Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-12 Conservation Commission MinutesV Conservation Commission Meeting, August 12, 2009 MINUTES v ~ rt ~ l Reading Conservation Commission Meeting _i CL E R Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM i~ A Wednesday, August 12, 2009 Present: Mark Wetzel, Chairman; Bill Hecht; Doug Greene; Annika Scanlon;,Wat1 u[Per; t 4 4 ' Fink, Conservation Administrator; Brian Sullivan, Associate Member; Maureen Knight, Recording Secretary. 7:00 Old/New Business Kylie Drive subdivision, DEP 270-462, RGB 2005-41 Request for Partial Certificate of Compliance for Lot 7, status of work Mrs. Hanson, owner of Lot 8, was present. She had received the Commission's letter ordering removal of the gravel driveway expansion. She said the gravel was not for parking, but to alleviate a puddle. She asked to keep the gravel. Mr. Hecht reported that he had seen cars parked there a number of times. Mrs. Hanson said they would not park there in future. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the gravel as long as it not used as a parking space. Mr. Wetzel seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. Mr. Wetzel gave a site inspection report. Ms. Fink will contact the owner of Lot 6 about work needed there. The Commission reviewed the as-built plan for Lot 7. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a Partial Certificate of Compliance for work on Lot 7; Ms. Scanlon seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. 26R Summer Avenue, DEP 270-454, RGB 2005-27 - Request for Certificate of Compliance Kevin Fulgoni, owner, was present. Ms Fink said the Commission had not yet received an as-built plan. During a site visit she saw a shed, porch, and three-season enclosed room not shown on the plan. Final pavement had not been completed. Mr. Hecht asked Mr. Fulgoni to provide the as- built plan. Barrows School, DEP 270-414, RGB 2003-49 - Status of work The Chairman did a site visit and there are still erosion problems around the playground, stairs, and swale. Ms. Fink said there would be some available money with which to complete the work., and she is meeting with DPW soon to review the punchlists. Ms. Fink said the ZNV landscaping seemed okay. George Zambouras, Town Engineer, said his crew would do additional surveying of the drainage system. Mr. Hecht asked that the drainage system be inspected and cleaned also. Public Meeting, Request for Determination of Applicability, 61 Redgate Lane, RGB 2009-24, deck and three-season porch Present: Peter and Barbara Newhall, owners Mr. Newhall is proposing to put in a deck and a three-season porch. The Commission reviewed the submitted plans. There is substantial wetland but it is well away from the proposed work area.. There was a large pile of trimmings on the ground and the Chairman said they, should be removed. 1 Conservation Comnussion Meeting, August 12, 2009 Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a negative Determination of Applicability with Conditions. Mr. Greene seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Michael Palmer, 107 Main Street, RGB 2009-23, restaurant, park ng lots and,draiinage systems Present Attorney Brad'Latham, Applicant Michael Palmer, Wetland Consultant Bill Manuel; Engineer David Comerford, Town Engineer George Zambouras Attorney Latham said the proposal is to remove a section of the one story building and do renovations to that part as well as the second story. The parking lot, driveways, and utilities will also be redeveloped. Mr. Latham submitted revised site plans, reflecting changes made at the request of the Town Engineer and the CPDC. Mr. Manuel reviewed the wetlands and stream present on the property and explained how he marked the areas. He did not inspect the abutting Hopkins Street properties. He described the flow of runoff from the wetlands into pipes within 107 Main. There is no formal storm water management presently on the property. They will provide improvements, and will reduce the impervious area on-site by 5%. The parking lot will be expanded to the east and south, and pulled back on the north and west. Mr. Wetzel asked about proposed planting. Mr. Latham said trees and shrubs would be planted along Main Street, and curbing will be set around the entire paved area. Mr. Comerford explained the proposed stormceptors, roof infiltrator, and drainage system to treat on-site runoff. Ms. Fink reviewed the memo she had submitted,' including identification of additional wetlands at 113 and 119 Hopkins, existing trees and berins on the east and south side of the site in the Buffer Zone, groundwater information related to the proposed infiltration system, question as to who maintains the existing drain pipes, reports of flooding in the past, and other matters. She also noted that the applicant had not provided the standard DEP Stormwater checklist and related information. There was a discussion about delineation and the topographical makeup of the surroundings. Mr. Hecht thought the Town would be gaining some substantial improvements on this property. Mr. Wetzel said he did not think there were any issues with what the Applicant was proposing. Mr. Tucker asked for explanation of certain lines on the site plan, and whether curbing was proposed in certain places. Mr. Comerford answered by describing the proposed dumpster enclosure details. Patricia Dababneh of 113 Hopkins Street voiced her concerns about drainage and contamination from the oil tank. She also asked about fencing, trees, and surveying. Ms. Scanlon and Mr. Hecht explained to her the minimal contamination that was found, and that the site has been restored to its original state. Mr. Hecht said the proposed drainage improvements would reduce the runoff from this site towards her land. Mr. Greene said the Commission might require plants in the Buffer Zone. Ms. Dababneh granted permission for review of the wetlands in her back yard by the applicant's consultants. Conservation Commission Meeting, August 12, 2009 Mr. Latham asked whether the Commission could close the hearing and draft an Order for the next meeting. The Commission said they needed time to review the plans submitted tonight, and further information to answer the questions raised this evening, along with the complete stormwater documents. Mr. Latham asked whether they could begin demolition of the building before the Order was issued. The Commission said that work required the Order and would have to wait. Mr. Manuel said that he would visit 113 Hopkins with Ms. Fink to review the wetlands, or that the Applicant might accept Ms. Fink's delineation without further inspection. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to continue the hearing to August 26, 2009. Ms. Scanlon seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. Public Hearing, Request to Amend Order of Conditions, DEP 270-546, RGB 2008-45, Public Works Department, Memorial Park recreation, parking, and drainage improvements Present: George Zambouras Ms. Fink provided written comments concerning the proposed work in the wetlands. Mr. Zambouras said the main issue is whether this_project is allowable as a limited project. He said the work would improve flood control` and storm damage prevention. He said they could restore wildlife habitat. He was not sure how the work would affect groundwater. He asked for an indication from the Conunission whether they might approve it as a limited project before he developed detailed information. The Commission asked some questions of Mr. Zambouras about the mechanics of the seasonal drainage and piping system. Mr. Greene asked whether NHESP had been contacted about the threatened species of plant growing in the wetland. Mr. Hecht thought the Commission would be able to require a means to keep the area wet in the warmer months so the species can survive. Mr. Zambouras thought they could retain the existing wetlands soils, including roots and seeds and replace them on top of the proposed liner and drainage controls. Ms. Fink asked for details on what species were present and what would be proposed for replication. Ms. Scanlon asked whether the liner would change the growing conditions for the plants. Ms. Fink said that it would block the natural vertical flow of ground and surface water and might dry out the wetlands in the summer months. Ms. Scanlon asked whether the engineering could address this. Mr. Zambouras will provide additional plans and details. Mr. Wetzel asked whether the 24-inch stream culvert is ever cleaned. An abutter at 42 Charles Street reported that he has had to keep his sump pump operating all summer to keep his basement dry. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to continue the hearing to August 26, 2009. Mr. Hecht seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. Conservation Conunission Meeting, August 12, 2009 Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Reading Public Works Department, DEP 270-552, RGB 2009- 9, reconstruction of West Street and intersecting streets between Longwood Road and Border Road Present: George Zambouras, Town Engineer; Geoffrey Howie and Bill Murphy, design engineers Mr. Howie said they had met with Ms. Fink and Mr. Zambouras after the last hearing and had conducted soils tests to evaluation infiltration opportunities. Groundwater indicators were generally observed 4-5 feet below the surface. They have added two infiltrating catch basins to the site plans, but no other additional stormwater management systems. Ms. Fink provided written comments to the Applicant and Commission. Mr. Howie said they would address the issues raised, and noted that the project is limited because it is redevelopment. Mr. Zambouras said the redox features seen in the soils tests were marginal and they might be able to provide more infiltration although the percent increase in impervious cover is relatively small. He said this is a limited project because they are repaving the roadway. Ms. Fink said the limited project exemption applies to projects where direct wetland resource alterations are proposed, and this project does not include such alteration except in Riverfront Area. She noted that shallow infiltration systems could be used, especially where sidewalks are being added. She said the proposed leaching basin design was not clear, and might not provide pretreatment per the DEP policy. She also questioned the proposed particle separators, which are considered pretreatment devices, and do not have the capacity to remove and retain suspended solids the way that other devices do, such as vortex units. She gave out copies of the DEP handbook section of particle separators. She said the land at the Willow/West intersection could provide space for more detention, infiltration and water quality treatment before discharge to the Aberjona River. Mr. Zambouras said this is a rehab of a roadway and no more. They cannot install drainage on private property. The state will not pay for vortex units, even though they have put this requirement in their combined manual with the DEP. But Mr. Zambouras said if this is what it takes to get the project done, then the Town would have to pay for it. The cost is estimated to be approximately $250,000. Mr. Howie said he understands that particle separators are meant for pretreatment and have limitations. Leo Lessard of 127 Howard Street said the drainage ditch on his property has not been dredged out and water'does not flow properly to Keith Street. He asked whether the additional impervious cover would make the water problems worse. Mr. Zambouras said the Town does not have the right to go on private property and maintain the ditch. If the owners gave easements to the Town, then the Town could maintain the ditches. Town Meeting would have to vote to approve easements. The Town might have easements for the Keith Street drainage. Mr. Lessard said he had contacted the Town several weeks ago but had not had a reply. Mr. Wetzel asked whether the plan would increase the runoff to the Howard Street outfall. Ms. Fink noted that the sediment accumulation in the ditch is likely due to the lack of TSS removal provisions in the existing drainage and stressed the importance of improving removal as part of the 4 Conservation Commission Meeting, August 12, 2009 proposed system improvements. Mr. Sullivan questioned why the pre- and post-construction calculations show peaks at exactly the same time. The Commission discussed the annual maintenance and frequency of the Town's present cleaning of the drainage systems. The engineers agreed to provide responses to the questions and consider additional drainage improvements. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to continue the hearing to September 9, 2009. Mr. Hecht seconded The vote was 5-0-0. Austin Preparatory School Mr. Wetzel and Mr. Tucker looked at the base material for the porous pavement that was installed in the new parking lot at Austin Preparatory School, and they saw ponding water in some areas. The Austin Prep engineer responded to Mr. Wetzel's inquiry about the product, but not sufficiently. Mr. Zambouras did a site visit and analyzed the material. He said what was used is dense grade and water does not permeate very well. Mr. Zambouras told the school he wanted it removed and offered several acceptable alternatives to theirs. Their engineer is reviewing his recommendations. Reading Memorial High School, DEP 270-416, RGB 2003-51 - Status of work,°Riverfrout restoration plan The Commission reviewed the proposed plan for RFA restoration. Ms. Fink provided written comments comparing the plan to the Conditions in the Order. The Commission identified certain revisions needed. Motion was made by Mr. Hecht to approve the plan with the modifications as discussed this evening. Ms. Scanlon seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. 61 Arcadia Avenue, Notice of Violation Ms. Fink inspected with the owners. They are coming in with a RDA soon. Ms. Fink said a lot of plants would be removed and replaced. 10 Torre Street, DEP 270-538, RGB 2008-35 - Proposed restoration plan, revised drainage plan, status of work The Applicant might be installing a possible geothermal system for heating and cooling. Ms. Fink advised them of the permits required. She reported that the infiltration systems are being installed as approved. The Commission reviewed a proposed off.-.site restoration plan. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the restoration to the Track Road site. Mr. Greene seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. Sunset Rock Road subdivision, DEP 270-295, RGB 1997-6 - Request for bond release The Commission reviewed a request from the developer to release the letter of credit for the subdivision. He never planted the street trees and did not sign the Conservation Restriction. There are now different lot owners who need to sign off on the CR. Ms. Fink will send the owners a letter after consulting with Town Counsel and the CPDC, and getting a cost estimate for the trees. 450 Franklin Street, RGB 2009-16 - Status of work, retaining wall design, request for occupancy 5 Conservation Commission Meeting, August 12, 2009 Mr. Wetzel gave a site visit report. There is no loam or seed planted. A retaining wall and grading are not complete in front. There are some erosion areas. The owner said he is meeting with his landscaper. The front entrance will not have a walkway. In the front comer there is still a brush pile. The driveway binder coat was not installed as shown on the plan and exceeds the APD impervious cover limit. The owner is not applying the final paving on the driveway until Franklin Street is paved, at the request of the Town. Mr. Hecht said the property has to be stabilized and the brush needs to be removed. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to authorize Ms. Fink to sign off on the occupancy permit request after the driveway issue has been addressed, the front has been graded, and the erosion has been stabilized. Mr. Wetzel seconded. The vote was 4-0-0. (Ms. Scanlon was not present during this matter.) 10 Pasture Road - proposed planting plan Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the planting plan. Ms. Scanlon seconded. The vote was 5-0- 0. 68 Glenmere Circle, DEP 270-543, RGB 2008-40 - Request for Certificate of Compliance Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue the Certificate of Compliance. Mr. Greene seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. 29 Shackford Road, DEP 270-507, RGB 2007-16 Revised site plan The Commission reviewed plans from the owner to change the proposed materials, drainage, and configuration of the patios and walkways. Additional details are needed. The Commission will inspect the site and request more information. 1381 Main, Street, Enforcement Order - Status of work Currently there are only shrubs, weeds and some hosta plants. The Commission will request that the owner plant some more grass seed. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to waive the as-built plan requirement. Mr. Greene seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. 188 and 194 Van Norden Road, DEP 270-541, RGB 2008-33 -As-built plans Ms. Fink has not heard from Mr. Couillard and is still waiting for an as-built plan. The Commission will send him a letter with a deadline of August 21, 2009. 1310 Main Street Ms. Fink gave a site visit report. The sewer and water mains were installed recently. The septic system has been abandoned. Work is needed this fall to stabilize disturbed areas. 60 Willow Street Ms. Fink said the owner is getting close to closing on this, and she will make a site visit. 78 Timberneck Drive Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the minor project permit. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5-0-0. 389 Haverhill Street 6 Conservation Commission Meeting, August 12, 2009 Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the minor project permit. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5-0-0. Minutes for approval Motion made by Mr. Hecht to accept the minutes for June 24, 2009. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5-0-0. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to accept the minutes for July 8, 2009. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5-0-0. I-93 Repaving Ms. Fink will meet with the contractor and MHD to review preconstruction requirements, timing, scope of work, and erosion controls. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Greene seconded. The vote was 5-0-0. 7