Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-10-05 Conservation Commission MinutesREADING CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of October 5 1994 1. Meeting No. 21 PRESENT: Chair, James Biller; Vice-Chair, Stephen Chapman; Members Nancy Eaton; Joan Nickerson; Harold Hulse; M. Clifton Proctor; Associate Member, Leo Kenney; Conservation Administrator, Donald Nadeau; and Recording Secretary, Elizabeth McDonough 7:15 PM: Mr. Chapman, chaired the meeting (until the arrival of Mr. Biller) and called the meeting to order. APPROVE DRAFT MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 7 AND 21 1994 MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 21, 1994 AS AMENDED. VOTED 5-0-1 MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 7, 1994 AS AMENDED. VOTED 4-0-2 Upon Commission attendee Josh Drexler's observation that applicants seem to be confused as to the actual rainfall depth, i.e., 6 1/2 or 7" to be used when computing for a 100 year storm event. The Conservation Commission (CC) suggested that applicants be informed at the time of application that the correct depth is 7 inches for a 100 year, 24 hour rain fall event. Mr. Chapman suggested providing other rain fall depths within the wetland's regulations , mainly the 25, 10, and 2 year depths [Reading General Bylaws, Section 5.7]. He agreed to obtain the recommended values in time for the next meeting. 7:30 PM: Mr. Biller arrived and reported that: 1.) The Selectmen had appointed a new Town Engineer with a starting date of November 7, 1994. 2.) The Selectmen did not take up the matter of a new Conservation Commission Member at their last meeting. However, it will be discussed at their October 11, 1994 meeting. It is expected that Mr. Drexler will be considered for appointment at that time. Administrator's Report: 1. 311 Haverhill Street: Mr. Nadeau reported that the Town of Reading would be a filing for a Notice of Intent for the culverting of a waterway at 311 Haverhill Street. 2. Webb Property on Haverhill Street: Mr. Nadeau reported that he had spoken to an individual in he had inferred that the property was not buildable as it is situated primarily on wetlands with vernal pools. READING CONSERVATION COMMISSION ----10/5/94 2. 8:00 PM: MICHAEL FOODMAN - EAGLE PROJECT PROPOSAL Mr. Nadeau reported that he has not as yet scheduled a presentation with Mr. Foodman. 8:05 PM: Subcommittee Report - Open Space Committee: Open Space Survey: Ms. Eaton reported that modifications and suggestions had been received from the Subcommittee Members with respect to the survey. Also, some of the items that the Subcommittee intend to discuss at their next meeting are: mapping concerns, inventory issues, and tax titles. At a future date, not yet determined, the Open Space Survey will be sent to homeowners with their water bills or would be placed in the Reading Notes section of the Suburban News. Capital Improvements - Open Space Committee: Ms. Eaton informed the Commission that expected Capital Improvement items to be addressed by the Capital Budget Committee (CBC) must be submitted by October 13, 1994 in order to be included in the ten-year plan. The Conservation Commission agreed that a budget should be submitted to be included in the plan for appraisals, etc. to acquire land . The Conservation Commission is aware of several parcel leads where appraisals would be needed. MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED THAT THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION SUBMIT A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CAPITAL BUDGET COMMITTEE FOR $25,000 A YEAR OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS TO COVER ANTICIPATED COSTS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF ADDITIONAL LANDS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, APPRAISALS, ENGINEERING COSTS, AND OTHER ACQUISITION EXPENSES. VOTED 6-0-0 Mr. Biller commented that a letter would be sent to the CBC informing them of this decision with the explanation that there are specific, identifiable needs for the coming year. With the Open Space report due in the very near future, the Commission expects an ongoing need for funds to implement the acquisitions. Policy Discussion: Plan Changes and Order of Conditions Form: No discussion. 8:35 PM: PUBLIC HEARING - 489 LOWELL STREET DEP#270-XXX RGB#1994-25 LIAISON: J. NICKERSON Carla and Adam Andrade were present to address the Commission regarding their Notice of Intent for maintenance and paving of an existing driveway. Discussions included procedures for obtaining a curb cut permit from the MHD. The driveway would be partly on state land. Mr. Nadeau reported that he visited the property during a recent thunderstorm and observed that there was some migration of mulch on the east side of the existing driveway. The applicants reported that after a subsequent, major storm, they did not notice any standing water. Commission reviewed proposed and as-built site plans. The applicants explained that to prevent erosion on the slope, they would be installing bushes, grass, and mulch in the spring. The CC discussed the READING CONSERVATION COMMISSION ----10/5/94 3. expected cross slope on the finished driveway . The CC agreed that the flow would be directed to the } swale on the southwest side of the driveway. Mr. Chapman asked about the abutter notification process, and Mr. Nadeau explained the envelope counting procedure. As there was no DEP number, the hearing could not be closed. The applicants agreed to a continuation which is scheduled for October 19, 1994. A reply from DEP is expected before that date. Mr. Nadeau commented that he would draft the Order of Conditions. MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING UNTIL OCTOBER 19, 1994. VOTED 6-0-0 9:10 PM: PUBLIC MEETING - 48 MILL STREET RGB# 1994-23 LIAISON: N. EATON This meeting had been rescheduled from September 21. Jack Rivers, representing the applicant, was present to address the the Commission regarding the necessity of having the wetland line established at 48 Mill Street in order to finalize the design of the site plan. A site visit was made on September 17, 1994 with Mr. Biller, Mr. Chapman, Ms. Eaton, Mr. Hulse, Mr. Proctor, Mr. Kenney, Mr. Drexler, and Mr. Rivers attending as well as Walter Kittridge, a botanist for the applicant. Mr. Nadeau and Ms. Nickerson viewed the site prior to the meeting. Based on the field plants in the area, the Commission and Administrator disagreed with the flags that had been hung on and around the buildings at the site. The areas in question, as shown on the distributed site plan, were W-4 - W-6. A soil sample of those areas was requested, and the results were distributed by Mr. Rivers. The Commission noted that the testing firm was not identified, a page was missing, and different Commission members had differently dated sheets. The Commission requested a new, completed-as-requested package be submitted. The current plan had the flags at every 25 feet as well as "alphabetical " numbering. Ms. Nickerson reminded Mr. Rivers of the proper spacing and numbering of flags as well as the coordination of colors as required by filing regulations. The CC discussed and agreed to the lines Z-D and modifications to A-C as well as the W line. At the request of the applicant, the delineation stopped at W-4. MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC MEETING. VOTED 6-0-0 MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED THAT A POSITIVE DETERMINATION BE ISSUED WITH THE DISCUSSED STIPULATIONS AND THE LINES AS AMENDED DURING DISCUSSION. VOTED 6-0-0 OLDINEW BUSINESS: 1. Duck Road: Ms. Eaton read a judgment having a blank date for the soil expert with regard to READING CONSERVATION COMMISSION ----1016194 4. Lot 5, Duck Road. The plaintiff had placed 8 to 10 inches of loam on entire vegetated area. J 2. Sign-offs: The Commission reviewed and concurred with the Administrator's sign-offs. Comments on Possible Zoninq Articles: The Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) requested the Conservation Commission's comments and suggestions on proposed warrant articles. The following warrants, Articles A, B, C, D, E, F, and K were discussed: ARTICLES A & B: These articles reflect modifications to the zoning articles as they relate to the Flood Plain map. MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED THAT THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION ENDORSE AND SUPPORT ARTICLE A, SECTION 5.3.2.1 AND ARTICLE B, SECTION 4.10.2.1 AS THEY REFER TO A MORE ACCURATE DELINEATION FOR PLANNING PURPOSES. ARTICLE C. The Commission discussed PRD's, subdivisions, and wetland regulations. VOTED 6-" MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED THAT THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION ENDORSE AND SUPPORT ARTICLE C, SECTION 4.3.1.2.1. VOTED 6-0-0 ARTICLE D. This article, as it relates to single-family residences, is not directly related to the Conservation Commission, therefore, it was agreed that no stand would be taken. MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED THAT THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION WOULD TAKE NO STAND ON ARTICLE D. ARTICLE E. Relates to odd-shaped lots and is not directly related to the Conservation Commission. VOTED 6-" MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED THAT THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION WOULD TAKE NO STAND ON ARTICLE E. VOTED 6-0-0 ARTICLE F AND ALTERNATE ARTICLE F. Relates to Building Inspector as the Zoning Administrator and is not directly related to the Conservation Commission. MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED THAT THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION WOULD TAKE NO STAND ON ARTICLE F AND ALTERNATE F. VOTED 6-0-0 This warrant article is being requested for amendment at CC's request and CPDC's agreement of what was perceived as a loophole in the impervious area requirement, Article 4.8:3.1.6. READING CONSERVATION COMMISSION ----1015194 5. MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED THAT THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION ENDORSE AND SUPPORT ARTICLE K WITH REGARD TO THE IMPERVIOUS AREA IN THE ACQUIFER PROTECTION DISTRICT. VOTED 6-0-0 Unfinished Business: Policy Discussion: 1. Plan changes 2. Order of Conditions Form MOTION - A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO ADJOURN AT 11:00 PM. VOTED 6-0-0 Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth C. McDonough Recording Secretary READING CONSERVATION COMMISSION ----1015194