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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-11 Conservation Commission MinutesConservation Commission Meeting, March 11, 2009 IV E D, MINUTES 1 "i_ Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, March 11, 2009 R 13 A 53 Present: Mark Wetzel, Chairman; Vice Chairman Bill Hecht; Tina Ohlson; Doug Green; Fran Fink, Conservation Administrator; Maureen Knight, Recording Secretary. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Old/New Business Maplewood - Harvest Road Trail Andrew McDonough, Boy Scout, asked the Commission for some guidance about the stepping- stones, walkway and entranceway signs project in the Maplewood area that he is currently working on. The Commission asked for accessible grading, and for work to be conducted to minimize trampling wetland vegetation. Justin Cymbal, Boy Scout, presented his proposed bridge project to the Commission for approval. The Chairman will also meet with Mr. Cymbal at his project site and speak to the Trails Committee about this project. Motion made by Mr. Hecht, seconded by Ms. Ohlson, to approve the project presented by Mr. Cymbal. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Patrick Donnelly, Boy Scout, proposed a 150' trail project in the Maplewood area. He will tack his section of the walkway on to Mr. Cymbal's walkway. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the project presented by Mr. Donnelly. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. The Chairman will meet with the Scouts at the project site to finalize plans and arrange for the Scouts to meet with the Trails Committee. 39 Walkers Brook Drive, DEP 270-494, RGB 2006-37 - As-built plans, Riverfront Area mitigation revisions, operation and maintenance plan Present: Frank DiPietro, Todd Fremont-Smith, and Attorney Chris Latham Frank DiPietro represented the Applicant. He found the missing roof drain cleanout below grade. It can be raised. It is marked with a blue flag. He presented revised plans for Riverfront Area mitigation at Lot Al as requested, and a partially revised Operation and Maintenance Plan. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the Riverfront Area mitigation plan on Lot Al. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Ms. Fink said the revised Operation and Maintenance Plan was still incomplete and both lot owners (Al and A3) need to provide plans. She had sent two email messages to the gentlemen present listing specific items that were incomplete. Conservation Commission Meeting, March 11, 2009 Attorney Latham and Mr. Freemont-Smith requested a Partial Certificate of Compliance for work completed on Lot A3. The Commission discussed what might be certified as complete at this time. Motion made. byMr. Hecht to issue a Partial Certificate of Compliance for the work completed. Ms.-Ohlson seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Michael Silver, 16 Bolton Street, RGB 2009-4, addition to house Present: Michael Silver, Melissa Silver Mr. Silver presented the proposed addition, driveway extension, and deck he would like to add to his house. Neil Sumner of 12 Bolton Street said there is a safety fence on Mr. Silver's property to keep the children out of the underground stream stone channel. Ms. Fink presented her comments to the Commission. The previous owner had been granted a variance from the 35' setback. This proposed addition is wider and larger than the previous addition that had been presented for this property, and the driveway layout may not allow backing and turning when leaving the garage. Mr. Greene questioned whether groundwater elevation would allow a full basement. Mr. Hecht asked for a revised driveway and garage layout. Mr. Wetzel said he would like a tree planted to replace a tree that will need to be removed. Mr. Silver will return with a revised plan for the garage. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to continue the hearing to March 25, 2009. Mr. Greene seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Reading Public Works Department, Memorial Park, Charles Street and Harrison Street, DEP 270-546, RGB 2008-45, drainage, parking, sidewalks, recreational facilities, fences Present: George Zambouras, Town Engineer; Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager; Steve Goldy, Chairman, Board of Selectman Mr. Zambouras reviewed the additional information and changes to the plans that had been requested by the Commission and that had been submitted to them before this meeting. He provided two alternative drainage treatment systems for Harrison Street (open basin or stormtech unit). He preferred that stormtech units. Changes were made in the playing court designs, the sidewalk surface, and the Salem Street parking lot design, He said they did pick up the invert of the pipe inlet behind 45 Charles Street and it is higher than the skating pond control elevation, as are the basement elevations. Mr. Zambouras was convinced the bulk of the excess water seen by abutters was due to just seasonal changes. Mr. Zambouras did have some minor issues with the Draft Order of Conditions. Ms. Fink presented a memo from Leo Kenney with his report of the frog habitat conditions present in the skating pond area. Ms. Fink inspected on March 10`h and noticed the ponds were draining." She took some soil samples that indicated to her this was a wetland and some wetland plants were identified. The conditions met the State and Town regulations that would indicate this was a 2 Conservation Commission Meeting, March 11, 2009 wetland resource area. She suggested that the ponds be deepened and maintained as a year-round pond, rather than seasonal. Mr. Zambouras said they could be considered just reconfiguring the pond by lining it. Ms. Fink thought they should wait a few months to further identify plants and soils and groundwater eleveation, and then finalize plans. Mr. Wetzel said he was fine with the design of the ponds and he did not think they should treat this as a resource area. Mr. Greene said they could get mitigation in another area such as the log cabin, or reclaim other areas around the park. A discussion was held regarding possible mitigation areas. Mr. Greene said some removal of invasive species would be suitable mitigation. Mr. Hecht said the mitigation could be determined by square footage, and he proposed 2,000 square feet removal in an existing conservation area. Motion made by Mr. Hecht that the Commission approve the proposed lining of the ponds with a requirement that 2,000 square feet of mitigation be provided off-site by removal of invasive species. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. The Commission and Mr. Zambouris reviewed the draft Order of Conditions and made changes where required. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve and issue the draft Order of Conditions as amended this evening. Mr. Greene seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to close the public hearing. Mr. Greene seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Mona DeAngelo,14 Strawberry Hill Lane, DEP 270-547, RGB 2009-2, house, driveway, site work This hearing was postponed to March 25, 2009 at the request of the applicant. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Robert Zeraschi, 10 Torre Street, DEP' 270-538, RGB 2008- 35, day care center, parking lot, drainage, and grading This hearing was postponed to March 25, 2009 at the request of the applicant. Old/New Business: Kylie Drive, DEP 270-462, RGB 2005-41- Revised plans and covenants, Lots 5 and 8, status of work Mr. Hanson, owner, and his contractor Mr. Zwicker, were present and seeking occupancy for Lot 8. The Commission did a site visit and the work was acceptable. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to authorize the Administrator to sign off on the request for occupancy. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Nothing new had been submitted for Lot 5 easements and the Commission took no action for this lot. Conservation Commission Meeting, March 11, 2009 Benjamin Lane, DEP 270-466, RGB 2005-49 - Request for Extension Permit Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a one-year extension permit. Mr. Greene seconded. Vote was 4- 0-0. Mattera Conservation Area - Policy for use of cabin Ms. Fink will draft a policy for the March 25, 2009 meeting. Reading Memorial High School, DEP 270-416, RGB 2003-51- Status of work Mr. Hecht said there has been money withheld from TLT, and their final deadlines to complete work have lapsed. The architect recommended that the School Committee put the remaining work out to bid and use the money withheld to pay the new contractors. The School Committee did not act on the recommendation at their most recent meeting. Mr. Hecht will send another letter to the Superintendent and School Committee, asking them to put out the bid and schedule the work for the 2009 growing season. Ms. Fink reported a meeting with Town Manager, Recreation Administrator, and Engineering to review the details of a plan needed for Riverfront Area restoration at Imagination Station and to stabilize the three areas that have continued to erode elsewhere on site. She also reminded them to schedule spring drainage inspection and maintenance. 22 Roma Lane, Enforcement Order - Planting plan for approval The Applicant submitted a hand drawn planting plan to the Commission. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the planting plan as submitted, subject to final determination of tree locations in the field by Ms. Fink and owner this spring. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 4- 0-0. 43 Latham Lane, RGB 2004-9 - Status of work The Applicant did not submit a planting plan as required. They did remove the swing set. The owner did call, and Ms. Fink sent her a letter with native species plants that could be used. 9 Gregory Lane, DEP 270-236, RGB 1991-10 - Grant of Conservation Restriction, Request for Certificate of Compliance There is still an issue with the wording of the access section in the draft Conservation Restriction. 105 Fairchild Drive, DEP 270-289, RGB 1996-20 - Grant of Conservation Restriction This is an old case that was never followed up on. Ms. Fink did not know if it was worth the long process needed to finalize and record a Restriction. The area to be restricted is small, entirely wetland, and landlocked. A full Certificate of Compliance had been issued. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to remove the requirement for a conservation restriction. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. 107 Main Street - Emergency Certification Ms. Fink reported notice of removal of an old oil tank with holes in it. Surrounding soils had some oil contamination. The Fire Department supervised the removal. The clean-up company, Commonwealth Tank, reported to DEP and Ms. Fink upon discovery. Ms. Fink inspected and issued an Emergency Certification for preliminary excavation, soil and groundwater sampling, and Conservation Commission Meeting, March 11, 2009 stockpiling per 21E requirements. They are working in the buffer zone and hopefully there was not much oil released as the tank was pumped dry back in the 80's when it became obsolete. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to ratify the Emergency Certification. Mr. Greene seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. MACC Annual Meeting reports Ms. Ohlson attended along with Ms. Stewart and they obtained posters for Earth Day. Earth Day plans The Commission has reserved a table for Earth Day and is making plans for displays and handouts. The Trail Committee will also be attending Earth Day and have material to distribute. They are trying to finalize the date for the Bare Meadow Platform dedication. Site Visit Reports Ms. Fink visited 281 Main Street and contacted both LSP companies for status reports. Town Forest/Strout Avenue Mr. Wetzel went to the Selectmen's Meeting a few weeks ago when the Town Forest Committee presented a report. Mr. Wetzel is going to help the Committee with a Master Plan for the Town Forest. Ms. Fink reported that she and other Town staff had also been asked to participate. Vernal Pool Study Ms. Fink had received permission from several land owners to go on their lands and sample vernal pools for salamanders. 64 Forest Street Ms. Fink gave information to the Commission on an upcoming ZBA case. Minutes for approval - February 25, 2009 Motion made by Mr. Hecht to approve the minutes of February 25, 2009. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. 55 Hopkins Street, DEP 270-500, RGB 2007-8 Donna Corbett represented the Quannapowitt Players. There is a $10,000 bond that has been retained by the Town for the completion of the construction project at the Playhouse. They have a temporary Occupancy Permit from the Building Inspector. There is a list of items from inspections in December that need to be attended to. Some have been addressed and others have not. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to reduce the bond requirement from $10,000 to $1,000. Mr. Hecht seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to authorize the Administrator to sign off on the request for occupancy. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Adjournment Motion made by Mr. Hecht to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 4-0-0.