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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-08 Conservation Commission MinutesConservation Commission, June 8, 2011 MINUTES 0 @~ CLERK Reading Conservation Commission Mepli11G, Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, June 8, 2011~~~ 5 P' JUL Present: Bill Hecht, Chairman; Annika Scanlon; Barbara Stewart; Brian Sullivan; Brian Tucker, Jamie Maugham; Tina Ohlson; Fran Fink, Administrator; Maureen Knight, Recording Secretary. Absent: none Call to Order The meeting opened at 7:00 PM. Old/New Business Johnson Woods, DEP 270-416, RGB 2004-10 Present: Bob Gargano Mr. Maughan gave a site visit report. There are presently no piles of thick deposits of woodchips although there were some on the ground. Some ground cover plants are coming in as well as some stump sprouts from the shrubs that were cut. Flags were placed by survey on the original wetlands boundary and new flags were set around the area where the cutting occurred. The Commission reminded Mr. Gargano to submit the surveyed plan by June 15, and the planting plan by June 20tH Hunt Memorial Park The Commission reviewed a site visit report. Some of the dumped materials have been removed, but some brush remains and some old mounds that are covered with vegetation. The cleared area needs to be planted. The Commission considered ways to prevent future dumping, including posting signs, sending letters to abutters, and working with the baseball league on clay storage. End of Line Road The Commission reviewed a letter from -a resident of Harvest Road raising concerns about a- proposed house on the Wakefield side of Line Road that might affect wetlands in Reading. Ms. Fink reported a phone call with the letter writer. It appears that the area in question is at the western end of the road, past the last existing house, and involves a single-family or two family dwelling. The Commission asked Ms. Fink to contact the Conservation Administrator in Wakefield for additional information and a copy of the proposed plans. Ms. Ohlson arrived. Causeway Road Ms. Fink said she had a brief conversation with the Town Engineer about the letter sent after the last meeting, but has not received any plans for stormwater management improvements. Jacob Way, DEP 270-579, RGB 2011-4 Ms. Fink reported on the staff preconstruction meeting with the owners and contractors. She also reported that the fuel tank removal work has begun, and there are no indications of leaks so far.. Conservation Commission, June 8, 2011 The tanks are steel tanks with fiberglass coatings and relatively new. They are located under two parking lots. Some of the interior abatement work has also begun. A detailed plan of the retaining walls, calculations for the recharge volumes, and other materials have been submitted and review is underway. The, Commission reviewed the draft security bond. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve the security bond as drafted. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 7-0-0. 84 Martin Road Ms. Fink reported that the owner has planted two red maples. The Commission will do a site visit for their next meeting. 66 Sturges Road Present: Gene Ware, 39 Old Farm Road; Diane Chapin and Steve Oston, 66 Sturges Road Mr. Ware reported that his neighbors had done plantings in the buffer zone without a permit; from the Commission, and he wanted to know why they did not have to meet the wetlands standards that he had to meet. Mr. Hecht said that the Commission does not usually require permits to add trees and shrubs, whereas Mr. Ware had put in a swimming pool and cut down a number of trees, a more extensive project. The Commission reviewed a site visit report. Ms. Chapin and Mr. Oston had added a row of hemlocks near their rear lot line. The yard was stable. Mr. Hecht proposed that the Commission issue an Enforcement Order and ask the owners for a written description of the work that had taken place. Then the Commission would determine whether there were any wetland impacts that needed to be resolved. The Commission and owners agreed to this approach. Ms. Fink was directed to issue the Order. Mr. Tucker left the meeting. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Yvonne Yau,14 Nelson Avenue, DEP 270-583, RGB 2011-10 Present: Yvonne Yau and Kam Shiu Yau, applicants, Edward Ratcliffe, surveyor - The Commission reviewed a revised site plan dated June 2, 2011, a proposal to park a storage unit on site during construction, and a memorandum from the Administrator dated June 8, 2011. Mr. Ratcliffe described the revisions, including changes in the wetlands delineations, the position of the house, the driveway layout, and the utility corridors. The revised plan provides a 35' setback for the house, but the applicants requested a 30' setback. The site abuts a commercial parking lot, and they are concerned about headlights shining into the bedroom windows. A reduced setback would help to screen the windows with existing vegetation. The Commission asked whether the house could be set at an angle, or whether fencing and planting could be added to provide better screening. An angled layout would cause problems for the driveway configuration. Mr. Ratcliffe pointed out that the existing foundation is only 25 feet from the wetlands and this part of the site will be disturbed during demolition. The new foundation can be put in without further disturbance to plants in the inner buffer zone. A straw poll was taken Conservation Commission, June 8, 2011 asking if the Commission was comfortable with a 30' setback. Only Ms. Scanlon disapproved. The Commission asked the applicant to submit a revised site plan and a written request for a variance. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to confirm the wetlands delineations as shown on the June 2, 2011 site plan. Ms. Scanlon seconded. The vote was 6-0-0. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to continue the hearing to June 22, 2011. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Cedar Glen LLC, Elderberry Lane, RGB 2011-12 Present: Kevin Morin, engineer, and Mike Mazzeratti, contractor Mr. Morin presented the proposed plans for resurfacing roadways and parking lots, replacing sidewalks, and regrading landscaped areas to drain away from the foundations of several building in the multi-family housing complex. Dumpster pads will also be replaced. Erosion barriers will be set before work begins. Work will not result in any increase in impervious areas. Work will take place in buffer zones. The Commission reviewed site visit reports. The property is well maintained. The culvert under the driveway and other drainage structures may need cleaning to remove accumulated sediments. Mr. Morin said the structures could be cleaned. Dave Guilmet, site manager for the abutting Wingate facility asked the Commission to make sure that the work does not block flow from Wingate into the site. Ms. Fink reviewed written comments about the history of the property and the proposed work. There is an as-built plan and Certificate of Compliance on file from site construction in 1980. Not much has changed over the years. Some brush and grass clippings need to be removed from the inner buffer zone and wetlands. The entire property is in the Aquifer Protection District, and there is a vernal pool on the western side. This project is also subject to the DEP Stormwater Management Standards for redevelopment, and there are devices available that will improve water quality and quantity. A long-term maintenance plan should also be submitted. The applicants should check with the Health Division to find out whether they will require enclosures around the new dumpster pads under current regulations. Mr. Morin and Mr. Mazzeratti agreed to provide additional information and revised site plans to address the concerns raised. Motion made by Ms. Stewart to continue the hearing to the next meeting on June 22, 2011. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Vadaione, LLC, 244R Ash Street, DEP 270-582, RGB 2011-9 Present: Brad and Brett Maganzini, applicants, Jack Sullivan, engineer Mr. Sullivan reported the results of the soils tests conducted in the proposed infiltration area east of the building. The soils consisted of fill over native sand, with a fast infiltration rate and relatively Conservation Commission, June 8, 2011 high water table. Mr. Sullivan also presented revised site plans, including changes in drainage systems, grading, erosion controls, and other details. Ms. Fink distributed a memo and reviewed it with the Commission and applicants. The Commission asked Ms. Fink to draft an Order of Conditions for the next meeting. Motion made by Ms. Scanlon to continue the hearing to June 22, 2011. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 6-0-0. Mr. Tucker returned to the meeting. 281 Main Street, DEP 270-581, RGB 2011-5 Ms. Fink reported on the pre-construction meetings and documents. On a recent site visit she saw a different type of silt fence that she said they could try. The interior asbestos abatement has begun. There may be a different use of the basement than what was originally discussed. Work will begin soon and they hope to be in business by September. 48 Glenmere Circle Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve a Minor Project Permit for a shed. Mr. Tucker seconded. Vote was 7-0-0. 48 Old Farm Road Motion made by Ms. Ohlson to approve a Minor Project Permit for a deck. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 7-0-0. 9 Greenwood Road Motion made by Ms. Ohlson to approve a Minor Project Permit for a deck. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 7-0-0. 68 Haystack Road Motion made by Mr. Maughan to approve a Minor Project Permit for an above-ground pool and fence. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 7-0-0. - 89 Redgate Lane Motion made by Ms. Stewart to approve Minor Project Permit for tree cutting and planting. Mr. Tucker seconded. Vote was 7-0-0. 489 Lowell Street Motion made by Ms. Ohlson to approve Minor Project Permit for an aboveground pool and a deck extension. Ms. Stewart seconded. Vote was 7-0-0. Mattera Cabin The Commission reviewed a draft policy for use of the cabin, and will continue review during the meeting on June 22, 2011. They will also review a model for handouts to give to rental groups about how to operate the cabin. 4 Conservation Commission, June 8, 2011 John Feudo in the Recreation Division will schedule volunteers to staff open houses this summer, on Saturdays from 10:00 to noon and Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00. The Commission will assist with the staffing. Ms. Fink is expecting a large donation soon that will cover the remaining bills. She will find out how to set up a revolving fund for rental fees and cabin upkeep and maintenance. Friends and Family Day The Commission will staff the booth from 11 - 3 on June 18, 2011. Mr. Hecht and Mr. Tucker will help with setting up and removing the booth. Office transition Mr. Hecht reviewed his email with the Town Manager regarding staffing coverage in the Conservation office between Ms. Fink's retirement and the hiring of a new administrator. The Town Manager said they are posting for a part-time opening for the Conservation Administrator position and Ms. Fink will not need to continue past June 30, 2011. The Commission asked what the role of the Commission might be in the appointment process, and asked Ms. Fink to review the Conservation Act and other relevant legislation. The Commission also asked for a meeting to be arranged with the Community Services Director, Ms. Fink, Darlene Foley (Clerk for the Conservation Division), and members of the Commission to discuss the transition and the. organization of the office. Retirement Party for Ms. Fink The Commission is planning a retirement party for Ms. Fink on June 17th from 7 - 9 PM at the Mattera Cabin. Invitations have been sent to a number of people. Chapter 90 Funding Request Peter Reinhart from the Engineering Division asked Ms. Fink to sign off on a funding application that he was submitting to the Massachusetts Highway Division for repaving and other work on about 20 town roadways. Some of the roadways are in wetlands and buffer zones, or have drainage discharges to them. The form acknowledged that wetlands were present and that the plans must be submitted to the Commission for review. The Commission asked Ms. Fink to follow up with a note to Engineering that permit applications are expected, including stormwater improvements. Track Road - Beaver Dam Ms. Fink reported that there is a new beaver dam near the Track Road bridge that is causing undermining of a nearby driveway. She is planning a site inspection soon with Engineering and Health staff to gather information and consider how to address the problem. 20 Chequessett Road Ms. Fink reported that the owners have planted the restoration area. A site visit will be scheduled for the next meeting. West Street - NSTAR transmission lines The Commission reviewed as letter and plans from NSTAR concerning a proposed 12' wide gravel access roadway under the transmission line that runs from West Street to the Woburn line on the 5 Conservation Commission, June 8, 2011 south side of Inwood Drive. There is a certified vernal pool in the area, and the road would block migration between the pool and the forested habitat to the south.. There appear to be better options available. The Commission asked Ms. Fink to contact NSTAR and request a site visit to consider alternatives. Ad hoc Bylaw Review Committee Mr. Sullivan asked for comments on the draft public survey, which was emailed to the Commission recently. Comments should be emailed to him. 107 Main Street - Sam's Bistro Ms. Fink received a call from a neighbor asking whether the corrective actions established last winter have been carried out. The deadline for the corrections was June 1, 2011. Ms. Fink reported that she met with the owner and the contractor in late April to review the work needed, but had not heard from them or made any inspections since then. The Commission will send a letter to the owner, noting that the deadline has passed and requesting that work be done before their meeting on June 22, 2011. Adjournment Motion made by Ms. Stewart to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 PM. Ms. Ohlson seconded. Vote was 7- 0-0. 6