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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-11 CONCOM-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, February 11, 2014 6:30 P.M. Parker Room, Town Office Building 1625 Massachusetts Avenue Vice Chair Phil Hamilton opened the meeting at 6:38 pm in the Parker Room of the Town Office Building. Commissioners Present: Phil Hamilton, Stew Kennedy, Dick Wolk, Jane Warren, and David Langseth (arrived at 6:50 pm) Commissioners Absent: Joyce Miller and Duke Bitsko Others Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Michelle Tassi, Community Development Department Assistant PENDING MATTERS 6:38 pm Plan Change: 14 Middle Street, DEP# 201-913, BL 873, Add second sump pump and increase the infiltration system to accommodate Rich Kirby, LEC Environmental Consultants, Al Gala, Gala Simon Associates, and Ed Cain, Builder, were present for this discussion. Mr. Gala explained that a significant amount of ledge was broken up in the back area of the house, causing a change in the amount of water. The addition of a second sump pump and increased size of the infiltration unit will allow for extra security in the home with the water in the area. Mr. Wolk asked if there was a rule on when to include a sump pump for new construction. Mr. Gala replied that if the basement elevation is 2’ above the seasonal high groundwater elevation then a sump pump is not required. Mr. Hamilton asked how the additional storage capacity was calculated. Motion made and seconded to approve the plan change adding a second sump pump and increasing the size of the infiltration system to accommodate at 14 Middle Street, DEP# 201-913, BL 873, 4-0 in favor. 6:47 pm Wetland Protection Bylaw, C.130 changes Ms. Mullins commented that the original bylaw will be written with the proposed changes highlighted. Mr. Hamilton will be presenting the bylaw changes at Town Meeting. 6:48 pm Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions for 279 Emerson Road, DEP# 201-923, BL 883, 4-0 in favor. 6:49 pm Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions for 39 Sherburne Road, DEP# 201-920, BL 880, 4-0 in favor. 6:50 pm Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Preservation Committee, Land Steward Directors, Housing Partnership, Tree Committee, Land Management, Land Acquisition, etc. Ms. Mullins stated that MassPort will be filing a new Notice of Intent and 5 year VMP based on a recent obstruction analysis at Hanscom Field civilian airport. The Commission discussed the next steps for the issues of tree cutting at Parker Meadow with Mr. Louis Postel. Mr. Postel stated that he met with the stewards and went over the property at Parker Meadow. He commented that the reason for his tree cutting was to help, but he now realizes that he needs approval to do so as it is Town owned property and Conservation Land. Mr. Postel has already made a few plantings in the area and told the Commission that there is enormous potential for more plantings in the area. Mr. Kennedy commented that a significant amount of remediation needs to be done in order to compensate for the damage that has been done in Parker Meadow as a result of these tree cuttings. Mr. Wolk explained that the area should not be restored to resemble a park and reminded Mr. Postel that it is Conservation Land. Ms. Mullins asked if Mr. Postel understood that the tree cutting had to cease and plantings need to be made as a result of losing trees. The Commission discussed a need for a tree expert to visit the site. 8:12 pm Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from the meeting on January 28, 2014, 5-0 in favor. HEARINGS 7:38 pm Hearing – Robinson Road, NOI DEP# 201-926, BL 886 Applicant: Town of Lexington Roadway improvements within the 100-ft Buffer Zone and/or any resource areas on Robinson Rd Present for the Applicant: Mike Flamang, Town of Lexington Engineering, Matt Crowley and Phil Paradis, Beta Group, Inc. Mr. Crowley explained the purpose of the roadway improvements which is to improve transportation and pedestrian safety. Mr. Crowley stated that the road will be widened and 1,600 square feet of impervious surface will be added in the area. The disturbed areas will be seeded and restored. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Hamilton asked who delineated the wetland and if any data sheets were submitted. He stated the Commission will not be able to approve the wetland line without these documents. Mr. Langseth asked the width of the road. Mr. Crowley replied that the road would be 18’ wide. Mr. Langseth inquired about the locations and functions of the catch basins, as well as where the overflow would be sent. Mr. Crowley commented that the turn near Grove Street would be widened and Hennessey Field would be protected with erosion controls. Chris Ward of 15 Robinson Road voiced his concerns regarding flooding in the area. Susan Ward of 15 Robinson Road requested that the grading of the sidewalk be carefully done. Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to February 25, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the request of the applicant, 5-0 in favor. 7:07 pm Hearing – 39 Arcola Street, NOI DEP# 201-931, BL 891 Applicant: Tim Walls Construction of an addition including a garage, driveway and deck within the 100-foot Buffer Zone Present for the Applicant: Tim Walls, New England Investment Properties, Mary Trudeau, Representative, and Mike Juliano, Eaglebrook Engineering Ms. Trudeau gave a description of proposed work and the existing conditions on site. Ms. Trudeau explained the second story addition and garage, as well as removal of the existing shed. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Langseth asked for a clarification whether the calculations were done only on the impervious area within the 100’ buffer zone or the entire site. Ms. Trudeau and Mr. Juliano gave a brief explanation of the slight reduction in impervious area on the entire lot. Ms. Mullins asked if the overhang was included in the drainage calculations. Mr. Juliano replied that the overhang was not included due to the fact that pervious surface was underneath. Mr. Wolk asked if the current home contained a sump pump. Mr. Walls commented that a sump pump is located in the garage. Mr. Hamilton stated the Commission cannot approve the wetland line with no soil data. Mr. Langseth suggested that the Town Engineer review the plan with infiltration before the next meeting. Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to February 25, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the request of the applicant, 5-0 in favor. 8:05 pm Cont. 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 Fred Russell, PE Mr. Smyers submitted a revised plan with the erosion controls moved. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Hamilton asked how the sizing of the sump pump was determined. Mr. Russell explained that the sizing choice was based on the soil types on site. Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 5-0 in favor. 8:11 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 April 22, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the request of the applicant, 5-0 in favor. 8:11 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 25, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the request of the applicant, 5-0 in favor. 8:15 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 5-0 in favor. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Tassi Community Development Department Assistant