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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-08-21 CONCOM-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, August 21, 2013 6:30 P.M. Legion Room, Cary Hall 1625 Massachusetts Avenue Vice Chairman Phil Hamilton opened the meeting at 6:33 pm in the Legion Room of Cary Hall. Commissioners Present: Phil Hamilton, Stew Kennedy, Jane Warren, Duke Bitsko, and David Langseth Commissioners Absent: Joyce Miller and Dick Wolk Others Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Michelle Tassi, Community Development Department Assistant 6:33 pm Meeting – RDA, Lincoln Field DET# 13-15 Pathway reconstruction within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland Documentation: RDA Application 7/24/2013 Present for the Applicant: Marc Valenti, Lexington Department of Public Works Mr. Valenti described the second phase of the pathway reconstruction at Lincoln Field. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Hamilton asked for clarification on the map that contains the zoomed in area. Mr. Valenti identified the areas on the map that were in question. Mr. Langseth suggested that additional details need to be provided before issuing a negative determination. Mr. Kennedy asked the purpose of raising the elevation. Mr. Valenti explained that it will be pitched so the runoff naturally flows off of the pathway. Mr. Langseth stated that the removal of accumulated sediment should be included in this project. Motion made and seconded to continue this meeting to September 10, 2013 at an unspecified time, 5-0 in favor. 6:53 pm Cont. Hearing – NOI, 361 North Emerson Road DEP# 201-905, BL 865 Construction of an addition to an existing single-family dwelling within the 100-foot Buffer Zone Documentation: NOI Application 7/10/13, Letter, Stormwater Operation & Maintenance Plan, and Proposed Site Plan 8/6/13, and Letter, Stormwater Operation & Maintenance Plan, and Proposed Site Plan 8/8/13 Present for the Applicant: Dave Sperduto, Wetlands Identification and Gabriel Cheung, Homeowner Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Hamilton read the engineering review and the information that was needed from the previous hearing. Mr. Langseth commented that a trench drain detail was needed on the plan. Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 4-0 in favor. Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions: 361 North Emerson Road, DEP# 201-905, BL 865, 4-0 in favor. PENDING MATTERS 7:00 pm Certificate of Compliance discussion for 15 Peacock Farm Road, DEP# 201-760, BL 718 Mary Trudeau was present for this discussion. Ms. Trudeau explained that the homeowners received a permit for and addition and patio from the Conservation Commission. The patio was never constructed, but it is shown on the as-built plan stamped by the engineer. Mr. Hamilton recommended that a surveyor create a new as-built plan and submit it to the Commission as minor plan changes in order to receive the certificate of compliance. 7:10 pm Plan modification and approval for dewatering plan at Banks Avenue, DEP# 201- 858, BL 816 Ian Rubin from Markey and Rubin, Inc. was present for this project proposal. Chris Cronin, homeowner, was also present. Mr. Rubin proposed a dewatering plan because the water table has not gone down since testing in October. Ms. Mullins asked Mr. Rubin to identify the other changes in the plan including the utility line shown, sump pump, and the cleanouts for the infiltration. Mr. Langseth commented that the dewatering details are reasonable, but he has long term concerns regarding water levels and the sump pump. Mr. Bitsko asked what material would be removed from the site and if the new material was more porous. Mr. Rubin replied that the fill being brought in would be more porous than the existing fill on site. Mr. Langseth recommended that a minimum of 15” of crushed stone be placed under the slab foundation and that the electrical line be put it on a dry day. Motion made and seconded to approve the dewatering plan at Banks Avenue, DEP# 201-858, BL 816, 5-0 in favor. 7:41 pm Clarification on Order of Conditions for I-95 Highway and Stormwater Management Improvements, DEP# 201-902, BL 862 Ms. Mullins explained that the project requires MassDOT to use fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, etc. containing sodium. Trucks that are used by MassDOT regulate how much sodium is dispersed out. The Commission discussed the concern of the Cambridge water supply, but it was understood that small amounts of the chemical are used. Motion made and seconded to remove the condition stating that the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and sodium-based products is prohibited within 100 feet of the wetlands to reduce the impact of these products on the resource areas when transported by stormwater or by leaching through the soil. This condition shall remain in perpetuity and shall not expire with the issuance of the Certificate of Compliance, 5-0 in favor. 7:44 pm Approve landscape plan for 65 Munroe Road, DEP# 201-823, BL 781 Ms. Mullins briefly described the landscaping plan for this project. Mr. Bitsko asked if the ivy proposed was invasive. Ms. Warren recommended that they use the native plant list that is approved by the Commission. Motion made and seconded to approve the landscape plan with the use of approved native plantings for 65 Munroe Road, 5-0 in favor. 7:50 pm Update on the 92 Adams Street project, DEP# 201-904, BL 864 Mr. Langseth commented that the re-submittal for this project was okay. 7:50 pm Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Preservation Committee, Land Steward Directors, Housing Partnership, Tree Committee, Land Management, Land Acquisition, etc. Mr. Hamilton reported that the Willard’s Woods bridge was well constructed. Mr. Kennedy stated that a slideshow will be shown at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting. 7:53 pm The Commission scheduled site visits for 82 Pleasant Street, 7 Middleby Road, and 53 Eldred Street on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 9:00 am. 7:54 pm Discuss Johnson Farm open space and interests of the Commission Ms. Mullins gave a brief description of the area and open space known as Johnson Farm. Mr. Hamilton was concerned that this type of activity will set a negative precedent for others to not pay taxes. Mr. Kennedy stated that this was a good area to have in the Conservation Land inventory because it will be of good value to the public. Mr. Langseth suggested having an entry sign created. Mr. Kennedy suggested that conditions be explained to the homeowners regarding property boundaries and town owned land. 7:54 pm Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from July 30, 2013 with minor changes, 5-0 in favor. Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from August 5, 2013 with minor changes, 5-0 in favor. 8:04 pm Discuss Conservation Commission meeting times The Commission discussed the possibility of changing the Conservation Commission meeting time to a different time and day of the week. The Commissioners want to make sure it is still convenient for the public, as well as all of the members. They asked the staff to look into the charge and how to approve a new time/day. 8:07 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 5-0 in favor. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Tassi Community Development Department Assistant