HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-25 CONCOM-min
TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
6:30 P.M.
Parker Room, Town Office Building
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 6:35 pm in the Parker Room of the Town Office
Building.
Commissioners Present: Joyce Miller, Phil Hamilton, Stew Kennedy, Dick Wolk, Jane Warren,
David Langseth (arrived at 6:45 pm) and Duke Bitsko
Others Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Michelle Tassi, Community
Development Department Assistant
PENDING MATTERS
6:35 pm Land Use Permit Application – Boston Dynamics, robot testing, Seth Davis
Seth Davis, Boston Dynamics, was present for this discussion. Mr. Davis
proposed field testing of the LS3 robot at Hayden Woods beginning at 9:00 am
and continuing until 4:00 pm. This permit application would be for a one day
testing on March 6, 2014, but eventually it would be proposed to be done once a
week or twice a month. Mr. Davis described the robot as weighing 1,000 lbs
with no pay load and 1,300 lbs with a full pay load. A box truck will be carrying
the robots as well as spill management equipment. Mr. Davis stated that the
operation is designed to work around people and the entry will occur at the office
park entryway. Mr. Wolk asked how the robot is powered. Mr. Davis explained
that the robot holds up to 12 gallons of gasoline.
Motion made and seconded to approve field testing of the LS3 robot for Boston
Dynamics at Hayden Woods on March 6, 2014 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, 6-0 in
favor.
6:43 pm Plan Changes per letter and plan dated 2/20/2014: 219 Lincoln Street, BL 861,
Alton Stone, Alton Engineering, Abbas Amiri, Homeowner, and Norman Curlop,
Architect, were present for the plan change discussion. Mr. Stone gave a
description of all the changes proposed at 219 Lincoln Street which include the
addition of a stairway and pathway leading from the driveway to a landing at the
front door, addition of overhang from the first floor on the southwest end of the
house, and addition of an entry way porch on the front of the house. Mr.
Kennedy asked if the stairs and pathway are impervious. Mr. Langseth stated
that the Commission needs clear documentation and design details explaining
which areas are impervious and which areas are pervious. Ms. Mullins
commented that there needs to be at least 6” of crushed stone beneath the balcony
and a ¼” separation between the planks. Mr. Bitsko asked if the trees on the
steeper slope were proposed to be removed. Mr. Kennedy commented that the
final plan needs to be stamped by the engineer.
The plan changes will be heard by the Commission at the next meeting on March
th
11.
7:16 pm Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions for 520 Waltham
Street, DEP# 201-924, BL 884, 7-0 in favor. Mr. Bitsko and Ms. Miller entered
the Mullin Rule Statue into the record.
7:17 pm Cont. 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 and
Mary Trudeau, Representative
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller read the engineering review. Mr. Bitsko and Ms. Miller entered the
Mullin Rule Statue into the record.
Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 7-0 in favor.
Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions for 39 Arcola Street,
DEP# 201-931, BL 891, 7-0 in favor.
7:21 pm Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions for 39 Arcola Street,
DEP# 201-931, BL 891, 7-0 in favor.
Motion made and seconded to issue a Certificate of Compliance for 11 Coolidge
Avenue, DEP# 201-804, BL 761, 7-0 in favor.
The Commission postponed issuing a Certificate of Compliance for 19
th
Bellflower Street, DEP# 201-891, BL 850 until the meeting on March 11.
The Commission postponed issuing a Certificate of Compliance for 10 Stedman
th
Road, DEP# 201-792, BL 752 until the meeting on March 11.
The Commission determined that the project at 60 Sherburne Road South, DET#
12-24 does not need a Certificate of Compliance due to the fact that it was a
Determination of Applicability.
Motion made and seconded to issue a Partial Certificate of Compliance for 440
Bedford Street, DEP# 201-722, BL 679, 7-0 in favor.
Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Preservation Committee, Land Steward
Directors, Housing Partnership, Tree Committee, Land Management, Land
Acquisition, etc.
There were no reports from the Commission.
7:22 pm Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from the meeting on February
11, 2014 with minor edits, 7-0 in favor.
7:23 pm Hearing – 255 Cedar Street, Pine Meadows Golf Course, NOI
DEP# 201-928, BL 888
Applicant: Town of Lexington Recreation Department
Dredging of sediment within Kiln Brook and sediment disposal on site
Present for the Applicant: Karen Simmons, Lexington Recreation Director,
Megan Buczynski, Activitas Inc., and Alyssa Jacobs, Epsilon Associates, Inc.
Ms. Buczynski explained the proposed project to mechanically dredge the pond
at this location. Ms. Jacobs gave a description of the resource areas, buffer zone,
and isolated wetland in the area. The area to be dredged within Kiln Brook is
approximately 4,500 square feet. Ms. Jacobs proposed the turbidity curtain to be
anchored by concrete block or staking in the ground up-gradient.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Langseth asked if the sediment trap would remain. Mr. Langseth suggested
that a supplemental plan be submitted on how to remove materials and the future
use of the stockpiling. Ms. Buczynski stated that the work will potentially start
th
on March 12. Ms. Jacobs explained that the turbidity curtain will be installed
by hand and one tree is proposed to be removed.
Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 7-0 in favor.
7:35 pm Hearing – Concord Avenue between Spring & Waltham Street, NOI
DEP# 201-930, BL 890
Applicant: Town of Lexington Department of Public Works
Construction of a new sidewalk along the southern side of Concord Avenue
between Spring and Waltham Street, replacement of the culvert under Concord
Avenue at Hardy’s Pond Brook, installation of a driveway for the Town to access
the existing pump station, milling and repaving of Concord Avenue in the project
area, and demarcation of a bicycle lane
Present for the Applicant: Bridget Mitchell, Woodard & Curran, Inc., Janet
Moonan, Woodard & Curran, Inc., Ron Derosa, Woodard & Curran, Inc., Dave
Pinsonneault, Town of Lexington Manager of Operations, and Dave Cannon,
Town Engineer
Ms. Mitchell gave an explanation and description of the work proposed. She
discussed the temporary and permanent disturbance to occur in each area. A
waiver is being requested in specific areas in which the disturbance is closer than
25’ away from the wetlands. The culvert replacement will consist of a box
culvert to mimic the existing conditions. Ms. Moonan gave an overview of
mitigation for the Bordering Vegetated Wetland impacted areas. This project
proposes to remove invasive species and plant native species.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Langseth asked where the excavated soil would be stockpiled. Mr. Langseth
commented on the need for submittal of invasive removal details and replication
details. The Commission discussed mitigation. Mr. Bitsko suggested a more
rigorous planting plan for the disturbed areas.
John Sellars of 430 Concord Avenue commented on the stream failing to be up
kept in the past 50 years as well as flooding in the area of neighbors houses.
Phil Press of 440 Concord Avenue voiced his concerns regarding public property
boundaries, Town property boundaries and tree removal.
Jill Barres of 426 Concord Avenue asked about the materials being used to
construct the sidewalk.
The Faust family of 580 Concord Avenue asked about the replacement of trees,
when the work is expected to begin, and the salt distribution on the sidewalk and
plowing in the winter. Mr. Cannon commented that salt is not placed on
sidewalks by the Public Works Department.
Daniel of 560 Concord Avenue inquired about the guardrails and if they would
be replaced.
John Sellars of 430 Concord Avenue suggested stockpiling on the fields nearby.
The Commission summarized that the representative should submit more
dredging details, standard specs, and explore areas of replication in other parts of
town.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to March 25, 2014 at 7:00 pm
at the request of the applicant, 7-0 in favor.
8:38 pm Hearing – 96 Kendall Road, NOI
DEP# 201-929, BL 889
Applicant: Jay Rifkin & Julia Velixon
Construction of a second story addition to a single-family dwelling
Present for the Applicant: Rich Kirby, LEC Environmental Consultants, Jay
Rifkin and Julia Velixon, Applicants
Mr. Kirby gave a brief description of the site, Bordering Vegetated Wetland and
200-foot Riverfront Area. This project proposes a 530 square foot addition
within the existing footprint of the garage. A buffer zone enhancement plan was
submitted with vegetation. Bounds markers will be placed along the 25-foot
Buffer Zone.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Bitsko asked for planting specifics. Mr. Kirby replied that they have already
been emailed to Ms. Mullins. Mr. Kennedy inquired about potential invasive
removal to protect the trees.
Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 7-0 in favor.
8:47 pm Hearing – 45 Fottler Avenue, NOI
DEP# 201-927, BL 887
Applicant: Marina & Igor Balk
Construction of a second story addition and deck to a single-family dwelling
Present for the Applicant: Jim Courbron, Stamski and McNary, Inc. and Igor
Balk, Applicant
Mr. Courbron gave a description of the site and resource areas. The proposed
work is a second story addition, construction of a deck over an existing concrete
patio, and construction of a front foyer addition.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller asked for downspout details and whether the concrete pad on the other
side of the house is proposed to be removed. Mr. Bitsko and Ms. Mullins
discussed the difference between the mean annual high water line and the top of
the Bank. Ms. Mullins asked if landscaping was proposed. Mr. Courbron replied
that no excavation will be done.
Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 7-0 in favor.
9:00 pm Cont. 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
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller entered the Mullin Rule Statute into the record. Mr. Bitsko will not
be able to vote on this matter because he missed the last meeting with testimony.
Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 6-0 in favor.
8:59 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 March 11, 2014 at 7:00 pm
at the request of the applicant, 7-0 in favor.
7:17 pm Cont. Hearing – 85 Reed Street, NOI
DEP# 201-925, BL 885
Applicant: Brian Powderly
Raze and rebuild a single-family dwelling
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to March 11, 2014 at 7:00 pm
at the request of the applicant, 7-0 in favor.
9:03 pm Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions for 255 Cedar Street,
DEP# 201-928, BL 888, 7-0 in favor.
9:08 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 7-0 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Tassi
Community Development Department Assistant