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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-29 CONCOM-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, January 29, 2013 7:30 P.M. Parker Room, Town Office Building 1625 Massachusetts Avenue Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 7:40 pm in the Parker Room of the Town Office Building. Commissioners Present: Joyce Miller, Jane Warren, Stew Kennedy, Duke Bitsko, Phil Hamilton (Arrived at 7:43), Dick Wolk (Arrived at 8:00), and David Langseth Others Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Michelle Tassi, Community Development Department Assistant 7:40 pm Informal – Beekeeping at Idylwilde Documentation: Beekeeping proposal 10/1/2012 Present for the Applicant: Eugene Ivanov Mr. Ivanov explained that honeybee populations are declining due to pesticides, herbicides, deforestation, and parasites. Many people are maintaining hives for pollination, which in turn helps control the wasp population. Mr. Ivanov stated that Denver has Community Gardens in which they allow beekeeping. There are no more than two hives per zone lot, rules for placement are in place such as being located at least 5’ from the property line, and signs are placed near and around the hives. There has been a reduction of crops due to declining honeybee populations. He stated that beekeeping is becoming more popular in Community Gardens. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Langseth suggested that a staff member contact Denver to see what their regulations are on beekeeping and inquire about how they are working. Mr. Bitsko questioned if certification is necessary in Massachusetts for beekeeping. Mr. Ivanov commented that certification is not needed and he supplied copies of apiary inspection regulations from the Department of Food and Agriculture. Mr. Kennedy suggested that Mr. Ivanov use a map of the area and show where the bees will be kept. Mr. Ivanov was instructed to meet with neighbors and stewards to create a plan and draft of regulations for further discussion. 8:02 pm Hearing - NOI, Minuteman Commuter Bikeway DEP# 201-886, BL 845 Culvert replacement project within Bank, Bordering Vegetated Wetland and their 100-foot Buffer Zones Documentation: NOI Application 1/9/2013 Present for the Applicant: Mike Carter, GCG Associates Mr. Carter presented the plan for the culvert replacement project for the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway. Mr. Carter explained that the box culvert will be replaced in-kind with 18” of natural bed. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Bitsko asked what the source of the natural stream bed would be. Mr. Carter stated that the existing stream bed would be reused. Mr. Bitsko questioned if a dewatering plan would be submitted. Mr. Carter mentioned that a dewatering plan would be submitted and then reviewed by the town engineer. Mr. Hamilton asked about the stream bypass. Mr. Carter explained that they would block the stream and bypass pump across the bikepath to downstream. Mr. Carter mentioned that the contractor is responsible for providing plans and details before implementing the project. Ms. Warren asked how long the concrete box culverts last. Mr. Carter stated that they last for roughly 50 years. Mr. Carter explained that the bikeway would be closed with a detour route and police detail. Mr. Langseth pointed out that the stream crossing standards are not included in the Notice of Intent and he questioned the drop of the pipe and if there is a potential for flattening of the pipe slope. Ms. Miller asked about the stabilization of slopes and removal of trees on the downhill side. Mr. Kennedy asked where the material would be staged, but it is unclear at this time. Bill Segal of 2 Hollow Lane inquired about the tree removal. Mr. Cater explained that a 2” tree would be removed from upstream and two trees would be removed from downstream. Mr. Segal is in favor of the project because water is not draining. Jack Rochester of 5 Hollow Lane asked where the water comes from that flows through the culvert. He commented that there are large flows of water at different times. Katherine Grimes of 1295 Massachusetts Avenue voiced her concern about flooding during the work. Mr. Carter explained that water will flow downstream away from her property via pumping and the project will take between 45-60 days with two weeks in the field. Motion made to close the hearing. Motion was rescinded due to missing information. The Commission requested that the Order of Conditions be issued the same evening that the hearing is closed. Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to February 12, 2013 at the request of the applicant, 7-0 in favor. 8:34 pm Cont. Hearing – NOI, 18 Constitution Road DEP# 201-884, BL 843 Site redevelopment within the 100-foot Buffer Zone Documentation: NOI Application 12/21/2012, Revised Drainage Calculations and Site Plan 1/22/2013 Present for the Applicant: Bernard Hamill, H-Star Engineering, Inc. and Venkata & Indira Bhupatiraju, Homeowners Mr. Hamill revised the drainage calculations including adding the 1 year storm calculation and explained that the pool was calculated as pervious surface in the pre-development conditions. Also, an 8” outlook control pipe was added from the trench, as well as deepening of the stone swale by 1 foot. Comments from the Commission as follows: Ms. Miller read the engineering report. Mr. Langseth asked how the water would reach the swale and where the water would flow if the drain clogs. Mr. Langseth voiced his long-term concerns of the proposed stormwater system. Mr. Hamill responded by stating that every system has to be maintained. Ms. Miller asked how much fill would be used and where it would be located. Mr. Hamill said that the fill would be brought right up to the hay bale line. Ms. Miller questioned how the slope would be stabilized and how many trees would be removed. Mr. Hamill stated that they would loam and seed to stabilize the slope and all the trees that are located within the limit of work will be removed. Mr. Langseth pointed out that water drains perpendicular to the contours of a property into a swale, but the plan shows the water flow will not go into the swale in each area of the yard. Mr. Wolk suggested giving direction to Mr. Hamill. Ms. Miller stated that a different system such as using drywells with grading and drains may work better in this area. Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to February 26, 2013 at the request of the applicant, 6-0 in favor. 9:15 pm Cont. Hearing – NOI, 10 Vaille Ave DEP# 201-864, BL 822 Demolition and construction of a new single-family dwelling within the 100-foot Buffer Zone Documentation: NOI Application 6/20/2012 and Proposed Site Plan Revised 1/28/2013 Present for the Applicant: Zoltan Juhasz, Uniterra Consulting, LLC and David Moore, Homeowner Mr. Moore proposed the site plan as revised on January 28, 2013. Mr. Moore stated that approval was received from the Zoning Board of Appeals on January 24, 2013. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Kennedy suggested that details of the wetland enhancement plan be submitted. Mr. Langseth stated that the proposed drainage for building within the 50’ Buffer Zone just meets the performance standards. Mr. Bitsko commented that new drainage calculations would need to be submitted as well as re-labeling of the area between flag 3 and 5 on the plan. Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to February 12, 2013 at the request of the applicant, 7-0 in favor. PENDING MATTERS 9:26 pm Request to hang banners for kite flying event Mr. Hamilton asked for more information on the size and information that would be written on the banners. Mr. Bitsko asked if the event would take place on a Saturday. The Commission voiced their disapproval of any banners in Conservation areas. 2013 Renewal of Willard’s Woods Fire Pit Usage by Monika Van Dussen: Feb 22, Mar 22, April 19, and May 24 Mr. Hamilton stated that dog owners were respectful of using leashes when families were in the area. Motion made and seconded to renew fire pit usage in Willard’s Woods by Monika Van Dussen on February 22, March 22, April 19, and May 24, 2013, 7-0 in favor. 9:31 pm Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions: 14 Winthrop Road, DEP# 201-885, BL 844, 6-0 in favor. Motion made and seconded to issue a Certificate of Compliance: Lexington Christian Academy, End of Bartlett Avenue Parking Lot, DEP# 201-663, BL 620, 7-0 in favor. Town Meeting Warrant Articles: Zoning Bylaw Amendments-Removal of Wetland Protection District Mr. Langseth commented that he will read the articles with Banks Avenue in mind because a project may meet performance standards, but could show to be bad for the area. Mr. Wolk stated that a letter needs to be written to the Selectmen to bring attention to the problems at Banks Avenue. The Commission decided to vote on the zoning bylaw amendments-removal of wetland protection district at the next meeting on February 12, 2013. Site Visits were scheduled for February 9, 2013, starting at 9:30 A.M. Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from November 27, 2012, 7-0 in favor. Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from December 18, 2012 with minor changes, 7-0 in favor. Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from January 3, 2013, 7-0 in favor. Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from January 15, 2013, 7-0 in favor. 9:40 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 7-0 in favor. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Tassi Conservation Department Assistant