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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-24 CONCOM-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, September 24, 2013 7:30 P.M. Parker Room, Town Office Building 1625 Massachusetts Avenue Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 7:32 pm in the Parker Room of the Town Office Building. Commissioners Present: Joyce Miller, Phil Hamilton, Stew Kennedy (arrived at 7:37 pm), Duke Bitsko, David Langseth, Dick Wolk, and Jane Warren Others Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Michelle Tassi, Community Development Department Assistant 7:32 pm Meeting – RDA, 7 Idylwilde Road DET# 13-16 Construction of a 21’ x 11’ covered porch with a 16’ x 10’ deck within the 100-foot Buffer Zone of Bordering Vegetated Wetland Documentation: RDA Application 8/29/13 Present for the Applicant: Chris Williams, First Class Carpentry and Marina Levit, Homeowner Mr. Williams proposed construction of a covered porch and deck. He stated that the deck will be 104’ away from the upper part of the bank at its closest point. Mr. Williams explained that the homeowners are proposing to build on top of an existing brick patio. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Hamilton commented that he is in favor of issuing a negative determination with conditions. Mr. Bitsko asked if the brook will be considered a perennial stream under this determination. Mr. Hamilton replied that the commission was not determining the characteristic of the brook. Ms. Mullins explained that she met with Mr. Williams prior tot he meeting and the determination is proposed to show that the work is outside the 100-foot buffer zone. Motion made and seconded to issue a negative determination with conditions, 6-0 in favor. 7:37 pm Cont. Hearing – NOI, 53 Eldred Street DEP# 201-911, BL 871 Construction of a 12’ x 16’ shed within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland Documentation: NOI Application 8/7/13 Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to October 8, 2013 at 7:30 pm at the request of the applicant via email, 7-0 in favor. 7:38 pm The Commission postponed the hearing for 7 Middleby Road until the representative and applicant were present. 7:40 pm Hearing – NOI, 675 Lowell Street, Butterfield Pond DEP# 201-908, BL 868 Improvements to the upstream and downstream slopes along the length of the dam Documentation: NOI Application and Drawing Plans 9/3/13 and Additional Plan 9/5/13 Present for the Applicant: Mel Higgins, Weston & Sampson Mr. Higgins gave a brief description of the area and the work that has been done up to this point. He explained the two different phases of the project improvements. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Bitsko asked for more information regarding the replication wetland including test pits, a planting plan, and monitoring and survivability specifications. He commented that they should explore invasive species management and lowering the grading of the replicated wetland. Mr. Bitsko asked the reason for extensive tree removal. Mr. Higgins replied that it is a state regulation for dam safety. The Commission discussed maintenance and that the Town portion is not part of the scope of this project. Mr. Bitsko suggested investigation of a native seed mix with an erosion control blanket along the slopes. Mr. Langseth voiced his concern regarding the survivability of the replicated wetland and asked for a longitudinal section of the mineral sheet. Ms. Mullins asked if the grades were changing on the southern side and Mr. Higgins replied that they are not changing. Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to October 8, 2013 at 7:30 pm at the request of the applicant, 7-0 in favor. 8:12 pm Cont. Hearing – NOI, 7 Middleby Road DEP# 201-906, BL 866 Demolition and construction of a new single-family dwelling within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland Documentation: NOI Application 8/7/13, Site Plan of Land, Memorandum, and Addendum for Drainage Calculations 9/6/13, Revised Memorandum, Site Plan, and Operations and Maintenance Plan 9/20/13 Present for the Applicant: Scott Smyers, Oxbow Associates, Inc. and Michael Walsh, Homeowner Mr. Smyers stated that the operations and maintenance plan and revised memorandum were submitted. He explained that a second infiltration system was put in for the sump pump infiltration. Mr. Smyers commented that the proposed conditions will have 677 square feet less of impervious surface. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Langseth asked about the elevation of the existing basement. Mr. Smyers replied that it was at elevation 225. Mr. Walsh stated that within reason, the basement level could be raised 6 inches. Mr. Wolk voiced his concerns regarding the basement elevation level. He stated that he is bothered by the testimony given by the neighbors that the drain in the street has already been compromised, there is no guarantee that there are adverse impacts, per the regulations the lot is considered native and therefore, the reduction of impervious surface is irrelevant, and he believes there are enough issues on this property to potentially be problematic. The Commission will condition raising the basement elevation level by 6” to bring it closer to the existing basement level. Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 7-0 in favor. 8:26 pm Cont. Hearing – NOI, 82 Pleasant Street DEP# 201-909, BL 869 Construction of an addition and an extension of a garage within the 100- foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland Documentation: NOI Application 8/7/13, Site Plan of Land and Supplemental Letter 9/5/13, and Letter from 94 Pleasant Street 9/24/13 Present for the Applicant: John Noonan, Noonan & McDowell, Inc. and Albert and Yung Shen Huang, Homeowners Comments from the Commission as follows: Ms. Miller read the information that was needed from the previous hearing and the letter from the neighbors at 94 Pleasant Street. Mr. Bitsko asked if the owner would be responsible for monitoring and inspecting. Mr. Huang replied that he will be in charge of the maintenance including vacuuming the driveway and removing leaves from the down spouts. Mr. Bitsko questioned the effectiveness of pervious pavement on a steep slope and asked if maintenance would be required for the trench drain. Mr. Noonan explained that no maintenance would be required for the trench drain. He commented that the driveway will need to be inspected during construction and the proper mix be used. This will ensure the driveway is adequate and constructed properly. Mr. Noonan explained that the driveway is steep and then flattens out in front of the garage. The runoff will either be infiltrated or intercepted by the trench drain. Mr. Langseth asked if the design of the driveway accounted for storage volume because the Commission normally does not see proposals for pervious pavement on a slope. Mr. Langseth voiced his concern of future homeowners wanting to sealcoat the driveway and asked if brick pavers could be used. The Commission asked for a condition for the driveway to remain pervious. Mr. Kennedy recommended that the applicant educate themselves on benefits to pervious asphalt. Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 7-0 in favor. 8:49 pm Hearing – NOI, 486 Lowell Street DEP# 201-910, BL 870 Construction of an addition and renovation within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland Documentation: NOI Application and Site Plan 9/4/13 Present for the Applicant: Fred Russell, Professional Engineer and Chris and Bruno Visocchi, Seedling Realty and Development Mr. Russell proposed a 410 square foot reduction of impervious surface, an infiltration system, and removal of a concrete pad within the 50’ buffer zone. There will be no trees removed and the driveway will remain unchanged. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Langseth asked which portions of the roof runoff go to the infiltration system. Mr. Russell stated that two thirds of the front of the house or 540 square feet of runoff drains to the infiltration system. Ms. Miller read the engineering report. Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 7-0 in favor. 8:55 pm Hearing – AmendOOC, 61 Solomon Pierce Road DEP# 201-888, BL 847 Construction of retaining walls and re-alignment of the driveway within the 100-foot Buffer Zone Documentation: Request to Amend the Order of Conditions and Drainage/Grading Plan 9/12/13 Present for the Applicant: Rich Kirby, LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc., Al Gala, Gala Simon Associates Inc. and Nick Delegas, Homeowner Mr. Kirby explained that minor modifications were done on this property. The Commission was not previously consulted for approval of the retaining walls or re-alignment of the driveway. Mr. Kirby stated that the drainage calculations were re-done in accordance with the new modifications. Comments from the Commission as follows: Ms. Miller read the engineering report. Mr. Bitsko asked how much the driveway shifted to the wetland. Mr. Kirby replied that the driveway moved 1-1 1/2 feet towards the wetland and it is resting on the 25’ buffer zone. Mr. Kirby commented that an extensive invasive species management is being done within the area. Mr. Wolk suggested that the representative use different colors on the plan to show the changes that were made. Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 7-0 in favor. PENDING MATTERS 9:02 pm Plan modification for a sump pump connection to the infiltration system: 63 Ledgelawn, DEP# 201-862, BL 820 Ms. Mullins stated that Mr. Russell revised the drainage calculations, increasing the infiltration system to account for the sump pump that was installed. Mr. Wolk asked why a sump pump was necessary. The Commission suggested that the applicant and representative attend a conservation meeting. 9:06 pm The Commission postponed issuing a certificate of compliance for 44 Lincoln Street, DEP# 201-874, BL 832 due to a few ongoing issues. 9:08 pm Ms. Miller read the comments from the Conservation Administrator regarding the issues at 9 Tufts Road. Mr. Ojdrovic and Miljana Bovan were present for this discussion. Mr. Ojdrovic explained the reasons for the changes. Mr. Hamilton asked why the changes were implemented without further consent from the Conservation Commission. The Commission suggested the applicants to consult with Karen and go over the major issues concerning this property. The Commission postponed issuing a certificate of compliance for 9 Tufts Road, DEP# 201-835, BL 793. 9:24 pm Motion made and seconded to issue a certificate of compliance: 26 Solomon Pierce Road, DEP# 201-153, 7-0 in favor. Motion made and seconded to issue a certificate of compliance: 26 Solomon Pierce Road, DEP# 201-168, 7-0 in favor. Motion made and seconded to issue a certificate of compliance: 26 Solomon Pierce Road, DEP# 201-202, 7-0 in favor. 9:25 pm Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Preservation Committee, Land Steward Directors, Housing Partnership, Tree Committee, Land Management, Land Acquisition, etc. Mr. Kennedy reported that the structures in Whipple Hill will be completed on th Wednesday, September 25. Ms. Mullins reported that the New England Wild Flower Society is seeking approval to lead a winter woody plant id class with 15 adult students to Whipple Hill. Motion made and seconded to approve the field trip by the New England Wild Flower Society to Whipple Hill on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm, 7-0 in favor. Mr. Bitsko commented on Lincoln Park being wet and asked if a boardwalk could be put in the area. He pointed at that similar projects may need to minimize grades and use erosion control blankets. Ms. Mullins commended the stewards on the help they provided with maintenance of the Conservation Land in the absence of the interns. 9:32 pm The Commission scheduled the site visits for 33 Bernard Street on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 9:00 am. The Commission postponed approving the minutes from the meeting on August 21, 2013. The Commission postponed approving the minutes from the meeting on September 10, 2013 9:34 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 7-0 in favor. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Tassi Community Development Department Assistant