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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-16 Conservation Commission MinutesConservation Commission, March 16, 2011 MINUTES Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Present: Jamie Maughan, Vice Chairman. Tina Ohlson, Brian Sullivan, Brian Tucker, Annika Scanlon, Commissioners, Fran Fink, Conservation Administrator Absent: Bill Hecht, Chairman, Barbara Stewart, Commissioner, Maureen Knight, Recording Secretary 7:00 Call to Order Old/New Business Mill Street beaver dam Present: Leah Basbanes; Conservation Administrator, North Reading, Barry Hanson, 6 Mill Street, North Reading, Larry Ramdin, Health Administrator, Reading Ms. Fink gave a site inspection report and showed photographs taken March 9, 2011 around Mr. Hanson's house. The river was at typical spring flood stage. Ms. Fink also reviewed the Health, Fish and Wildlife, and Wetlands regulations that apply to emergency beaver work and long-term controls. Ms. Basbanes provided a copy of a 2005 report of the area by Beaver Solutions. She also gave a site inspection report and noted that she had seen a beaver sitting on the dam. Mr. Hanson stated concerns about mosquito exposure, dead trees, and flood damage. He has a shallow well and a septic system on site. Mr. Ramdin said he had not inspected the area since last fall, but expects that beavers will continue to settle in this area. He said the Health Division has issued permits for emergency trapping in the past. The Commission and visitors talked about possible long-term solutions that might avoid sudden, drastic drops in water levels from dam breaching and the associated damage to vegetation and the stream bed. They also discussed changes that could be made to nearby wells and septic systems to reduce the risk of damage from flooding. Mr. Hanson said he would like to find a solution, and would like to ask Beaver Solutions to take another look at the area. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Pulte Homes of New England, LLC, Jacob Way, DEP 270- 579, RGB 2011-4, Present: Mark Mastroianni, Pulte Home of New England, and Mike Rosati, Marchionda Associates Mr. Rosati presented revised site plans dated March 9, 2011. Revisions` include addition of a restoration plan for the Buffer Zone south of Building 7, a more detailed construction sequence plan, revised intersection with South Street, and detailed plans for bioretention areas to be incorporated into the stormwater management systems. Mr. Rosati said the Selectmen would be reviewing the intersection plans soon, and DPW would be reviewing the plans for sewer upgrades in South Street. He also said that CPDC had asked for some parking spaces to be set aside for future construction, if needed. The revised plans show these spaces, and the drainage system is sized for the full build-out. The dumpster area has been revised. Recycling will be provided in the basement of each building, instead of at the dumpster. Sumps will be provided for the driveway trench drains. Conservation Commission, March 16, 2011 The Commission asked questions about the details, including the bioretention designs, the seed mix for the restoration area, grading at the dumpster, and curb height. There were no public comments. Motion by Mr. Tucker to continue the hearing to April 13, 2011. Seconded by Ms. Ohlson. Vote 5-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, 281 Main Street, DEP 270-581, RGB 2011-5 Present: Daniel Enxing and John Zaeder, Go Green Realty Trust, Applicants, Attorney Brad Latham, Richard O'Connell and David Petkewich, R.J. O'Connell Associates, Steve Eriksen, Norse Environmental, Joseph Kelway, owner and Attorney Ted Regnante Mr. Eriksen presented the site plans. He reviewed the wetland resource areas, existing buildings and paved areas, history of hazardous waste clean-up and Activity and Use Limitation (AUL). The proposed work will require supervision by a Licensed Site Professional. He described the proposed renovations of the building, reconfiguration of the parking lot, grading and landscaping. He also described the proposed stormwater management systems. Work is proposed in Buffer Zone; Riverfront Area, and Bank. They are also proposing restoration planting in the Riverfront Area to meet the redevelopment standards. Mr. Maughan asked about impacts on the stream bank and on the hydrology of the wetlands He asked for consideration of alternative locations for the final drainage outfall. Mr., O'Connell described the constraints due to topography and the AUL, but said he would look at alternatives. The Commission reviewed a memorandum from Ms. Fink and one from Ryan Percival in Engineering. They asked about Riverfront Area impacts. The consultants will prepare a revised analysis to meet the redevelopment standards, and will respond to other comments about the stormwater management design. Mr. Enxing stated that they were under a very tight time frame with the franchise agreement and asked whether the Commission could meet sooner than April 13 to review revisions and issue an Order. He proposed to submit revised and additional information by March 18 and to meet with staff on March 21, if the Commission could meet on March 23 to continue the hearing. Ms. Ohlson moved to continue the hearing to March 23, 2011. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote 5- 0-0. Old/New Business 2 C Street, DEP 270-558, RGB 2009-20 This item was postponed, pending receipt of the recorded Order of Conditions. Mattera and Bare Meadow Conservation Areas Motion by Mr. Tucker to approve a bird walk on the evening of April 11, 2011, led by Dave Williams of the Trail Committee. Seconded by Ms. Scanlon. Vote 5-0-0. The Cabin opening is set for April 30, 2011. Wetlands Protection Bylaw and Regulations Present: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager, and Ellen Doucette, Town Counsel The Commission reviewed a draft proposal by Mr. Maughan for an ad hoc committee to review the bylaw and regulations and consider ways to improve them. Town Counsel advised that, if consultants such as engineers and lawyers were appointed to the committee, they would have a conflict of interest for normal Commission business. Thus, the make-up of the committee should Conservation Commission, March 16, 2011 consist of existing and former Commissioners. Consultants and the public can be invited to attend committee meetings to express opinions and give advice. The committee can also conduct a public survey and public meetings to obtain information. Meetings must be posted and minutes must be kept. Mr. Maughan. will revise the proposal and the Commission will continue review during their next meeting. FY 12 Budget The Commission reviewed an email report from Mr. Hecht about the discussion during the Finance Committee meeting on March 9, 2011, concerning staff funding in the Community Services Department. The Finance Committee will make a final decision on the budget during their meeting on March 28, 2011. 224R Ash Street The Commission reviewed comments sent by Ms. Fink to the CPDC on the Site Plan Review application for an addition to the industrial building at 244R Ash Street. Work is proposed in the Buffer Zone of a wetland and will require a Notice of Intent. 37 Pinevale Avenue, DEP 270-557, RGB 2010-29 Ms. Fink reported on the pre-construction site visit with the contractor. Work has begun. 121 Haverhill Street, RGB 2005-40 Ms. Fink gave a site visit report. Work has been completed and the site is stable. Ms. Ohlson moved to close the file for the project. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote 5-0. 20 Chequessett Street, Enforcement Order Ms. Fink reported that the owners have scheduled a meeting with her on March 21, 2011 to work on the proposed planting plan. Minutes Mr. Sullivan moved to accept the Minutes of February 23, 2011 as drafted. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote 5-0. Ms. Ohlson moved to accept the Minutes of March 2, 2011 as drafted. Ms. Scanlon seconded. Vote 5-0. 285 Main Street, DEP 270-540, RGB 2008-34 The Commission reviewed the status of work. A letter will be sent asking the owner to complete the remaining work and close the Order. Ms. Ohlson moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 PM, Mr. Tucker seconded. Vote 5-0.