol, Krisoula Veridakis Design Build firm, Michael Aksiak, Andrei Billows, Members of the Public who spoke: Carl Torno, Pat Crowley, Kaden Bursekowski, Tom Gudedaro, Jim Riley, Betty McGrath, Karen Herrick (remote), Mike Devenecucci, Susan Nelson, David Committo Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Martha Moore Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held in person and remotely via Zoom. Chair Brian Bowe called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Public Hearings 1. 0 Strout Ave. Mr. Kessman described the plan for siting 2 8x40 foot storage containers between the two garages and installing underground electric at the end of Strout Ave. They will prepare a gravel base. They will also move an existing gate to block unauthorized vehicles. The containers will be used to store the extra trash carts that will be purchased this spring. Vehicle access will be open to DPW only. Mr. Tirone clarified that pedestrians and dogs will be able to go around the gate to access the forest. Mr. Bowe paused to read the official blurb about the project. page 1 1 Ms. Moore asked about possible alternate sites and about possible mitigation. There are no good alternate sites, but Mr. Kessman agreed to do some mitigation for the project, either on site or elsewhere in town. Chris Cole nodded yes. Mr. Talbot asked whether they will be washing out any of the barrels on site. There may not be running water at this location. Mr. Kessman replied that they could clean the barrels at the DPW yard if needed. Mr. Rodolakis asked about short term and long term maintenance. Mr. Kessman replied that there are a couple of broken window panes on the garage that need to be mended in the short term, and that the garage roof may need new shingles in about 20 years. Mr. Rodolakis said he really meant maintenance on the containers, and asked what type of paint they will be covered with. Mr. Kessman said they will not need maintenance, they are one trip containers. He does not know what kind of paint they have. Mr. Bowe requested that they limit activities on site. If new activities are desired, the DPW should come back to request a permit for them. He checked to confirm that there will be no changes to the buildings or the parking area, not resurfaced or sealed. He said that we were told that the expected frequency of visits would be 1 — 2 per month and that they will come back to the commission to request a change if they need more. Mr. Kessman replied that it might be more often during the initial roll -out, but then it should taper off. Mr. Bowe asked whether the old posts will be removed before moving the gate. Answer: Yes. Mr. Bowe confirmed that there will be no erosion into or storage in the wetland. Mr. Kessman replied that they will use a chain to pull the old posts out and dispose of them immediately. Fill holes with gravel. Mr. Tirone said that there should be no overnight parking and nothing left outside the containers. Mr. Tirone asked whether work will happen on the pavement outside. Mr. Kessman replied that the work will be done in the garage, not outside on the pavement. Public Comment: Carl Tomo 43 Vine Street asked is this temporary? Will the containers be removed? Will there be remediation? Mr. Kessman replied that he is not sure about 10 — 20 years out. Mr. Bowe confirmed that there is no short term date that this will be over. Mr. Torno requested that they not be left rusting away in the future. Mr. Rodolakis said that removal of the containers would also require a fling because they are in the buffer zone. Joseph White 65? Prescott Street asked why not put them on DPW land? Not covering grassy field with containers. Mr. Kessman replied that there is no available space at the DPW. Ms. Moore explained that the resident misunderstood the location. The containers will be inside the fenced area between the two buildings. Move to close by Martha Moore, seconded by Tony Rodolakis Roll Call vote in favor 6 — 0 — 0 Walter Talbot (remote) Yes, Chirag Sthalekar Yes, Tony Rodolakis Yes, Tim Michele Yes, Martha Moore Yes, Brian Bowe Yes. Conditions: Mitigation will be arranged with Chuck Tirone No different uses permitted No work on the building or pavement Limit on frequency of visits Maintain the exterior of the containers, no Flaking paint. No additional lights No major cleaning Page 1 2 Move to issue the Order of Conditions by Martha Moore, seconded by Tony Rodolakis Roll Call vote in favor 6 — 0 — 0 Walter Talbot (remote) Yes, Chirag Sthalekar Yes, Tony Rodolakis Yes, Tim Michele Yes, Martha Moore Yes, Brian Bowe Yes. 2. 32 Harvard St. Mr. Ainsley said that the stockpile area is now marked on the plan. The construction entrance will be the driveway. Debris will be removed from wetland. They added 2 cul tec chambers and a rainbarrel to deal with stormwater. There will be a second line of erosion control along the 25 foot line. There will be a line of erosion control along the edge of the wetland when work is done behind the 25 foot line. The planting schedule for the area where the shed is now, plus a 3 foot planting strip which will be seed mix plus shrubs. There will be Do Not Mow signs. Mr. Bowe said Thank you for the changes, and asked Where is the planting strip? Mr. Ainsley replied that between flags 2A and 4A the planting will be along the wetland line, beyond 4A planting follows the tree line. Mr. Bowe said that he wants the planting in the buffer zone, not inside the wetland. He requested a copy of the Operations and Maintenance document for the pervious pavers. He asked what water will go into the rain barrel. Mr. Ainsley replied that the new portion of the house will go into the cul tec chambers. The rain barrel will catch water from the existing house on the rear side. The chambers will collect 75% of the water, the rain barrel will collect 25% of the water. Mr. Tirone asked whether they performed ground water analysis for the cul tec. Mr. Ainsley said they did not dig a test pit. The plan will call for 2 feet above the water table. If it can't fit, they could move them to the front of the house to capture the front portion of the house. Move to close by Martha Moore, seconded by Tony Rodolakis Roll Call vote in favor 6 — 0 — 0 Walter Talbot (remote) Yes, Chirag Sthalekar Yes, Tony Rodolakis Yes, Tim Michele Yes, Martha Moore Yes, Brian Bowe Yes. Conditions: Trash in the wetland in back will be removed Plantings outside the resource area Operations and Maintenance plan for pervious pavers Granite bounds to be placed at both property lines at the 25 foot line. Move to issue the Order of Conditions by Martha Moore, seconded by Tony Rodolakis Roll Call vote in favor 6 — 0 — 0 Walter Talbot (remote) Yes, Chirag Sthalekar Yes, Tony Rodolakis Yes, Tim Michele Yes, Martha Moore Yes, Brian Bowe Yes. 3. 0 Vine Street continuing the public hearing about the MBTA track Mr. Fontaine said that we met on December 16. They want to add a turn back track using the existing ballast and right of way. They will dig a new conduit for the signal. He said that work in the buffer zone is exempt. The turnout switches are outside the buffer zone. Mr. Rodolakis requested that we arrange for a site visit. Mr. Fontaine said that he will check with operations. Mr. Bowe requested to see the narrowest part. Mr. Fontaine replied that the whole thing is the same width. The commission negotiated a date for a site visit, either Jan. 15 or 22 in the morning. The engineering staff and planning staff will also be invited. There are at least 2 streams/drainage ditches along Vine St. Ms. Moore asked to see the two parts of the track that go through the jurisdictional area. Page 1 3 Mr. Fontaine said that they will want to limit the number of people on the site visit due to safety. Not 20 people. Mr. Tirone said that it would be around 10. Mr. Sthalekar asked where does the train wait? How short is it? Track is 4500 feet. Alistair Sores said that they plan to provide 2 trains per hour. Future electrification. When you enter the siding the engineer gets out and moves to the other end of the train. Tests the brakes. The train stays on the siding less than 15 minutes. Currently the train idles at the Reading station for 45 minutes. Train will stop near the end of the track. Total idling time will be about the same. Mr. Tirone asked why will they park the train at the very end of the track within the most sensitive area with wetlands on either side? Under N2 2b3 the Conservation Commission can eliminate that section of the project. He spoke to the residents: The goals of the Commission may be different than the residents. We want to push this project out of the wetlands. The Wetlands Protection Act makes us protect the 8 interests of the Act. Mr. Fontaine pointed out that they will only be in the buffer zone. Ms. Moore commented that there is wetland on both sides of the tracks. A diesel spill would flow down the ballast and into the wetland. Mr. Sores said that a leak is unlikely. An accident would be more likely on the main track. Mr. Rodolakis said that not building the track would not prevent providing the service. Mr. Sores said that the state is asking for improved service to Reading and within Route 128. Mr. Rodolakis asked how would no action alternative that does not change existing conditions allow exemption? Public Comment: Mr, Bowe said that there are a lot of people here, please only address what is in our jurisdiction. Don't repeat what someone else has said. 2 minutes per speaker, 30 minutes total. Audience member: When will you discuss other solutions? Mr. Bowe said that we have to stick with the regulations that we are expected to adhere to. Mr. Tirone said if you don't get a chance to talk tonight, you can email me. Carl Torno 43 Vine St. asked How will it be set up? Will It have to get wider? Idling Will oil get into the groundwater? Mr. Fontaine said that the Right of Way will not be widened. They will not expand the ballast. Mr. Sores said that is shown on the plan. Minimal risk of oil leaks due to short time on that track. Pat Crowley 71 Vine St. Was here to present to the Select Board. MBTA did not go to the town. She tried to talk about another location, but Mr. Bowe cut that off. This is not essential government function. Anti Idling law of less than 5 minutes. People are here to talk about Conservation Land and Tannerville who reside on the old Reading train station. Kaden Bursekowski 27 Woodward Ave. 10 years old, Barrows student said that he enjoys the Conservation Land. He does not want pollution to impact his enjoyment of the time outside. He does not want to miss out on future field trip to the Conservation Land. Tom Gudedaro Vine St. He gave a presentation to the Select Board last night. Slide #1 map of wetlands and proposed track. Wetlands and schools are marked on the map. Jim Riley 87 Hancock St. As trains idle they increase diesel fumes in the air, near Tannerville and Parker Middle School where there are outdoor games all summer long. Conservation land is a major issue. There are other alternatives that are not in the Page 14 Conservation area. He suggests that we walk the proposed alternatives that are not in the conservation area. Betty McGrath 76 Vine St. Health concerns, de-icing, fuel spills. Her husband has Parkinson's. Don't train fumes in Conservation impact the conservation area? Mr. Bowe reminded her that Health is not our purvue. Karen Herrick (remote) Select Board member checked first to see if there were 3 Select Board Members present. She is concerned about Health, but wants to ask about the Environmental Justice area along Vine St. Is this related to the wetland? Is the MBTA is paying attention to this? We don't want to burden already burdened neighborhoods. Mr. Fontaine said that he will get back to us on that. Janis Kearney, Chief of Environmental said that they will get back to us Mike Devenecucci 14 Vale Rd. said that we are scheduling a site visit, what are the reasons? What questions will he want to ask at the next hearing? Verify the wetland line Vegetation and yard waste along the track Verify site conditions, erosion control issues, steep slopes, proximity of the resource area Protect resource area We've never walked these tracks Susan Nelson 128 Vine St. asked exactly where will the trains be parked? Which house numbers on Vine St. will be directly affected? What is the proposed completion date? David Committo 21 Woodward Ave. said that there is a conflict or irony between the Commission and the residents here. People are worried about noise, polluction, etc. Our goal is to protect wetland, this pushes trains closer to the residents. Is it ourjob to refer this issue to other town departments? Mr. Tirone said that the staff at Town Hall is a close group, the planning department, engineering department, etc. will come on the site visit. Mr. Committo asked if there is a Case Number? Mr. Tirone said that we have a DEP File number for our portion of it. He said that the MBTA came to us because they know they have to talk to the town. James Riley 87 Hancock Street suggested to reach out to the Town Manager and the CEO of the MBTA Locomotive is on the outbound end of the train. The trains will be stopping in the wetland area. Mr. Sores said that it will take 12 months once they have permission to start. Pat Crowley asked Want time will service start and end? 5:30 am to 11 pm One train per hour. Anti idling law? They have reached out to everyone they can, have no answer about the anti idling law. Mr. Fontaine said that the 5 minute limit does not apply to diesel trains, the limit is 30 minutes. 310 CMR 7.11 2. Mr. Sores said that the benefit of the turn back track is that the train does not sit as long as now. In aggregate the idling will be no more than today, just different people affected. Page 1 5 Mr. Tirone asked who enforces that idling time limit? Ms. Kearney said the EPA and the local Board of Health. Also tracked by MBTA black boxes. Virginia Weeks 43 Vine St. Is it within our jurisdiction to request an Environmental Impact study of the impact of emissions on air quality? There has been a lot of investment in re -doing the conservation area. Mr. Fontaine said that he thinks we do not need an alternatives analysis because the work is just in the buffer zone. Mr. Tirone said that we are able to ask for an alternatives analysis whether we are in the buffer zone or the riverfront. Have you been asked by any other town for this information? Janis Kearney said that under the WPA an air quality study doesn't apply. Mr. Tirone asked again for an alternatives analysis. Mr. Rodolakis said that according to our Bylaws 3D1 in the Zone of Natural Vegetation we have the authority to consider light levels, temperature, alteration in the ZNV and alternatives analysis. Mr. Fontaine agreed to continue to the next meeting. Not encroaching on Conservation Land. Using existing track Move to continue to Jan. 22 by Martha Moore Second by Chirag Sthalekar Roll Call vote in favor 6 — 0 — 0 Walter Talbot (remote) Yes, Chirag Sthalekar Yes, Tony Rodolakis Yes, Tim Michele Yes, Martha Moore Yes, Brian Bowe Yes. 8 Morgan Park Request for Determination Requesting variance on the 35 foot line. Existing deck goes into the buffer zone. New deck will add 18 sq. ft. inside the buffer zone. Deck will be built on helical footings. Mitigation will be planting shrubs by the stream. Mr. Aksiak said that the other side of the stream is Tannerville and they blow leaves. Ms. Moore asked where the shrubs will be planted, and how the property line compares to the fence and the stream. Wherever we'd like them to be. On the other side of the fence? Fence hugs the edge of stream line. Ms. Moore said that on the site visit it looked like giant puddles behind the fence. The fence is pretty much in line with the edge of the patio. Ms. Moore would prefer the shrubs planted inside the fence. There is a big pile of leaves damming up the stream. Mr. Aksiak said theTannerville does leaf blowing into the woods. Mr. Aksiak agreed to clean up the leaves. Ms. Moore asked about the Downspouts. Mr. Aksiak said that they empty near the stream. Ms. Moore asked about the cover labeled poisonous gas. Mr. Aksiak said the cover is to house the place that the sump pump exits, not really poisonous gas. Mr. Rodolakis asked if we usually offer variances on an RDA? Mr. Tirone said Yes, though that Sholud be a Notice of Intent. Ms. Moore asked if the top of the stair case will be cantilevered at all. Ms. Veridakis said that 3 of the footings will be within the 35 foot zone. There will be a slight cantilever, max 1 foot at the back. Mr. Bowe asked how will you handle the removal of the old deck? Ms. Veridakis said it will be hauled away the day of the removal. Building materials will be stored on the edge of the driveway outside the 35 foot zone. Page 1 6 Mr. Talbot said that the fence is not perpendicular and is chewed up at the bottom. Does the stream overflow under the fence into the yard? Mr. Aksiak said that he has never seen the fence submerged. Mr. Talbot asked if water ever comes on this side of the fence. Mr. Aksiak said that water submerges the lawn near the stream during heavy rain. Move to close by Martha Moore, seconded by Tony Rodolakis Roll Call vote in favor 6 — 0 — 0 Walter Talbot (remote) Yes, Chirag Sthalekar Yes, Tony Rodolakis Yes, Tim Michele Yes, Martha Moore Yes, Brian Bowe Yes. Conditions: (Remove poisonous gas sign.) Clean up leaves outside the gate this spring. Plant shrubs inside the fence. 80% survivability at 3 years on shrubs Stockpile on driveway Remove debris on the same day. Move to issue a Negative Determination by Tony Rodolakis, second by Chirag Sthalekar Roll Call vote in favor 6 — 0 — 0 Walter Talbot (remote) Yes, Chirag Sthalekar Yes, Tony Rodolakis Yes, Tim Michele Yes, Martha Moore Yes, Brian Bowe Yes. 31 Baker Road Ms. Moore reported that the site is not ready for a Certificate of Compliance Deck planking behind the building not yet used for planned deck. Campfire circle. No downspouts and gutters on back of building. Loam and seed inside the 25 foot line, yard waste inside the wetland line. Tree in front has a lot of branches cut off. Mr. Bowe reported that the driveway is not finished and there is a pile of mulch on a mat beside the driveway. He asked about the conservation bounds on the next property, are there more? Mr. Billows said he doesn't know. When asked will he be adding gutters, he said yes. The pipes in the ground in the front of the house were from the original house. Gutters in the back will go onto the ground. , Mr. Bowe asked about the numerous missing limbs on the oak tree in the front of the house, Mr. Billows said that he did not cut any branches on the tree out front. Mr. Bowe said the tree was losing branches, and he was concerned about damage to the roots. Mr. Billows said that no branches were cut by him and the tree was green last summer. Mr. Bowe said that the rhododendron cuttings and debris will have to be removed from the wetland. Mr. Bowe asked the applicant to fix the erosion beside the house once the gutters are installed. He asked about the driveway. Mr. Billows said that it will be replaced this spring. Mr. Bowe asked about the mulch next to the driveway. Mr. Billows said I can plant grass. Mr. Bowe said that the loam was spread too far in the back yard. Pull the loam back and plant native species in the 25 foot zone. He suggested that they match the ground cover that is there. OK to put in more shrubs, but not asking for that. Ms. Moore mentioned that the campfire circle in the back yard is dangerous. Old/New Business 445 Pearl Street. Brian Bowe and Martha Moore did a site visit. Met with Mike Rivers and Jack Rivers. The owner built a vertical wall which does not follow the plan approved in August of 2021. He wanted to have room to park his boat there. They asked to come back to the Commission with a proposed modified plan to see if the commission would approve the Page 1 modification. Mr. Bowe told them that the work done did not match the approved plan. The work has gravel leaking out through the seams here and there. Mr. Tirone said that this was an enforcement order. He took the bank away from one side of the stream and put in a retaining wall. This was an enforcement order, the commission needs to decide what to ask them to do. Mr. Rodolakis asked who made the approved plan, Thor Ackerman from Williams and Sporages. Mr. Rodolakis confirmed that the existing work was not done according to an engineering plan. Ms. Moore said that the coir logs and river stone was piled up in the driveway. Mr. Bowe is concerned that more erosion will happen before this gets done. Ms. Moore said that we should have a site visit once they submit the modified plan. Mr. Rodolakis said that this is the best time to do this work. DPW meeting report Brian said that Mr. Kessman and Mr. Tirone put together the agenda. They discussed creating a wood chip path around Bare Meadow. Mayer Tree said that they will do it. If they don't do it, we will ask DPW for their help. Administrator's report: Dan Mayer says that they will use the chipper to do most of the work to create a path, use the skid steer to make it 5 feet wide. They have finished the tree work in the Town Forest and will start in Bare Meadow. They will mow first, Green Briar and Asian Bittersweet need to be mowed down to get the equipment in. They will not mow the whole field, just the part in the work zones. Scrub pine and hardwood saplings can be taken down with the mower. Mr. 'Prone will go out for a site visit tomorrow. Work will start tomorrow. The Electric Sign Board is up, and Sawhorses are on paths to block the paths into the meadow. Mr. Bowe offered to join Mr. Tirone on the site visit. They will meet at Mattera at 1 pm but Chuck will also go there earlier in the morning. The Town is doing a media blast to inform residents about the tree cutting. Approval of Minutes: 10/23/2024 Tony Rodolakis moved to accept the 10/23 minutes, Chirag Sthalekar seconded Roll Call vote in favor 5 - 0 - 1 Walter Talbot (remote) Yes, Chirag Sthalekar Yes, Tony Rodolakis Yes, Martha Moore Yes, Brian Bowe Yes, Tim Michele abstain 11/13/2024 Tony Rodolakis moved to accept the 11/13 minutes, Chirag Sthalekar seconded Roll Call vote in favor 6 - 0 - 0 Walter Talbot (remote) Yes, Chirag Sthalekar Yes, Tony Rodolakis Yes, Martha Moore Yes, Brian Bowe Yes. Tim Michele Yes 12/11 Brian Bowe will do the minutes 1/8/2025 Martha Moore will do the minutes Reminder that the Land Use Summit will be on January 12 from 1 - 4 pm. Agenda has been posted. Melissa Murphy and Andrew McNichol will be there. Logistics of projector discussed. Project onto the wall. Meeting will not be cancelled unless the snow is deep. There will be refreshments. Martha Moore moved to adjourn at 9:59 Tony Rodolakis seconded Approved 6 - 0 - 0 Page 1 8