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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-30 Conservation Commission MinutesReading Conservation Commission, Minutes April 30, 2008 L ' 20 P Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, April 30, 2008 DRAFT Present: Vice chairman William Hecht, Barbara Stewart, Jamie Maughan, Will Finch, Annika Scanlon, Doug Greene, Commissioners, Fran Fink, Administrator, Ann Gentile, Recording Secretary. (Annika Scanlon arrived late, just before the hearing was opened for the Notice of Intent at 85 Lilah Lane.) Meeting came to order at 7:00 p.m. Old/New Business: Pinevale Conservation Area . Grant Rose proposed work for a Boy Scout Eagle project, including bridge construction, trail clean- up, directional signs, entrance improvements, blazing, and erosion repair. He hopes to carryout the work in June. The Commission advised that he consult the Trails Committee when it begins work, and that he arrange an inspection with a Commissioner to review the work areas. Ms. Stewart moved, Mr. Finch seconded to accept the project. Vote 5-0. Mr. Hecht signed the proposal on behalf of the Commission. 9 Gregory Lane, DEP 270-236, RGB 1991-10 Present: Elizabeth Wallis, Hayes Engineering The Commission reviewed a request from the owner, Kevin Emery, for a Certificate of Compliance. Mr. Hecht gave a site visit report. The site is generally in good condition, and the as-built plan conforms generally to the approved plan. Two Conservation. Restriction bounds are in place, a third is broken, and a fourth is not visible. There is some brush dumped in the left rear, possibly from an abutter. The Commission noted that Mr. Emery has not commented on or signed the draft Conservation Restriction. This must be completed before the Certificate can be issued. 420 Franklin/Pasture Road, DEP 270-476, RGB 2006-14 The Commission reviewed a revised site plan dated April 17, 2008. Ms. Stewart moved, Mr. Finch seconded, to accept the plan as an insignificant plan change under the Order of Conditions, subject to the same understandings as the previous site plan approved in September 2006. Vote 5-0. -1- Reading Conservation Commission, Minutes April 30, 2008 Commissioner Annika Scanlon arrived. DRAFT Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Joseph Phelan, 85 Lilah Lane, DEP 270-526, RGB 2008-5 The applicant was not present. The Commission reviewed comments from the applicant's lawyer concerning the draft Order of Conditions. The Commission revised several conditions. Mr. Finch moved, Mr. Maughan seconded to issue the Order of Conditions with the Findings and Conditions as amended this evening. Vote 6-0. Mr. Finch moved, Mr. Maughan seconded to close the public hearing. Vote 6-0.• Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, VNA of Middlesex-East and Visiting Nurses Hospice, 320 Haverhill Street, DEP 270-527, RGB 2008-6 . Present: Keith Taylor Mr. Taylor presented a revised plant list for the 25-foot Zone of Natural Vegetations and a list of native plants to be used in the outer Buffer Zone. He also provided the Book and Page numbers for the Deed from the Registry, and the remainder of the Town filing fee. Mr. Greene submitted a letter and excerpts from three reference books on plants in New England. He noted that some of the plants identified on the proposed planting plan were only identified by genus, and not by species. He also noted that Hydrangea quencifolia was described as not native and "escaped" in the reference materials. He asked Mr. Taylor to consider planting the entire Buffer Zone with native plants, rather than just the inner 25 feet. The Commission and Mr. Taylor reviewed the draft Findings and Conditions for the Order and - made several revisions. The Order included Findings noting the absence of species designations, and Conditions requiring that certain native species be selected. Ms. Fink noted that Hydrangea quercifolia is listed as a native plant on reference materials from New England Wild Flower Society. The Commission also discussed removal of existing invasive species from the site and set Conditions for their removal, along with Conditions for the preservation of the 25-foot Zone of Natural Vegetation. Mr. Maughan moved, Mr. Finch seconded to issue the Order of Conditions permitting the work, with the Findings and Conditions as amended this evening. Vote 5 in favor, 1 opposed. Mr. Maughan moved, Mr. Finch seconded to close the public hearing. Vote 5 in favor, 1 opposed. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Thomas Capachietti, 7 Adams Way, DEP 270-519, RGB 2007-35 Present: Kellie Capachietti, applicant, and Jack Watson, contractor The Commission reviewed comments from the applicant's wetlands consultant, Bill Manuell, and from those present concerning the draft Order of Conditions. The Commission revised several conditions. Mr. Maughan moved, Ms. Scanlon seconded to waive the portion of the Town filing fee for the work to plant native shrubs to restore Vernal Pool Habitat and to charge the standard fee of $1.11 - per square foot for those portions of the swimming pool and deck in the Habitat. Vote 6-0. Reading Conservation Commission, Minutes April 30, 2008 DRAFT Mr. Maughan moved, Ms. Stewart seconded to issue the Order of Conditions with the Findings and Conditions as amended this evening. Vote 6-0. Ms. Steward moved, Ms. Scanlon seconded to close the public hearing. Vote 6-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Helen Arloro,1310 Main Street, DEP 270-522, RGB 2007-39 This hearing was postponed to May 14, 2008 at the request of the Applicant. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Terrence Jones, 36 Estate Lane, DEP 270-528, RGB 2008-8 Present: Mr. and Mrs. Jones, applicants, Elizabeth Wallis, Hayes Engineering Ms. Wallis presented proposed plans for removal of several decks and construction of an addition and a new deck on the back of the house. New structures will be set on concrete footings with gravel underneath to stabilize soils. Both the existing deck and the new deck are 10 feet from the Bordering Vegetated Wetland boundary. The applicant requests a waiver of the standard setback because of the pre-existing condition of the site. Erosion controls will be used, and excavation will be by hand. Mr. Hecht gave a site visit report, noting a tree house in the wetland, and asked whether it could be removed. Mr. and Mrs. Jones said that the tree house had not been used in recent years and they are willing to remove it. Ms. Stewart moved, Mr. Finch seconded to grant a waiver from the setback in Section 3.D of the Reading Wetlands Protection Regulations for the 10 foot setback, due to previously existing development. Vote 6-0. Mr. Maughan moved, Ms. Stewart seconded to continue the hearing to May 14, 2008 for consideration of a draft Order of Conditions. Vote 6-0. Public Meeting, Request for Determination of Applicability, Leo and Margaret Lessard, 127 Howard Street, RGB 2008-9 Present: Mr. and Mrs. Lessard, applicants, and Jack Sullivan, Sullivan Engineering Mr. Sullivan submitted a revised site plan dated April 30, 2008 and described the proposed addition to the existing house. Mr. Hecht gave the site visit report and noted that part of the wetland is presently maintained as lawn, gravel pathway, and compost area. Mr. Finch asked whether the existing shed will be removed. Mr. Sullivan said that it would be. Bob Connors, 107 Howard Street, asked how far the addition would be from the wetland. Mr. Sullivan said 87 feet. The Commission reviewed and revised draft Findings and Conditions. Ms. Stewart moved, Mr. Finch seconded, to issue a negative Determination with the Findings and Conditions attached as amended. Vote 6-0. Reading Conservation Commission, Minutes April 30, 2008 DRAFT Public Meeting, Request for Determination of Applicability, Philip Ciampa, 27 Tennyson Road, RGB 2008-10, external staircase on garage The applicant was not present. Mr. Hecht gave the site inspection report. The staircase does not meet wetlands setback requirements, and there are large brush piles in the wetlands. Ms. Fink reported that the Building Inspector has questioned whether the staircase meets Building Code and Zoning requirements. Ms. Scanlon moved, Ms. Stewart seconded to issue a positive Determination and a violation notice to require the removal of the staircase and the brush piles. Vote 6-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Thomas Skindarian, 64 Pasture Road, RGB 2008-11 Present: Thomas Skinderian, applicant. Mr. Skinderian presented plans to add a deck on the house over an existing patio, using concrete footings. The Commission reviewed comments from NHESP and reached a consensus to allow the proposed deck in an Order of Conditions to be drafted. Ms. Stewart moved, Ms. Scanlon seconded to continue the hearing to May 14, 2008. Vote 6-0. Public Hearing, Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation, Timothy Morrison, 508 West Street, RGB 2008-12 Present: Tim Morrison, owner, Bernard Paquin and Andrew Pojasek, Dana Perkins, Inc. Mr. Paquin presented a revised site plan dated April 29, 2008. Mr. Hecht gave a site inspection report. The Commission agreed with the Bordering Vegetated Wetlands boundary as depicted on the revised site plan. The Commission reviewed and revised draft Findings. Mr. Finch moved, Ms. Stewart seconded to issue an Order of Resource Area Delineation with the Findings as amended this evening, pending receipt of a File Number from DEP. Vote 6-0. Mr. Maughan moved, Ms. Scanlon seconded to close the public hearing. Vote 6-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Salem Five Bank, 8 Walkers Brook Drive, DEP 270-525, RGB 2008-3 Present: Stephen Main, Joe Longo, Nicholas Caporale, Maureen Arrone, Jack Sullivan, Sullivan Engineering, Chris Latham, Latham, Latham & Lamond, Mr. Latham presented revised site plans dated April 22, 2008. Three parking spaces were removed in the northeastern corner to preserve existing pine trees at the request of the CPDC. The snow storage area was moved to the north parking lot. Mr. Latham stated that the applicant prefers a one- story building and two drive-through lanes for economic reasons. Reading Conservation Commission, Minutes April 30, 2008 DRAFT Mr. Sullivan presented the revised drainage design, based on CPDC comments and a subsequent meeting with the Town Engineer. The southern infiltration system has been raised one foot in elevation and enlarged to accept the 100-year storm runoff from the entire roof and the southern half of the parking lot. The northern infiltration system has been eliminated due to groundwater elevation, with catch basins tied to the existing street drains now proposed. The chambers in the southern system are two feet above the water table, and the stone bed under the chambers is one foot above the water table. Ms. Fink asked whether fill could be brought in to raise the site elevations. Mr. Sullivan said that costs were a concern. Ms. Fink distributed written comments and reviewed them. There was further discussion about options for snow storage, proposed plants in the RFA restoration area, drainage system details, and other design details. The Commission had not yet received detailed comments from the Town Engineer. Mr. Greene moved, Ms. Stewart seconded to continue the hearing to May 14, 2008. Vote 6-0. Old/New Business: 9 Gregory Lane, DEP 270-236, RGB 1991-10 Kevin Emery, owner, was present and the Commission reviewed the earlier discussion with him. The Commission also reviewed the history of permitting, site plan revisions, site inspections, the Conservation Restriction process, impervious cover limitation, and other details related to the project. Mr. Emery asked questions about the possibility of adding a sports court to the site. The Commission said the court would require a new permit application and discussed current impervious cover standards. The Commission then repeated their earlier direction to complete the Grant of Conservation Restriction to complete the work required for a Certificate of Compliance on the existing house and accessory uses. Johnson Woods, DEP 270-416, RGB 2004-10 Ms. Fink reported conditions observed during a site inspection this week. A letter will be sent to the developer. 306 Main Street, DEP 270-492, RGB 2006-41 Mr. Hecht reported that the dirt piles have been removed. A grading and planting plan is expected for the next meeting. Kylie Drive, DEP 270-462, RGB 2005-41 The Commission approved a request from the owner of Lot 2 to remove and replace a white pine tree damaged during recent excavation. Ms. Fink reported that the roof drains had been installed on Lot 2 according to plan. -~z 26 and 32 Governors Drive The Commission reviewed a complaint from an abutter on Canterbury Drive about the grading of the site. The Commission will schedule a site inspection with the abutter to review the concern. Reading Conservation Commission, Minutes April 30, 2008 DRAFT 41-43 Wilson Road The Commission reviewed a complaint from an abutter about the appearance of the site and the stone dust surface materials used on the driveway surface. The Commission issued a Certificate of Compliance for the property several years ago and accepted the stone dust at that time. Ms. Fink reported that she had asked the abutter to submit a letter to both the Conservation Commission and the Reading Housing Authority. Forest Street During an inspection on Tennyson Road, the Commission reported noticing what appears to be a new tennis court behind a house on Forest Street near a wetland. The Commission will request a site visit from the owner. Self-Help Grant announcement The MA Division of Conservation Services has announced land acquisition grants for 2008. The Commission discussed priorities for land acquisition. Mattera and Bare Meadow Conservation Areas The Commission received a proposal from REI to work on a trail from the log cabin in the Mattera parcel to the existing trails in Bare Meadow on June 7, 2008, National Trails Day. Mr. Finch moved, Mr. Maughan seconded to accept the proposal. Vote 6-0. Minor Projects Mr. Finch moved and Ms. Stewart seconded to accept each of the following Minor Projects. The Commission voted 6-0 to accept each one. • 78 Whittier Road (deck) • 187 Bancroft Avenue (deck). • 22 Milepost Road (deck) • 36 Lindsay Lane (tree removal) • 127 Hopkins (tree) • 19 Brook Street (deck, subject to receipt of approval under the Zoning Bylaw) Meeting adjourned. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Helen Arloro, 1310 Main Street, RGB 2007-39, remove septic system and connect to Town sewer Mr. Ben Osgood Jr. was hired by owner Helen Arloro to design a sewer tie in. He explained to the commission the owner is not living at property now and would like to tie in septic system so the owner could come home to live. Mr. Osgood explained areas that were surrounded by wetlands and Reading Conservation Commission, Minutes April 30, 2008 DRAFT they did have animals and a vegetable garden and also they used to harvest trees. Mr. Osgood proposal is to design a six inch pipe down driveway and tie into town sewer. Mr. Osgood has submitted plans to Town engineer and to the Health Department and will address any issue with them. Mr. Osgood asked commission to waive a disturbance fee of $2,058.00 and only submit a bylaw fee of $463.00 as this is a project to improve area. Mr. Hecht stated this would benefit the wetland if this sewer line tied into the town. Mr. Maughan asked if driveway was made of crushed stone. Mr. Greene asked about digging the trench and if they could have a delineation of the work. Kathy Holland a neighbor questioned if this would make a pathway for more houses on this site to be developed. Mr. Hecht said any developer would have to come before the commission because of the wetland and the sewer line would have to be bigger as this design is only for a single dwelling. Bob Holland a neighbor asked if the gravity feed will ever require a pump to be put in. Ms. Fink handed out a memo to commission on questions still need to be answered. Also N.O.I. still needs to be signed. Motion made by Mr. Hecht to continue hearing. Mr. Greene seconded. Vote was 6-0-0 Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Cumberland Farms, Inc., 8 Walkers Brook Drive, RGB 2008-1, Hazardous waste assessment and clean-up Kelly Haystack and Jessica Pfeifer from E.C.S. attended the meeting and asked commission if there were an, questions on their proposal for the hazardous waste clean up. They said the canopy has to come down before the soil can be excavated. Mr. Maughan asked if the tanks have been removed. They informed him they haN been removed already. Ms. Fink prepared the draft Order of Conditions and stated the town has already.beei approached with potential buyers. Commission discussed they will need an as built plan done by professionals. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to close Public Hearing. Mr. Greene seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. Motion made by Mr. Maughan to approve Notice of Intent with Order of Conditions drafted. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Reading Memorial High School, Patrick Schettini, Supt., Town of Reading School Building Committee, DEP 270-504, RGB 2007-14, light poles at football field David Capalado from Design Partnership was representing a new contractor who would explain to commission their techniques on placing light poles as TLT backed out of the job. The new contractor was present and clarified that the bleacher side caissons will stay the same. Jack Blaise also explained to commission how his company will put in the caissons near the river bank. He explained what type of machines he will use and how they will protect the stream when the dirt is lifted over. Jack Downing a residence at 91 Whittier asked commission about 5 resource areas that are to be affected and are not in the application and how will they protect the vegetation from the dirt piles. Ms Fink stated the draft order of conditions does address all the areas and a tarp will be there only when contractors are working in area with the crane that will lift dirt over wetlands. Margaret Cowell neighbor at 958 Main Street question the commission to what has happened with the construction of the High School area so far has changed the flow of water and has impacted on their homes already. Neighbor address the problem if the riverbank soil is not supported the slope of the waterway has changed drastically already and their dry cellars need 2 pumps now with the need of another pump and one neighbor has installed a barrier wall. Mr. Greene asked contractor when dirt is taken out how long will concrete take to set. Concrete takes 28 days to reach 100% per Reading Conservation Commission, Minutes April 30, 2008 DRAFT contractor. Commission answered other question for neighbors by stating what will be on the Oder of Conditions. Ms. Fink explained how this new project will not effect what has been done by TLT and this new contractor will clean their mess up faster and stabilize the river bank. Mary Arabian neighbor at 968 Main St. wanted the commission to know what they already have been through. She states they have had trees coming down with water in their yards due to the High School construction and if this new project caused other problems who is responsible. Commission stated neighbor should put in claims to their insurance companies and submit them to TLT. Mike Ressler at 20 Hillside Road asked commission if there will be any other drain put in Football field. Mr. Hecht explained there is already drains put in under football field to drain in different areas. The drains were not protected during construction and now will be cleaned out so system could help flow well. Neighbors asked how public can support the Commission. Commission said by coming to public hearings also Mr. Hecht said speaking to your insurance company and putting in claims to TLT construction and also making yourself know and write to the school committee as they are the owners of the property. Motion made by Mr. Maughan to approve Notice of Intent to draft Order of Condition with issued mentioned tonight. Mr. Hecht seconded. Vote was 5-1-0. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to close Public Hearing. Mr. Greene seconded. Vote was 6-0-0 Old/New Business: 71 Tennyson Road, DEP 270-501, RGB 2007-10 - Status of work Ms. Fink said owner never returned her calls. Commission will entertain to fine daily if not received. 19 Zachary Lane, DEP 270-496, RGB 2007-1- Release bond Mr. Maughan asked if basketball court is gone. Commission stated they removed it and layer turf down. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to release bond. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 5-1-0. Walkers Brook Crossing, DEP 270-352, RGB 2001-14 - Issue Certificate of Compliance Ms. Fink told commission this is ready to issue certificate of compliance. Motion made by Mr. Maughan to issue Certificate of Compliance. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. 25 Walkers Brook Drive, DEP 270-470, RGB 2005-51- As-built plan, drainage easement Ms. Fink said she had no report as of yet. 125 Fairchild Drive, Enforcement Order - Site plan revision Jack Sullivan was present representing Susan Buckley previous owner to explain change of drainage plan to commission. Mr. Sullivan said drainage was designed by storage not by infiltration. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve new plan and have a May 30 deadline. Mr. Greene 11 seconded. Vote was 6-0-0 26R Summer Avenue - Final Grant of Conservation Restriction for signature Ms. Fink said this is close to finish but it is not completed yet. Mr. Maughan mentioned you can access land now Reading Conservation Commission, Minutes April 30, 2008 DRAFT 87 Walkers Brook Drive, DEP 270-479, RGB 2006-25- Request for occupancy Ms. Fink reported the dirt pile was supposed to be moved by Monday and also received a report on the soil that will be carted away. The parking lot needs sweeping and they need more piece stone. Ms. Fink will write about both issues and report. Archstone, West Street, DEP 270-412, RGB 2003-46 -Status of work Ms. Fink said nothing new as of yet. Reading Memorial High School, DEP 270-416, RGB 2003-51-Status of work Ms. Fink stated the drainage system still has a punch list to do and the wall is down and will be going back up. Ms. Fink suggested to commission to issue another ticket as things have not been done and there is still dirt in the check basins. Governors Drive, DEP 270-446, RGB 2005-8 - As-built plan As built from Engineering dept looked like there would be a problem of puddles. Mr. Maughan said puddles seem to be just ground water. Both Mr. Hecht and Mr. Maughan went out to site and saw no puddles. Ms. Fink will put on next agenda. Kylie Drive, DEP 270-462, RGB 2005-41- Revised plans and covenants Ms. Fink reminded commission they still need a trail easement. This will be put on the next agenda only if they receive the trail easement or they can not vote for revised plan. 30 New Crossing Road, RGB 2006-34 - As-built plans and request for Certificate of Compliance Ms. Fink stated there was no response as of yet. 39 Walkers Brook Drive, DEP 270- 494, RGB 2006-47 - Status of work Ms. Fink said she sent a letter to Todd Smith on December 18, 2008. Mr. Smith said he will do a site visit w Ms. Fink next week. 306 Main Street, DEP 270-492, RGB 2006-41- Status of work Ms. Fink said she hasn't seen if soil pile has been removed as of yet. Sailor Tom's Way - Response to Violation Notice Ms. Fink said the erosion barrior, the silk fence, and the hay bails have been put in place. She was not sure is the tickets have been paid as of yet. Reports by Northern Area Greenway and Birch Meadow study groups Sanborn Lane lot is a desirable high priority piece of land. The town manager came up with things to work c at a meeting with Kim and David. Lobs Mill Fishing pier grant process and Riverways grant process Ms. Fink said selectmen have signed but still need more signatures. Smart Growth Grant application for Strout Avenue Ms. Fink asked commission if they want to sign and send a letter of support. Trail study group meeting -Report Reading Conservation Commission, Minutes April 30, 2008 DRAFT There was a meeting last Thursday and they are still struggling with what to distribute whether it be handboo or other supplies. They discussed if there should be a standard form to inform of any problems. June lst is National Trail Day and commission discussed coming up with a trail maintained event. The commission anc Ms. Fink discussed also how to get volunteers involved in the trails Annual Report - Draft for approval Commission stated they are satisfied with report. Motion made by Mr. Finch to accept annual report. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. Site Visit Reports 88 Walker Brook Drive Ms. Fink said she has not received sample as of yet. 85 Lilah Lane Mr. Finch said he noticed a skating ring put up and also a shed. Commission will send a letter to owner and ask for a site visit. Minor Project - 24 Pinevale Avenue Motion made by Ms. Stewart to accept for a minor project. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. 8 Walker Brook Drive Motion made by Mr. Greene to accept for a minor project. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. 7Adams Way Ms. Fink said the letter did not have copies of vernal pool. She will write back Mr. Hecht called meeting to adjourn.