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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-28 CONCOM-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, January 28, 2014 6:30 P.M. Parker Room, Town Office Building 1625 Massachusetts Avenue Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 6:36 pm in the Parker Room of the Town Office Building. Commissioners Present: Joyce Miller, Phil Hamilton, Stew Kennedy, Dick Wolk, Jane Warren and David Langseth Commissioners Absent: Duke Bitsko Others Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Michelle Tassi, Community Development Department Assistant PENDING MATTERS 6:36 pm Informal Discussion: Artis Senior Living Preliminary Conceptual Plan, 430 Concord Avenue Rich Kirby, LEC Environmental Consultants, Gary Larson, Michael Novak, Meridian Associates, and Mr. Hicks were present for this discussion. Mr. Kirby gave a brief background of the restoration area and the existing conditions. He stated that there is an ongoing enforcement order on site. Mr. Kirby explained that the restoration area is 6,000 square feet larger than the requirement from the Department of Environmental Protection. Mr. Langseth asked the needs for successful replication. Mr. Kennedy asked for an explanation of the output location of the drain and if it currently worked without relocating. Mr. Wolk stated that the project is over-engineered to maximize infiltration for the neighboring water level concern. Mr. Langseth asked if the proposed generators were back up power and suggested the representative look at fuel spill management. Mr. Langseth commented that this proposal is a reasonable step forward given the soils and infiltration rate. 7:00 pm Informal Discussion: Pine Meadows Golf Course, Dredging of Irrigation Pond Project, 255 Cedar Street Megan Buczynski and Elyssa Jacobs were present for this discussion. Ms. Buczynski explained that the pond was dredged about 17 years ago and there has been a significant amount of sediment buildup. The project will take about one to two weeks to complete and will require equipment to be stored near the pump house. Ms. Jacobs stated that testing will occur on the materials within the sediment for herbicides, pesticides, etc. Ms. Miller commented that the Commission has not checked the wetland line. Ms. Jacobs gave a description of the topography on site. Mr. Langseth asked about the prevention methods for erosion of the stored sediment pile. Ms. Mullins explained the Commission’s concerns. 7:16 pm Land Management Plans Project Update Ms. Mullins explained that there have been two responses and a recommendation made. 7:17 pm The Commission decided to discuss pending matters after the hearings. 7:17 pm Hearing – 279 Emerson Road, NOI DEP# 201-923, BL 883 Applicant: Charles Company, LLC Raze and rebuild a single-family dwelling and associated site appurtenances 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 Mike Novak, Meridian Associates Mr. Kirby described the site, resource areas, and buffer zone. He explained that there is a reduction of about 135 square feet of impervious surface. Site grading, two subsurface infiltration systems, Bittersweet management and the removal of one tree within the Riverfront Area are proposed. Comments from the Commission as follows: Ms. Miller read the interdepartmental comments from the zoning department and heath department. Ms. Miller read the engineering review. Mr. Wolk asked how close the grading is to the flood plain boundary. Mr. Kirby stated that it will be about 15’-20’ away from the boundary. Mr. Kirby commented that bounds markers will be placed to demarcate. Mr. Wolk voiced his thoughts regarding no developer/owner being present at the hearing. Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 6-0 in favor. 7:39 pm Hearing – 85 Reed Street, NOI DEP# 201-925, BL 885 Applicant: Brian Powderly Raze and rebuild a single-family dwelling within the 100-foot Buffer Zone The Commission postponed this hearing until later in the evening. 8:38 pm The Commission received an email from the applicant requesting to continue the hearing. Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to February 25, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the request of the applicant, 6-0 in favor. 7:41 pm Hearing – 520 Waltham Street, NOI DEP# 201-924, BL 884 Applicant: Finnegan Development Raze and rebuild a single-family dwelling and associated site appurtenances within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland Present for the Applicant: Scott Smyers, Oxbow Associates and Ben Finnegan, Finnegan Development Mr. Smyers gave a description of the site. He stated that a sump pump, farmer’s porch, and fence are being proposed in addition to the demolition and construction of the single-family dwelling. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Langseth asked how the engineer sized the sump pump for this particular home and if it was based on the soil types on this site. Mr. Wolk asked the necessity of a sump pump. Mr. Smyers explained that builders are using it as a standard for new homes. Ms. Miller read the engineering report. Ms. Mullins clarified that the erosion control should be moved to protect the trees on the easterly side of the property. Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to February 11, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the request of the applicant, 6-0 in favor. 8:04 pm Cont. 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 went over all the information that is presented on the revised plan. Comments from the Commission as follows: Ms. Mullins questioned the wetland line data sheets and plans for 0 Sherburne Road and 39 Sherburne Road. Mr. Smyers clarified the numbering system used for the data sheets and plans. Mr. Langseth commented that the sump pump is sized twice as big as the previous project at 520 Waltham Street. Mr. Wolk pointed out that the basement elevation looks to be 1.5’ below the groundwater elevation and that the engineer was not present for this discussion. Ms. Mullins gave an explanation of the estimated seasonal high groundwater elevation. The Commission discussed the groundwater level. Mr. Langseth asked if there was a trench drain detail on the plan. Mr. Hamilton stated that the limit of work line needs to be moved in front of the Hemlocks and up to the property boundary. The homeowner of 37 Sherburne Road stated that he would appreciate the preserving of the present boundary of shrubs and trees. Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 6-0 in favor. 8:36 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 February 11, 2014 at 7:00pm at the request of the applicant, 6-0 in favor. 8:37 pm Cont. 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 Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to February 11, 2014 at 7:00pm at the request of the applicant, 6-0 in favor. 8:38 pm Wetland Protection Bylaw Update Mr. Hamilton reviewed the draft and stated that it looks fine. Motion made and seconded to adopt the proposed amendment to the Wetland Protection Bylaw, 6-0 in favor. 8:43 pm Plan Change: 14 Middle Street, DEP# 201-913, BL 873, Add second sump pump and increase the infiltration system to accommodate Ms. Miller gave a brief description of the work proposed to add a second sump pump and increase the size of the infiltration system. The Commission asked for the applicant and engineer to attend the next meeting and explain the work. 8:46 pm Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions for 149 Adams Street, DEP# 201-922, BL 882, 5-0 in favor. Mr. Langseth was unable to vote because he did not attend the previous meeting. 8:46 pm Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Preservation Committee, Land Steward Directors, Housing Partnership, Tree Committee, Land Management, Land Acquisition, etc. Mr. Kennedy asked for a change in the footnote in the Parker Meadow violation letter that will be sent to Valery Rockwell and Louis Postel. 8:48 pm Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from the meeting on January 14, 2014, 6-0 in favor. 8:49 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 6-0 in favor. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Tassi Community Development Department Assistant