HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-10-16 Conservation Commission MinutesF) plA L,
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READING CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes of Wednesday, October 16, 1996 Town Hail Selectmen's Meeting Room
PRESENT: Chair Nancy Eaton, Members Harold "Lucky" Hulse, David Danis (7:45),
Clifton Proctor, John Kiiborn (7:10), Mark Gillis (7:12); Consultant Leo Kenney (7:12);
and Conservation Administrator Donald Nadeau.
ABSENT: Steve Chapman.
7:12 PM The meeting was called to order. Mark Gillis was welcomed in as a new member
to the Commission.
7:12 PM Discussion with Thomas Goddard -1090 & 1100 Main St. Enforcement
Orders. Attorney for Mr. Goddard, Mr. Mark Favalaro, was present at the meeting.
Mr. Favalaro was given a copy of the site notes. Mr. Favalaro advised the Commission of
the progress that has been done to bring the property into compliance since the site visit:
1) wood pile - has been moved and they will be hydroseeding that area; 2) three trees in
question that had been removed, bordering 1090 & 1100 - Mr. Favalaro stated that they
could plant a red maple to stablize the area and bring back some shade to the area; 3) the
front wetland and to the side of the driveway, they will keep it clean in its natural state and
preserve it as a wetland; 4) pond area, storage in that area - they would like to keep
storing merchandise in that area. Chair Eaton questioned the long time storage in the area
N. of the pond to the driveway. Mr. Goddard stated that the area around the pond has
always been maintained the same way, and he only cut down some dead trees. Chair
Eaton noted to Mr. Goddard that because it is a wetland area he should talk to the
Administrator prior to cutting down any dead trees. Char Eaton stated that the area S. of
the driveway, area 2, between the driveway and the pond area running back westerly was
an area of concern to the Commission. Mr. Goddard states that nobody has been in that
area. He says that the folliage is still there. The Administrator requested that the
Commission determine what vegetation should be reestablished and what the limit of work
line will be if different from the work plan. He did agree that there were some dead elm
trees. However, they are in a wetland area and they should be allowed to fall naturally or
the applicant can come in and get approval to cut them and then leave them in place. He
recommended that the preserved area include the N. side of the pond, also NE of the pond
toward Main Street, and NW of the Pond. Also present at the meeting was Atty. Cheryl
Blaine, Town Counsel, who reported on the hearing. Her understanding is that the
Enforcement Orders could stand or be modified according to what the Commission saw
on its site visit. J. Kilborn agreed with the Administrator that a worrkline needs to be
established for the Commission, Mr. Goddard, and Mr. Goddard's employees. "It must be
clear to Mr. Goddard that no dumping can be done in the wetland area." He was
especially concerned with area "D" by the storage shed which looked like dead plant life
was being disposed of there. Chair Eaton referred to the site notes regarding tires and
yard debri in area 3 and asked that it be disposed of. The Adr~iniistrator made note of
some areas which he felt should remain as protected. Site 1100: everything S. of the drive-
Reading Conservation Commission Minutes 10/16/96 Page 2
way, from the street to elevation 216 should be wetland, area 3, in the area that was not
lawn, along with the W. side of area 3, where the elms were cut to some distance back.
Sitel090: area 1, N. of new shade house, some distance off the shed to the pond, the N.
end of the pond, some distance back. In area three, Mr. Goddard admitted that 2 of the 3
elms were dead and 1 has re-sprouted. The Administrator suggested that if flags 37, 38,
& 39 are still there that they be the work limit line and the lawn 2' off of them, the
remaining tree be allowed to re-sprout, and two 2" maples to be planted with the
understanding if they did not survive, Mr. Goddard would replant. Chair Eaton had some
concerns about the S. side of the driveway in area Al-A6 that it was part of the
delineation that was approved in 1994 and should be allowed to re-vegetate. Chao- Eaton
asked Mr. Goddard what were his intentions in Area 1. She noted: 1090 - remove some
brush in area "D", some pallets in Area "E" - how are they being placed in that area,
manually or by machine? Mr. Goddard explained that there was a well in that area and
that a machine couldn't be brought in there. L. Kenney said Area "I" and "J" going up to
1100 is still a functional wetland, and Area F on the W. and S. wouldn't affect the wetland.
The Commission agreed that it would be best if the Administrator and Chair Eaton went
out on the site with Mr. Goddard and Mr. Favalaro. L. Kenny summarized that there is a
natural corridor of vegetation which would be considered wetland extending from the
pond to the wetland on 1100. The shoreline, that would not be in this corridor, could be
used for stock. The Administrator advised that some marking was necessary. The
Administrator recommended that markings be placed up by the road to a line of site back
to the pond, on the E. corner of the pond, on the other side of the pond N. area of work.
Mr. Goddard was given permission to cut one dead tree that is on the property now.
Chair Eaton said they would look at it when they do their site visit.
8:05 PM Public Hearing-Jahn Carver. Rd. & Woodland St. DEP#270-ate, RGB#
1996-21 The Commission gave their names and the members in the audience who were
going to speak were sworn in. Joe Delaney, Town Engineer, explained the problems with
the dead end water mains on John Carver Rd., Bancroft Ave., Hanscom Ave., Woodland
St. and also Winthrop. The town would like to loop the water system to reduce flushing.
This would improve the flow and improve the quality of the water. They
propose to bring in an 8" water main.from Bancroft Ave. around the baseball diamond
and out to John Carver Rd to create a loop. The Hanscom Ave. system already has a 4"
main that goes out to a water connection. They will connect that main and also extend
out to Woodland . The Winthrop Ave. connection, that wouldn't involve any wetland
crossing, would require an easement that will be taken care of later. Areas of concern are
a ditch that runs centrally along the property line out to the Aberjona. river. It would have
to be crossed in two locations, John Carver Rd. and Woodland St. They would be
putting 5' of cover over the water main, staked haybales on either side of the trench and
Reading Conservation Commission Minutes 10/16/96 Page 3
work in the corridor of the haybales. Along the water main they would stock pile soil on
the up stream side so any run off would go back into the trench. The Administrator did
an inspection and advised the Commission that he found there to be very little potential for
environmental damage, very little vegetation. Chair Eaton remarked on their site visit and
said that the wetlands were not flagged but that the areas of proposed activity were. They
asked Mr. Delaney what types of machinery would be used and to minimize the activity as
much as possible. Mr. Delaney advised that only a rubber tired backhoe and most, if not
all, of the material will go back into the trench and any excess would be removed. Some
bigger machinery might be used on the ball field side not going in the crossing area. He
also stated that ground water wouldn't be of particular concern but that they could do
some testing. The Administrator made an observation that there was a very large drain
line that drains the catchment area so that the amount going to that ditch would be
reduced. The resident of 107 John Carver was concerned with the tree roots and an
existing sprinkler system in the area. Mr. Delaney said they would be in the middle of the
grass area and then following the path and they would not be tying in the existing
sprinkler system. Motion was made and seconded to close the public hearing contingent
on receipt of the DEP number. Voted 5-0-1. M. Gillis abstaining. The Commission will
vote on an Order of Conditions or deny the project on 10/30. No further public notice
given.
8:20 PM Preliminary Discussion - Line Rd./Track Rd. watercourse.
Town Engineer, Joe Delaney, distributed a proposal for Quannapowitt Drainage Ditch.
He discussed three alternatives. 1) Construct concrete channel at existing ditch up to the
1 year storm flows, 3:1 side slope with rip rap up to the 10 year elev. level, and to the top
of the ditch, stabiization material with vegetation growing through it. Alt. 1 would allow
a vehicle to go in and maintain without disturbing the area around it. 2) A rip rap bottom
up to the 10 year elev. level with the same stabilization and vegetation. It would replicate
a stream bed better than #1 but maintenance would be tougher. 3) Box culvert-not a viable
alt. with regards to the WPA. Mr. Delaney advised that not all the data was in yet. They
want to do a flood study and get some consultant help. They will be asking for funding at
the spring town meeting. L. Kenney mentioned that the down stream towns, ie; Saugus
and Wakefield would probably have to comply with the outcome. Mr. B. DeAngeles of
11 Line Road commented that the ditch goes thru 5 house lots. Ms. E. Dorman, 15 Line
Rd. said that trees are falling and the land is eroding. A site visit is to be scheduled.
8:45 PM Public Meeting - 63 Blueberry Lane RGB# 1996-19 Site visit done. The
Administrator noted that the applicant would be 70' away from maples in wetlands in
woods. He requested that they stay away from a Pin Oak. Commission had no problems
with the proposed project. Motion made and seconded to close public meeting and moved
that a negative determination be made with the stipulation that they comply with the
application. Voted: 6-4-0.
Reading Conservation Commission Minutes 10/16/96 Page 4
8:50 PM Ipswich River Watershed Association watershed presentation. Carry
McKin, Executive Director gave the presentation. She spoke about the Inter-Community
Communication, how state personnel have been assigned to the watershed basin team,
and she also passed out a handbook they are preparing - 8 Interests of WPA as it interacts
to the Ipswich. She explained how Reading is the most stressed area around with severe
water quality issues.
9:15 PM Public Hearing Lot 12 (#105) Fairchild Drive DEP#270-xxx, RGB#
1996-20. Attendees sworn in. Site inspection done. Mr. Rich Williams, Hayes
Engineering spoke to the Commission. Mr. Williams stated that the 25' line is also the
limit of work line. Chair Eaton asked the applicant if he would consider putting the East
section of property under a conservation restriction, either public or private, as suggested
by the Administrator. The owner was in favor of the idea. Chair Eaton said that he could
think it over and decide later. The Administrator was concerned with an 8" oak; he
advised to stay S. of it and avoid it all together. Mr. Williams conceded to call the silt
line the limit of work line. The Administrator advised Mr. Williams that that had been a
standard order of their conditions. L. Kenney recommended that the silt line, limit of
work line be moved away from the wall to protect the wall itself. The Commission was
concerned with a mound of dirt at the N. corner of the house. The Administrator
mentioned a few trees that should be removed or protected. The Administrator
summarized the changes to be made 1) To label the ZNV, 2) label the silt fence, 3) Pull
the silt fence off the stone wall. He asked Mr. Williams to make known the trees to be
saved and those not to be. Motion made and seconded to continue the public hearing to
10/30 at 8 PM same place. Applicant signed consent. Voted: 6-0-0. Recess taken.
9:56 PM Cont'd Public Hearing - "Marion Road" by 51 Mill St. DEP#270-279,
RGB# 1995-29 Applicant requested that public hearing be cont'd. H. Hulse took the
Chair. Motion made and seconded to cont'd until 12/18 at 8:30, same location.
Voted: 5-0-1. N. Eaton abstaining. N. Eaton regained the Chair.
10:00 PM Certificate of Compliance - Lot 8 (#54) Roma Lane DEP#270-227, RGB#
1990-33. Site visit conducted. Lot nicely vegetated. Motion made and seconded to
iissue certificate of compliance. Voted: 5-0-1. Mr. Hulse abstaining.
10:03 PM Plan Change - Lot 7 Roma Lane impervious area DEP#270-227, RGB#
1990-33. Applicant advised the Commission that he had moved the cord of wood.
Mr. Johnson told the Commission he would clean up some dumping on his property
although he does not take responsibility for it. He says that someone else did the
Reading Conservation Commission Minutes 10/16/96 Page 5
dumping. J. Kilborn asked who could have done the dumping. Applicant said it was
probably the developer who put the road in. The Commission advised him to respect the
boundary line. Motion made and seconded to accept the plan change as insignificant.
Voted: 5-0-1. Mr. Hulse abstaining.
10:15 PM Certificate of Compliance - Lot 1 Carriage Estates U (66 Roma Lane)
DEP#270-236, RGB# 1991-10. Added ZNV. The Administrator advised the
Commission that applicant has done planting and mulching in the area. Partial Cert. 6/1
reviewed. Motion made and seconded to issue Certificate of Compliance with holdback of
$500 bond for survival of plantings. Voted: 4-1-1. Chair Eaton against, Mr. Hulse
abstaining.
10:23 PM Plan Change - Lot 7 Carriage Estates U DEN 270-236, RGB#1991-10
Mr. Emery presented his house plan change. Applicant is requesting one year extension
on the Order of Conditions which expires 11/96. A site visit was done. The
Administrator explained to the applicant that the silt line is the limit of work line.
Chair Eaton asked the applicant if he would be willing to put a conservation restriction at
the rear portion of the property. Applicant was agreeable. Chair Eaton advised that it
wasn't a requirement. J. Kilborn concerned about red maples and a drywell on the
property. L. Kenney requested that he show on the plans what is rip rap and what is
concrete. Applicant was agreeable to making recommended changes and to resubmit
revised plans at the 10/30 meeting. Extension permit was also cont'd to that meeting.
10:50 PM Fiscal FY 1998 Capital Improvement Program. Mrs. Barbara Hurton of
108 Van Norden Rd. would like to sell/donate.(whichever is best for her) 1 1/3 acres of
her land. Although this area is not buildable, it could valuable to developers, from which
she has already heard from. The Commission discussed preparing a draft letter to other
neighbors of hers to see if there were any more interested parties. Motion to send request
for funding through the Capital Improvement Program for acquisition of the rear of the
Forest lot and Van Norden St and renewal of request for Mattucci property.
Voted: 6-0-0. M. Gillis left the meeting 11:21 PM.
11:22 PM Order of Conditions - 89+ Main St. "Leaning Elm Farm" PRD DEN 270-
288, RGB# 1996-16. Commission reviewed the findings. The owner referred to para. 2.
He said it was yet to be determined if the pipe had collapsed or if it was just clogged. The
Administrator along with the Commission agreed to say "function of the water course and
pipe is also to be restored." The Commission asked the applicant if he was intending to
use any rip rap. He stated no. Commission reviewed draft dated 10/17/96. Owner given
copy. Motion made and seconded that the Order of Condition as amended be approved.
Voted: 5-0-0.
Reading Conservation Commission Minutes 10/16/96 Page 6
RGB Extension #1- by 10 Franklin St. RGB# 1995-24. Commission found there to
be no problem with extension. Motion made and seconded to extend RGB Extension to
one year from the date it expires. Voted: 5-0-0.
Chair Eaton went to the meeting of the CPDC. She reemphasized to them the
Commission's concern that properties were being brought before the town meeting before
proper delineations were made. The Administrator advised it be made a requirement of
the PRD regs. that they get an approved delineation. Chair Eaton explained to the
Commission that the CPDC would like to make a generic PRD over all on the whole
town. That did not pass at town meeting a few years ago. They feel they have more
control over PRD's than they have under a subdivision. She stated the delineation will
have to be done in the long run so why not give town meeting some information that they
can base a decision on and neighbors can be better advised. Discussion cont'd to next
meeting.
Minutes of 10-02-96 confd to next meeting.
11:51 PM Motion made and seconded to adjourn. Voted 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Cyril ~-✓''i %~~~%7i~+
Kathy Morgan
Recording Secretary