HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-14 CONCOM-min
TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
6:30 P.M.
Parker Room, Town Office Building
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 6:30 pm in the Parker Room of the Town Office
Building.
Commissioners Present: Joyce Miller, Phil Hamilton, Stew Kennedy, Dick Wolk, Duke Bitsko,
and Jane Warren
Commissioners Absent: David Langseth
Others Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Michelle Tassi, Community
Development Department Assistant
PENDING MATTERS
6:31 pm Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from the meeting on
December 19, 2013, 6-0 in favor.
6:33 pm ATM 2014 Proposed Bylaw Amendment
Mr. Hamilton gave a brief description of the two alternatives for the bylaw. Mr.
Hamilton discussed the pros and cons of the two alternatives with the
Commission. Mr. Bitsko suggested the addition of invasive species management
to alternative #1.
Motion made and seconded to approve alternative #1 with the addition of
invasive species management, 6-0 in favor.
6:49 pm Stormwater Management Regulation Comments
The Commission discussed comments that Mr. Langseth and Mr. Kennedy sent
to Ms. Mullins and the next steps.
6:52 pm Motion made and seconded to issue a Certificate of Compliance: 9 Apollo Circle,
DEP# 201-853, BL 811, 6-0 in favor.
6:52 pm Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Preservation Committee, Land Steward
Directors, Housing Partnership, Tree Committee, Land Management, Land
Acquisition, etc.
Mr. Kennedy reported illegal tree cutting occurring at Parker Meadow. Ms.
Mullins commented that the owner of 58 Hancock Street was spoken to regarding
this issue back in 2010. The Commission discussed the wetlands issue, as well as
a property rights issue. Mr. Wolk stated that they should seek advice from Town
Counsel and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. Ms. Warren suggested the
owner work and meet with the stewards. Mr. Kennedy commented that he caught
the owner cutting and clearing the trees. The owner admitted to doing it stating
that he wanted a new trail.
7:00 pm Cont. Hearing – NOI, 48 Valley Road
DEP# 201-907, BL 867
Construction of an addition and site work within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to
Bordering Vegetated Wetland
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to January 28, 2014 at
6:30pm at the request of the applicant, 6-0 in favor.
7:01 pm Hearing – 149 Adams Street, NOI
DEP# 201-922, BL 882
Applicant: Robert Burge
Construct a garage addition, patio, and to conduct landscape improvements
within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland and 200-foot
Riverfront Area
Present for the Applicant: Rich Kirby, LEC Environmental Consultants and
Robert Burge, Lexington Development Group
Mr. Kirby gave an explanation of the work being proposed at this site. The
existing retaining wall will be maintained and an infiltration system proposed.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Bitsko commented that at the site visit the removal of Norway Maples was
mentioned. Mr. Kirby stated that there is a dead Cherry tree which is beyond the
limit of work line that has a potential of being removed. There are four Norway
Maples marked on the plan within the limit of work line proposed to be removed.
Mr. Bitsko suggested a condition for no mortar to be left on site. Ms. Miller read
the engineering review and comment from the zoning administrator. Mr.
Kennedy asked if the stumps from the Norway Maples would be removed. Mr.
Kirby replied that the stumps between the wall will be removed, the Cedar tree
near the patio will be removed, and the Spruce tree near the driveway will
remain.
Patricia Long, formerly of 149 Adams Street, commented that flooding occurs in
the area and asked the location of the infiltration system. Mr. Kirby explained the
process of calculating the infiltration system components.
Homeowners at 151 Adams Street asked the closest point of the garage to the
property boundary. Mr. Kirby replied that there are setback requirements for each
property and the garage would be 20’ away from the property boundary at its
closest point.
Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 6-0 in favor.
7:29 pm Hearing – 79 Maple Street, NOI
DEP# 201-921, BL 881
Applicant: Ronald Smith
Raze a single-family dwelling and driveway and construct a new single-family
dwelling, deck, driveway, rooftop infiltration, associated grading and utilities
within the 100-foot Buffer Zone and 200-foot Riverfront Area
Present for the Applicant: Steve Eriksen, Norse Environmental Services, Inc.
Mr. Eriksen gave a description of the site and the work that is being proposed.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Mullins commented on revising the grading on site. Ms. Miller stated that
the test pits need to be labeled on the plan. Mr. Hamilton commented that a
depression needs to be shown on the plan for the trench drain detail. Mr. Bitsko
asked for the flood plain elevation to be added to the plan, the shed removal to be
added to the plan, bounds markers, and a planting plan. Mr. Wolk asked if the
applicant was proposing removal of invasive species. Ms. Mullins suggested that
the limit of work line and grading be changed. Mr. Hamilton gave a summary of
the information needed for the next hearing.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to January 28, 2014 at
7:00 pm at the request of the applicant, 6-0 in favor.
7:48 pm Hearing – 39 Sherburne Road, NOI
DEP# 201-920, BL 880
Applicant: Leyne & Shannon, Inc.
Raze and rebuild a single-family dwelling and associated site appurtenances
within the 100-foot Buffer Zone
Present for the Applicant: Scott Smyers, Oxbow Associates
Mr. Smyers submitted a revised plan with the shed proposed to be removed. The
single-family dwelling will be 55’ away from the wetlands at its closest point.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller read the engineering report. Mr. Wolk asked if the approval of this
project can affect the decision at 39 Sherburne Road. The Commission discussed
the wetland delineation and line issues. Mr. Kennedy asked if data sheets were
submitted. Mr. Bitsko suggested an erosion control along the back of the
property. Mr. Wolk commented on a swale being added.
The homeowners of 37 Sherburne Road voiced their concerns about runoff onto
their property and asked if the Hemlocks along the property line were proposed
to be removed.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to January 28, 2014 at
7:00 pm at the request of the applicant, 6-0 in favor.
8:22 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 6-0 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Tassi
Community Development Department Assistant