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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-27 Conservation Commission MinutesConservation Commission Meeting, May 27, 2009 RECEIVED' MINUTES T O V,R " CLERK Reading Conservation Commission Meeting R E A Vl C, M `y SS. Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, May 27, 2009 JUN 2 b P 13 ~ Present: Mark Wetzel, Chairman; Bill Hecht, Tina Ohlson; Barbara Stewart; Doug Greene; Brian Tucker; Fran Fink, Conservation Administrator; Brian Sullivan, Associate Member; Maureen Knight, Recording Secretary. Old/New Business 516 West Street, DEP 270 548, RGB 2008-46 - status of work, site plan revisions Present: Bill Johnson The Commission reviewed a revised site plan with a different grading and wall layout. Ms. Fink said the retaining walls are different from what was shown on the plans. Mr. Johnson said the wall is in, backfilled, seeded and a new tree has been planted. Ms. Fink said the grades were not as shown on the plans. Mr. Johnson's structural engineer will submit a statement to the Commission that the wall is structurally sound. The Commission also wants the design specifications. Ms. Fink wants to make sure the abutter agreed to the work. Mr. Johnson began the wall before he had obtained the building permit. He has stopped the work and is waiting for the permit to be issued. Mr. Hecht said this wall is substantially higher than 4'. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to accept the plan revisions and to allow framing to proceed, with the provision that the structural details and engineer's statement are provided within 10 days. If Mr. Johnson does not comply, Ms. Fink will notify the Building Inspector and work shall cease. Ms. Stewart seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. 450 Franklin Street - Notice of Violation Present: Alberto Maitino, owner Ms. Fink listed the activities taking place in the Buffer Zone without a permit, including excavation, stockpiling, groundwater pumping, and removal of vegetation. Mr. Maitino reviewed the site plan with the Commission and explained what he had done and why. Mr. Wetzel asked what further work he plans to do in the Buffer Zone. Mr. Maitino said he would keep the original grading, install a fence, remove the stockpiles, and plant a lawn. He is also raising the grades near the house and in the front yard, and using retaining walls. He pointed out the recharge system that will be used for the aquifer standard. The Commission directed Mr. Maitino to install silt fence around the disturbed area and to file a Request for Determination for the remaining work. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Nicholas Stead, 58 Mill Street, DEP 270-555, RGB 2009-10, demolish house, build new house and site work Present: Nicholas Stead, Jim Hanley Jim Hanley, design consultant, submitted revised plans for the Commission. Revisions include areas they will seed as a lawn, silt fence location, 3' high vinyl stockade fence, rip-rap to stabilize the driveway and a drainage swale to direct runoff. Mr. Greene asked for ZNV bounds in addition Conservation Commission Meeting, May 27, 2009 to the fence. Mr. Hecht indicated an alternative area for the fence that would avoid the long length of fence; reduce the cost, and would also preserve the woodlands. The Cornmission.reviewed and amended the draft Order of Conditions. Mr. Hanley asked about the process for setting the bond, and Ms. Fink explained. Ms. Fink would like a sketch of the zone of natural vegetation to attach to the documents, and Mr. Hanley agreed. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to close the public hearing. Mr. Greene seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue the Order of Conditions with the findings and conditions as amended this evening. Ms. Ohlson seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Wande Li, 16 Varney Circle, RGB 2009-12, remove trees, repave driveway Present: Wande Li Mr. Li reviewed his plan for the Commission. There are a number of trees around the house that are dropping branches on the roof and some are now leaning into the house with three that are in the front of the house that are in the worst condition. There are two trees on the corner that are near the house wiring, and the trees are hitting the wires. He would like to remove all these trees for safety. Mr. Li's driveway is uneven, and moss on the bricks is slippery and hard to plow snow from. He would like to resurface and welcomes suggestions from the Commission as to what materials to use. The Commission said he could not change the grading. Changing the pavers or filling the gaps with pea stone would be agreeable to the Commission. They recommended pervious pavers. Ms. Fink reviewed the memo she submitted to the Commission regarding the history of this property, the wetlands, the certified vernal pool, and zone of natural vegetation established around the house. There are no markings at present on what trees are being presented for removal. She reviewed the trees, plantings and leaf berm also on the property. She suggests caution regarding the driveway design. Mr. Li will prepare more detailed plans indicating exactly what he proposes and he will also mark the trees with corresponding numbers on the plans. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to continue the hearing to June 10, 2009. Ms. Greene seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. Public. Meeting, Request for Determination of Applicability, Peter Sanborn Place, 50 Baystate Road, RGB 2009-13, relocate water and sewer lines, remove oil tank, addition to building Present: Jackie Carson, Scott Southworth Ms. Carson presented plans for a small expansion of the building, interior remodeling, sprinkler system, utility relocation and oil tank removal. The oil tank removal is the only work being done in the buffer zone. There has been mowing in the conservation restriction area that should be discontinued. Rich Peters of Baystate Road questioned why the oil tank was being removed, and Ms. Carson" explained it was a requirement because it is no longer used. The Commission reviewed and amended the draft conditions. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a negative Determination of Applicability with conditions as amended this evening. Ms. Stewart seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. Conservation Commission Meeting, May 27, 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 This hearing has been postponed to June 10, 2009, at the request of the applicant. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, David Mancuso, 129 Howard Street, RGB 2009-14, construct shed, two decks, and covered porch; resurface driveway, patio, and walkway; remove trees and extend lawn Present: Mary Rimmer, David Mancuso, Brenda Sousa Ms. Rimmer reviewed the plan of work to be done throughout the property, including a shed, decks, porches, fencing, planting, tree removal, walkways, bat houses, rain barrels, and minor grading on the driveway. There is an engineer and arborist also working with the Mancusos. The Commission reviewed comments from Ms. Fink with the Applicant, including question about several wetland flags and the proposed work. The proposed shed and deck are within the 25' zone and they could be moved elsewhere on the lot to be outside the 35' buffer zone. Ms. Rimmer said these areas are already disturbed and the proposed work will not cause additional disturbance. Mr. Hecht said the shed could be located elsewhere as this is a large lot. Ms. Fink asked where the existing drain pipe outlet comes from. Mr. Mancuso said it is a drain from around the perimeter of the house with no sump pump. Ms. Fink said there were limbs on the ground from a tree that had been removed without permission and there should be a new tree planted to take its place. Ms. Fink also wanted the trees marked that they are proposing to remove. The limit of work line was confusing to Ms. Fink and she would like it clarified. There is a proposed mitigation plan that needs to be clarified. The 8' deer fence should be expanded and moved to an alternative location. The fee for local bylaws was not sufficient for what was presented. Mr. and Mrs. Petrin of 109 Howard Street said the Applicants are doing a good job and they are pleased with what they have been doing to the property. Mr. Petrin had questions about the storm drains in the area that the Commission explained. Mr. Wetzel noted that the Commission is reviewing plans for reconstruction of West Street and seeking drainage improvements for this area. Leo Lessard of 127 Howard Street said there a lot of problems with these storm drains and how they are managed. He thinks flow may be blocked, and may be creating many of these wetlands. Mr. Hecht said that older drainage ways are treated as wetlands if they have the characteristics. The DPW can remove blockages if needed. Ms. Rimmer listed what she and the Applicants would review and submit to the Commission so they could move forward. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to continue the hearing to June 10, 2009. Mr. Greene seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. Conservation Commission Meeting, May 27, 2009 Old/New Business 39 and 55 Walkers Brook Drive, DEP 270-494, RGB 2006-37 - Operation and Maintenance Manuals, request for Partial Certificate of Compliance Present: Attorney Chris Latham; Todd Freemont-Smith, owner; Frank DiPietro, engineer Ms. Fink reported that the Operation and Maintenance Plan is complete and the RFA bounds and clean-outs are visible. Lot A3 looks ready for certification. Bertucci's will modify the sign on Friday. The Commission reviewed draft Conditions in Perpetuity. Attorney Latham submitted some changes requested by another attorney on the case. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a Partial Certificate of Compliance for all work on Lot A3, with the conditions as amended this evening. Mr. Tucker seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. Old Mill Lane, DEP 270-283, RGB 1995-31- Status of work Ms. Fink sent them a memo of things to do for a Certificate of Compliance and has not yet had a response. 41-43 Wilson, RGB 2008-41- Status of work Ms. Fink will make a site inspection with Lyn Whyte soon. There were some questions about replanting the zone of natural vegetation. Memorial Park, DEP 270-546, RGB 2008-45 - Site inspection The Commission reviewed site visit reports. The skating ponds contain dominant wetlands plants including sedges, rushes, and sensitive fern. There is standing water on the surface, with tadpoles present. The consensus was that these areas are vegetated wetlands. Ms. Fink suggested that the Commission might want to revisit the work permitted by the. Order of Conditions issued last winter. The Commission noted that they have not received the proposed mitigation plan, and that Strout Avenue might provide an opportunity. They had questions about how the proposed layers of sand and plastic liner will interact with ground water, about the manholes and pipes west of the ponds, and about flooding upstream and downstream. They are also aware of the historical use and public benefit of the ponds. Mr. Zambouras will be asked to attend the next meeting. 88/98 Walkers Brook, DEP 270-489, RGB 2006-39 Proposed freestanding sign, status of work The Honda Gallery has submitted a building permit application for a freestanding sign, and will provide details for review by the Commission on June 10, 2009. Ms. Fink will schedule a site visit, and will ask for more information about the roof drains and landfill cap. 9 Gregory Lane; DEP 270-236, RGB 1991-10 - Grant of Conservation Restriction The owner signed the Grant of Conservation Restriction. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to accept and be bound by the terms of the Grant of Conservation Restriction. Mr. Hecht seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. Reading Memorial High School, DEP 270-416, RGB 2003-51 Status of work Mr. Hecht has not received any information. Ms. Fink reported that the bidding process is underway and there will be a site visit with the new contractor soon. She is reviewing the as-built plans and is finding missing information. She will send a list to the architect. Benjamin Lane, DEP 270-466, RGB 2005-49 - Vegetation report 4 Conservation Commission Meeting, May 27, 2009 Ms. Fink received a vegetation report and work is on track. 1381 Main Street, Enforcement Order - Status of work Ms. Fink said the pavement has been removed, but there has not been an as-built site plan - submitted. She will do another site visit and will send a letter. 2 C Street - Truck accident Ms. Fink reported that a dump truck rolled off the driveway and into the wetlands below during delivery of fill for the back yard. She inspected when they were trying to upright the truck. She later received a report from the Fire Department. There were 7 gallons of hydraulic fluid that were removed and the roadway was cleaned. DEP was notified. The site is under control and contained for the moment. The owner will file a Notice of Intent for proposed grading and stabilization. Maplewood to Harvest Road - trail Andrew McDonagh is finish his project this weekend. The sign will be installed at the Harvest Road entrance at the request of the Commission. No one from the condo association got back to Ms. Fink about signage. 105 Lilah Lane - The owners have proposed a change in the approved plan for the deck, and have not submitted the required ZNV planting plan. A letter will be sent. 34 and 35 Plymouth Road, Minor Projects - Ms. Fink inspected, and both projects are complete. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to close 34 and 35 Plymouth Road. Mr. Greene seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. Camp Curtis Guild - Ms. Fink inspected and found work nearing completion and proceeding as approved. Beaver Dam at Track Road - The Health Department declared the flooding from the dam to be a health emergency and engaged a beaver trapper. Once the beaver is removed, the DPW will remove the dam. Ms. Fink issued an Emergency Certification for the work. 68 Longwood Road - Ms. Fink reported that construction has begun arid the roof infiltration system has been installed properly. 53 Arcadia Avenue - Ms. Fink received a complaint phone call and inspected the site. The owners brought in dump trucks full of dirt that has not been graded yet. There are visible tree stumps where trees have been removed. The work is located in the Buffer Zone and Riverfront Area of the Aberjona River. Ms. Fink will contact the owners and send a Notice of Violation. End of Arcadia - The stonework is doing well, the vegetated slope is ok, the seeding is okay, lots of garlic mustard, and the silt fence is still up. There is some erosion where water leaves the stonework. Ms. Fink will review the records and ask DPW to finish. Motion made by Mr. Greene to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Tucker seconded. The vote was 6-0-0.