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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-11-02 Conservation Commission Minutes1. READING CONSERVATION COMMISSION Meeting No. 23 Minutes of November1994 PRESENT: Vice-Chair, Stephen Chapman (to 11:45 P.M.); Josh Drexler; Nancy Eaton; Joan Nickerson; M. Clifton Proctor; and Leo Kenney; Conservation Administrator, Donald Nadeau; and Recording Secretary, Elizabeth McDonough ABSENT: Chair, James Biller and Harold Hulse 7:05 P.M. Mr. Chapman chaired the meeting in the absence of Mr. Biller and called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M. APPROVE DRAFT MINUTES OF OCTOBER 19 1994 MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 19, 1994 AS AMENDED. VOTED 5-0»0 ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Greenhouse Acres: A request was received from the Commission's consultant on the Water Treatment Plant that Certificate of Occupancy be signed-off on Greenhouse Acres. They are seeking the Commission's approval to remove a large, dead, hazardous tree in the waterline easement between Azalea Circle and Smith Avenue. The tree was condemned by the Tree Warden, and is close to wetland and vegetation area. Mr. Nadeau viewed the tree, and he is willing to sign-off. Mr. Kenney suggested cutting the tree down, but leaving it there to decay. Greenhouse Acres also requested a Certificate of Occupancy be signed for Unit 12, which is closest to the wetland. However, Mr. Nadeau stated that the silt fence appears to have been moved. He approximates that they are 9' into the wetland area with lawn, fill, and a 6' to 8' high retaining wall, plus another 6' of disturbance. Accordingly, and with the Commission's support, Mr. Nadeau stated that he would be issuing an Enforcement Order to stop all work on Greenhouse Acres. As-built plans will be requested, and DEP will be apprised. If it is confirmed that they are in violation, a request will be made for the removal of the wail, and fill. It will also be required that the land be brought up-to-grade with black loam, and the developer will be given the standard planting plan. MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO SUPPORT AN ENFORCEMENT ORDER TO BE ISSUED TO STOP ALL. WORK AT GREENHOUSE ACRES. VOTED 5-0-0 L READING CONSERVATION COMMISSION ? I/S0194 2. 7:30 P.M. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS: 1.) Warrant Articles/Ms. Eaton. Ms. Eaton reported that CPDC once again requested the support of the Conservation Commission on Warrant Articles 18, 19, and 20 which relate to Zoning Changes. The only Article the Commission agreed to support was Article 18 as it relates to open space and habitat. A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED THAT THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION WOULD SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 18. DISCUSSION - Mr. Nadeau commented that larger lots create more room for vegetation, and more greenery is a conservation attribute. VOTED 4-1-0 2.) Open space Committee/Ms. Eaton: Ms. Eaton reported that the Suburban News neglected to print the Open Space questionnaire in the latest edition of the Reading News section. However, they did agree to print the survey in the regular portion of the newspaper on Friday, November 4, 1994. The questionnaire will also run in the Reading Chronicle. 3.) Workshop/Mr. Drexler:, Mr. Drexler attended a watershed protection workshop on preventing polluted runoff from new developments. One of the topics discussed was requiring mulch on construction projects during the construction phase to prevent silt pulse from going into the watershed. 7:46 P.M.: POLICY DISCUSSION: It was the consensus of the Commission that the December 7, 1994 meeting at 7:00 P.M. be held for policy discussion, plan changes, orders, regulations, etc. 8.00 P.M.: EXTENSIONS - CARRIAGE ESTATES PHASE If DEP# 270236, RGB# 1991-10, LIAISON: J. DREXLER Mark Favaloro, Favaloro & Schreiber, as well as Peter Ogren, Hayes Engineering were present to address the Commission to request an Extension of the Order of Compliance for a period of one year under DEP and RGB in order to complete the project. Discussions on the Carriage Estates were lengthy; the following are some of the highlights of the discussions. Administrator's Report: There are concerns for a couple of vernal pools. There is a lot of debris at the site. The Developer has had Approvals and Appeals to work through, but they are now moving along consistently. As there have been other extensions over a three-year period, it was recommended that the Commission review the wetland tine. Presentation: Peter Ogren. Hayes Engineering, inc., stated that the water line and sewer line crossings have been completed. The area has revegetated naturally in the area of activity. The detention pond is graded. At the retention pond , all the grading within the buffer zone is not completed. Plantings have been placed in the floor of the basin of the wetlands in accordance with planting plan. The applicant is proposing to get the gravel on the roadway in order to pave before winter. READING CONSERVATION COMrMISSION --11x103194 3. Discussion: Ms. Eaton and Mr. Kenney made a site visit on October 30, 1994 and the subsequent report to the Commission outlining deficiencies was reviewed. Ms. Nickerson pointed out that the applicant had not responded to the Administrator's letter of July 26 regarding a schedule for debris removal. The Commission is concerned about the debris by the vernal pool. Mr. Ogren replied that they understand it must be removed. Debris is also encountered as work progresses. Steven Caruso, contractor, stated that he planned to start to separate the debris in the stockpiles on November 4, 1994. Mr. Drexler stated his concern about possible WAGS in the shoe cuttings. Mr. Nadeau stated that the OOC states that mitigation must be completed before construction can start in the buffer zone. A Partial Certificate of Compliance may be issued when the Commission is satisfied with the plantings. Causes for Mitigation: debris pile by the vernal pool; vegetation needs to be built up in the water and sewer crossings in the detention basin. Also, the Commission requested that hay bales or a silt fence be installed now rather than in the spring. Mr. Kenney addressed uprooted trees (not in the buffer zone) on the applicant's side that are over the wall. The applicant should be put on notice that there is a problem with the town access as well as trespassing on town property. The Commission discussed animal habitat, placement of black soil, as well as the appropriate replacement of the original soil. The Administrator was satisfied that the original soil is there, however, it is blended. The soil needs to be augmented, and the vegetation needs to be built up. Steve Cironi, H.C. Cironi and Sons, explained the procedures they followed for soil removal from the rocky and ]edge areas. Mr. Ogren commented that the crossing appears neat and is starting to revegetate; he fails to see the purpose building p the vegetation. He added that originally there was not a deep depth of organics. Discussion ensued regarding satisfying the Commission with plantings and winter survival as it relates to contingency of holding the bond, as well the applicant's good-faith efforts at replication. Mr. Kenney suggested placing a layer of organic mulch (not wood chips) and leaf materials to give the depth of organic material. Kevin Walsh, abutter, 44 Roma Lane, expressed his concern over the lost trees, and the large area of clearance. The Administrator explained that the open area would be filled in. Elizabeth Wallis, Botanist, Hayes Engineering presented her report and proposals re: the plantings in the easement and detention pond. The density, she said, would be very similar to what was there with the exception of the trees. Mr. Kenney stated that he did not agree with the size of the blueberry bushes as stated in her report. Mr. Nadeau suggested that the applicant plant a couple more shrubs in the area where the trees were removed to help meet the 75% coverage requirement. Ms. Nickerson asked about the rough soil on the cul-de-sac off Roma Lane. Mr. Ogren stated that it -would-be-graded-off,--but hedid notknow the-schedule. READING CONSERVATION COMMISSION 79/03494 6. 25' zone. The Commission had concerns that the applicants were clearing and landscaping down the the 25' buffer line, as well as what the applicant considered to be the "mess" that they wanted to clean up. Commission needs to know what would be left in its natural state. Mr. Nadeau recommended the following: at flag #29, come up the slope to elevation 205 (about 60' away from the wetland) and hold that as the ZNV to protect steep slope from erosion Joyce Holt, 201 Grove Street, and Mike Foley, 194 Grove Street, Bob Wall, 170 Grove all stated concern that more houses would be built on the site. Procedures for doing so were explained to the abutters. Mr. Chapman suggested an Extension to allow time for the applicants to submit: 1.) a color shaded plan with clearly defined existing and proposed contours at the rear of property; 2.) utility locations; 3.) where the house is going; 4.) limit of regrading, limit of work line; 5.) confirmation of house foot print; 6.) a narrative of intent with regard to landscaping at the rear of the property; 7.) groundcover that will be kept; 8.) detail of the buffer zone. Also if the applicants wish a foundation within the 100' buffer zone, they will need to stake it for inspection. MOTION -A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO CONTINUE THIS PUBLIC HEARING TO NOVEMBER 30, 1994 AT 8:30 P.M. VOTED 5-0-0 10:30 P.M. PUBLIC MEETING - 931107 WALNUT STREET RGB# 1994-29, LIAISON: L. KENNEY Presentation: David Johnson, Applicant, was present to address the Commission. He is proposing to build a 2750 square foot single family, four-bedroom colonial house with a two car garage within the 29,364 square foot lot located between 93 and 107 Walnut Street. He stated that there is a Certified Vernal Pool behind number 107 and the wetlands are shown on the plot plant that was distributed to the members. Mr. Johnson discussed the locations of the 100' buffer zone, the edge of the wetland, the existing stone wail, the edge of the existing vegetation, the tree line, house and driveway. The proposed house would be out of the 100' buffer zone, however, he explained how some grading he is proposing to do within the buffer zone would change the watershed slightly. He explained that rainwater would go toward the wetland and vernal pool. There is currently grass up to the tree line, and Mr. Johnson does not propose to change this. Discussion: Mr. Kenney commented that he did not believe that runoff would be of significance to the vernal pool. Habitat around the pool may be affected. Louis deBregarde, 107 Walnut Street, asked the applicant to explain where the water would be collecting, and Mr. Johnson explained the grading he proposed so that the watershed would be away from the house. Mr. Johnson commented that there would be 21' setback between 107 Walnut's lot line and the proposed foundation. The Commission __recommend _a Swale so that roof runoff would not go towards-the abutters in the direction of 107 Walnut Street. READING CONSERVATION COMMISSION --'1103/94 Y h agree and stated that the legal effect would be the same; however, the Commission directed the Administrator to issue two separate documents. MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO ISSUE THE ORDER OF CONDITIONS AS AMENDED FOR 26/32 SUMMER AVENUE UNDER DEP#270-263. VOTED 5-0-0 MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO ISSUE THE ORDER OF CONDITIONS AS AMENDED FOR 26/32 SUMMER AVENUE UNDER RGB #1994-26. VOTED 5-0-0 3.) Certificate of Compliance: 27 Grove Street, DEP#270-253/RGB# 1993-17 Ms. Nickerson and Mr. Proctor made a site visit on November 2, 1994 and spoke with Mr. DeSanto, an abutter, who demonstrated the improper drainage at 27 Grove Street. The water did not run to the drain. Mr. Nadeau discussed this situation with the applicant, Peter DeGennaro, Presidential Development Corporation, and informed him that he would be informing the Commission. Lou Silva, 19 Grove Street, was present to address the Commission, and stated his concern with the applicant's comment to him that he would just patch the area. Mr. Nadeau will draft an Enforcement Order to reconstruct the driveway from subgrade in order to drain to the existing drywell, An inspection by a civil engineer will be requested. (Mr. Chapman departed at approximately 11:45 P.M. ) MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO SUPPORT AN ENFORCEMENT ORDER FOR 27 GROVE STREET, DEP#270-253/RGB# 1993-17. VOTED 4-0-0 4.) Order of Conditions: 489 Lowell Street, DEP# 270-264/RGB# 1994-25 The Order of Conditions were reviewed and amended. MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO ISSUE THE ORDER OF CONDITIONS AS CORRECTED. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Policy Discussion for December 7, 1994 Meeting VOTED 4-0-0 1. Plan changes 2. Order of Conditions Form 3. Suggestion for Future Policy Discussion: applicant responsibility and procedures for expiring permits, per local bylaws. MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO ADJOURN AT 12:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, VOTED 4-0-0 _ Elizabeth C. McDonough Recording Secretary READING CONSERVATION COM:MIISSION --11'143194