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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-07-23 Conservation Commission MinutesMinutes, Reading Conservation Commission, July 23, 2003 Minutes of the Reading Conservation Commission U V uLI a 1 Selectman's Meeting Room, Town Hall r; g G, M July 23, 2003 Present: Rebecca Longley, Larry Goulet, William Hecht, Doug Greene, Kelley Meier, Pat Lloyd, Commissioners; Fran Fink, Administrator; Leo Kenney, Consultant; and Linda Boutoures, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order at 7:90p.m. The Commission welcomed new member Rebecca Longley. Old/New Business Harvest Road The Commission noted that on the site visit the property was cleaned up, but there were still some bare spots and some erosion due to the recent rain. Commission would like to see some plant maintenance, with seeding and watering at the far end. Mr. Goulet voiced his concern about the double tree, roots 25-30% exposed. The applicant said he was willing to build a dirt dam around the tree. Rebecca questioned how much erosion. Mr. Kenney noted the top. of the slope looked okay, but the slope stabilization still depended on the matting, not vegetation. The Commission decided to have a site visit with Mickey Marcus present. The applicant will get in touch with Ms. Fink and determine the date and time. 7:20p.m. Public Meeting, Request for Determination of Applicability, 40 Timberneck Drive, RGB, 2003-32 Procedures read, attendance sheet circulated, Commission introduced. Mr. Walsh was present and described the proposed addition to the house. During the site visit the Commission noticed a big tree on the property was cut down, and there was a shed on the property not shown on the map. Overall the Commission noted this was a routine proposal. The Commission reviewed draft Conditions. Mr. Goulet moved to approve a negative Determination of Applicability with Conditions as drafted for RGB 2003-32. Mr. Hecht seconded. Voted 5 - 0 -1 with Ms. Longley abstaining. 7:30 p.m. Public Meeting, Request for Determination of Applicability, 118 Fairchild Drive, RGB 2003-26 Procedures read, attendance sheet circulated, Commission introduced. Mrs. Minichiello, applicant, was present. Ms. Fink gave out memorandum from Joe Delaney, Town Engineer, concerning present site conditions in the drainage easement. Ms. Lloyd moved that the Commission issue a Partial Certificate of Compliance under Minutes, Reading Conservation Commission, July 23, 2003 under the deck be stabilized with gravel mulch under the new Determination. Ms. Meier seconded. Voted 6-0 in favor. Under the new RDA, the applicant stated that the builder assured her that all work will be done by hand/on foot and there would be no machinery access. The Commission discussed the proposed change in impervious cover and whether roof runoff could be infiltrated. Given the proximity to the wetland and groundwater, recharge did not appear possible. A motion was made to grant a variance from the standard setback in Section 3.D of the regulations because the proposed porch will be no closer to the wetland than the existing deck and the change in impervious cover will not cause a significant change in runoff. The motion was seconded. Voted 6-0 in favor. The Commission reviewed and amended draft Findings and Conditions. A motion was made to issue a negative Determination of Applicability with the Findings and Conditions as amended. The motion was seconded. Voted 6-0 in favor. 7:40 p.m. Public Meeting, Notice of Intent, 15 Timothy's Place, DEP 270-398, RGB 2003-16 Procedures read, attendance sheet circulated, Commission introduced. Nick Diranian, applicant, was present along with Bob Blaine, contractor. The Commission reviewed a revised site plan. Ms. Fink stated that the plan meets the 35 foot setback for the pool and retaining wall. The applicant stated that there is an intended deck and planting around the pool. There will be a safety fence on top of the retaining wall. The gas company is going to take care of relocating the propane tank and it can be more than 35 feet from the wetland. Mr. Kenney recommended placing a closed material around the base of the safety fence to keep small animals out of the pool. He stated that blue-spotted salamanders are active in the area. Ms. Meier moved to continue the public hearing to August 13, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. Mr.. Hecht seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. Ms. Lloyd moved to approve the proposed work and draft an Order of Conditions for consideration on August 13. Mr. Goulet seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. 7:50 p.m. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, 51/67 Sanborn Lane, RGB 2003-23 Procedures read, attendance sheet circulated, Commission introduced. Walter Erickson of Massapoag Realty Trust and Steve Eriksen of Norse Environmental were present. __Ms. Fink stated that comments had been received from MNHESP, including a reference to their previous letter on this site dated March, 1999. DEP had assigned a file number Minutes, Reading Conservation Commission, July 23, 2003 and included a reference to the MNHESP comments. Ms. Fink spoke about the impact on the wetlands. Walter Erickson handed out a site plan (previously submitted) to the Commission. The overflow pipe for the roof infiltration bed had been shortened and the infiltration basin had been removed. He noted that the. filing fee had been paid. He said that a soils test scheduled for today had been cancelled due to rain. An unwitnessed test had been done and had found medium sand and a rapid percolation rate. A witnessed soils test had been scheduled for July 24. Mr. Eriksen also submitted a written request for variance from Section ID of the Reading regulations signed by James Harrington. He said there was no alternative access route, no direct wetland alteration, a small ZNV alteration, an offer for an easement or restriction and trail access to Town land on the eastern side of the site, and a need for a driveway for safety purposes. Mr. Kenney asked whether the applicant had discussed purchase of 67 Sanborn Lane with the owner. Walter Eriksen said they had tried to reach the owner but the owner had not yet called back. Mr. Kenney noted that the Town had access via Mill Street to the abutting Town land and that the concrete retaining wall next to Sanborn Lane would block access through this site. Ms. Lloyd said that the Commission would have to review policies for accepting donations of land. Ms. Fink noted that the revised plan removes the long overflow pipe, but does not change the proposed extent of upland forest habitat to be cleared. This is the habitat that MNHESP encourages the Commission to retain. Walter Eriksen said construction would require disturbance of at least 15-20 feet of land around the house. Mr. Kenney though less area could be disturbed. Ms. Lloyd asked why the house could not be moved closer to the street and the driveway shortened to preserve more of the forest. Walter Eriksen said it might intrude on the ZNV and they need a back yard for the house. Mr. Greene said that he thought the house could be moved and additional forest maintained. Ms. Fink asked whether the applicant was willing to change the house location. Walter Eriksen responded, "No." Minutes, Reading Conservation Commission, July 23, 2003 The Commission asked whether the applicant had any further information to submit. Walter Eriksen responded, "No." Mr. Goulet moved to close the public hearing. Ms.Lloyd seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. Mr. Goulet moved to approve the project as set forth in the materials submitted with the Notice of Intent for RGB 2003-23. Mr. Hecht seconded. Voted 0 in favor- 5 against- 1 abstained, and the motion did not carry. The Commission will meet either on July 30 or August 6 to vote on the language of the decision. 8:00p.m. Pulic Hearing, Notice of Intent, Whittier Road, DEP 270-401, RGB 2003-27 Procedures read, attendance sheet circulated, Commission introduced. Mr. David Johnson, applicant, was present. Also present were Whittier Road residents. Mr. Johnson presented soils test data and a design for a roof infiltration system. Ms. Fink. circulated and read the Town Engineer's comments dated 7/23/2003 concerning the infiltration system design. The Town Engineer approved the design. Several residents asked questions about the drainage design and expressed concerns about flooding and wet basements. The Commission and the applicant explained that the roof infiltrator was designed to offset the additional proposed impervious cover, that the system was a type of dry well set above the water table with a good percolation rate. Another resident asked about blasting. Mr. Johnson said he did not think any bedrock would need removal. If there is any, he will use a hammer, not blasting, to remove it. The Commission reviewed draft Findings and Conditions and amended them. Ms. Lloyd moved to close the public hearing for RGB 2003-27, DEP 270-401. Mr. Goulet seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. Ms. Lloyd moved to approve the Notice of Intent and issue an Order of Conditions with the Findings and Conditions as amended this evening for RGB 2003-27, DEP 270-401. Mr. Hecht seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. 8;10 p.m. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent and Resource Delineation, 201/275 Salem Street, DEP 270402, RGB 203-28 Procedures read, attendance sheet circulated, Commission introduced. Matt Stuart, applicant, was present. iv-LL . ki-L uvim reporteu on the site Iasi weex. l ney cnangecn some presence of a certified vernal pool across Salem Street. Minutes, Reading Conservation Commission, July 23, 2003 Mr. Stuart submitted a revised site plan with the new boundary and vernal pool habitat. He stated that S&A Associates is the owner of record who will be responsible for cleaning up, and the Order should be issued to them. Ms. Fink noted the revised site plan reflects all changes agreed upon in the field except that flag 18.5 on the plan should be omitted. The vernal pool habitat area includes Salem Street and is significantly developed on this site. Ms. Lloyd moved to approve the wetland and vernal pool delineations as amended tonight. Mr. Hecht seconded. Voted 5-0-1 and the motion passed. The Commission had not received the anticipated submittals to DEP concerning the proposed cleanup of hazardous wastes. The applicant was asked to supply said documents to Commission. Mr. Goulet moved to continue the public hearing on RGB2003-28 until August 27, 2003 at 7:30p.m. Ms. Meier seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. 8:20p.m. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Water Main installation from Ash Street tot Walkers Brook Drive, DEP 270-403, RGB 2003-29 Procedures read, attendance sheet circulated, Commission introduced. Jeff Provost, Weston & Sampson, was present for the applicant and discussed the proposed staging areas. Details are not yet final at the Walkers Brook side. The DPW expects the bid opening on August 7. Mr. Green reported that the Commission visited the site last Monday on the Walkers Brook Side. The Commission reviewed draft Findings and Conditions and amended certain sections. Ms. Meier moved to close the public hearing for RGB 2003-29. Mr. Hecht seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. Ms. Lloyd moved to approve the Notice of Intent with the Findings and Conditions as amended tonight. Mr. Hecht seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. 8:30p.m. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, 8 Walkers Brook Drive, DEP 270-404, RGB 2003-30. Procedures read, attendance sheet circulated, Commission introduced. Matthew Schmidt of Bohler Engineering and Mark Favaloro, attornery, were present for the applicant. Mr. Smith described various revisions made in the site plans since the last hearing. 1. 1000 gallon grease traps proposed by the Board of Health. Minutes, Reading Conservation Commission, July 23, 2003 2. Infiltration for building runoff - basin to rear of building 3. Buffer enhancement area -10' maintain strip adjacent to curb line, stakeout with concrete, proposed shrubs and plantings not too much because natural vegetation will take over Memo from Town Engineer is a favorable review. The Commission reviewed draft Findings and Conditions. Ms. Lloyd moved to close the Public Hearing for RGB2003-30. Ms. Meier seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. Ms. Lloyd moved to approve the Notice of Intent and issue an Order of Conditions with the Findings and Conditions as amended tonight. Ms. Meier seconded. Voted, 6-0-0 in favor. 8:40p.m. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, 60 Haverhill Street, RGB 2003-31 Procedures read, attendance sheet circulated, Commission introduced. Mrs. Minear, applicant, was present and would like to construct a swimming pool. Mr. Greene reported on the Commission's site visit on Monday. The pool was staked out. The silt fence needs to be toed in. Some bottles discarded in the wetland need to be removed. Mrs. Minear said she would remove bottles. Fran noted that there was a mix-up with the state filing fee check, and Mrs. Minear was not given a file number yet by DEP. The Commission reviewed draft Findings and Conditions. Ms. Lloyd moved to close the public hearing for RGB2003-31. Ms. Langley seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. Ms. Lloyd moved to approve the project and issue the Order of Conditions with the Findings and Conditions as drafted, pending receipt of the file number from DEP. Mr. Hecht seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. 8:50p.m. Public Meeting, Request for Determination of Applicability, Route I-93 Right- of-way This meeting was postponed until August 13, 2003 at the request of the applicant. Old/New Business continued 32 Old Farm, Order of Conditions, DEP 270 -392, RGB 2003-9 Ms. Lloyd moved to authroize the Administrator to sign off on the Certificate of Occupancy, pending Building Inspector approval. Ms. Meier seconded. Voted 5-0-1. Minutes, Reading Conservation Commission, July 23, 2003 Minutes of May 28, 2003 A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of May 28, 2003. Voted 5-0-1. 205 Pearl Street, DEP 270-369, RGB 2002-12 A motion was made and seconded to issue a Certificate of Compliance and release the bond in full for this project. Voted 5-0-1. Pleasant Street, Order of Conditions, DEP 270-351, RGB 2001-01 Notice was received from the DPW and approved that a water main will be repaired on Pleasant Street under the town-wide water and sewer repair Order of Conditions. 76 Willow Street, Determination of Applicability, RGB-2000-29 After discussing site conditions, Ms. Lloyd moved to close the file for this project. Ms. Meier seconded. Voted 5-0-1. A letter will be sent, noting the need for a permit for any future work on the site. 20 Eastway, Order of Conditions, DEP 270384, RGB 2002-34 Mr. Hecht moved to issue a Certificate of Compliance for the project. Mr. Goulet seconded. Voted 5-0-1. 24 Harold Ave, Order of Conditions, DEP 270-303, RGB 1998-13 The owner, Mr. Fiorenza, was present. There was a site visit on Monday. There is mowing going on in the 25' Zone of Natural Vegetation. Otherwise, the work is completed. The Commission needs confirmation that the 15' drainage easement was executed and a copy of the deed for the present owner. Ms. Lloyd moved to issue a Certificate of Compliance and release the remaining bond in full, pending receipt of the executed easement and deed. Mr. Hecht seconded. Voted 5- 0-1. The Commission also discussed new work underway without proper permits by the owner to convert the area under the deck to a storage room. Mr. Fiorenza has ceased work and is preparing the permit applications. MACC Annual Dues and Membership Ms. Lloyd moved to pay annual dues to MACC in the amount of $385.00 from the current operating budget for professional development. Mr. Goulet seconded. Voted 6- 0-0 in favor. Hunting Policy Recommendations of the working group were presented to the Selectman last night. The Commission will hold a public hearing on amendments to the rules and regulations for use of Conservation Land on September 17, 2003. iv~staze i.ane - lvls. Lioya movea to approve a minor project permit to take down a dead tree. Mr. Hecht seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. Minutes, Reading Conservation Commission, July 23, 2003 41 Batcheldor Road - Ms. Lloyd moved to approve a minor project permit to put up fence. Ms. Longley seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. 15 Varney Circle - Ms. Lloyd moved to approve a minor project permit to remove and trim trees. Mr. Hecht seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. 1375 Main Street, Order of Conditions - Ms. Lloyd moved to accept a proposal to install "Turfstone" pavers on the guest parking area. Ms. Meier seconded. Voted 6-0-0 in favor. 53 Batchelder Ms. Fink reported visiting the site in response to a complaint from a neighbor. Work was underway to remove trees in the back yard, some in the Buffer Zone. Other work was intended to follow. The owners were directed to cease work in the Buffer and file a permit application. Imagination Station - The Selectmen are considering plans to remove the old structures and build new playground and skateboard park. Both will require wetlands permits. Walkers Brook Crossing, Order of Conditions - Ms. Lloyd moved to accept a revised plan for wetlands restoration work from VHB as an insignificnat plan change. Mr. Hecht seconded. Voted 5-0-1. 211 Pearl Street, Order of Conditions - Ms. Lloyd moved to approve the drainage plan for infiltration of roof runoff. Mr. Hecht seconded. Voted 5-0-1. Pondview Lane, Order of Conditions Ms. Meier moved to authorize Ms. Fink to sign off on the Certificate of Occupancy for the house on Lot 8. Mr. Hecht seconded. Voted 4-1-1. A letter will also be sent to the developer asking that the roadway be finished and the shoulders planted before the end of the present growing season. 28 Francis Drive - The Commission will request a site visit on August 11 and an as-built plan. 11:00 p.m. meeting closed.