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Home My WebLink About2022-09-19-ConCom-min Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Conservation Commission ___________________________________________________________________________ AGENDA Monday, September 19, 2022, 6:30 p.m. This Conservation Commission meeting was held remotely via Zoom, an online meeting platform. Public Participation via calling in or using your computer was encouraged. Commissioners Present: Kevin Beuttell, Duke Bitsko, Alex Dohan, Philip Hamilton (Chairman), Jason Hnatko, Ruth Ladd and Holly Samuels Staff Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Director, Amber Carr, Conservation Coordinator, and Meghan McNamara, Department Assistant 6:30 PM New Business/Pending Matters Ch. 145 Land Use Regulation Proposed Amendments Ms. Carr presented. Staff is looking to gather feedback from the Conservation Commission on proposed land use regulations for the trail system at Parker Meadow and whether these regulations should be site-specific or be a blanket policy for all conservation area Universal Access (UA) trails. The Commission was presented with the proposed amendments to require all dogs to be leashed, and bike riders to yield to all other users at Parker Meadow. Mr. Beuttell stated that he is agreeable with the current proposal for leashed dogs and bikers yielding at Parker Meadow, and suggests that these regulations be looked into on a site-specific case because these regulations are most suitable for Parker Meadow and perhaps not all areas. Ms. Samuels said leashing dogs should be looked at on a site-specific basis. Potential signage was discussed and the Commission provided feedback on over-signage and how to best represent the usage of the conservation area. A feedback form will be provided on the town website, with an open comment period advertised to gather feedback from direct abutters, conservation stewards, the Commission on Disability, and other members of the public. Idylwilde Community Garden; Discussion with Jason Bresner, plot holder, on 2022 season plot maintenance Mr. Jason Bresner informed the Commission that, due to challenging circumstances, he was unable to properly maintain his community garden plot for a majority of the season and asked for the Commission’s understanding and to appeal the decision, made by the garden coordinator asking him to forfeit the plot . Mr. Bresner added that he and his family have been members of the community garden since 2015. Members of the Commission were understanding of the situation and will allow Mr. Bresner to keep his garden plot. On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Hnatko, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call vote to grant an appeal and allow Mr. Bresner to keep his plot. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 7:01 PM Conservation Plan Modification/Insignificant Plan Change: 13 Hancock Avenue, VPC# CPM- 22-16, DEP#201-1223, CNOI-21-18 Mr. Rich Kirby, LEC Environmental, presented to the Commission on behalf of the property owner. Due to high costs and lack of availability, the owner is requesting to install a porous pavement driveway in lieu of the approved pervious paver driveway. The Commission did not have any concerns with the request, but asked that an updated Operation and Maintenance Plan be provided. On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call vote to approve the plan change, with a condition that an updated Operation and Maintenance plan be provided. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 7:07 PM Information Discussion with LEC Environmental regarding proposed addition project at 56 Grassland Street Mr. Richard Kirby, LEC Environmental, presented a proposed addition plan to the Commission and requested feedback. Almost the entire property is within the 50-foot buffer zone and there are wetlands on both sides of the dwelling. The property owner is proposing to install an addition on the existing driveway within the 25-foot buffer zone, and another addition in the rear over the existing deck with concrete underneath. To mitigate, the property owner is proposing over 1800 square feet of lawn restoration with native plantings, and capturing roof runoff from the entire dwelling. Discussion and Vote on Minor Projects Staff prepared a list of minor projects for the Commission's consideration. This list of minor projects would allow for a delegation of authority to staff members to review and approve through an administrative process. The Commission will further review this list and provide any comments or edits. A vote to approve will be added to an upcoming meeting. Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 443 Mass Ave, VPC# CNOI-22-18, DEP#201-1266 A special condition will be included in the Order of Conditions that requires the applicant to enter into a license agreement with the Town of Lexington for access onto town property. Three years of monitoring will also be added as a special condition to ensure the survivability of the planting areas. On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Ms. Samuels, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call vote to issue the Order of Conditions. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 7:52 PM Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 42 Winthrop Road, VPC# CNOI-22-16, DEP#201-1265 On a motion by Ms. Samuels and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call vote to issue the Order of Conditions. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 7:53 PM Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 501 Marrett Road, VPC# CNOI-22-15, DEP#201-1270 On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call vote to issue the Order of Conditions. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 7:54 PM Schedule site visits for 10/3/2022 Meeting The site visits will take place on Saturday, October 1, 2022 starting at 9:30 AM Approve Minutes: 9/6/2022 On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Samuels, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call vote to approve the Minutes of the September 6, 2022 meeting. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 7:59 PM Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Gardens, Community Preservation Committee, Greenway Corridor Committee, Land Acquisition, Land Management, Land Steward Directors, and Tree Committee, HIP Working Group Ms. Samuels stated she will be selling plants from the Native Plant Nursery on September 20, 2022 at the Farmer’s Market Sustainability Day. The proceeds from this sale will be donated to the Nature Trust Fund. Due to a technology error, the New Public Meetings/Hearings and continued Public Meetings/Hearings were not opened and were continued to September 22, 2022, to allow for adequate public participation. New Public Meetings/Hearings Notice of Intent: 710 Marrett Road ViewPoint Cloud Permit# CNOI-22-22, DEP#201-#### Applicant: Melissa Lenker, Mass DOT-Highway Division Property Owner: MassDOT-Highway District 4 Project: Demolition and replacement of an existing vehicle repair facility and associated utility and stormwater system improvements. Documentation Submitted: ⎯ Notice of Intent for the MassDOT District 4 Lexington Vehicle Repair Facility, application and attachments; Prepared by: GGD Consulting Engineers; Date: 8/30/2022; ⎯ Planset; Prepared by: GGD Consulting Engineers, Inc.; Date: 8/30/2022; ⎯ Stormwater Management Report; Prepared by: GGD Consulting Engineers, Inc.; Date: 8/30/2022; ⎯ Photographs of site Due to a technology error, the New Public Meetings/Hearings and continued Public Meetings/Hearings were not opened and continued to September 22, 2022 to allow for adequate public participation. Continued Public Meetings/Hearings Notice of Intent: 65 Locust Avenue ViewPoint Cloud Permit# CNOI-22-19, DEP#201-1267 Applicant: Jamie Osborn, Finnegan Development Property Owner: Jamie Osborn, 65 Locust Road, LLC Project: Construction of a patio, site grading, and removal of a tree within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands Previous Meeting Date: 9/6/2022 Supplemental Documentation Submitted: ⎯ Proposed Site Plan (2 Sheets); Prepared by: Patriot Engineering; Stamped and signed by: Michael J. Novak, PE; Date Revised: 9/12/2022; ⎯ Stormwater Analysis and Calculations; Prepared by: Patriot Engineering; Stamped and signed by: Michael J. Novak, PE; Date Revised 9/12/2022; *Applicant requests the Commission vote to issue the Order of Conditions if hearing is closed Due to a technology error, the New Public Meetings/Hearings and continued Public Meetings/Hearings were not opened and continued to September 22, 2022 to allow for adequate public participation. Notice of Intent: 27 Brent Road ViewPoint Cloud Permit# CNOI-22-20, DEP#201-1269 Applicant/Property Owner: Ronghua (Victor) Hu Project: construction of a wooden deck and enclosure of a sunroom within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands Previous Meeting Date: 9/6/2022 Supplemental Documentation Submitted: ⎯ Notice of Intent Plan; Prepared by: Landplex; Stamped and signed by: Nicolas M. Reitzel, PE Civil No. 42694; Date revised: 9/12/2022; ⎯ Wetland and Buffer Zone Mitigation Planting Plan; Prepared by: LEC Environmental; Date revised: 9/12/2022; Due to a technology error, the New Public Meetings/Hearings and continued Public Meetings/Hearings were not opened and continued to September 22, 2022 to allow for adequate public participation. Notice of Intent: 141 Pleasant Street ViewPoint Cloud Permit# CNOI-22-21, DEP#201-1268 Applicant/Property Owner: Joseph Gelormini, JMG Development Corporation Project: raze and rebuild a single-family dwelling with associated site appurtenances within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands Previous Meeting Date: 9/6/2022 Supplemental Documentation Submitted: ⎯ Notice of Intent Site Plan and Notice of Intent Details; Prepared by: Patriot Engineering; Stamped and signed by: Michael J. Novak, PE; Date revised: 9/8/2022; ⎯ Stormwater Analysis and Calculations; Prepared by: Patriot Engineering; Stamped and signed by: Michael J. Novak, PE; Date revised: 9/8/2022; *Applicant requests the Commission vote to issue the Order of Conditions if hearing is closed Due to a technology error, the New Public Meetings/Hearings and continued Public Meetings/Hearings were not opened and continued to September 22, 2022 to allow for adequate public participation. 48 Allen Street: Notice of Intent ViewPoint Cloud Permit# CNOI-22-13, DEP#201-1262 Applicant/Property Owner: Arlen Avakian Project: raze and rebuild of a single-family dwelling within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands and 100-foot buffer zone to Bank of an intermittent stream Previous Meeting Date: 6/27/2022 *Applicant has requested a continuance request to the October 3, 2022 meeting Due to a technology error, the New Public Meetings/Hearings and continued Public Meetings/Hearings were not opened and continued to September 22, 2022 to allow for adequate public participation. On a motion by Ms. Samuels and seconded by Ms. Ladd, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call vote to adjourn the meeting. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 8:05 PM Respectfully Submitted, Meghan McNamara Department Assistant – Conservation Approved: 10/17/2022 Archived: 10/20/2022