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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-21 CONCOM-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, May 21, 2013 7:30 P.M. Parker Room, Town Office Building 1625 Massachusetts Avenue Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 7:39 pm in the Parker Room of the Town Office Building. Commissioners Present: Joyce Miller, David Langseth (arrived at 7:39), Stew Kennedy, Phil Hamilton (arrived at 8:14), Dick Wolk (arrived at 7:44), Jane Warren, and Duke Bitsko Others Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Michelle Tassi, Community Development Department Assistant 7:39 pm Meeting – RDA, 990 Waltham Street DET# 13-10 Demolition of an existing single-family dwelling within he 100-foot Buffer Zone of Bordering Vegetated Wetland and Bank Documentation: RDA Application 5/1/13 Present for the Applicant: Bill Dailey and James Freehling Mr. Dailey stated that Brookhaven has acquired 990 Waltham Street, as well as 960-970 Waltham Street. The appeal process has ended with the final judgment. Mr. Dailey proposed demolishing the home as well as removing some debris. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Langseth asked where the limit of work line was located. Mr. Dailey replied that the limit of work line would consist of the necessary area to remove the dwelling and that a tree had fallen over the brook. Mr. Langseth commented that the limit of work line could be approved at the pre-construction meeting. Mr. Dailey requested a condition regarding erosion controls. The Commission decided that the administrator would pre-approve the location and type of erosion controls. Motion made and seconded to issue a negative determination with conditions, 6-0 in favor. 7:49 pm Hearing – NOI, Whipple Hill DEP# 201-899, BL 858 Building of footbridges and relocation of trails within the Bordering Vegetated Wetland, 100-foot Buffer Zone, Bank and Riverfront Area Documentation: NOI Application and Plan 5/1/13 Present for the Applicant: Tom Whelan, Lexington Conservation Steward Mr. Whelan proposed the construction of three bridges, boardwalks, and relocation of trails in 28 locations. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Kennedy asked if any structures would impact the access of the fire road from Summer Street. Mr. Whelan replied that the relocation of trails would improve the area because the trail is being redirected away from the road. Mr. Langseth commented that location #376 needs to be discussed further because a bridge will be aesthetically intrusive. The Commission decided to approve location #376 at a later date to analyze alternative bridge designs. Mr. Bitsko asked if there were proposed improvements for trails in place and if erosion issues would continue. The Commission will approve native plantings for areas of restoration with relocated paths subject to erosion. Eric Eid-Reiner of 7 Russell Road agrees with the restoration of existing trails. He voiced his concern about how the boardwalk will change the natural environment, signage for the areas, and if rails or edges would be present. Michael Lellyweld objects to any project that will increase the use of the conservation area. There has been a reduction of wildlife in the conservation area and more on his property. He stated that there has been encroachment on his property with a trail and removed rocks along the stone wall. Mr. Whelan replied that the stewards would close off the trail. Herman Marshall of 5 Whipple Road supported the project because it will reduce impact and increase enjoyment by the public. Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 6-0 in favor. 8:30 pm Meeting – RDA, 5 Malt Lane DET# 12-22 Removal of a tree within the 100-foot Buffer Zone Documentation: RDA Application 9/26/12, Letter from Matthew R. Foti 10/17/12, Planting Plan and Site Map 5/8/13, and Revised Planting Plan and Letter 5/15/13 Present for the Applicant: Donald Rosenfield, Homeowner/Applicant Mr. Rosenfield presented the proposal to remove an existing tree and replace it with plantings. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Langseth commented that this was a reasonable proposal. Ms. Warren agreed with the planting list. Mr. Kennedy corrected that the removed tree would be a black walnut and not an oak tree. Mr. Bitsko stated that the Commission’s findings were not as Mr. Rosenfield described. Motion made and seconded to issue a negative determination with conditions, 7-0 in favor. 8:34 pm Meeting – RDA, 10 Winston Road DET# 13-11 Removal and/or replacement of an existing concrete patio and replacement of an existing shed within the 100-foot Buffer Zone Documentation: RDA Application 5/1/13 Present for the Applicant: Bruce and Carol Baran, Homeowners Mr. Baran proposed replacement of an existing concrete patio of approximately 400 square feet with permeable pavers, removal of a concrete sidewalk to the rear of the addition and replacing it with dirt and mulch, removal of the patio off the new addition, relocation of the shed and placement on concrete blocks, and removal of two trees. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Langseth asked if there would be proper disposal of the concrete. Mr. Baran replied that the concrete would be properly disposed of. Motion made and seconded to issue a negative determination with conditions, 7-0 in favor. PENDING MATTERS 8:24 pm Sutherland Park Recreation Project Approval, Chris Filadoro Chris Filadoro; the tree warden and David Pinsonneault; the manager of operations, were present for this discussion. Mr. Filadoro described the repairs to fields in the area of Sutherland Park. The field location will not change and it will be replaced-in-kind. There will be no changes in the outfield. Mr. Filadoro explained that the sub base would be removed in-field and sent to the compost facility. The work will take place in October and no trees will be removed, but pruning may occur. Mr. Langseth asked if a pre-construction meeting will be held. Mr. Filadoro replied that a pre-construction meeting will be occurring. Motion made and seconded to approve the Sutherland Park recreation project, 7-0 in favor. 8:41 pm Informal Meeting – Invasive Species Eradication at Lincoln Park, Brian Kelley and Miles Connors Brian Kelley and Miles Connors were present for this discussion. Mr. Connors, representing Parterre Ecological, described the updated management plan which was approved in 2008. Mr. Connors explained that he has been operating under the Bill Brumback and Weswirth plan and this plan requires hand pulling of invasive species and native vegetation. He stated that Parterre Ecological will take part in Bill Brumback’s role for the invasive species management plan. Mr. Langseth asked where the project scope is. Mr. Connors replied that it is in the boardwalk areas, athletic fields and mounds, and upland meadow. The committee approved the native plant list. Mr. Kennedy commented that intertwined species are harder to hand-pull and a chemical treatment will be needed. Mr. Bitsko questioned if the native plant list had been matched up with the town’s native plant guide. The Commission added Lincoln Park to their site visit schedule. 8:54 pm Hearing – NOI, 36 Sanderson Road DEP# 201-898, BL 857 Construction of an addition and deck within the 100-foot Buffer Zone Documentation: NOI Application, Plot Plan, and Roof Runoff Recharge System Detail 5/6/13, Drainage Calculations 5/16/13 Ms. Miller opened the hearing for 36 Sanderson Road. Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to June 4, 2013 at 7:30 pm at the request of the applicant, 7-0 in favor. 8:55 pm Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions: 183 Waltham Street, DEP# 201-897, BL 856, 7-0 in favor. 8:55 pm Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Preservation Committee, Land Steward Directors, Housing Partnership, Tree Committee, Land Management, Land Acquisition, etc. Ms. Mullins reported that 38 Adams Street removed 17,000 square feet of trees, vegetation, and plantings. A restoration plan was given the go ahead by the Conservation Administrator. Ms. Miller asked if they could fine the property owner. Ms. Mullins stated that the first offense is $100. Mr. Langseth commented that everyone involved is moving promptly to fix the issue and doesn’t see the need to fine the owner. The Commission decided to add 38 Adams Street to their site visit schedule. Mr. Kennedy reported that a scout is looking for a project to do because his original project was put on hold by the Town Manager. John Livsey suggested the Mystic Watershed study. 9:02 pm Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from April 23, 2013, 7-0 in favor. Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from May 7, 2013, 7-0 in favor. 9:12 pm The Commission scheduled site visits for 229 & 231 Worthen Road East, 62 Grassland Street, 19 Grove Street, 219 Lincoln Street, Lincoln Park, and 38 Adams Street for the meeting on June 4, 2013 on June 1, 2013 starting at 9:30am. 9:13 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 7-0 in favor. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Tassi Community Development Department Assistant