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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-12-05-ConCom-min Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Conservation Commission ___________________________________________________________________________ AGENDA Monday, December 5, 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, Alex Dohan, Philip Hamilton (Chairman), Jason Hnatko (arrived at 6:39 PM), Ruth Ladd and Holly Samuels (not present: Duke Bitsko) Staff Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Director, and Meghan McNamara, Conservation Department Assistant 6:30 PM New Business/Pending Matters Presentation by Eagle Scout candidate Andre Frohman on completed sign installation Mr. Andre Frohman presented his eagle scout project to the Commission. Mr. Frohman installed a sign at Parker Meadow Conservation area, at the parking lot off of Revere Street, and two signs on the Burns Parcel, off of Ridge Road and Laconia Street. Parker Meadow was reopened in the fall to include Universally Accessible trails, as indicated on the installed signage. Trash was frequently being dumped on the Burns parcel and the two signs indicate that it is town-owned Conservation property. The Commission did not have any questions for Mr. Frohman and thanked him for his contributions to the town. Proposed warrant article for sewer easement at Dunback Meadow Mr. Charles Hornig, owner of 18 Bacon Street, and Ms. Sarah Klimoff, daughter of Mr. Hornig, presented to the Commission. Mr. Hornig requests the Conservation Commission’s support of a warrant article for an easement required to connect the property to the town sewer system. The proposed easement area and existing sewer easement contain wetland resource areas and buffer zones. Mr. Beuttell asked if it would be possible to relocate the easement so that it’s in a buffer zone rather than the resource area. Mr. Hornig responded that the sewer was installed in 1977 and the proposed easement is the area of least wetland impact. Mr. Hamilton stated that, without having the wetlands delineated in the area, the Commission cannot determine if this proposed easement is the best location, as far as the Commission’s responsibility is concerned. Mr. Hornig responded that he expects the wetlands will be delineated at the site before Town Meeting and that the exact location of the sewer line connection would be worked out between the applicant, the Conservation Commission and the Department of Public Works. Members of the Commission agreed that they could support the proposed warrant article in principle but would want confirmation that the easement would be in a location that minimizes the impact on the resource areas. The Commission requests that the wetlands line be delineated on the town property and requests confirmation from an engineer on the location of the sewer wye. 6:58 PM Request to extend the Order of Conditions for 1 year (12/9/2022 to 12/9/2023); 3 Diamond Road, VPC# EXTO-22-6, DEP#201-1149, BL# 1105 Mr. Scott Smyers, Oxbow Associates, stated that the construction phase is complete and the applicant is waiting on the as-built plan and letter from the project engineer to submit for a Certificate of Compliance request. Ms. Ellan Siegel, applicant and property owner, was present and thanked the Commission. On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Ms. Ladd, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to approve the 1-year extension to the Order of Conditions. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Did not vote, lost internet connection Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 6:59 PM Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 0 Moon Hill Road, VPC# CNOI-22-26, DEP#201-1277 On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Mr. Hnatko, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to issue the Order of Conditions. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 7:01 PM Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 5 Mason Street, VPC# CNOI-22-27, DEP#201-1275 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 Conditions. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 7:02 PM Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 65 Cary Avenue, VPC# CNOI-22-28, DEP#201-1276 On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to issue the Order of Conditions. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Did not vote, lost internet connection Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 7:02 PM Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 94 Grove Street, VPC# CNOI-22-23, DEP#201-1273 On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to issue the Order of Conditions. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Did not vote, lost internet connection Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 7:03 PM New Public Meetings/Hearings Request for Determination of Applicability: 33-35 Bedford Street ViewPoint Cloud Permit# CDOA-22-29 Applicant/Property Owner: Liberties Condominium Trust Project: pulverizing and repaving the existing parking area located within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands Documentation Submitted: ⎯ Aerial Map; Locus: 33-35 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA ⎯ WPA Form 1 Request for Determination of Applicability application; Prepared by: Domenic Sicari, Domenic Sicari Associates, Ltd; Prepared for: Liberties Condominium Trust; Date signed by applicant and representative: 11/9/2022; Mr. Domenic Sicari, Domenic Sicari Associates, Ltd., and Mr. Eric Pisani, US Pavement, presented on behalf of the applicant. Mr. Pisani shared an aerial image outlining the location of the limit of work, erosion control and silt sacks. He informed the Commission that a vacuum truck would clean out the 4 catch basins after the repaving work is completed. It was asked where the wetlands and associated buffer zones were located on the site, and Ms. Mullins responded that there are wetlands on the north side of the bike path, to the east behind the residential lots, and to the west on the other side of Sherwin Williams (8 Camellia Place). She added that the 100-foot buffer to wetlands extends along the northerly side of the site in a small section and also on the westerly side. Questions and Comments from the Commission: ⎯ Will the existing green spaces at the site remain? ⎯ During the site visit, it was mentioned that there would be slight regrading in the northwest corner to make sure the runoff is staying on the parking lot surface and flowing to onsite catch basins. Responses from the Representative: ⎯ Will not be taking any green spaces away and only repaving over existing surfaces. ⎯ New paved areas will be graded to direct stormwater runoff flows to onsite catch basins where runoff will be treated via deep sumps. On a motion by Ms. Samuels 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: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 7:15 PM Continued Public Meetings/Hearings Proposed Amendments to the Ch. 145 Land Use Regulations at Parker Meadow Conservation Area (Continued from 11/21/2022 meeting) The Commission was provided a draft of the proposed regulations prior to and during the meeting. A minor spelling error was corrected. Members of the Commission agreed that the proposed amendments are reasonable for the Parker Meadow site. Mr. Beuttell raised a concern on the unintended negative association that could be made between Universally Accessible trails and dog walking on conservation-owned properties. Mr. Hamilton responded that the proposed changes to the regulations reflect the layout of Parker Meadow, and that this (Parker Meadow) will be a “pilot” of the regulations. They will not necessarily be applied to all UA trails. On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to approve the amendments to the Ch. 145 Land Use Regulations at Parker Meadow. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 7:23 PM Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation: 12 Cedar Street ViewPoint Cloud Permit# CORD-22-3 (local bylaw only) Applicant/Property Owner: Michael and Katy Finkenzeller Project: confirmation on location of Isolated Vegetated Wetland Documentation Submitted: ⎯ WPA Form A Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation application; Prepared by: Ronald Strohsahl, Oxbow Associates; Date signed by applicant: 10/17/2022; Date signed by representative: 10/28/2022; ⎯ Narrative to Accompany Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation Application”; Prepared by: Oxbow Associates, Inc.; Date: 11/1/2022; ⎯ Photographs of Site; Not dated; ⎯ BVW Delineation Field Data Form; Prepared by: Oxbow Associates; Date of delineation: 9/14/2022; ⎯ Topographic Plan of Land; Prepared by: Stamski & McNary, Inc.; Stamped and signed by: Jonathan D. Bollen, PLS No. 48448; Date: 97/2017 and revised (2) 10/13/2022; The applicant submitted a continuance request on the day of the meeting. On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to continue the hearing to the December 19, 2022 meeting at the applicant’s request. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 7:24 PM 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) Previous Meeting Date: 10/17/2022 Supplemental Documentation Submitted: None Ms. Elena Vershinina, project engineer with VHB, and Ms. Teri Ford, Greatland Realty Partners, were present for the hearing. Ms. Vershinina presented the supplemental documentation submitted to the Commission, including a stormwater memo indicating revisions to the plan, a tree replacement plan and a snow removal plan. Questions and Comments from the Commission: ⎯ Will the snow storage areas have the deicing material in it? Will it be stacked around the trees? What is the impact the deicing material will have on the vegetation? Is the deicing material acceptable to the Commission? ⎯ Magnesium acetate, the proposed deicing material, is known to be “as corrosive as tap water”. ⎯ The proposed boardwalk extends into a 10-foot wide drain easement. ⎯ It appears that the boardwalk will be placed in the middle of the planting plan. Will the boardwalk be lit at night? The boardwalk is not a critical piece and the walking path seems adequate. ⎯ There are trees on the site plan that are labeled as removed or remaining, and some that are not labeled at all. Where will the path go if all these trees are to remain? Want to see the path and the trees on one plan to see what is going on back there. ⎯ Referring to the systems example on Sheet C5.02 of the planset, the Commission does not want filter fabric installed on the bottom of the systems. ⎯ Shallow excavation might be required to install the walking path. Want to make sure its installation doesn’t have negative impacts to the nearby tree roots. ⎯ Want to see details for the proposed invasive species removal and management. ⎯ Please confirm with Ms. Mullins where the flood elevation on the site is and need a professional verification of that information. Responses from the Representative: ⎯ The deicing material is going to be organic and shouldn’t have any impact on the trees. The chemical compound used will be magnesium acetate. ⎯ The boardwalk was a request of the Commission during the previous meeting. It is proposed within a private easement with the neighboring property and they could possibly work the logistics out legally. An elevated boardwalk could be fine, or they could shift or shorten the boardwalk outside the easement. ⎯ If the boardwalk is more cumbersome than beneficial to the wetlands it can be removed from the proposal. Based on comments from the Commission, the boardwalk will be removed and signage will still be provided along the pathway. ⎯ Sheet C5.02 is showing a typical detail and we will provide a more specific detail for this site before construction Mr. Wei Liu, lighting engineer with Burohappold Engineering, stated that light illumination behind the garage is only shown on the walking path and boardwalk. He added that the paths would be subtly lit overnight, as required for safety and liability, and any lights on the rear of the building will be surface mounted. The Town Engineering Department has not provided a formal review of the submitted revised plans. On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Samuels, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to continue the hearing to the December 19, 2022 meeting at the applicant’s request. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 7:57 PM New Business/Pending Matters, Continued Schedule site visits: 12/19/2022 meeting The site visits will take place on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 9:30 AM Approve Minutes: 11/21/2022 meeting 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 November 21, 2022 meeting. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 8:00 PM Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Gardens, Community Preservation Committee, Greenway Corridor Committee, Land Acquisition, Land Management, Land Steward Directors, and Tree Committee Mr. Beuttell provided an update on the Community Preservation Committee meeting that was held the week prior. He stated that there was a lot of support for the Willard’s Woods project and one caveat was that the Committee would support the project if the Conservation Commission would designate all of the Universally Accessible trails as such. Mr. Beuttell added that there was also a discussion on the wet meadow boardwalk and its approximate cost of $200,000. He does not think it will impact the support of the project, but the Commission will have to revise the financial request regardless of whether the request for boardwalk is included. A public meeting for discussing the Willard’s Woods project and involvement of the public will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 7:00 PM. Ms. Ladd mentioned that she received negative feedback from multiple people about the Parker Meadow storyboard installation. On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to adjourn the meeting. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye 8:21 PM Respectfully Submitted, Meghan McNamara Department Assistant – Conservation Approved: 12/19/2022 Archived: 12/20/2022