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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-22 Conservation Commission MinutesConservation Commission, April 22, 2009 MINUTES Reading Conservation Commissio"Ietm'g Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, April 22, 2001T~y '-Al I C 4~ Present: Mark Wetzel, Chairman; Bill Hecht; Tina Ohlson; Doug Greene; Brian Tucker; Barbara Stewart; Fran Fink, Conservation Administrator; Maureen Knight, Recording Secretary. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Old/New Business: 129 Howard Street - Notice of Violation Present: Mr. and Mrs. Mancuso, owners, and Jack Sullivan, engineer The Commission did a site visit and there were some trees that had been cut down in Buffer Zone and possibly in wetlands. The owner wants to make things right. There is no watercourse on the property, but there is a stream channel nearby. The owner will submit a Notice of Intent for the additional work that needs to be done. They have hired a wetland scientist, an arborist and Jack Sullivan, engineer. There is some concern about ticks on the property. 20 Eastway - Request for Certificate of Compliance The Commission did a site visit and there are a few plastic pots in the buffer zone but everything seems to be stable. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a Certificate of Compliance. Ms. Ohlson seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. 22 Whittier Road, DEP 270-498, RGB 2007-5 - Plan revision Ms. Fink gave a site visit report and said the retaining wall needs work and the hay bales need attention. The Commission reviewed the plan revision proposing a rear addition. They had questions about the retaining wall and the grading. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the plan and a minor revision under the Order of Conditions. Ms. Ohlson seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. Kylie Drive, DEP 270-462, RGB 2005-41 - Trail easement for signature, Lots 4 and 5 Present: Tom Hurley Mr. Hurley will email documents to the Commission concerning the proposed conveyance of Lot A to the Town for Conservation purposes. The Commission reissued the Extension Permit for recording purposes. The Commission reviewed the grant of trail easement, signed by the Selectmen and the owner. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to accept the conveyance of the trail easements on Lots 4 and 5 to the Town of Reading. Ms. Stewart seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. Conservation Commission, April 22, 2009 The Commission asked Mr. Hurley to complete the work in the right-of-way parcel this spring and to confer with the Town Engineer concerning requirements for release of Lot 5 by the CPDC. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Mona DeAngelo, 14 Strawberry Hill Lane, DEP 270-547, RGB 2009-2, house, driveway, site work Present: Attorney Mark Favaloro, Paul Dewsnap; Steve Dewsnap; Karen Pomeroy, Court Stenographer; Mona DeAngelo. Attorney Favaloro and the Commission received a draft Order of Conditions today from Ms. Fink and reviewed it at this meeting. Attorney Favaloro distributed an amendment to the operation and maintenance agreement. Mr. Hecht stated that he had reviewed the draft Minutes of April 8, 2009. He said that RCTV had not recorded the meeting. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the Minutes of the Conservation Commission meeting on April 8, 2009, as drafted. Ms. Ohlson seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. Motion made by Ms. Ohlson to make a finding that the wetland area near the property is a vernal pool as defined under Reading General Bylaws, Section 5.7. Ms. Stewart seconded. The vote was 2-4-0. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to make a finding that the decertification of the wetland area near the property as a vernal pool by NHESP overcomes the presumption that it provides habitat under Reading General Bylaws, Section 5.7. Ms. Ohlson seconded. The vote was 4-2-0. James Wilder, 19 Mapleridge Road, expressed concern that runoff from the proposed work would cause flooding on his property. The Commission noted that the draft Order includes a requirement for additional drainage analysis to allay this concern. The Commission and Ms. DeAngelo's representatives reviewed the draft Order of conditions. Some changes were made at the request of the Commission and Attorney Favaloro. Motion made by Mr. Tucker to permit the work subject to conditions. Mr. Hecht seconded. 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. Stewart seconded. Vote was 5-1-0. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to close the public hearing. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, John and Cynthia Rodrigues, 31 Sunset Rock Lane, RGB 2009-7, resurface driveway Present: John Rodrigues, Cynthia Rodrigues Mr. Rodrigues would like to replace the paver surface on his driveway with new permeable pavers. The existing asphalt paved surface will remain. The pavers have spaces so the water can go through them. Ms. Fink said the site is subject to a condition in perpetuity that the paver area be surfaced with permeable materials. The Commission requested manufacturer's specifications for Conservation Conunission, April 22, 2009 the pavers, including installation and maintenance requirements. The Commission needs a DEP number and time to prepare a draft order of conditions. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to continue the hearing until May 13, 2009. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Russell and Linda Howse, 721 Haverhill Street, DEP 270- 551, RGB 2009-5, addition and driveway extension This hearing was postponed to May 27, 2009 at the request of the applicant. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Bradford and Tracey Van Magness, 110 Grove Street, RGB 2009-8, addition to house Present: Jack Sullivan, Bradford Van Magness Mr. Sullivan presented the proposed addition. They want to retain all the trees on the property except for a large pine tree, and a dead cherry tree that they would like to remove but will replace. There will be a retaining wall to provide grading to cover the foundation. The work will result in less than 15% impervious cover to meet the Aquifer Protection District standards. The stream is probably intermittent. They will stop mowing the grass that is presently in the wetlands area. Mr. Van Magness will replace the existing damaged drainage system. The Commission reported observations from the site visit. They asked that the proposed retaining wall be moved up to the 106' contour. They asked about runoff from Forest Street and Grove causing erosion on the site. Mr. Van Magness said he will work with the DPW to control the erosion. Ms. Fink provided comments on the proposal. Alex McCrea, abutter on Mark Avenue, voiced his concerns regarding construction noise, erosion controls, and removal of trees. Mr. Van Magness stated that he brings wood to the site from land he owns in New Hampshire to cut for fire wood. Mr. Greene said that he did not see fresh tree stumps at the site visit. James Gillis, an abutter from Mark Avenue, voiced his concerns about water flowing in his backyard. The Commission noted that the area is a swamp and floodplain, and that spring rains have been falling that would cause flooding in the area. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to continue the hearing to May 13, 2009. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Reading Public Works Department, 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 The Chairman explained that this hearing was just regarding the wetlands and drainage issues. Mr. Zambouras stated that the project is at the 75% design stage, and that MassHighway held a hearing at the 25% design stage. The Town will obtain temporary construction easements from all abutters and will notify abutters when work is ready to begin. A full set of site plans is available at the Library and Town Hall for public review. Conservation Commission, April 22, 2009 Mr. Howie presented a brief overview of the project which will be funded and built by MassHighway. Work includes repaving, new curbs and sidewalks, some widening and reconfiguration of intersections, new signals, and drainage system improvements. Mr. Murphy reviewed the wetland resource areas involved, and the location of the drainage systems that discharge to them. He answered questions from the Commission about various details of the proposed drainage systems. Mr. Wetzel noted problems with flooding at the Howard Street discharge area, and asked whether this would add more water, and what controls could be provided. He also asked about the existing drainage systems at the West/Willow/Summer intersection. Mr. Murphy stated that they still do not have complete details for the existing structures. He will provide separate existing conditions plan sheets to clarify what is present. Mr. Hecht noted that another area prone to flooding is the area below Barrows School where drainage comes down from West and other streets. Marls asked how well the proposed work will meet the DEP stormwater management standards. Mr. Murphy said that TSS removal will be improved to 44%, but is short of the 80% standard. Detention and infiltration are not proposed. John Harris, 79 West Street, expressed his concerns about flooding on his property when heavy rains occur, and sand washing down from County Road. Mr. Zambouras said that County is private and the town can not pave it. Catch basins are proposed at the end of the street. Lawrence Potter, 256 West Street, expressed his concerns about catch basins that overflow near his property and flooding in his yard. He asked when the project would be done. Mr. Zambouras said they are increasing some of the pipe sizes, and that work timing depends on when funding is available. Ms. Finlc is still reviewing the proposal, but made comments on existing pipe inlets of unknown origin, opportunities to provide detention and infiltration, need to account for increased runoff where additional impervious cover is proposed, and need to improve outfall areas where they are not stable. Ms. Fink would like to meet with the design engineers to review details. She asked about status of other permits. Mr. Murphy said they will submit an Environmental Notification Fonn to MEPA after receiving the Order of Conditions, and that tree removal is the MEPA trigger. The Historic District Commission reviewed the project at the 25% stage and had no objections. Tom Lynch, 126 West Street, questioned the grading of the project. Mr. Murphy said they would meet existing grades except in a few places where grading will be altered less than 6 inches so that runoff will flow to catch basins. The project will not convey additional water to abutting yards. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to continue the hearing to May 13, 2009. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Madlyn Fafard, Lot 49 Azalea Circle, DEP 270 - RGB 2008- 38, new house and driveway extension This hearing was postponed to June 10, 2009 at the request of the applicant. 4 Conservation Commission, April 22, 2009 Old/New Business: 15 Timothy Place, DEP 270-539, RGB 2008-27 - Planting plan for approval and proposed sidewalk and driveway expansion Nick Diranian was present. He presented a revised plan to the Commission and briefly reviewed the changes. Ms. Fink had questions about the pavers. Mr. Diranion said he would probably use "Tecco" blocks set on 1" of sand and 4" of gravel. The Commission asked him to submit manufacturer's installation and maintenance specifications before work begins. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the plan as proposed. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. 134 Fairchild Drive, DEP 270-475, RGB 2006-13 - Planting plan for approval Kevin Simard was present and reviewed a proposed planting plan for the area at the edge of the cul- de-sac. Ms. Fink had questions about some of the plants being native species, and the Commission recommended substitute native species which were acceptable to the Applicant. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the planting plan as amended. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 5-0-0. (Mr. Wetzel was not present during this discussion.) 9 Gregory Lane, DEP 270-236, RGB 1991-10 - Grant of Conservation Restriction for signature Ms. Fink had emailed the final version agreed to by the owner, but has not yet heard back from him. 88 and 98 Walkers Brook Drive, DEP 270-489, RGB 2006-39- Request for temporary occupancy The Commission did a site visit and there were several catch basins that need to be cleaned out and debris that should be removed. One roof drain behind #88 does not have a receptacle and another is clogged. There are also washed-out berms. Ms. Fink received a report from the hazardous waste people. The Applicant wants a temporary occupancy permit to bring in employees and to set up. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to give Ms. Fink authority to sign off on the temporary occupancy permit providing they clean up the site and provide more information about the roof drains. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. 188 and 194 Van Norden Road, DEP 270-541, RGB 2008-33 - Plan revision, grading and as- built plans, draft covenant Mr. Couillard has a buyer for 188 Van Norden Road. The revised plans for 194 Van Norden Road have not been submitted yet. Ms. Fink has not heard back from Town Counsel regarding the draft covenant. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to give Ms. Fink authority to sign off on the occupancy permit for 188 Van Norden Road providing they complete the items in the letter sent on March 27, 2009. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. Reading Memorial High School, DEP 270-416, RGB 2003-51- As-built drainage, grading and utility plans Ms. Fink received as-built site plans, but has not reviewed them yet. The new contractor bid plans xF cover most of the punch list except for the Imagination Station area. Conservation Conunission, April 22, 2009 Strout Avenue, DEP 270-524, RGB 2008-2 - Plan revision The Town wants to put boulders along the entire edge of the pavement to keep vehicles off the newly seeded area where the treatment plant was demolished. The Commission accepted this proposal. They asked Ms. Fink to seek information on the status of plans for development and use of the area. Old Mill Lane, DEP 270-283, RGB 1995-31- Status of work The Commission did a site visit. The restoration areas and drainage basin were acceptable. On the north side the silt fence is still in place and should be removed. Ms. Fink will contact the owners and developer concerning formal transfer of ownership of the roadway and open space parcels and maintenance responsibilities to the condo association. 10 Torre Street - Application for Site Plan Review, CPDC The Applicant has submitted the day care plans to the CPDC even though he contends he does not have to. He has included the interior layout and the number of children that will be in each classroom. The Commission asked Ms. Fink to send the CPDC a copy of the Order of Conditions and a request to submit any plan changes required by CPDC for review by the Commission as well. Mattera Conservation Area - Policy for use of log cabin The Commission reviewed a draft policy. They would like to formalize the policy with the Recreation Division if they are put in charge of handling rentals. Renters should receive a copy of the rules and regulations when renting, and should sign an agreement to abide by them. There was a recent report that the back door was left unlocked and the window was open. Ms. Fink will find out if the Town has a non-discriminatory policy already in place. The Commission would like to limit rental group size to 50 people. Trail Committee The Boy Scouts are working on their trail projects at Maplewood. The Lynn Village/Town Forest project by another Boy Scout is not being worked on this week because the scout is away on vacation. Will Finch will coordinate trail layout. Mr. Wetzel will talk with Troop 702 about general procedures for trail projects. 87 Walkers Brook Drive The Applicant submitted a site plan to show where the potholes are located that they want to repair. This will be a minor project that can be completed in one day. Motion made by Mr. Greene to approve a minor project permit for the proposed work. Mr. Hecht seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. Charles Lawn Cemetery Mr. Hecht said there is erosion near the jersey barriers at the soil stockpile area. Sand is ponded in the swamp. Ms. Fink also visited with Bob Keating, cemetery warden, and they thought more jersey barriers would keep the dirt and trucks inside. Mr. Keating also plans to remove litter and debris around the cemetery. Ms. Fink also discussed the proposed trail route through the cemetery with Mr.'Keating and he will discuss it with the Cemetery Board in May. 6 Conservation Corrunission, April 22, 2009 285 Main Street The owner requested a minor project pennit for soils tests. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the minor project. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. 8 Walkers Brook Drive Ms. Fink received a 21E report and is waiting for other as-built information. 1381 Main Street The owner will be reminded about pending deadlines under the Enforcement Order. Adjournment Motion made by Mr. Hecht to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Stewart seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. 7