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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-05-CONCOM-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday April 5, 2016 6:30 P.M. Parker Room, Town Office Building 1625 Massachusetts Ave Chair Phil Hamilton opened the meeting at 6:30 pm in the Parker Room of the Town Office Building Commissioners Present: Alex Dohan, Dick Wolk, Phil Hamilton, Joyce Miller, Duke Bitsko, David Langseth Others Present: Casey Hagerty, Conservation Department Assistant 6:30 Update on Enforcement at 55 and 31 Allen Street Rich Kirby and Bill Dailey Mr. Kirby explained to the commission that he had dug three more test sites on the property. Two were dug in the area that the GIS marked as a wetland and one was dug where the restoration stream is planned. The two test pits dug in the wetland identified by the GIS did not turn up wetland soils. Mr. Kirby explained that he consulted with a senior soil scientist to discuss whether the fill he found was truly historic and it was decided that it was. In the soil pit dug by the potential stream area, he found that the type of soil would support a stream. He stated that it is likely the stream would be ground water fed. Mr. Kirby explained to the commission that the proposed restoration plan would involve 2,800 sq. ft. with a meandering stream. He stated that they would create a formal restoration and stormwater management plan to be approved by the commission. Questions and comments from the commissioner: The commission stated that they would need more time to review the information given to them and to determine if the size of the wetland restoration was sufficient. The commission asked for details as to how to size of the wetland was estimated. The commission asked for more clarification in how to test pits were delineated. The commission stated that it would be helpful to leave the test pits open to study the hydrology in order to have the best success in recreating a wetland. Mr. Kirby told the commission he would use a piezometer. Motion to continue the enforcement hearing to 5/2/2016 made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mr. Wolk. Vote: 6-0 in favor. 6:59 pm Daniel Pangent-, Bill Hurley- Beth Israel Mr. Pagnent explained that they came in front of the commission three years ago for a permit to expand parking. Although they have done some work since then, the bulk of the parking work still has to be completed. He explained that they are hoping for a three year permit extension, but would take a two year extension. Motion to issue a two year permit extension made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 6-0 in favor. New Hearings and Meetings 7:03pm DEP File No. 201-1026, BL 983 NOI, Joyce Miller’s Meadow Owner: Town of Lexington Conservation Division Applicant: Jordan McCarron, Conservation Steward Coordinator Project: Meadow Restoration Mr. McCarron explained that last year, the Conservation Department received CPA funds for meadow restoration projects. They have already completed work at Hennessey Field and hope to start work at Joyce Miller’s Meadow. The project at Joyce Miller’s Meadow would take place on a three acre piece of land that is surrounded by an existing trail system. He stated that the project would include removing the shrub layer and treating it with a targeted herbicide use. There will then be a wild flower restoration component of the project. Mr. McCarron explained that they are also considering using controlled fire on the site as a way of clearing land but more research needs to be done into the feasibility of this. Questions and comments from the commission: The commission suggested that Mr. McCarron coordinate with the Friends of the Arlington Great Meadow. The commission questioned the use of herbicide on the site. Mr. McCarron stated that the treatment would be used in small amounts and would be targeted to specific plants. The commission requested that some native grass mix be used in addition to the flower seed mix. Comments from the audience: Mike, Friends of the Arlington Great Meadow, stated that they are in favor of the ğĬğĭǩǤƓƭƉź project and support it being expanded into the rest of the Great Meadow. David Williams asked why they are focusing on just those three acres rather than the rest of the meadow. Mr. McCarron explained that this area was the easiest to focus on because it is surrounded by a trail system. He also stated that the site is going to change dramatically and we did not want it to be too much change at one time. th Mr. McCarron added that there will be an informational walk on April 26 at 5pm for anyone who is interested. 7:21pm DET 16-14 RDA, 11 Marshall Owner/applicant: Huixing Yuan Project: Removal and replacement of an existing driveway Dan Schena, Landscaper Mr. Schena explained that his client currently has a driveway that is overgrown and in very bad shape. He stated that because of a previous Order of Conditions they must keep it permeable. Questions and comments from the commission: The commission stated that on their site visit, they realized the driveway was steep. They were concerned that because of the steepness the water would run off rather than infiltrate. The commission requested that Mr. Schena look into the engineering specs regarding infiltration and slope. The commission stated that it looked like there were some plantings in the 25 ft. buffer zone. Motion to continue the hearing at the applicant’s request made by Mrs. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 6-0 in favor. 7:31pm DEP File No. 201-1023, BL 980 NOI, 3 Fiske Road Owner/applicant: John and Loryann D’Agostino Project: Raze and rebuild of a Single Family Home Rob Bobbo, Bibbo Brothers Mr. Bibbo explained that this project would involve a raze and rebuild of a single family home. He explained that the current home has not drainage plan. The new house would have a sump pump, collection basins, and a detention pond. Mr. Bibbo stated that they will be disturbing less than 50% of the buffer. Mr. Hamilton entered the engineering report into the record. Questions and comments from the commission: The commission asked that the applicant show that less than 50% of the buffer zone is being altered visually on the plan. The commission stated that they were surprised by the amount of impervious surface there was regarding the driveways. The owners of the lot explained that they are going to build a basketball court and they also want a circular driveway to help get their son to school. The commission also stated that they were concerned about the amount of trees that were being cut down. Mr. Hamilton entered the Planning Department comments into the record. The commission stated that they were concerned about the pavement entering into the 50 ft buffer zone. The commission was concerned with how the detention basin was going to be stabilized. No planting plan for the basin was included. The commission expressed concern over the location of the infiltration trench. They are worried about the proximity to the neighbor’s property. Motion to continue the hearing to 4/19/2016 at the applicant’s request made by Mr. Langseth and made by Mrs. Dohan. Vote: 6-0 in favor. 7:46pm DEP File No. 201-1024, BL 981 NOI, 11 Saddle Club Road Owner/applicant: Sage Weil Project: Pond Management Dominic Ringalo, Solitude Lake Management Mr. Ringalo explained that this company has been caring for the pond on this property for many years. He stated that new home owners have moved onto the property and want to keep up the treatment plan. He explained that they used herbicides on the site one to two times annually. They hold a DEP license for herbicide treatment. Questions and comments from the commission: The commission asked how important the glyphosate product is for the site. Mr. Ringalo explained that that they use an aquatic version of the product that is less intense than the version used on land. He also stated that they use it sparingly. The commission explained that they would want to see that as a condition. The commission suggested that some plantings and trees around the pond to reduce the temperature of the pond. Motion to close the hearing made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 6-0 in favor. 7:54pm DEP File No. 201-1025, BL 982 NOI, 23 Bedford Street Owner/applicant: Stephen Conners Project: Proposed covered porch Steven Conners, Home Owner Mr. Conners explained that they will be replacing a back staircase as part of a larger interior remodel. The new proposed covered porch would be located where the existing stairs are and the whole deck would be over a paved area. There would be one footer for the project and the rest would be connected to the deck. Mr. Hamilton entered the engineering report into the record. Questions and comments from the commission: The commission stated that the excavation materials should be removed in one day or erosion controls should be put up. Motion to close the hearing made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mrs. Dohan. Vote: 6-0 in favor. 7:59pm BL 984 NOI, 7 Battle Green Road Owner/Applicant: Kevin Wagner Project: Connection to the town drainage system Motion to continue the hearing at the applicant’s request made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mrs. Dohan. Vote: 6-0 in favor. Pending Continued 7:59pm GCC request for further consideration of Belmont Country Club property Laurel Carpenter- Town Meeting Member and GCC member, Aline Gery- Head of Montessori School Ms. Carpenter explained that the Greenways Corridor Committee has redrawn the proposed trail to reflect the flood plain issues in the area. She explained that although they understand the commission is not interested in purchasing the land that they would like the Conservation Commission to support the idea of keeping it as open land. Ms. Gery explained that the Montessori School is interested in keeping their soccer fields on the property as well as having some trails in the area. They would be supportive of the town purchasing that land, otherwise they would purchase and it and possibly put a conservation restriction on the land. After some discussion, the commission decided that they would draft a letter to the selectmen in support of the GCC’s efforts. 8:03pm Plan Change at 140 Adams Street Scott Smyers, Oxbow Associates Mr. Smyers explained that his client built a patio in the backyard of his house as well as increased the size of the driveway by 160 sq. ft. without permission from the commission. He explained that the builder thought that because the back yard was out of the river front area he did not need to go to the commission for approval. He also explained that the increased size of the driveway was a result of a bigger infiltration system being installed. Mr. Smyers stated that there was a mistake on the as built drainage plan that was submitted. He asked the commission whether these changes could be approved under an Amended Order of Conditions or whether a new Notice of Intent must be filed. Questions and comments from the commission: The commission stated that the new system needs to be reviewed by the engineering department. The commission discussed whether this could be done through a plan change or an amendment. 8:42pm Issue Certificate of Compliance for 25 Robinson Road, DEP File No. 201-831, BL 789 The commission decided that they would issue the certificate at the next meeting. Issue Certificate of Compliance for 36 Sanderson Road, DEP File No. 201-898, BL 857 Motion to issue the Certificate of Compliance for 36 Sanderson Road made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mrs. Dohan. Vote: 6-0 in favor. 8:45pm A site visit was scheduled for 7 Battle Green Road for the next week. Approve Minutes Motion to approve the minutes from 3/7/2016 made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mrs. Dohan. Vote: 6-0 in favor. The minutes from 3/22/2016 will be approved at the next meeting. Land Use Permit Application for Lex Fly a Kite, Chiesa Farm Motion to approve the Land Use Permit for the Lex Fly a Kite event a Chieasa Farm made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mrs. Dohan. Vote: 6-0 in favor. 8:48pm Reports Mrs. Dohan reported that the Town Meeting approved the CPA funds for the feasibility study of the Wright Farm Barn. 8:49pm Motion to adjourn made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mrs. Dohan. Vote: 6-0 in favor. Respectfully Submitted, Casey Hagerty Conservation Department Assistant Approved 5/2/2016