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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-04 CONCOM-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, September 4, 2014 6:30 P.M. Training Room, Department of Public Works 201 Bedford Street Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 6:37 pm in the Parker Room of the Town Offices Building. Commissioners Present: Joyce Miller, Duke Bitsko, Phil Hamilton, Dick Wolk and Alexandra Dohan Commissioners Absent: David Langseth Others Present: Michelle Morelli, Community Development Department Assistant PENDING MATTERS 6:37 pm Ms. Miller introduced Alexandra Dohan to the Conservation Commission as a new member. Route 2 over Interstate 95 Bridge Replacement – Vegetation Management Plan, Control Treatment – Phase I Tara Mitchell, MassDOT, Mark Fideli, Bob Coons, General Contractor, and David Kaplan, Cambridge Water Department were all present for this discussion. Mr. Bitsko asked if a schedule of work was determined. Ms. Mitchell proposed invasive species removal and provided maps as well as photographs with descriptions for the Commission to review. Ms. Mitchell explained that the treatments will take place over a two year period. Mr. Bitsko asked about long- term monitoring and maintenance. Ms. Mitchell described the photographs and individual treatments for each specific area. Instead of spraying, Mr. Bitsko suggested the use of a dye and swab technique for removing the phragmites. Mr. Kaplan stated that the Cambridge Water Department was given this information only a few days before. He asked the Commission if they had any concerns regarding the use of sprays and suggested the Cambridge Water Department go over appropriate treatments for certain areas to minimize the potential of seepage into the plant. MassDOT and Mr. Kaplan will meet and come back to the Commission with a definitive plan. 7:22 pm Plan change approval: 25 Suzanne Road, DEP# 201-918, BL 878 Tim Lee, Landscape Architect and Jeremy Kieval, Homeowner were both present for this proposal. Mr. Lee proposed the plan changes at 25 Suzanne Road which include; removal of two trees within the 100’ buffer zone, addition of a gravel car pull-off (+150 sq. ft.), relocation of the existing front walk (+68 sq. ft.), addition of paved porch landings (+60 sq. ft.), addition of a stepping stone path (+216 sq. ft.), addition of landscape steps (+30 sq. ft.), addition of a patio and fireplace (+550 sq. ft.), and additional plantings outside the 25’ buffer zone. The Commission voiced concerns with the location of the patio and fireplace within the 50’ buffer zone. Mr. Bitsko asked if any impact was made on the drainage calculations for the different storm events. The Commission requested the filing of an Amendment to the Order of Conditions, unless the patio and fireplace are relocated outside of the 50’ buffer zone. 7:35 pm Compliance discussion: 9 Tufts Road, DEP# 201-835, BL 793 Rasko Ojdrovic and Miljana Bovan, Homeowners proposed relocation of an infiltration system to the front yard at 9 Tufts Road. Mr. Ojdrovic gave a description of the infiltration system and explained its functionality. Mr. Bitsko asked if a soil test was conducted near the infiltration system in the front yard. Mr. Ojdrovic stated that he conducted a percolation test and observed silty sand in the area. The Commission commented on the need for the Town Engineer to review the drainage calculations for the infiltration system in the front yard. This proposal will require the applicant to file an Amendment to the Order of Conditions. 7:50 pm Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Preservation Committee, Land Steward Directors, Housing Partnership, Tree Committee, Land Management, Land Acquisition, etc. The Commission had no reports at this time. 7:51 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 5-0 in favor. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Morelli Community Development Department Assistant