HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-13 Conservation Commission MinutesConservation Conunission, October 13, 2010
MINUTES
Reading Conservation Commission Meeting
Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
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Present: Bill Hecht, Chairman; Annika Scanlon; Brian Tucker; Barbara Stewart; Brain Sullivan;
Jamie Maugham; Fran Fink, Administrator; Maureen Knight, Recording Secretary.
Absent: Tina Ohlson
Call to Order, Old/New Business
320 Haverhill Street, DEP 270-527, RGB 2008-6
The Commission reviewed the site visit report, and work looked fine.
Motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Tucker, to issue a Certificate of Compliance. The vote
was 4-0-0.
306 Haverhill Street, Enforcement Order
The Commission reviewed the site visit reports. The hay bales can be removed. The. swales were
working during a heavy rain storm.
141 Belmont Street, DEP 270-461, RGB 2005-37
The Commission reviewed the site visit report. There is a little erosion on the down slope of the
driveway, and there was debris and concrete in the wetland that needs to be removed. The shrubs
were not yet planted in the. ZNV. The Commission also reviewed the as-built plan, which shows
the driveway somewhat larger than approved.
Motion by Mr. Tucker, seconded by Mr. Maugham, to accept the driveway as it was constructed.
The vote was 5-0-0.
147 Belmont Street, DEP 270-499, RGB 2007-6
The permit has expired and the owner has been contacted. A site visit will be scheduled.
20 Chequessett Road, Enforcement Order
Ms. Fink sent the owner a letter and he met with her. He has not had enough time to prepare a
planting plan. He will write a letter requesting an extension of the deadlines in order to plant next
spring. Ms. Fink will send a reminder if she does not receive a plan soon.
26 Sunset Rock Lane, DEP 270-483, RGB 2006-27
There was a drive by visit and nothing has changed other than more grass is growing. There is no
wall, and the fill pile has not been removed. Ms. Fink received an email from the owner in which
he said he would use rocks to stabilize the pile, but did not say how. The Commission will send a
letter and ask for details, and note that the deadlines have passed.
Boy Scout Project, Tom Coltman, Town Forest
Tom presented plans to replace a boardwalk in the Town Forest for his Eagle Scout project. The
Commission asked questions about the proposed use of cinderblock as footings, and asked Tom to
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Conservation Commission, October 13, 2010
work with the Trails Committee and Mark Wetzel on the final design. Ms. Fink asked him to make
an appointment to review the Order of Conditions for trail work.
Motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Tucker, to approve the project. The vote was 6-0-0.
Reading Memorial High School, DEP 270-416, RGB 2003-51, Castine Field
Mr. Maugham reported on the meeting with DPW officials regarding mowing the wetlands and
RFA in the Castine Field area, and drainage concerns. He is hopeful they will change their mowing
practices, and a letter will be sent. DPW is planning to file a Notice of Intent for some drainage
improvements in the fixture.
Public Meeting, Request for Determination of Applicability, 489 Lowell Street, RGB 2010-22
Present: Ms. Andrade
A site visit was done. The proposed extended driveway is mainly to allow bike riding in the
driveway. Ms. Andrade presented information regarding total impervious cover. The Commission
reviewed and revised the draft Determination.
Motion by Mr. Hecht, seconded by Ms. Stewart, to issue a negative Determination of Applicability
with findings and conditions as amended this evening. The vote was16-0-0.
Public Meeting, Request for Determination of Applicability, Joseph and Kelly Senn, 427 Pearl
Street, RGB 2010-23
Present: Joseph Senn
Mr. Senn proposed cutting a weeping willow tree, building a shed, removing invasive species, and
planting native plants to restore portions of the back yard. He submitted a report from ametlands
scientist concerning the soils and plants present.
The Commission reviewed site visit reports. The tree is in bad shape and must be removed for
safety reasons. Ms. Fink disagreed with the wetlands report and said that the tree and the land
around it are Bordering Vegetated Wetlands associated with the nearby stream.
Marjorie and Darlene Zecchino, 1153 Main Street, asked questions about the proposed work and
noted concerns about flooding along the stream. The Commission answered the questions.
The Commission reviewed the draft Determination.
Motion by Mr. Tucker, seconded by Mr. Sullivan, to issue a negative Determination of
Applicability with the findings and conditions as drafted. The vote was 6-0-0.
50 Chequessett Road, RGB , and Minor Project
Present: Mr. and Mrs. O'Rourke, owners
The owners requested an amendment of the existing Determination to allow cutting of a fifth tree.
The tree is dead and recently dropped a large branch that damaged the fence. They also requested a
Minor Project Permit to remove and replace two existing sheds and the fence. Both sheds have
electrical structures for the pool pumping system.
The Commission asked that the new rear shed and fence be moved as far from the wetlands as
possible, and that shrubs be planted to restore the inner buffer zone behind the new structures. The
owners argreed.
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Conservation Commission, October 13, 2010
Motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Sullivan, to approve cutting the fifth tree as a
modification of the original Determination. Vote was 6-0-0
Motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Tucker, to approve a Minor Project Permit to replace the
fence and two sheds. The vote was 6-0-0.
107 Main Street, DEP 270-561, RGB 2009-23 - Status of work
Present: Patricia Debabne abutter
The Commission received new documents regarding 107 Main Street, including a report of sump
cleaning, a proposal for drainage maintenance and reporting, a report that a baffle has been installed
in the grease trap, and a preliminary as-built plan. Based on the as-built, the Commission
confirmed that the pavement exceeds approved plans. Ms. Fink reported a site visit during a heavy
rainstorm, and the gutter on the back was overflowing. The area that was paved, that was not
supposed to be paved, was puddled.
The owner has filed a request for Variance with the Zoning Board of Appeals for further expansion
of the parking lot, after denial by the Building Inspector. The Commission will review the plans
during the October 27, 2010 meeting, and may send comments to the ZBA for the hearing on
November 4th. The plan will also require approval by CPDC.
285 Main Street, DEP 270-540, RGB 2008-34
The Commission reviewed the work plan from Geolnsight for removal of the tanks. More
information is needed concerning the temporary stabilization of the foundation.
Motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Ms. Scanlon, to accept the proposal pending submittal of
further information. The vote was 6-0-0.
306 Main Street, DEP 270-492, RGB 2006-41
Ms. Fink reported on the most recent 21E report dated July, 2010. Sediments and surface water
samples tested positive for PCB's in amounts that exceed DEP standards. A risk assessment is
being prepared and is due in January. Ms. Fink will contact DEP for more information.
Johnson Woods, DEP 270-416, RGB 2004-10
The Commi fission reviewed recent submittals and site visit reports. They also reviewed a draft
letter. The as-built plan looks as expected. Work is needed to loam and seed the infiltration area,
stabilize stockpiles, and finalize the trail route. The letter will also request complete maintenance
reports because reports received to date are not adequate.
Motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Ms. Scanlon, to send the letter. The vote was 6-0-0
41-43 Wilson, Street DEP 270-571, RGB 2010-4
Ms. Fink did a site visit and there is still debris around. The grass is not 100% yet. There is a steep
slope with no plantings at all. Ms. Fink will send a reminder to DPW and RHA.
Memorial Park, DEP 270-546, RGB 2008-45
There will be a grand opening ceremony on October 23. Ms. Fink gave an site visit report. The
grass is coming in well, but plants in the ponds are not coming in as fast. The stone trench drain is
finished off the Salem Street parking lot. The stormceptors have not been put in yet for Harrison
Conservation Commission, October 13, 2010
Street. The Commission will ask DPW to iinstall these units before November 15th, and will advise
that they consult their wetland plant expert as to whether the ponds should be flooded this winter.
They will also ask whether the stream channel improvements will be postponed to next summer.
203 Haverhill Street, Enforcement Order
Ms. Fink gave a site visit report. The owner has graded as expected, and work continues.
2 C Street, DEP 270-558, RGB 2009-20
Motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Ms. Scanlon, to reissue the Order of Conditions for recording
purposes. The vote was 6-0-0.
212 Main Street, DEP 270-505, RGB 2007-15
After reviewing site visit reports, on a motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Ms. Scanlon, the
Commission voted to issue a Certificate of Compliance with continuing conditions. The vote was 6-
0-0.
Motion by Ms. Scanlon, seconded by Ms. Stewart, to release the bond in the amount of $2,000. The
vote was 6-0-0.
58 Longfellow Road, RGB 2009-17
Ms. Fink reported that the addition is done, the grass is growing, and the site is stable.
Motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Tucker, to close the case. The vote was 6-0-0
112 Scotland Road, RGB 2005-23
Motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Tucker, to reissue a Certificate of Compliance. The vote
was 6-0-0.
29 Shackford Road, DEP 270-507, RGB 2007-16 - Status of work
The Order of Conditions expired recently. Ms. Fink reported a site visit with the owners. The
addition is finished, but they have not done any loaming or planting or built the proposed walkways
and patio. Some construction debris is present. The Commission will send a letter with a deadline
of May 15, 2011 for loaming and seeding. They will advise the owners to file an RDA if they want
to construct the walkways and other site work.
105 Libby Avenue, DEP 270-435, RGB 2004-36
A site visit was done, and the work area looks good. The shed was not built and the Order has
expired. A letter will be sent requesting final as-builts and ZNV signs.
Lobs Mill Conservation Area, DEP 270-565, RGB 2009-31
Ms. Fink is doing a site visit soon with the Fish and Wildlife representative about the signs. North
Reading DPW responded to the recent letter and said they were not aware of any breaching. work at
the beaver dam.
Maplewood Condominium, 243-261 Salem Street
Ms. Fink has not heard from Attorney Brad Latham yet. The Commission will send the draft trail
easement to the condo board. "
Economic Development Summit, October 19 - Members of the Commission are invited to attend.
Conservation Commission, October 13, 2010
Recreational Trails Grant
- % Town Staff have been working on the grant application, and will have it ready for the October 27th
meeting. The Trail Committee is planning a walk in Bare Meadow on October 30th, and a work day
on October 24th. The Commission would like to thank the Trails Committee for their efforts. .
Mystic River Watershed Association
Ms. Stewart volunteered to be the Town contact for MyRWA to help publicize their events through
media outlets in Reading.
62 Scotland Road
Ms. Fink gave a site visit report.
Motion by Mr. Hecht, seconded by Ms. Stewart, to close the Minor Project file. The vote was 6-0-
0.
117 Libby Avenue
Ms. Fink gave a site visit report.
Motion by Mr. Hecht, seconded by Ms. Stewart, to close Determination file. The vote was 6-0-0.
Parker Middle School
The Commission reviewed the site visit report. The drains look fine and there are no wet spots
r. _ apparent on the field. Ms. Fink will review the file to see what is needed for Certificate of
Compliance and will contact Engineering and Recreation.
Adjournment
Motion by Mr. Sullivan, seconded by Ms. Scanlon, to adjourn the meeting. The vote was 6-0-0
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