HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-23 CONCOM-min
TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
7:30 P.M.
Parker Room, Town Office Building
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 7:34 pm in the Parker Room of the Town
Office Building.
Commissioners Present: Joyce Miller, David Langseth (arrived at 7:35), Stew Kennedy,
Phil Hamilton, Dick Wolk, and Duke Bitsko
Commissioners Absent: Jane Warren
Others Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Michelle Tassi,
Community Development Department Assistant
7:35 pm Cont. Meeting – RDA, 4 Sherburne Road
DET# 13-07
Construction of an addition, expansion of the footing drain system, and
installation of an overflow drain line connected to the Town drainage
system
Documentation: RDA Application 3/20/13, Drainage Calculations and
Proposed System Plan 4/22/13
Present for the Applicant: Stephen Poole, Lakeview Engineering
Associates
Mr. Poole described the soil type in the area consisting of Hydro Group C
soils. A 395 square foot addition will be constructed with installation of an
additional drywell. Mr. Poole explained that there will be 222 cubic feet of
storage below the overflow point.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Langseth asked about the pipe networking and an explanation from
Mr. Poole on his rationale for networking. Specifically, why the trench
was for the foundation drain and the drywell is for roof runoff. Mr. Poole
replied that he is cautious of taking runoff from the roof and having it
backup into the foundation drain. Mr. Bitsko commented on the inspection
covers being at ground level and still not detailed. Mr. Langseth stated that
he reviewed the drainage calculations this afternoon, but the Town
Engineer should review it as well.
Motion made and seconded to continue the meeting to May 7, 2013 at the
request of the applicant to allow engineering reviews, 4-0 in favor.
7:46 pm Hearing – NOI, 9 Vine Brook Road
DEP# 201-890, BL 849
Demolition and construction of a new single-family dwelling within the
100-foot Buffer Zone
Documentation: NOI Application and Plan 1/23/13, Revised Plan 2/12/13,
Proposed Site Plan 2/19/13, and Wetland Border Report 2/26/13, Revised
Plan 4/2/13, Proposed Site and Planting Plan 4/12/13
Present for the Applicant: Ian Rubin, Markey and Rubin, Inc. and Scott
Goddard, Goddard Consulting, LLC
Mr. Rubin stated that the sewer line connection was added on the site plan,
the infiltration system was lowered by 1 foot, and a planting plan was
submitted. The fencing will be relocated to remove it from the 25’ Buffer
Zone, the bounds markers will be installed at the 25’ Buffer Zone, and the
planting will have a specified size and native seed mix.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
The Commission discussed the use of straw wattles on the plan and
reminded the applicant that they request the use of a silt sock with
compost or a silt fence with haybales. Ms. Miller asked if the fence could
be moved up to the proposed line of straw wattles. Mr. Bitsko commented
that the 25’ bounds markers were requested at the previous meeting and
the smaller 1 gallon plant containers with seed mix could be used on this
property. Mr. Goddard stated that a revised site plan and planting plan will
be submitted. Mr. Wolk voiced his concern about the project and footprint
of the dwelling in relation to setbacks leaving minimal open space area for
associated residential activities. The Commission discussed sump pumps
and that they should not be an alternative, especially to an abutter on the
town drain.
Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 5-0 in favor.
7:59 pm Ms. Miller opened the meeting for 9 Luongo Farm Road and the hearing
for 12 Luongo Farm Road at this time.
Meeting – RDA, 9 Luongo Farm Lane
DET# 13-08
Construction of a single-family dwelling, driveway, and subsurface
infiltration system within the 100-foot Buffer Zone
Documentation: RDA Application and Drainage Calculations 4/3/13
Present for the Applicant: Mike Novak, Meridian Associates and Robert
Phelan, Builder
Mr. Novak proposed construction of a new single-family dwelling with a
subsurface infiltration system and some grading within the 100’ Buffer
Zone.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Langseth asked how well the infiltration system was working because
it had been installed four to five years ago. Mr. Phelan replied that the
system works well, but Meridian could inspect all three before work
begins. Mr. Kennedy commented that invasive species were going up the
trees in the area and should be cut and stopped from spreading.
Phyllis Yale of 14 Moon Hill Road asked how much the irrigation system
would affect the area. Mr. Novak replied that most of the runoff from the
irrigation system would be captured by the grass because it is a minimal
amount.
7:59 pm Hearing – NOI, 12 Luongo Farm Lane
DEP# 201-896, BL 855
Construction of a single-family dwelling and associated subsurface
infiltration system within the 100-foot Buffer Zone
Documentation: NOI Application, Site Plan, and Drainage Calculations
4/3/13
Present for the Applicant: Mike Novak, Meridian Associates and Robert
Phelan, Builder
Mr. Novak proposed construction of a single-family dwelling and
subsurface infiltration system. Part of the structure is within the 100’
Buffer Zone. The small patio is 80’ away from the wetlands. There will be
no disturbance within the 50’ Buffer Zone.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Langseth commented on the conservation easement. The open space
was for development as part of the site. Ms. Miller read the engineering
report for 9 Luongo Farm Lane and 12 Luongo Farm Lane.
Motion made and seconded to issue a negative determination with
conditions, 6-0 in favor.
Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 6-0 in favor.
PENDING MATTERS
8:12 pm Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions: 482 Bedford
Street, DEP# 201-894, BL 853, 6-0 in favor. The Commission discussed
the need for submittal of a planting plan detailing woody species from the
bottom of the slope to the top of the slope.
Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions: 19 Bellflower
Street, DEP# 201-891, BL 850, 6-0 in favor. The Commission discussed
the submittal of a planting plan.
Motion made and seconded to issue an Amended Order of Conditions: 38
Adams Street, DEP# 201-819, BL 777, 6-0 in favor.
Motion made and seconded to issue a Certificate of Compliance: 8
Douglas Road, DEP# 201-841, BL 799, 6-0 in favor.
The Commission discussed that Certificate of Compliance for 145 Grove
Street, DEP# 201-754, BL 712 should be on the agenda for the May 7,
2013 meeting.
Motion made and seconded to issue a Certificate of Compliance: 4
Butterfield Road, DET# 12-01, 6-0 in favor.
Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions: Dunback
Meadow, Willard’s Woods, and Meagherville, DEP# 201-893, BL 852, 6-
0 in favor.
Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions: Winthrop
Road at Vine Brook Crossing, DEP# 201-892, BL 851, 6-0 in favor. The
Commission discussed the grass strip at the crossing from John Poulter
Road to the driveway at 44 Winthrop Road. They discussed the removal of
shrubs and installation of grass strip. Also, they stated that if plantings are
proposed on the brook side of the fence, native species shall be installed.
Motion made and seconded to issue a two year Extension Order of
Conditions: 324 Marrett Road, DEP# 201-685, BL 642, 6-0 in favor.
8:26 pm Approval for plan modification and tree removal planting plan for 22
Hamilton Road, DEP# 201-866, BL 824
No applicant was present and the Commission decided to add this item to
the May 7, 2013 meeting agenda.
8:28 pm The Commission discussed issuing the Order of Conditions for 9 Vine
Brook Road, DEP# 201-890, BL 849, but failed to vote because there was
no quorum.
8:41 pm Discussion for 219 Lincoln Street, Sketch Proposal
Alton Day Stone; Enironmental Scientist and Engineer and Abbas Amiri;
Applicant were present for this discussion. Mr. Stone presented the
informal plan. He described filling in the isolated wetland and replicating
it along Lincoln Street.
Mr. Langseth commented that the overall concept makes sense, but there
would be issues to overcome. He stated that the grading along the
perimeter would be a difficult issue. Mr. Kennedy commented that
replicating a wetland along a street does not make sense for the wildlife
habitat. Mr. Hamilton stated that it would have to be proved that the
replicated wetland provides interest and will succeed. Mr. Bitsko
commented on increasing the replication area to separate replication from
stormwater. Also, water quality swales do not work on steep grades. The
Commission spoke about the need for more details that clearly show the
proposal can be constructed without adverse impact to interests including
abutter impacts. Mr. Wolk wants to be assured that abutters will not be
impacted. Mr. Bitsko suggested using existing soils and plants for the
replication.
8:41 pm Plan deviation discussion and compliance for 65 Munroe Road, DEP#
201-823, BL 781
Steve Marsh and Scott Goddard were present for this discussion. Mr.
Kennedy asked how the Order of Conditions was not paid attention to. Mr.
Marsh took full responsibility for losing the Order of Conditions and not
reading the notes on the building card. Mr. Langseth read a structural
engineer letter from Kanayo Lala that was submitted on 4/23/13. Mr.
Goddard went over the six issues that were stated in Ms. Mullins’ email.
The Commission stated that they want to revisit the site with the structural
engineer on their next site visits.
9:28 pm After-hours usage at Paint Mine Conservation Area
Bob Creech was present for this discussion. Mr. Creech proposed the
installation of signs with information on parking regulations and littering.
Mr. Hamilton agreed that signs should be posted with rules and
regulations. Ms. Mullins stated that regulations should be posted at kiosks
as well and the Police Department should be informed because they will
be enforcing them. Ms. Mullins suggested contacting NEMBA to remind
members that Lexington conservation land is closed for public access
after-hours unless a permit is obtained.
9:37 pm Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Preservation Committee, Land
Steward Directors, Housing Partnership, Tree Committee, Land
Management, Land Acquisition, etc.
Ms. Miller requested a meeting on May 14, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. for
discussion on regulations.
Mr. Kennedy reported that without being asked, the Department of Public
Works had gone out to Idylwilde and put gravel on the trail entering the
community gardens because it was extremely muddy.
9:40 pm The Commission scheduled site visits on May 4, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. for 12
Tufts Road, 183 Waltham Street, and 65 Munroe Road.
Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from April 9, 2013
with minor changes, 6-0 in favor.
9:45 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 6-0 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Tassi
Conservation Department Assistant