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Home My WebLink About2022-10-17-ConCom-min Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Conservation Commission ___________________________________________________________________________ AGENDA Monday, October 17, 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 a personal computer was encouraged. Commissioners Present: Kevin Beuttell, Duke Bitsko, Alex Dohan, Philip Hamilton (Chairman), Ruth Ladd and Holly Samuels (not present: Jason Hnatko) Staff Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Director 6:30 PM New Business/Pending Matters 20 Cooke Rd Order of Conditions Compliance Enforcement Update: Review and approve Corrective Wetland and Buffer Zone Restoration Plan (DEP#201-1089, BL-1089) Mr. Chengwei Su, property owner, presented the revised plan to the Commission. The revised plan incorporates the removal of all fill within the 25-foot buffer zone, addition of a retaining wall, east and west buffer zone replanting areas, removal of mulch, addition of seed mix, and the expansion of the patio that was previously discussed and approved. The Commission did not have any comments and the property owner may proceed with the restoration plan to bring the site into compliance with the Order of Conditions. Informal Meeting: 35 Hayes Avenue Street Determination Discussion Mr. Mike Novak, Patriot Engineering, presented to the Commission. Mr. Novak seeks guidance from the Commission on a proposed Site Sensitive Development Subdivision at 35 Hayes Avenue that includes an unaccepted roadway partially within the 200-foot Riverfront Area, involving tree removal and construction of a berm on the expanded portion of the roadway. Mr. Novak will discuss what type of application(s) to apply for with Ms. Mullins for this development. Certificate of Compliance: 254 Lincoln Street, ViewPoint Cloud Permit# COC-22-22, DEP#201- 1221, CNOI-21-17 (Partial) On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to issue the Partial Certificate of Compliance. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye Certificate of Compliance: 20 Ingleside Road, ViewPoint Cloud Permit#COC-22-17, DEP#201- 1206. CNOI-20-35 (Partial) Mr. Christopher Broyles, project engineer with Meridian Associates, presented the proposal to the Commission for granite cobblestone edging along the residential driveway to allow for a more stable curb down to the trench drain at the bottom of the driveway. Mr. Broyles stated that the intent of the original report has not changed, only what is being channelized towards the trench. He added that the trench drain is more than capable of capturing the driveway runoff from a 100-year storm. The Commission approves the proposal for granite curbing and Mr. Broyles will resubmit a request for a partial Certificate of Compliance once it is installed. Certificate of Compliance: 72 Kendall Road, ViewPoint Cloud Permit#COC-21-15, DEP#201- 1170, CNOI-19-32 Ms. Mullins confirmed that the property owners have installed the required plantings and clarified for the Commission that because the original permit was only a second story addition, the Order of Conditions did not require an extensive plant monitoring period. On a motion by Ms. Samuels and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to issue the Certificate of Compliance. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye Certificate of Compliance: 7 Volunteer Way, ViewPoint Cloud Permit# COC-22-21, DEP#201- 1179, CNOI-20-8 Staff were not able to review and this request will be discussed at the next public meeting. Request to Extend the Order of Conditions: 16 Summer Street, DEP#201-996, BL-953, EXTO- 22-4 (one-year extension from 11/17/2022 to 11/17/2023) On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to extend the Order of Conditions for 1 year to November 17, 2023. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye Request to Extend the Order of Conditions: 10-12 Rangeway, DEP#201-1063, BL-1020, EXTO- 22-5 (one-year extension from 11/13/2022 to 11/13/2023) Ms. Mullins informed the Commission that the only remaining work for this project is to construct the single-family dwelling, and that this work should be completed within the next year. On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Ladd, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to extend the Order of Conditions from 11/13/2022 to 11/13/2023. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye New Public Meetings/Hearings Notice of Intent: 94 Grove Street ViewPoint Cloud Permit# CNOI-22-23, DEP#201-1273 Applicant/Property Owner: Eugene Uzogara Project: addition to a single-family dwelling within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands Documentation Submitted: ⎯ WPA Form 3 Notice of Intent application; Prepared by: Steve Ivas, Ivas Environmental; Date signed: 9/8/2022; ⎯ “Exhibit A-Project Description”; Date: 9/8/2022; ⎯ Sheet 1 of 1 “Permit Site Plan”; Prepared by: Hancock Associates; Stamped and signed by: Brian Geaudreau, PE; Date: 9/8/2022; ⎯ Environmental Letter Report and attachments; Prepared by: Ivas Environmental; Date: 5/23/2022; ⎯ Stormwater Management Report; Prepared by: Hancock Associates; Stamped and signed by: Brian Geaudreau, PE; Date: 9/8/2022; ⎯ Town Engineering Comments; From: Marissa Liggiero, Engineering; To: Karen Mullins, Conservation; Subject: 94 Grove Street NOI Comments; Date: 10/11/2022; Mr. Russell Tedford, Hancock Associates, presented the proposal to the Commission. Members of the Commission visited the site prior to the meeting and the applicant revised the wetland line and submitted a revised plan. The Engineering Department did not provide a response to the revised plans prior to the meeting. Questions and Comments from the Commission: ⎯ There is very little grading being proposed. Is that accurate? ⎯ There are a number of large trees on the property but they are not shown on the site plan. ⎯ Is the property owner going to do something about the parking in the Grove Street right of way? Is there an easement for that? ⎯ Not convinced the site grading is going to remain the same and would like confirmation on that. Responses from the Representative: ⎯ This is a walkout basement so the proposed grading is minimal and only on the side of the addition. ⎯ The revised material will show any trees greater than 6-inches in diameter. ⎯ The proposal does not include the driveway at this time and the representative was not able to answer any questions about an easement for parking. The property owner will maintain the existing driveway and is thinking of adding a space to the left side to reroute the brick walkway, but that is preliminary and will request a plan modification if so. On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to continue the hearing to the November 7, 2022 meeting at the applicant’s request. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 45:20 Notice of Intent: 12-18 Hartwell Avenue ViewPoint Cloud Permit# CNOI-22-24, DEP#201-1274 Applicant/Property Owner: Greatland Realty Partners Project: demolition and construction of a life-science building and construction of a parking garage, with associated landscaping, utility improvements and stormwater treatment system within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands and 100-foot buffer zone to Isolated Vegetated Wetland (local code) Documentation Submitted: ⎯ Notice of Intent application and attachments; Prepared by: VHB; Date: September 2022; ⎯ Planset; Prepared by: VHB; Date: 9/26/2022; L1.00 “Materials Plan” and L2.00 “Planting Plan”; Date revised: 10/7/2022; ⎯ Stormwater Summary; Prepared by: VHB; Date: 10/7/2022; ⎯ Stormwater Report; Prepared by: VHB; Date: 9/12/2022; Operation and Maintenance Plan Summary (Section E); Date: 9/12/2022; Mr. Nicholas Skoly, VHB, and Ms. Claire Gubler, VHB, presented the proposal for the construction of the life-science building and associated site improvements. Mr. Skoly informed the Commission that the project team will be applying for a special permit and for site plan approval at the same time, and have submitted those applications concurrently with the Notice of Intent. Those meetings will not take place until November; therefore, a continuance will be requested at the end of the discussion. Questions and Comments from the Commission: ⎯ Is there a plan that shows where the impervious surfaces will be removed/reduced? Are there any plans to install FENO markers? ⎯ Can you confirm that no portion of the proposed garage is within the 50-foot buffer zone? ⎯ It would be nice to provide some signage and education for the people using the path by the Isolated Vegetated Wetland. Perhaps construct a boardwalk into the wetland area, especially if doing restoration. ⎯ Is there specific language in the Operation and Maintenance Plan to explore alternatives for salts to reduce environmental impacts? ⎯ Will there be a berm constructed at the edge of the existing pavement? Will there be anything in place to prevent water from sheet flowing off of the first floor of the garage? How will runoff be directed to the water treatment system? ⎯ There is a lot of invasive plant material in the northeast corner of the lot, off the edge of the garage. Is there any plan to clear the invasive species and prepare the area for new plantings? ⎯ Were snow removal plans submitted in the application? ⎯ Concerned for the trees in close proximity to the garage being compromised by the excavation and construction of the garage. Responses from the Representative: ⎯ Mr. Skoly pointed out the area of impervious surfaces that will be removed, however most of the site is existing paved surfaces. The installation of FENO bounds will be a consideration of the project team. ⎯ The portion of the building within the 50-foot buffer is within the previously disturbed portion of the parking lot. ⎯ The top floor of the garage is what gets picked up and discharged to the stormwater system and will have a barrier to act as a guardrail so all of the top floor runoff will be collected into the subsurface system. All lower level runoff per building code will be picked up and routed to the sanitary system. Nothing from the garage will be sheet flowed towards the rear of the site. A foundation wall will be used to direct the flow. ⎯ Invasive management will be a condition of the approval to make sure the new plantings hold. ⎯ Snow removal plans have not been submitted yet but will be prepared for the next meeting. Mr. Paul Pavone, Business Manager for Laborers Union, Local 560, attended the meeting and requested that the project team consider hiring local contractors when putting the project out for bid. On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Ms. Samuels, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to continue the hearing to the December 5, 2022 meeting at the applicant’s request. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye Request for Determination of Applicability: Hayden Avenue Right of Way ViewPoint Cloud Permit# CDOA-22-28 Applicant: Jeff Harrington, Cambridge Network Solutions Property Owner: Town of Lexington Project: connecting fiber optic infrastructure and wireless equipment to an existing utility pole and underground installation of communication conduit along Hayden Avenue, within the 100- foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands Documentation Submitted: ⎯ Request for Determination of Applicability application and attachments; Prepared by: Magdalena Lofstedt, PWS; Prepared for: Cambridge Network Solutions; Date signed: 9/27/2022; ⎯ Plans: Cover Sheet, Proposed Plan and Detail Sheet; Prepared by: FayNet Engineering Group; Date: August 2022; ⎯ Project Narrative; Not dated; ⎯ Photographs of site; Not dated; Ms. Magdalena Lofstedt, wetland scientist, presented to the Commission. The Commission did not have any comments or concerns with the project as presented. On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to issue a Negative Determination with conditions. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye Continued Public Meetings/Hearings 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 Supplemental Documentation Submitted: ⎯ Supplemental Information submittal; From: Mark Arnold, Goddard Consulting LLC; Date: 8/30/2022; ⎯ Drainage Analysis; Prepared by: Everett M Brooks Company; Stamped and signed by: Michael S. Kosmo, PE; Date: 4/12/2022 and revised through 9/21/2022; ⎯ Sheet 1 “Site Plan of Land” and Sheet 2 “Site Plan of Land”; Prepared by: Everett M Brooks Company; Stamped and signed by: Michael S. Kosmo, PE; Date: 4/26/2022 and revised through 9/21/2022; ⎯ Restoration Plan Sequencing; Provided by: Goddard Consulting LLC; Date: 8/29/2022 and revised 10/7/2022; ⎯ Memorandum; From: Marissa Liggiero, Engineering; To: Karen Mullins, Conservation; Subject: 48 Allen St NOI Comments 2; Date: 9/1/2022; Subject: 48 Allen St NOI Comments 3; Date: 10/11/2022; The applicant submitted a request for continuance to the November 7, 2022 meeting prior to this meeting. On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to continue the hearing to the November 7, 2022 meeting at the applicant’s request. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye Request for Determination of Applicability: 243 Worthen Road East ViewPoint Cloud Permit# CDOA-22-27 Applicant/Property Owner: Venkata S.M. Kuchibhotla Project: Demolition of a 64 square foot deck and construction of a 120 square foot deck with new footings within the 200-foot Riverfront Area associated with Beaver Brook Previous Meeting Date: 10/3/2022 Supplemental Documentation Submitted: ⎯ Detailed Deck Drawing (Not dated); Mr. Venkata Kuchibhotla, property owner, provided revised plans to the Commission confirming the deck will be constructed on helical piers. The second story deck will be constructed above the floodplain. On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to issue a Negative Determination with conditions. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation: 28 Reed Street ViewPoint Cloud Permit# CORD-22-2, DEP#201-1271 Applicant/Property Owner: Peter Jones Project: Confirmation of Bordering Vegetated Wetland boundary Previous Meeting Date: 10/3/2022 Supplemental Documentation Submitted: If hearing is closed must also vote to approve the ANRAD Ms. Molly Obendorf, Stamski & McNary, stated that she met on site with Ms. Mullins, Ms. Ladd and Mr. David Crossman, the wetland scientist who delineated the site. The western side of the property was reviewed to determine whether or not there was a portion of the wetland in between the adjacent property and the subject property. Additional soil borings were performed during the site visit. Wetland Flag 7A was added to the delineation plan and the buffer zone revised. On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to close the hearing. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Samuels, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to issue the Order of Resource Area Delineation as modified. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye New Business/Pending Matters, Continued Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 710 Marrett Road, VPC# CNOI-22-22, DEP#201-1272 On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Ms. Ladd, the Commission voted 6-0 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 Phil Hamilton – Aye Approve Minutes: 9/19/2022 and 10/3/2022 On a motion by Ms. Samuels and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to approve the Minutes of the September 19, 2022 meeting. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye On a motion by Ms. Samuels and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to approve the Minutes of the October 3, 2022 meeting. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye Schedule site visits for 11/7/2022 meeting The site visits are anticipated to be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022. 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. Mullins reported on the Parker Meadow grand opening celebration that was held on October 15, 2022. There were an estimated 50 people in attendance. Ms. Samuels stated that about 200 plants from the Native Plant Nursery were planted at the site. On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 6-0 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 Phil Hamilton – Aye Respectfully submitted via video recording, Meghan McNamara Department Assistant – Conservation Approved: 11/7/2022 Archived: 11/8/2022