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