HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-08-25 Conservation Commission MinutesConservation Commission, August 25, 2010
MINUTES i
Reading Conservation Commission Meeting x:, J
Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM ` `
Wednesday, August 25, 2010.
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Present: Bill Hecht, Chairman; Annika Scanlon; Jamie Maughan; Tina Ohlson; Barbara Stewart;
Fran Fink, Administrator; Maureen Knight, Recording Secretary.
Absent: Brian Tucker
Old/New Business
107 Main Street, DEP 270-561, RGB 2009-23 - Status of work
The Commission reviewed site visit reports and an email message from Michael Palmer, owner.
The Commission will ask for immediate removal of flammable materials and grease barrels stored
in the open, and remind the owner that they need responses to the letter sent July 15, 2010, before
the next meeting on September 8t'. Ms. Fink will review the status of work with other staff.
26 Sunset Rock Lane, DEP 270-483, RGB 2006-27 - Status of work
The Commission reviewed a site visit report and agreed that the stockpile of dirt needs to either be
leveled or removed. They will ask the owner to carry either action, or to attend the September 8th
meeting and present an acceptable plan to resolve the issue in another manner. The deadline for
action will be extended to September 22'
Kylie Drive Subdivision, DEP 270-462, RGB 2005-41- As-built site plan, request for
Certificate of Compliance
The Commission reviewed a revised as-built plan with the zone of natural vegetation bounds added
as requested. Ms. Fink reported a site visit today. The slope on Lot 4 is growing and should be
okay. However, on Lot 5 near the side lot line with Lot 4, a large patch of sod was removed, and
the forest leaf litter and plants were removed to bare dirt at the bottom of the slope in the back yard.
An email has been sent to the owner of Lot 5 requesting resolution. The deed for transfer of Lot A
is being drafted and revised by the attorneys.
20 Chequessett Road, Enforcement Order - Status of work
The Commission did a site visit. The grass and debris have been removed as directed. There are
new plants present, but not planted, and the owner has not submitted the planting plan for approval.
Ms. Fink said the Post Office returned the unclaimed Enforcement Order to Town Hall and Ms.
Fink sent it off again via regular mail. She will contact the owner.
22 Roma Lane, Enforcement Order - Status of work
Ms. Fink said the remaining four maple trees had been planted.
On a motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Ms. Ohlson, the Commission closed the Enforcement
Order. Vote was 5-0-0.
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84 Martin Road, Violation Notice - Site visit report
Mr. Maughan gave a site visit report. One trunk of a multi-trunked maple blew down on a
neighbor's garage. The owner removed all trunks of that tree and also a double-trunked tree to the
north. The stumps were hollow. The owner offered to plant new trees to compensate.
Conservation Commission, August 25, 2010
On a motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Ms. Ohlson, the Commission moved to write a letter to
the owner to instruct him to plant two or three red maple trees. The vote was 5-0-0.
30 Harrison Street, RGB 2010-16 - Site visit report, revised site plan? ZBA decision
Mr. Maughan, reported a site visit with Jack Sullivan, engineer, to examine soils in the back yard.
They dug several holes and the conditions were the same, 10"-18" loam with mottled sand
underneath. He did not think the lawn was a wetland nor could it support wetland plantings. Ms.
Fink thought the soils were wetland soils. The Commission discussed how to classify this property,
and decided that another site visit should be done with more Commissioners present. They also
would like Jack Sullivan to submit a soils report.
8 Morgan Park, RGB 2001-32 - Status of work
Ms. Fink said the addition permitted in 2001 is complete and the site is stable. They ran into
problems with a high water table that were resolved with a pump system. They are now looking for
a Minor Project Permit for an above-ground swimming pool. Ms. Fink also reported that a deck
had been constructed in the Buffer Zone without a wetlands or building permit. The Building
Inspector is investigating the structure.
On a motion by Ms. Ohlson, seconded by Ms. Stewart, the Commission moved to close the
Determination file. The vote was 5-0-0.
On a motion by Ms. Ohlson, seconded by Ms. Stewart, the Commission moved to approve a Minor
Project Permit for a the proposed pool. The vote was 5-0-0.
Castine Field - Permit records
Mr. Maughan said the cattails have been cut down when he asked the DPW not to cut them down.
Ms. Fink said the grading of the field was done in the early 1970's and there is no Order of
Conditions on file. FEMA shows this field as a flood plain. The Commission asked Ms. Fink to
request the DPW to mow the non-playing surface only once a year in October, after the plants have
dispersed seeds. The Commission also requests that mowing cease in the Riverfront restoration
area just south of the field.
Memorial Park
Ms. Fink gave a site visit report. The binder is down on Harrison Street and curbing is being
installed. Some of the topsoil has been spread in the ponds. All the plants have been cut down
along both sides of the stream, probably including plants on abutting private properties. Erosion
controls need to be set in several places, and a work plan is needed for the stream cleaning project.
Ms. Fink contacted the Town Engineer and will arrange a site visit with him and the contractors to.
review the concerns.
YMCA
Ms. Fink gave a site visit report. The splash pool project was never closed and is complete and
stable. The forebay installed when the parking lot was expanded has a lot of accumulated sediment
and needs to be cleaned out. This will be requested in a letter.
On a motion by Ms. Scanlon, seconded by Mr. Maughan, the Commission moved to close the file
for the splash pool. The vote was 5-0-0.
Conservation Commission, August 25, 2010
188 Forest Street (tree removal)
On a motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Ms. Scanlon, the Commission moved to approve a Minor
Project Permit for tree removal.and lawn repair. The vote was 5-0-0.
212 Main Street
On a motion by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Ms. Scanlon, the Commission moved to reissue the
Order of Conditions for recording purposes. The vote was 5-0-0.
57 Old Farm Road, DEP 270-20
The Commission reissued the Partial Certificate of Compliance for recording purposes.
306 Haverhill Street, Enforcement Order
Ms. Fink reported that the owner has begun the planned drainage work.
178 Haverhill Street
Ms. Fink reported that the work has been done and a signed as-built has been submitted.
On a motion by Ms. Ohlson, seconded by Ms. Stewart, the Commission moved to issue a
Certificate of Compliance. The vote was 5-0-0.
Strout Avenue, Emergency Certification
Ms. Fink reported that tree came down and broke a utility pole in the wetland near the clear well.
DPW wants to replace the pole and remove the tree. The Commission also reviewed the status of
work for the water treatment plant demolition project. The Order will expire soon. DPW will be
contacted.
On a motion by Ms. Ohlson, seconded by Ms. Stewart, the Commission moved to issue an
Emergency Certification for the pole replacement and tree removal. The vote was 5-0-0.
Mattera Cabin
Ms. Fink is preparing for the tech school students to return this fall. She has contacted DPW
Director, Town Engineer, and Health Administrator to initiate septic system repairs. She is
reviewing the alarm system proposal with Police and Fire Chiefs and hopes to schedule installation
soon. She has contacted the tech school faculty to initiate plans for the fall.
The Commission discussed fund-raising through the YCC and the Street Fair.
Adjourn
On a motion by Ms. Ohlson, seconded by Ms. Stewart, the Commission moved to adjourn the
meeting. The vote was 5-0-0.
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