Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-04-28 Conservation Commission MinutesMinutes, Reading Conservation Commission, April 28, 2004 CEIVED Minutes of the Reading Conservation Commission I-OWN CLERK Selectman's Meeting Room, Town Hall IEADING, MASS. April 28, 2004 20 P 4: 0 Present: Doug Greene, Kelley Meier, Will Finch, Jamie Maughan, and Rebecca JUL I Longley, Commissioners; Fran Fink, Administrator The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Old/New Business Lob's Pound Mill Conservation Area, Mill Street Eric Flower and Butch Conary were present. Eric proposed to carry out the work recently permitted under and Order of Conditions as an Eagle Scout project. He will construct two picnic tables, wheelchair accessible, and a covered signboard. He has scheduled work for May 16 and June 6. The Commission approved the proposal and thanked him for his contributions. 115 Charles, Order of Conditions, DEP 270- RGB Kerry McCormack, owner, was present and asked for approval of a revised site plan. Mr. Greene gave a site visit report, noting that the lawn had not yet been established. Ms. Fink also reported site visit observations. She reviewed the impervious cover limit in the Order and said that the revised plan and the observed work on the site were not completely consistent and the treatment of the pool area was not complete. However, the proposed plan is approaching the impervious cover limit. She also reviewed the history of tree removal at the site, and noted that the bond needs to be extended. She recommended that the proposed planting plan be carried out as soon as possible to provide a full growing season this summer. Mr. McCormack stated that the pavers have 1/8-inch gaps between them, filled with stone dust and set on gravel. Mr. Finch asked what the quantitative difference was in infiltration between this application and lawn Mr. Maughan and Ms. Longley stated that they would consider these particular pavers to be impervious because they are solid. Mr. McCormack stated that he was not likely to finish the pool area in the near future, but would be foaming and seeding this month. Mr. Finch noted that some of the shrubs on the left lot line appeared dead. Mr. McCormack said that he hoped they would revive this spring. Mr. Maughan asked why the 30-inch tree should be taken down. Mr. McCormack said he wanted to be sure the lawn would be healthy and that the tree dropped branches occasionally. Mr. Finch said he was not in favor of any additional tree removal, given the number that had already been taken, and he would like to see progress soon on the planting as proposed. Minutes, Reading Conservation Commission, April 28, 2004 Mr. Maughan moved to permit the cutting of the 30-inch tree. Mr. Finch seconded. Voted 0 in favor and 5 against, and the motion did not carry. A letter will be sent concerning the bond renewal, the impervious cover limit, and the decision on the tree. Public HearinLys and Meetintis 175 Franklin, ANRAD, RGB 2004-8 The Chairman opened the hearing. No one was present for the applicant. Mr. Finch reported that he had consulted Leo Kenney about the eastern pond. Mr. Kenney responded that the pond was known to contain fish and thus could not be considered a vernal pool. The Commission reviewed draft Findings. Ms. Longley moved to issue an ORAD with the Findings as drafted. Ms. Meier seconded. Voted 5-0 in favor. 1 General Avenue, ANRAD, DEP 270-421, RGB 2004-6 The Chairman opened the hearing. Chris Sparages of Hayes Engineering, Mark Favaloro, attorney, and Paul Caggionao and George Danis of Danis Properties were present for the applicant. - Mr. Sparages presented a revised site plan. Contours and spot elevations had been revised. Wetlands and Buffer Zone had been added along the train tracks. The invert of the pipe between the A-series wetland and the main wetland was measured and is below the 85-foot flood elevation. Floodplain is also present in the channel between flags 71- 98,in the western stream channel, in the C/D-series wetland at the eastern end of the stream, and in and beyond the main BVW on the north. The BVW flags on the Cullinane site have been added, and BVW at the western end of the site. The location of B-1 was adjusted in accordance with the site visit observations. No connection has been found to link the B-series wetland to the other wetlands. Mr. Sparages said that he had calculated the flood storage in the B-series wetland and it did not qualify as ILSF under State regulations. Ms. Fink asked him to submit the calculations and watershed boundary used, and noted that the observed flooding does meet the definition of ILSF in the Reading regulations. Mr. Sparages said he could not find any records related to the 100-year flood elevation of 86.3 feet used for some of the permits issued in the 1980's. He said that calculations might have been made at the time based on the watershed tributary to the A-series wetland and the characteristics of the pipe that connects it to the main BVW. Mr. Sparages reported that the road salt pile had been removed from the site and the owner will notify _tenants. _about _trash and litter problems:-- Mr.-Caggianv stated that the Minutes, Reading Conservation Commission, April 28, 2004 sofas and other materials in the forest and wetlands on the north side of the stream would be removed. They would like to continue mowing in the ZNV. Mr. Maughan expressed concern about snow plowing operations leaving contaminated sand and snow along the top of the stream banks. Mr. Sparages said they expect to file a Notice of Intent soon and include drainage and maintenance improvements. He said the catch basins are full of sediments at present. Ms. Fink requested that they be cleaned in accordance with the DEP Stormwater Management Policy. Mr. Finch suggested providing a wider vegetated buffer zone between the parking lot and the wetlands, and adding curbing to directly flow through treatment systems. Attention is also needed where the existing chain-link fence traps debris, diverts flow, and causes scouring of the stream banks. Soils tests will be needed, witnessed by the Health Administrator. Mr. Finch moved to continue the hearing to May 12 at 7:45 PM. Ms. Longley seconded. Voted 5-0 in favor. 468 West Street, 6 Kelch Street, and 11 Longwood Road, NOI, DEP 270-424, RGB 2004-10 The Chairman opened the hearing. Ted Moore, applicant, Bill Bergeron of Hayes Engineering, and Brad Latham, attorney were present. Ms. Fink reported that she had met earlier in the day with Mr. Bergeron, the Town Engineer, and the Town Planner to review various details of the proposed plan. Mr. Moore asked why the Town Planner had been included. Ms Fink noted that the CPDC is also reviewing the project and good communication was needed among all the interested parties. Mr. Bergeron stated that Hayes is working on answers to various questions that have been raised to date. The detention basin will be moved out of the RFA. The drainage design will include 4 design points, including the 2 under Inwood Drive, and separate detention will be provided in each watershed. One will be drier than the other, due to groundwater elevations and infiltration rates. The layout of RES-02 will be changed to fit the grades better. The water budget in the B-series wetland will be maintained by diverting roof runoff towards it. The new BVW delineation will be adjusted. The tree near the E-series wetland will be saved. Some of the roof runoff will be recharged. A groundwater interceptor will be added to prevent flooded basements on Enos Circle. The landscape architect will address questions about plants. The trail will be removed from the E-series wetland. Changes would also be made in the erosion control and construction sequencing plans. He planned to submit revised materials within a week. Mr. Greene asked about the proposed nursery in the open meadow. Mr. Bergeron did not have full details, but said the applicant wanted to have plants available on site as they were needed. Mr. Greene asked about long-term maintenance, and_Mr. Moore said the _ condo association would be responsible. Minutes, Reading Conservation Commission, April 28, 2004 Ms. Fink asked for soils tests in the new proposed basin area. Mr. Finch moved to continue the hearing to May 12 at 7:55 PM. Ms. Meier seconded. Voted 5-0 in favor. Old/New Business Lot 7 Pondview Lane, Order of Conditions, DEP 270 345, RGB 2000-52 Rick Carter, owner of Lot 7, was present. The Commission reviewed a revised site plan for the lot dated April 26, 2004. Mr. Finch moved to accept the revised plan as an insignificant plan change under the Order. Ms. Longley seconded. Voted 5-0 in favor. 248 Main Street, Order of Conditions, DEP 270-296, RGB 1997-35 Rick Carter, also the owner of 248 Main street, was present. The Commission reviewed a draft Enforcement Order. Mr. Carter was uncertain about the timing of a curb cut permit from MHD. Ms. Longley encouraged him to keep in close contact with NM until the permit is issued. Mr. Finch moved to issue the Enforcement Order for the remaining work as drafted. Ms. Meier seconded. Voted 5-0 in favor. Public Hearings and Meetings Walkers Brook Crossing, Request to Amend Order of Conditions, DEP 270-352, RGB 2001-14 At the request of the applicant, the hearing was continued to May 12 at 8:15 PM. 107 Walnut Road, NOI, RGB 2004-14 Mr. and Mrs. Drachler, applicants, and Nancy Twomey, architect, were present. Mr. Drachler presented a plan for an addition to the existing house. The site includes a certified vernal pool, and he proposes to plant suitable vegetation to restore the habitat around the pond. Mr. Greene gave the site visit report. The pool was full of water during the visit and soils in the lawn near the pool appear to be hydric. The BVW delineation needs to be completed around the pool. He asked what materials would be used for the proposed "deck", as the existing one is concrete. Ms. Twomey said the existing structure can not be removed without damaging the foundation of the house. Thus, the proposed extension will be concrete and is to provide enough space for a table and chairs. She said the existing foundation under the eastern side of the house will be removed and replaced, and they are not proposing changes in the driveway. Ms. Fink distributed and reviewed a memorandum." The Commission discussed what type of planting would offer significant habitat improvement, whether the outlet pipe in 4 Minutes, Reading Conservation Commission, April 28, 2004 the pond bank could be raised without increasing flooding in basements, whether the addition could be made the same size as the existing structure, and whether part of the driveway could be removed to improve habitat. Abutters were invited to comment. Brian Snell, 99 Walnut Road, reported groundwater problems and asked whether the proposed work would cause further problems. The Commission discussed discharging the new roof runoff towards the pool. Ms. Meier moved to continue the hearing to May 26 at 7:30 PM. Ms. Longley seconded. Voted 5-0 in favor. 1503 Main Street, NOI, RGB 2004-15 The Chairman opened the hearing. Steve Eriksen, Norse Environmental, was present. He submitted a revised site plan that places the proposed house farther from Main Street that the plan submitted with the NOI. He noted that more trees would be cut for the revised plan. He also submitted an aerial photo and a USGS map. Mr. Finch asked why the house location had been moved. Mr. Eriksen said for more privacy. Ms. Fink noted that a hedge or fence, or a different configuration for the house, could also add privacy. Mr. Maughan asked about the size of the house. Mr. Eriksen said 2 stories at 2800 s.f: each, and said the site plan showed a maximum size that might be built. Ms. Fink asked whether the silt fence line on the plan also indicated the proposed extent of tree clearing and lawn planting. Mr. Eriksen said it did. The lawn would extend to within 25 feet of the BVW. Some large pine trees would be removed. Mr. Finch asked whether the lawn could be reduced in size to provide a better buffer and preserve more trees. Mr. Eriksen said possibly, but the applicant wants a large lawn. Mr. Greene was concerned about damage to tree roots and windfall risk if part of the white pine stand is removed. Ms. Longley said the limit-of-work should be moved closer to the east side of the house. Mr. Maughan asked whether sewer was available. Mr. Eriksen said it does not extend to the site. The Board of Health will review the proposed septic system. Ms. Fink asked for the location of the existing system, but Mr. Eriksen was not certain. Ms. Fink asked about drainage mitigation. Mr. Eriksen said roof infiltrators could be added. Ms. Fink said new soils tests will be needed for the roof and for the septic system. Mike Cloonan was present for the Reading Open Land Trust, which owns the abutting land to the north. He said that the owner had discussed a-possible donation-of thewetter - Minutes, Reading Conservation Commission, April 28, 2004 part of the site to the ROLT. Zoning and subdivision requirements need further exploration. Ms. Meier moved to continue the hearing to May 26 at 7:45 PM. Ms. Longley seconded. Voted 5-0 in favor. Old/New Business MWRA connection The Commission received notice of a public hearing on the Town's proposed connection to the MWRA system. 9 Mill Street, North Reading Mr. Finch reported that the North Reading Conservation Commission had voted to issue an Order of Conditions with no change in the location of the proposed garage and breezeway. The Commission decided to appeal this decision and asked the Administrator to obtain a copy of the Order and draft an appeal. Adams Way Subdivision, Order of Conditions, DEP 270-333, RGB 2000-8 The developer has not responded to calls or mail. The Administrator will find out what process is needed to take the bond. 518 Summer Avenue, Order of Conditions, DEP 270-349, RGB 2001-6 Ms. Fink reported a site inspection. Work has not been completed and the Order has expired. An Enforcement Order will be drafted for May 12. 3 Zachary Lane, Order of Conditions, DEP 270-411, RGB 2003-41 The Commission reviewed the foundation as-built plan, a planting plan for the wetland and ZNV, and the roof infiltration system design. Ms. Meier moved to accept the foundation as-built and the roof infiltration design. Ms. Longley seconded. Voted 5-0 in favor. The owners will be asked to revise the planting plan because it does not provide sufficient plants in the ZNV. 450 Haverhill Street, Order of Conditions, DEP 270-291, RGB 1997-1 Ms. Fink reported site inspection observations and reviewed the status of work. Mr. Finch moved to issue a Certificate of Compliance and release the bond in the amount of $2000. Ms. Longley seconded. Voted 5-0 in favor. 306 Main Street, Order of Conditions, DEP 270-356, RGB 2001-19 A letter will be sent concerning the present status of the site. 6 Minutes, Reading Conservation Connnission, April 28, 2004 25 Pinevale Ms. Fink reported that work had been done on the site in Buffer Zone for a driveway and patio and lawn without a permit. She had contacted the owner, visited the site, and ordered erosion controls and planting. She will return for another inspection. Sumner Cheney Place Mr. Finch moved to approve a Minor Project Permit for proposed fences, with a condition that the work also be approved by the ZBA. Ms. Meier seconded. Voted 5-0 in favor. 28 Francis Drive The Commission will send a letter to the owner's attorney requesting access for a site inspection. The upgradient neighbors reported unusual flooding during the heavy rains at the beginning of April. 55 Blueberry Lane The Commission approved a Minor Project Permit for a deck. 25 Wilson Road The Commission approved a Minor Project Permit for a shed. Minutes of February 18, February 25, and March 10, 2004 Mr. Finch moved to approve the Minutes as drafted for 2/18, 2/ 25, and 3/10/04. Ms. Longley seconded. Voted 5-0 in favor. Weed Wrench Mr. Finch has ordered the wrench and will submit the bill when it arrives. Friends and Family Day The Commission decided to participate in this event and discussed plans for a table. Meeting adjourned at 11:15 PM.