The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2023-12-11-ConCom-minPUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Conservation Commission ___________________________________________________________________________ AGENDA Monday,December 11,2023,6:30 p.m. This Conservation Commission meeting was held remotely via Zoom,an online meeting platform.Public Participation via calling in or using your computer was encouraged. Commissioners Present:Duke Bitsko,Kevin Beuttell,Alex Dohan,Philip Hamilton (Chair) and Ruth Ladd (Vice-Chair);Not present:Jason Hnatko Staff Present:Karen Mullins,Conservation Director,Amber Carr,Conservation Coordinator, and Meghan McNamara,Department Assistant 6:30 PM New Business/Pending Matters Review the proposed restoration and corrective actions to address compliance at 2219 Massachusetts Avenue,Order of Conditions CNOI-22-12 (bylaw only),by the property owner Daiva Veitas Staff performed a review of the request for Certificate of Compliance and notified the property owner that unauthorized work was performed outside the approved work limits of the Order of Conditions.This work included installation of a gravel driveway,removal of a bluestone patio, and installation of lawn grass and a post-and-rail fence within the wetland area and buffer zone. The property owners,Mr.Raymond Kobbs and Ms.Daiva Veitas,presented their proposed restoration plan to the Commission and are committed to restoring this area.The Commission agreed that the recently placed lawn grass area within the 25-foot buffer zone shall be rototilled to kill the lawn grass.The Commission approved the proposed restoration plan,which includes the installation of Feno markers. Presentation on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)raised garden bed proposal by Eagle Scout candidate Jeffrey Liu Mr.Jeffrey Liu,Eagle Scout Candidate,presented his proposed project to install an ADA accessible raised garden bed at Idylwilde Community Garden.Mr.Liu has been working with Conservation staff on the concept plan,and is requesting that the Commission approve the conceptual idea so that he can request approval from the Scout Association.Ms.Carr stated that the current parking area was expanded about a year ago,and planned with a potential raised garden bed in mind for a future project. Questions and Comments from the Commission: −The proposed hose run would be very long.Could a disabled person have any difficulties accessing water from the barrel? −Installing a more stable paved surface in the future would be great,since the proposed location is currently gravel surface. −Prefer to see more rectangular units so that they can be accessible on all four sides. −How much square footage of garden beds is actually needed?Suggest checking out the ADA accessible raised garden beds in Fresh Pond Park. −How necessary is tool storage?Perhaps proposing a place to hang tools when in use,but worried about items being stolen over time. 7:04 PM New Public Meetings/Hearings Notice of Intent:107 Blossomcrest Road OpenGov Permit#CNOI-23-29 (No DEP Filing #issued as of 12/7/23) Applicant/Property Owner:Gautam Naik and Pallavi Vartak Project:raze and rebuild of a single-family dwelling within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands Documentation Submitted: ⎯WPA Form 3 Notice of Intent application and attachments;Prepared by:Mary Trudeau; Date signed by the applicant:11/20/2023; ⎯Site Plan;Prepared,stamped and signed by:Fred Russell,PE Civil;Date:11/20/2023; ⎯Stormwater Analysis;Prepared,stamped and signed by:Fred Russell,PE Civil;Date: 11/16/2023; Ms.Mary Trudeau,wetlands consultant,presented to the Commission.A DEP filing number has not yet been issued for the project. Questions and Comments from the Commission; −Is there currently a fence along the property line? −Are you proposing any restoration on the property? −What is the distance between the 50-foot buffer zone and the proposed overhang? −Disappointed in the tree removal. −Would like to know what the proposed plantings will be and where they will be planted. −Would feel more comfortable if the foundation was installed much farther away from the 50-foot buffer zone. Responses from the Representative: −There is currently a 4-foot chain link fence around most of the property,to the west and south. −No restoration is being proposed within the 0-25-foot buffer zone because that area is not owned by the applicant.There are two existing shrubs within the 25-50-foot buffer zone, a rhododendron and small forsythia.The applicant would be willing to plant up to six shrubs within the 25-50-foot buffer zone.The applicant would require some room to move around the corner of the house in that area. −The southwest corner of the proposed dwelling foundation is about 52.5 feet from the closest wetland flag.The measurement on the plan is the distance from the corner foundation and not the roof overhang,so the overhang is on the 50-foot buffer zone. −Will confirm for the next meeting that the foundation and proposed overhang is within the 50-foot buffer zone or right on the line. −Will add the proposed plantings and species type on the site plan for the next meeting. On a motion by Ms.Ladd and seconded by Ms.Dohan,the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to continue the hearing to the January 2,2024 meeting at the applicants request. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko –Aye Kevin Beuttell –Aye Alex Dohan –Aye Ruth Ladd –Aye Phil Hamilton –Aye 7:21 PM Continued Public Meetings/Hearings Request for Determination of Applicability:149-151 Old Spring Street (Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston) OpenGov Permit#CDOA-23-12 Applicant/Property Owner:Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston Project:connection to the municipal drainage system associated with construction of a new building Previous Meeting Date:10/30/2023 *Applicant requested a continuance to 1/2/2024 Conservation Commission Meeting On a motion by Ms.Dohan and seconded by Ms.Ladd,the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to continue the hearing to the January 2,2024 meeting at the applicant’s request. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko –Aye Kevin Beuttell –Aye Alex Dohan –Aye Ruth Ladd –Aye Phil Hamilton –Aye 7:22 PM Notice of Intent:2 Farm Road (formerly 4 Lillian Road) OpenGov Permit#CNOI-23-28 (No DEP Filing #issued as of 12/7/23) Applicant/Property Owner:Charles DeFrancesco,4 Lillian LLC Project:construction of a driveway to access a new single-family dwelling along with site grading and landscaping activities within the 100-foot buffer zone from Bordering Vegetated Wetlands and within 100-foot buffer zone from Bordering Land Subject to Flooding Previous Meeting Date:11/27/2023 As of Friday,December 8,2023,no new supplemental information was submitted in response to 11/27/2023 Meeting comments. Ms.Mary Trudeau,wetlands consultant,presented to the Commission.Ms.Trudeau stated that the plan has been revised and the proposed driveway material is now bituminous concrete,and a trench drain is proposed at the end of the driveway,connected to a second infiltration system. The applicant is proposing to plant three 1.5-inch diameter oak trees on the property. Questions and Comments from the Commission: −The language in the Operation and Maintenance Plan regarding the trench drain is not consistent.The first sentence says to inspect the system once per year,however it also says to inspect twice per year in April and October.This needs to be edited to reflect two inspections per year. −There were two trees removed within the jurisdictional buffer zone and the proposed planting of three oak trees seems like much less than what was previously there. Responses from the Representative: −The Project Engineer confirmed via text message to the representative that a test pit was not performed within the area of Infiltration System #2. −Difficult to place more than one oak tree within the 100-foot buffer zone to wetlands due to the close proximity to the driveway and infiltration system. A DEP filing number has still not been issued and the hearing will be continued.The Commission requests a revised site plan and stormwater report showing the location and findings of the test pit,and the location of the three proposed oak trees. On a motion by Ms.Ladd and seconded by Ms.Dohan,the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to continue the hearing to the January 2,2024 meeting at the applicants request. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko –Aye Kevin Beuttell –Aye Alex Dohan –Aye Ruth Ladd –Aye Phil Hamilton –Aye 7:36 PM New Business/Pending Matters,Continued Vote to endorse the formation of the Ad Hoc Property Acquisition/Use Working Group Mr.Hamilton summarized a proposal that was previously sent to the Select Board,which states when there is a possibility of acquiring land in town,that all interested groups be notified and it will be decided amongst the groups what the land would best be used for.Mr.Beuttell verbally supported the formation of the group,and added that if there is a way for the group to consider multiple property acquisitions at once,then perhaps more groups would have a favorable outcome. On a motion by Ms.Ladd and seconded by Ms.Dohan,the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to approve the formation of the Ad Hoc Property Acquisition Use Working Group,and the appointment of Charlie Wyman,Chair of the Land Acquisition Subcommittee,as representative of the Conservation Commission. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko –Aye Kevin Beuttell –Aye Alex Dohan –Aye Ruth Ladd –Aye Phil Hamilton –Aye 7:42 PM GCC (Greenway Corridors Committee)request for Conservation Commission permission to submit for the Mass Audubon’s Judy Record Fund grant proposal for preparation of the Concord Ave Land Management Plan Ms.Dohan recused herself as she is a member of the GCC and employee of Mass Audubon. On a motion by Ms.Ladd and seconded by Mr.Beuttell,the Commission voted 4-0 by roll call vote to approve the request of the GCC grant proposal application submission for Mass Audubon’s Judy Record Fund,as edited by Conservation staff,with the understanding that if the Land Management Plan is conducive to the establishment of a trail,then that would be the end product.However,a survey has to take place before then. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko –Aye Kevin Beuttell –Aye Alex Dohan –Abstain from vote Ruth Ladd –Aye Phil Hamilton –Aye 7:45 PM Vote to issue Order of Conditions:47 Winthrop Road,OpenGov#CNOI-23-27,DEP#201-1303 On a motion by Ms.Ladd and seconded by Ms.Dohan,the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to issue the Order of Conditions. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko –Aye Kevin Beuttell –Aye Alex Dohan –Aye Ruth Ladd –Aye Phil Hamilton –Aye 7:46 PM Request for Certificate of Compliance:2 Stratham Road,OpenGov#COC-23-25,DEP# 201-1259,CNOI-21-11 (Full) On a motion by Ms.Dohan and seconded by Mr.Beuttell,the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to issue the Certificate of Compliance,pending a favorable review of the updated as-built plan by Ms.Mullins. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko –Aye Kevin Beuttell –Aye Alex Dohan –Aye Ruth Ladd –Aye Phil Hamilton –Aye 7:48 PM Request for Certificate of Compliance:8 Paddock Lane,VPC#COC-23-18,DEP#201-1230, CNOI-21-29 (Partial) On a motion by Ms.Dohan and seconded by Mr.Beuttell,the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to approve the installation of the permeable paver patio underneath the deck as an insignificant plan change. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko –Aye Kevin Beuttell –Aye Alex Dohan –Aye Ruth Ladd –Aye Phil Hamilton –Aye 7:53 PM On a motion by Ms.Ladd and seconded by Ms.Dohan,the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to issue the Certificate of Compliance,pending a confirmatory review by Ms.Mullins. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko –Aye Kevin Beuttell –Aye Alex Dohan –Aye Ruth Ladd –Aye Phil Hamilton –Aye 7:54 PM Request for Certificate of Compliance:31 Fairlawn Lane,OpenGov#COC-23-32,DEP# 201-1214,CNOI-21-8 (Partial) On a motion by Ms.Dohan and seconded by Ms.Ladd,the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to issue the Certificate of Compliance. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko –Aye Kevin Beuttell –Aye Alex Dohan –Aye Ruth Ladd –Aye Phil Hamilton –Aye 7:55 PM Request for Certificate of Compliance:3 Goffe Road,VPC#COC-23-17,DEP#201-1192, CNOI-20-21,AOOC-21-11,2021 Enforcement Order (Full) Ms.Mullins stated that no inspection ports were installed on the two infiltration systems as required;however,the homeowner is willing to camera the drainage pipes if it ever seemed that the system was failing.She asked if this approach was satisfactory to the Commission or if they would want the inspection ports installed as conditioned? Mr.Jack Sullivan,project engineer,was present at the meeting and stated that if the system were to back up,it would overflow at the roof drain connection.He added that the drainage structures are about three feet underground and adding the inspection ports now would be problematic to the lawn area.Members of the Commission request that one inspection port be added for each system because they are small chambers,even though the regulation is typically two for each system.It was clarified for the Commission that the Town issued a license to the property owner to allow the fence to remain,as it currently exists on town-owned property. Request for Certificate of Compliance:140 Marrett Road (formerly 2 Bacon Street),OpenGov Permit#COC-22-10,DEP#201-1161,BL#1117 (Full) On a motion by Ms.Ladd and seconded by Mr.Beuttell,the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to issue the Certificate of Compliance. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko –Aye Kevin Beuttell –Aye Alex Dohan –Aye Ruth Ladd –Aye Phil Hamilton –Aye 8:09 PM Consideration of staff recommendation to establish a Conservation Steward of the Year Award Program On a motion by Ms.Dohan and seconded by Mr.Beuttell,the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to establish a Conservation Steward of the Year Award. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko –Aye Kevin Beuttell –Aye Alex Dohan –Aye Ruth Ladd –Aye Phil Hamilton –Aye 8:12 PM Approve Minutes:10/30/2023 The Minutes were not approved and will be added to the next agenda for review and approval. Schedule site visits:1/2/2024 Meeting The site visits will take place on Saturday,December 16,2023 at 9:30 AM Reports:Enforcement Updates,Bike Advisory,Community Gardens,Community Preservation Committee,Greenway Corridor Committee,Land Acquisition,Land Management,Land Steward Directors,Tree Committee,and Open Space &Recreation Plan Mr.Beuttell stated that the Community Preservation Committee is meeting the following Thursday to recommend various final projects. On a motion by Ms.Ladd and seconded by Ms.Dohan,the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to adjourn the meeting. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko –Aye Kevin Beuttell –Aye Alex Dohan –Aye Ruth Ladd –Aye Phil Hamilton –Aye 8:24 PM Respectfully Submitted, Meghan McNamara LUHD Department Assistant Approved:1/16/2024 Archived:1/17/2024