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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-11-15 Conservation Commission Minutesi - TOWN OF READING CONSERVATION COMMISSIOkE Minutes of November 15, 1995 (as approved by RCC 12-06-95) Present: Nancy Eaton, Chairperson Stephen Chapman, Vice Chairperson Members: M. Clifton Proctor, Harold Hulse, Michelle Keating, Joshua Drexler Assoc. Members: Leo Kenney and Joan Nickerson Conservation Administrator: Donald Nadeau Absent: Member: David Danis, Recording Secretary: Carla Gerber-Weintraub 7:10 P.M. N. Eaton called meeting to order. No minutes were available for review. 7:12 P.M. Presentation by Jim Tucker, Eagle Scout. Mr. Tucker provided a handout describing his project. N. Eaton discussed North Cedar Swamp versus South Cedar Swamp, and the potential redundancy of signage at Bare Meadow (a sign already exists at that location), and at Lobs Mill ( a sign previously proposed by Mr. Foodman as part of his Eagle Scout project). J. Nickerson and L. Kenney questioned if specific sign locations had been yet determined. Mr. Tucker responded no. For Kurchian Woods, L. Kenney suggested using one of the two other locations rather than Franklin Street. N. Eaton requested language of proposed signs be submitted for review and approval by CC prior to installing. Signage at South Cedar Swamp not supported by CC. Per N. Eaton request, Mr. Tucker agreed to coordinate signage with Foodman for Lobs Mill, and with Kiernan for Xavier. Mr. Tucker to return to CC with specifics of location and sample language of each sign. Mr. Tucker stated the project has already been accepted by the Scout Council. No vote taken by CC. CC acknowledged acceptance of the project in concept. 7:25 P.M. Discussion of Domal Estates and others, specifically as relating to CC jurisdiction of projects beyond 100 foot Buffer Zone. D. Nadeau referenced the need for a NOI as relating to a point source discharge to wetlands where the discharge is to a resource area via an existing storm drain system. Should CC seek jurisdiction above CPDC review process which includes review by the Town Engineer. CPDC regulations require that there be no increase in stormwater rate and volume. S. Chapman spoke in favor of supporting D. Nadeau. Leave jurisdiction with CPDC. S. Chapman discussed concern for not starving water budget during lower events (i.e.,I-year and 2- year storms), and not causing increased flooding during major events (i.e., 100-year storm). D. Nadeau will draft guidance memo to Town Engineer stating CC concerns. "Draft For Review" to be submitted to Town Engineer. CC to review the memo prior to approval. 7:45 P.M. GREENHOUSE ACRES - Mr. Russell Tanzer present. N. Eaton reviewed site visit report, and referenced a telephone conservation she had with Town Counsel. There remains need for photographs of the conservation restriction land area to be submitted to Mr. Joel Lerner at the Division of Conservation Services (DCS). Photos need to document land use characteristics. - 1 - Mr. Tamer described activities which had occurred at the site subsequent to the CC's site visit. Pin oaks are now on site ready for planting at the rear of Building 2. All sod has been planted; planted on November 16, 1995. Bark Mulch has been spread. Slope has been repaired to 3 to 1 at Unit 16. Slope has been mulched. CC discussed the need for additional plantings at rear of Unit 16. Said to consist of 15 to 20 shrubs; combination of sweet pepperbush, high bush blueberry, silky dogwood, etc. Tanzer agreed to 15 to 20 shrubs with understanding that he will not be required to replant if existing natural vegetation chokes out planted vegetation. H. Hulse suggested existing vegetation will return since root matter appeared to remain throughout the disturbed area. S. Chapman suggested revegetation should be tried naturally with a potential need for supplemental plantings if satisfactory natural growth does not occur. Such plantings would become the responsibility of the condo management group. Mr. Tanzer agreed to inform the management group of this responsibility. CC agreed no additional plantings will be required at this time. D. Nadeau to draft Certificate of Compliance requiring 75 percent vegetation growth within two years - site manager will be required to plant additional plants if not satisfactory to CC after 2 years. J. Nickerson questioned vegetation at Unit 14. Mr. Tamer noted they had planted grass on topsoil at the questioned location, but the summer drought resulted in the grass not surviving. The area said to presently be stable due to natural vegetation. CC concurred. MOTION: H. Hulse moved to approve Certificate of Compliance with condition for 75 percent vegetation at rear of Unit 16 within 2 years, but Certificate of Compliance not to be issued until receipt of conservation land photos to satisfy CDS. Motion seconded. Voted 6-0-0. CC expressed appreciation and commended Mr. Tanzer for his work, his cooperation, and his responsiveness to the CC during the conduct of this project. 8:20 P.M. LOT 5 ROMA LANE - Mr. Jack Rivers and Mrs. Perino (the property owner) were present. N. Eaton referenced site visit. Pile of stonedust remains on-site in front yard to be used for brick walkway. J. River claimed vegetation (grass) has germinated. Feels site is stabilized. J. Rivers submitted as-built with impervious area calculations. According to J. Rivers, Town Forest issue continues to be discussed with Bud Dickey, the Town Tree Warden. Likely to be planting requirement of a few trees. Awaiting a plan from Town Forest Committee. J. Rivers noted that some trees starting to come back on their own. S. Chapman expressed reluctance to issue a Certificate of Compliance prior to full vegetation growth. MOTION: S. Chapman moved to approve and issue Certificate Of Compliance for 5 Roma Lane. Motion seconded. Vote 3-2-1, Eaton and Chapman opposed, Hulse abstained. Needed 4 vote majority, motion did not carry. (See additional comments 10:50 PM.) -2- 8:30 P.M. VARNEY CIRCLE - N. Eaton referenced the most current site visit report. Mention made of boat and pick-up truck being parked within the Zone of Natural Vegetation, possibly extending into wetlands. L. Kenny questioned the status of the land swap agreement previously mentioned at an earlier meeting. No response provided. MOTION: J. Drexler moved to approve and issue Partial Certificate of Compliance for Varney Circle except for tree survival. Second by H. Hulse. Voted 6-0-0. 8:35 P.M. AUTUMN LANE - Mrs. Stager (an abutting property owner, i.e., Lot 4) was present. S. Chapman noted acceptable conditions at the time of the most recent site visit. Mrs. Stager expressed concern toward the continued occurrence of erosion. She presented photos showing exposed rock on the face of slope adjacent to Lot 5, reporting it to be the result of erosion. Another photo showed evidence of flow under walk/stairs at the corner of Lot 5. S. Chapman concurred with the photos and noted his observation of potential flow under the walkway. He offered his opinion that flow under the walkway may.not be a CC issue since the flow will not affect the operability of the detention pond. H. Hulse reiterated that the roof runoff and apparent erosion at the walkway should not be a CC concern; the operability of the pond felt to be acceptable. Mrs. Stager requested the pond go through the winter to confirm acceptability. S. Chapman noted site visits by S. Chapman and N. Eaton after significant rainfall events indicated no evidence of problem erosion. MOTION: H. Hulse moved to approve and issue Certificate of Compliance for Autumn Lane. Seconded. Voted 5-0-1. J. Drexler abstained. Photos presented by Mrs. Stager were submitted to D. Nadeau for the file. 8:55 P.M. RECESS 9:05 P.M. 48 MILL STREET -.PUBLIC HEARING Paul Finnochio opened with a description of the project. Drainage calculations were provided to CC. N. Eaton noted that the submitted Notice of Intent did not mention calculations. She requested the applicant submit a copy to DEP. PJF concurred. 25 foot wide common driveway proposed. Applicant requested a waiver to construct a sewer manhole, and minimal lengths of utility piping (i.e., sewer and water) in the ZNV. Location of waiver said to be at rear of project site near Sanborn. Applicant also requested a waiver for 1 to 1 replication versus 2 to 1, to preserve mature vegetation, specifically the existing pine grove. meeting from Brad Latham, attorney for the applicant. D. Nadeau discussed 1 for 1 versus 2 for 1 replication by restating the purpose and intent of the waiver. -3- N. Eaton referenced Town Engineer Report previously prepared for CPDC addressed to Jonathan Edwards. N. Eaton read report into the record, noted that some comments do not apply to the CC. J. Rivers responded that many issues have already been resolved. J. Rivers noted that CC regulations require 3 to 1 slope. 3 to 1 said by J. Rivers to have been met. Rivers requested the CC vote to confirm limit of wetland. N. Eaton noted she had been requested by Jonathan Edwards (Town Planner) to establish final line ASAP. N. Eaton referenced site visit report. Requested 4 copies of tree location plan as provided to CC at site visit. PJF concurred. H. Hulse expressed concern regarding duplicate plans. Most current plans said to be revised dated November 2, 1995. N. Eaton requested test hole locations shown on plan. S. Chapman noted conflict between contours and proposed road grades versus the stated intent to drain toward the pond. S. Chapman noted need for PE stamp on the submitted calculations and the need for a better watershed delineation plan. PJF noted drywells to be used for roof areas. N. Eaton commented that drywells were not shown on the submitted plans. L. Kenney expressed concern for extent of clearing and the desire to save trees. J. Nickerson - How will replication area be constructed? J. Rivers explained construction sequence. J. Nickerson questioned high groundwater observed on site. How will it be dealt with as part of replication area construction? J. Rivers. No dewatering anticipated. Bottom of replication area to be elev. 80. N. Eaton questioned if adequate soils will be available on-site for replication area. J. Rivers - If additional soils are needed, they will be purchased and brought on-site as required. N. Eaton concerned toward wetland replication planting plan. She requested an actual planting plan, and requested information on wetland stock - size, quality, source (i.e., native or nursery), anticipated time fame for planting, depth of proposed soils/layers of material. Reference made by N. Eaton to other replication areas attempted at others sites, resulting in not satisfactory conditions. S. Chapman requested additional groundwater data - current, historic and expected variation season to season. Questions raised by J. Nickerson and L. Kenney re: grading and extent of wetland replication area. Said by PJF to be 3 to 1 slope. All slope is considered wetland replication by PJF. N. Eaton requested information on existing sewer/septic/cesspool. Presence of oil tanks in ground. No in-ground oil tanks known per J. Rivers. J. Rivers agreed to show cellar floor elevations for proposed structures on the plans. Floodplain limit shown on plans according Town Floodplain District set at elev. 75. FEMA thought to be elev. 73+/- according to J. Rivers. No activity proposed in floodplain. Abutting lot on Sanborn Lane was purchased by the applicant for partial use as a sewer easement then sold at a lesser amount according to J. Rivers. N. Eaton questioned if access could have been property for access to project. Discussion of other properties, inclusive of 48 Mill Street, where an existing dwelling is demolished to provide site access for further development. -4- N. Eaton noted detention basin is within 25 feet of BVW. Re: stone riprap downstream of outlet headwall is within 25 foot ZNV. J. Nickerson requested wall detail - PJF agreed to provide it. L. Kenney expressed concern - not able to define limit of wetland disturbance. D. Nadeau noted potential temporary disturbance. L. Kenney feels plan is vague, it is not clear on limit of disturbance and limit of replication. J. Rivers agreed to provide additional sketches for the Willow tree area. J. Rivers hopes to save two pines. Willow may not be as important.. Applicant agreed to provide a 20-scale plan to show limits of impact area/replication area. J. Nickerson suggested may need flowage control along access road. N. Eaton concerned for unfiltered water flowing directly to wetland replication area. N. Eaton - demolition procedures need to be defined. Desire by Fire Department for training - not to be agreed to by applicant. J. Rivers - demolition materials to be broken up within concrete foundation areas then removed off site. Public comments: 45 Sanborn Lane - Bill Ebert. Concern on sewer easement impact to his property including pool. The original construction of #37, which is adjacent to #45, resulted in flooding at #45. Concern for existing vegetation - trees and shrubs. Privet hedge and shrubs planted by Mr. Ebert may not be on his lot; may be on Lot #37. Mr. Ebert questioned the construction sequence and the expected duration of work/excavation. J. Rivers responded that no trench will be left open. Disturbed area to be finished ASAP. J. Rivers will pave driveway and install plantings ASAP. J. Rivers - will not disturb privet hedge. Tree removal not yet known. Every effort will be made to preserve trees where possible. 45 Sanborn Lane - Joanne Ebert. Mrs. Ebert reiterated concern for pool, trees, roots, etc. She questioned the depth of the proposed water pipe. Said by J. Rivers to be 5 feet below ground for its entire length. Water main to be installed nearest to #45 property line. D. Nadeau suggested public should state their concerns to CPDC at the CPDC meeting. Tree/shrub replacement said by D. Nadeau to be controlled/governed by CPDC. J. Nickerson - type of soils along easement? J. Rivers - no blasting anticipated along the easement. Some blasting may be required within street. Blasting was required to install existing Sanborn sewer. CC agreed to accept wetland line as follows: from W4 to SW corner of middle out-building, to NE corner of middle out-building, then due North to elev. 80 contour, then follow elev.. 80 contour to --the-northerly property line. -5- 10:55 P.M. SIGN-OFFS 419 Haverhill Street - Roberts property South of Stonewell. D. Nadeau requested CC recollection of project history. None recalled. D. Nadeau feels plantings may have been in the wetland. D. Nadeau to direct owner to revise plantings. Plantings to be placed on the upland side of a row of existing maples. 306 Main Street (10:58 P.M.) - D. Nadeau says nothing to worry about. 11:00 P.M. OTHER BUSINESS Russ Tanzer request for letter of accommodation. Current owners at Greenhouse Estates may be entering into legal action. CC does not want to set precedent. Reference to be made of Tanzer's performance and cooperation with the CC in the minutes. Keith Road - owner has obtained botanist. Name not known/remembered by N. Eaton. Appeal is ongoing before DEP as an adjudicatory hearing. 51 Mill Street - Applicant feels line on RDA is valid. N. Eaton provided personal notes of prior meetings to applicant. Applicant to hire Attorney Mark Favalaro as legal counsel. Applicant may wish to flip-flop house on Lot 4 with the detention basin to get a savings on buffer impact. He may consider further setback from wetland at Lot 5. Mr. Young nor Mr. Seacamp from Wetland - Preservation, Inc. will be available Saturday morning. Site visit to be 8:30 A.M. Saturday, November 18, 1995 without applicant's botanist. MOTION: H. Hulse moved to adjourn. M. Keating seconded. Voted 6-0-0. Adjourned 11:30 P.M. Respectfully subotted, t ph en A. Chapm Vice Chairman -'7 -