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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11-19 Conservation Commission Minutesr Conservation Commission Meeting, November 19, 2008 Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, November 19, 2008 RECEIVED RE`kDING, M SS. 20H JAN 12 A 11: 31 Present: Chairman Mark Wetzel, Vice Chairman Bill Hecht, Barbara Stewart, Doug Green and Fran Fink, Conservation Administrator, Maureen Knight, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Old/New Business: 57 Longwood Road, RGB 2008-39 - Request for site plan revision Present: Bob Gargano. The Commission reviewed a site visit report and revised site plan. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to accept the site plan revision. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Johnson Woods, 101 Longwood Road, DEP 270-416, RGB 2004-10 - Status of work Bob Gargano said the written agreement with the owner of 101 Longwood was that the owner was responsible for the maintenance and completion of the landscaping even though his one-family home was considered a condo. The owner is also responsible for removal of an oil tank at his former Kelch Road house. 88 and 98 Walkers Brook Drive, DEP 270-489, RGB 2006-39 - Status of work Present: Bill Hamel, Senate Construction The Commission discussed the site visit report. They looked at the swale. The grass was not growing due to the cold weather. Applicant's landscaper will put down sod. Ms. Fink was not as pleased with the site and would like them to be careful the silt fences stay up. The Commission would like some hay bales around the stockpiled earth. The Applicant said if they leave the silt fence up he would not want to put down the sod but would put some hay down instead. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to allow the binder coat to be put down, the silt fence will remain, and winter rye and hay/straw cover will be placed in the area where there is no grass yet. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Mr. Hamel said the LSP would inspect the soils in the restoration area at the back of the parking lot and then WPI would finalize the soil preparation and planting plan for this area. Terrafix is scheduled to reseal the breaches made in the landfill cap for utility and other work. 445 Pearl Street, Enforcement Order - Status of work Present: Michael Rivers, owner. Ms. Fink said there were 10 tickets for $150 each still outstanding and past due for violations even though the work has now finally been completed. The Applicant said he did the basic work before he received the tickets and he thought he had done what was expected. He said he did not know he was supposed to install bounds. Conservation Commission Meeting, November 19, 2008 Motion made by Mr. Hecht to change the total fine to $150 since the work has been completed, to be paid by December 15, 2008. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. 28R Summer Street Present: Kevin Fulgoni, owner. Ms. Fink and Mr. Wetzel gave recommendations for additional work to be done on the site. Motion by Mr. Hecht to authorize the Administrator to sign off on occupancy after silt fence had been installed on the upland side of the driveway and a walkway had been installed to the front door. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Austin Preparatory School, 101 Willow Street, DEP 270-544, RGB 2008-44, parking lot expansion and drainage systems Present: Mike Seekamp, wetlands consultant, Thad Berry, engineer, Brad Latham, lawyer, Gus Niewenhous and Tony Pimentel, school officials Mr. Seekamp presented upgrades to the drainage system and some additional parking spaces. This is a buffer zone project. The Austin Prep representatives have met with Ms. Fink and the Town Engineer and their engineer has added Ms. Fink and Mr. Zambouras's requests to the plan. Ms. Fink reviewed the submitted plans. The Austin Prep engineer reviewed the existing drainage system currently in place. Attorney Brad Latham said he would like the Commission to draft an order of conditions. The Commission asked questions about the pavement being used for the project, about stabilizing the eroded slope west of the building, drainage calculations, and maintenance of porous pavement. Mr. Hecht would like this system tested for future reference. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to continue the public hearing to December 10, 2008. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Massachusetts Highway Department, Causeway Road Depot, DEP 270-545, landfill capping, drainage, grading This case was postponed until December 10, 2008, at the request of the applicant. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Madlyn Fafard, Lot 49 Azalea Circle, RGB 2008-38, new house and driveway Present: Jeff Roelofs, lawyer, Don Seaberg, engineer Jeff Roelofs distributed updated plans, information and recommendations to the Commission. Mr. Roelofs reviewed the changes made on this latest plan. Among the recommendations were affidavits that the plans submitted were adequate. Mr. Seaberg submitted the filing fee. Mr. Green questioned the recommendations of their expert, Dr. Carr. Mr. Hecht asked if the DEP had backed up Dr. Carr's opinion and Mr. Roelofs said no, they had not. The Chairman and other Commission members had many questions about the submitted plans, including the accuracy of the existing conditions information. Mr. Hecht said since he had just received the plans he was not prepared to act at this meeting. Ms. Fink explained that this case is governed only by the General Bylaws because the applicant has not submitted the NOI to DEP. She distributed and reviewed her memo, with many objections to the plans submitted. The Commission asked for additional information and site plan revisions. Conservation Commission Meeting, November 19, 2008 Virginia Adams of 59 Azalea Circle questioned the tree cuttings that were mentioned. Richard Nazzaro of asked about the sewer connection and said the Town does not maintain the sewer in Carnation Circle. David Ellis said the neighborhood association still has the same concerns as last time. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to continue the hearing to January 21, 2009. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Old/New Business: 48 Pasture Road, DEP 270-471, RGB 2006-4 -Request for Certificate of Compliance Present: Joe Ciccoriello, owner The Commission looked at the site and did not see any boundary markers. The landscaping was acceptable. There was no planting on the right side and the Commission would like to see some there. The bounds will be installed and the Applicant will return in the spring with a proposed planting plan. Planting must be completed by May 11, 2009. 105 Lilah Lane, DEP 270-514, RGB 2007-26 - Preliminary as-built plan and revised site plan Present: Mr. and Mrs. Burke, owners, and Jack Sullivan, engineer Jack Sullivan explained the changes that have been made, between the approved plans and current as-built plans. He also presented a proposed plan to replace the existing deck and put a fence around the pool and through the woods. No trees will be cut down for the fence. The Commission asked questions about the proposed placement of part of the fence in the 25-foot ZNV and the loss of trees due to fill around the pool. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to accept the deck and fence as a minor plan change, provided that the existing lawn within the 25-foot ZNV will be planted with shrubs and at least two trees. Mr. Green seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. 1381 Main Street - Enforcement Order The owner did not attend the meeting. Ms. Fink submitted a draft Enforcement Order fior review. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue the Enforcement Order as drafted. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. 22 Roma Lane, Enforcement Order -Status of work The Commission did a site visit. The tire marks had been filled in and there was stone under the deck, as requested. 40 Sunset Rock Lane, Enforcement Orders - Status of work Ms. Fink did a site with a representative from the bank and their contractor. She has yet to hear back from the bank so she will send a letter requesting a work schedule. The Commission asked that demolition of the shed be carried out in a manner that does not destabilize the back lawn. Causeway Road MHD Depot, DEP 270-313 RGB 1998-17 - Status of work Ms. Fink has an appointment for a site visit with the wetlands consultant. 287 Lowell Street, DEP 270-515, RGB 2007-30 - Status of work Conservation Commission Meeting, November 19, 2008 The Commission did a site visit. The work had not yet been done other than installing the bounds. - Ms. Fink will send a letter and ticket, giving the applicant a deadline of May 1, 2009, to do the work. 45 Causeway Road, RGB 2005-16 - Status of work This case was postponed. 15 Timothy Place, DEP 270-539, RGB 2008-27 - Status of work, planting plan for approval Ms. Fink did a site visit. The mowing below the zone of natural vegetation is back to the wetland boundary and it seems to increase. Applicant has not planted due to the expense involved. Ms. Fink will write a letter saying he must make restoration to the zone of natural vegetation by May 1, 2009 and must submit a planting plan by February 1, 2009. Kylie Drive, DEP 270-462, RGB 2005-41- Draft covenant Lot 8, request for Extension Permit Ms. Fink said work is underway on Lot 7 and Lot 8. The developer has requested an Extension Permit. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to grant the request for an Extension Permit for one year. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. 84 Whittier Road, DEP 270-521, RGB 2007-37 - Request for Certificate of Compliance Ms. Fink said the as-built plan has not been submitted. 88 Timberneck Drive, DEP 270-490, RGB 2006-43 - Request for Certificate of Compliance Ms. Fink did a site visit and all the work has been done. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a Certificate of Compliance. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. Archstone, West Street, DEP 270-412, RGB 2003-46 - Request for Certificate of Compliance Ms. Fink did a site visit and all the wetland replication area was complete. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a Certificate of Compliance with Conditions in Perpetuity. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. 87 Walkers Brook Drive, DEP 270-479, RGB 2006-25 - Engineer's certification The engineer sent a letter saying the canopy came out as planned. Continue to December 10, 2008. 30 New Crossing Road, RGB 2006-34 - As-built plans, request for Certificate of Compliance Not complete yet. Ms. Fink is waiting for additional information. 39 Walkers Brook Drive, DEP 270-494, RGB 2006-37 - As-built plans, request for Partial Certificate of Compliance Nothing submitted. 306 Main Street, DEP 270-492, RGB 2006-41- Ch 21E report Nothing submitted. 4 Conservation Commission Meeting, November 19, 2008 Benjamin Lane, DEP 270-466, RGB 2005-49 - Request for occupancy, Lot 1, as-built plans Ms. Fink gave a site visit report. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to authorize the Administrator to sign off on Occupancy. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. 9 Gregory Lane - Draft Grant of Conservation Restriction Owner reviewed draft with his attorney and wanted revisions, but has not submitted them yet. 10 Torre Street - Zoning Board of Appeals hearing 12/18/08 Ms. Fink will submit Commission's opinion to the ZBA that Site Plan Review is important for the proposed day care center. Jacob Way - CPDC hearing 12/8/08 Ms. Fink said they have not yet submitted a drainage plan to the CPDC with phasing. A Notice of Intent is expected soon. Comments will be drafted for review on December l01h Letter re: vernal pools from Aidan Fowler The Commission reviewed an letter from a sixth-grade student concerning vernal pools in Reading, and a response sent by Leo Kenney to the school's principal about vernal pool activities that they could do. LAND (Self Help) Grant Application The Town did not get the grant and were third down from the cut-off. They could apply again in February 2009. Trail Committee Adopt a Trail program There is a work day and an adopter training session on Saturday, November 22"" Ms. Fink will pass out handouts, and Mr. Wetzel is working on the viewing platform. Lobs Mill Conservation Area - Preliminary plans for fishing dock Ms. Fink said they need a lot more information regarding the plans received from the Fish and Game Division. 49 Longwood Road Mr. Wetzel reported that the erosion controls still have not been set. The Commission asked Ms. Fink to send a letter and a ticket. The Commission will inspect again on December 7, 2008. Parker Middle School The field is nearly complete but the perimeter needs grass. The new catch basins have filters. The stream banks are still very rough. Ms.Fink will contact DPW again. 36 Westcroft Road Ms. Fink did a site visit. No bushes have been planted in the zone of natural vegetation. Track Road Beaver Dam DPW went to inspect and they breached a piece of the dam. The beavers rebuilt the dam, so they are active in the area. Ms. Fink will be doing an inspection with the Health Director. If declared an Conservation Commission Meeting, November 19, 2008 emergency, the beavers can be trapped out. Reading Open Land Trust has been contacted because the dam appears to be on their land. 15 South Street Recent grading and paving were observed near the wetland. Ms. Fink called the realtor who had advertised the house for sale. The realtor told Ms. Fink that the septic system had been closed, and provided the contractor's name. Ms. Fink told the contractor to put in erosion controls. There will be a new owner shortly and Ms. Fink will contact them. Maplewood Village They have submitted their annual storm water maintenance report. 127 Howard Street Ms. Fink did a site visit at the owner's request. They still have work to do, and Ms. Fink will follow up in the spring. 126 Howard Street Motion made by Mr. Hecht to close the Minor Project. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. 107 Howard Street They did not submit a planting plan, but the area has reverted to forest. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to issue a Certificate of Compliance. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4-0-0. 134 Fairchild Drive The Commission reviewed a draft Conservation Restriction from the owners. There is a list of limited uses that is standard boilerplate language. But there are discrepancies in the language regarding structures. The Commission thought small benches were acceptable, but small structures were not unless more defined. The Commission also discussed the amendment section, which differs from the DCS boilerplate, and some parts of the site plan that need revisions. Executive Session Motion made by Mr. Hecht to go into Executive Session. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 4-0-0 and all members said aye individually. After the executive session, the meeting was adjourned.