HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-31-CONCOM-min
TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Monday May 31, 2016
6:30 P.M.
Parker Room, Town Office Building
1625 Massachusetts Ave
Chair Phil Hamilton opened the meeting at 6:34 pm in the Parker Room of the Town Office
Building
Commissioners Present: Dick Wolk, Phil Hamilton, Joyce Miller, Duke Bitsko, Alex Dohan,
Kevin Beuttell
Others Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Casey Hagerty, Conservation
Department Assistant
6:34pm
Update on Enforcement Order: Bina Farm/John Carroll, 55/31 Allen Street
Bill Dailey- Attorney, Rich Kirby- LEC Environmental, Ashley Tyson and Frank Postma-
Mr. Kirby explained that they submitted a plan at the previous meeting regarding the stream
restoration. He stated that a piezometer was installed and the results were consistent with test pit
data. The stream will be fed by ground water and surface water. The stream will then feed the
wetland area.
David Langseth arrived at 6:39pm
Mr. Postma explained that they split the property into four watershed areas. Ms. Tyson went on
to explain each watershed area in detail as well as the design points for each area and the BMPs.
Ms. Tyson explained to the commission that a pipe will be removed to daylight a stream and a
constructed stormwater wetland will be connected to the replicated wetland. There will also be
an infiltration trench on the property; the soil samples show that this area will work for
infiltration. Ms. Tyson added that an erosion control plan is in place and details were provided
for each BMP.
Questions and comments from the commission:
The commission asked for more clarification regarding the replicated wetland. Mr. Postma
explained that stormwater wetland and replicated wetland will essentially be the same. The
stormwater wetland would be separated from the replicated wetland by a small grate-like object
that will allow water to flow freely between the two areas, but will allow for the stormwater
wetland to be cleaned out as needed according to the stormwater management guidelines.
The commission stated that they were concerned with the use of dogwoods in the stream. The
commission explained that they were worried that the woody growth would clog up the stream.
Mr. Kirby explained that the trees will be spaced apart and this method has worked in other
restoration projects.
The commission requested an O and M plan for both the stormwater management features as
well as the restoration area.
The commission explained that they were concerned that the seed mix would get flooded and be
unable to stabilize.
The commission asked for clarification regarding the size of the replicated wetland vs. the
stormwater wetland. Ms. Tyson stated that the stormwater wetland will be 1,400 sq. ft and the
replicated wetland will be 1,500 sq. ft.
The commission requested information on the flocculent sock that will be used.
The commission asked for some more detail regarding the berm that is proposed along Allen
Street.
The commission asked for more clarification regarding the elevations of the infiltration trenches.
The commission asked for more detail regarding how the stormwater system and replication area
are being merged.
Questions and comments from the audience:
Marie Tulin, 56 Allen Street, asked some technical clarification questions. She then asked how
the O and M plans will be monitored in the future. Mr. Hamilton explained that the commission
often requires a monitoring report. The commission will have to decide how they want to be kept
up to date.
Motion to continue the hearing to June 13, 2016 at the applicant’s request made by Mrs. Dohan
and seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
7:06pm
DEP File No. 201-1027, BL 985
9 Philip Road, Bowman School
Owner/Applicant: Town of Lexington
Project: Addition and site improvements
Documents: NOI Package, Engineering review 5/31/2016, Plans, Stormwater management plan
Fred King- Project engineer and Gary Ingsley- architect
Mr. King explained that this is a redevelopment project at the Bowman School. The project
would include a adding a modular building with two classrooms and associated walkways. The
parking lot will be repaved and there will be curb improvements.
Mr. King stated that the soils in this area are bad for infiltration so they had to look elsewhere to
make improvements. He explained that they are going to reduce pavement in certain areas
closest to the wetlands as well as implement some stormwater improvements. The bank of the
intermittent stream will be improved and the runoff from the parking lot will be redirected so it
does not flow directly into this stream. There will be no increase in runoff to Clematis Brook or
the wetland areas.
Some trees will be taken down, but others will be planted along the wetland buffer zone.
Mr. Hamilton entered the engineering report into the record.
Questions and comments from the commission:
The commission asked for some clarification regarding the roof runoff and where it outlets. Mr.
King explained that there is a catch basin that will be fed by a six-inch diameter pipe that will
catch the runoff and then flow to the headwall.
The commission requested that the culvert that goes under the driveway be cleaned out.
The commission questioned the infiltration trench that will be created. The commission
expressed concern over what will happen if it overflows. After some discussion the commission
decided that it would be better to have the overflow spread over grass than install an overflow
pipe.
The commission asked how the restriping of the parking lot will be done. Mr. Inglsely explained
that the work will either be done mechanically or just be painted. No chemicals will be used.
The commission asked questions about the roof of the modular addition. The architects explained
that they could use a white roof to cool the temperature of the runoff.
Motion to close the hearing made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 7-0 in
favor.
7:43pm
DET 16-19
RDA, 57 Turning Mill RDA
Owner/Applicant: Dohan
Project: Driveway repairs
Documents: RDA Package
Alex Dohan- homeowner
Mrs. Dohan recused herself from this hearing.
Mrs. Dohan told the commission that she spoke with the State Attorney of the Day and he
explained that it was fine for her to present her own project. Mrs. Dohan explained to the
commission that the driveway has not been worked on in many years and is in need of repair.
The driveway will be graveled and slightly reduced in size. The railroad ties will be replaced
with cobblestones. She added that there will be a small berm where the driveway meets the
street.
Questions and comments from the commission:
The commission asked how they will control erosion into the brook when the ties are replaced.
Mrs. Dohan explained that the ties will be taken out and the cobblestones will be put in place. No
materials would need to be stockpiled on site.
Motion to issue a Negative Determination with Conditions made by Mr. Wolk and seconded my
Mr. Langseth. Vote: 6-0 in favor.
7:50pm
DET 16-20
RDA, Peacock Farm Pool RDA
Owner/Applicant: Peacock Farm Pool Association
Project: Solar pool heater installation
Documents: RDA Package, Zoning Board Interdepartmental comments, Engineering report
5/31/2016
Susan Barret and Lisa Giersbach- Peacock Farm Association, Erica Boyle- RES Solar
Ms. Barret explained they are trying to install solar pool collectors at their community pool. The
panels would go on a grass patch by the pool within the fenced in area and will tilted towards the
pool. They will be 556 sq. feet.
Mr. Hamilton entered the engineering report into the record.
Questions and comments from the commission:
The commission asked about what type of piping or trenching would be needed. Ms. Boyle
explained that no trenching would be necessary, the pipe would run along the fence.
The commission asked what will happen during heavy rain falls. Ms, Boyle explained the panels
will be an inch apart so there is room for runoff. She also added that it is an entirely closed
system so no pool water will be able to get out of the pipes.
The commission asked how far away this system is from the wetlands. Ms. Barrett explained that
it is approximately 100 ft. away from the wetlands, but unsure about the stream.
The commission asked what was under the panels. Ms. Boyle stated that lots of different
materials can be put under them. The commission requested that they follow the standard
conditions for a deck.
The commission expressed some concern about how close the panels are to the wetlands.
However, they stated that this is an existing pool with a concrete apron. They also added that
they are tilted towards the pool so run off would head towards the pool. The commission
explained that if propane was the alternative, they would have very little control about its
location.
Motion to issue a Negative Determination with Conditions made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by
Mr. Langseth. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
9:08pm
DET 16-18
RDA, 503 Lowell Street
Owner/applicant: Eric Amundsen and Brindha Muniappan
Project: Proposed excavation associated with a basement remodel
Motion to continue the hearing to June 13, 2016 at the applicant’s request made by Mrs. Miller
and seconded by Mr. Wolk. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
DEP 201-1022, BL 979
NOI, 138 Laconia Street
Owner/Applicant: DEBCO Properties, David Burns
Project: New Single Family Home
Motion to continue the hearing to July 11, 2016 at the applicant’s request made by Mr. Wolk and
seconded by Mrs. Miller. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
DEP File No. 201-962, BL 920
145 Grove St., Continued Notice of Intent
Owner/Applicant: Shmuel and Anat Katzelnik
Project: Reopen hearing on the proposed rain garden construction to manage driveway runoff
Documents: Updated plan 5/24/2016
Al Gala- Engineer and David Sperduto- wetlands scientist
Mr. Gala explained that revised plans and planting plans have been submitted. He explained that
a section of lawn will no longer be mowed and some additional plants were added to the plan.
The spillway has been moved and 10 FENO markers were added. Mr. Sperduto stated that a note
about a certified arborist has been added to the plan.
Mr. Sperduto explained that a vegetation plan has been created for the area of lawn that will be
left to go natural and that it consists of mostly shady moist plants.
Questions and comments from the commission:
The commission requested that a tenth FENO marker be added to the plan.
The commission discussed what would happen if a larger tree dies during this process. The
commission decided that in this circumstance, the applicant will plant 5 smaller trees or come
back in front of the commission with a plan.
Motion to close the hearing made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 7-0 in
favor.
Pending Continued
8:25pm
Land Use Permit Application: Infectious Disease in Migratory Animals: Integrating Models with
Disease Dynamics, Dunback Meadow
Ms. Leone M. Brown explained that as part of her post doctorate studies, she is studying
infectious diseases in migratory animals. She stated she is investigating how immune systems
change based on migration. She will visit many sites in the Boston area and set up mist netting to
capture the birds and take small blood samples. Ms. Brown said that she will share her research
with the commission once it is complete.
Motion to approve the Land Use Permit made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mr. Langseth.
Vote: 7-0 in favor.
Land Use Permit Application: Cut Flower Survey, West Farm
Ms. Mullins explained that this is a similar project to the Infectious Bird Disease study. It is
being done by the USDA and will involve trapping insects. The applicant will work with the
Conservation Office to determine the best places to keep the traps.
Motion to approve the Land Use Permit made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mrs. Dohan.
Vote: 7-0 in favor.
8:38pm
Site visits were scheduled for 6/11/2016. Mr. Wolk will miss the next meeting.
Approve Minutes from 5/2/2016:
Motion to approve the minutes made by Mrs. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Langseth.
The minutes from 5/16/2016 will be approved at the next meeting.
Reports:
Mr. Hamilton reported that the Land Acquisition sub-committee met regarding the property at
227 Grove Street. He explained that this will be a balanced housing development. They decided
that they will ask the Planning director to encourage the developer to file an ANRAD. Mr.
Hamilton also explained that the Conservation Commission is also an abutter to the property so
they have a legal interest in the project beyond wetland protection.
8:40pm
Issue Amended Order of Conditions:
DEP File No. 201-980, BL 938 140 Adams St, Amend OOC
Motion to issue the amended Order of Conditions made by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Mr.
Beuttell. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
Issue Amended Order of Conditions: DEP File No. 201-973, BL 931 66 Munroe Rd., Amend
OOC
Motion to issue the Amended Order of Conditions made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mr.
Wolk. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
Approve Request for Insignificant Plan Changes: 6 Blueberry Lane, DEP File No. 201-999, BL
956
Motion to approve the plan change made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mr. Wolk. Vote: 7-0 in
favor.
Issue Certificate of Compliance: 183 Waltham Street, DEP File No. 201-897, BL 856
Motion to issue the Certificate of Compliance made by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mrs.
Miller. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
Issue Certificate of Compliance: 140 Adams, DEP File No. 201-980, BL 938
Ms. Mullins explained that this Certificate could be issued but would be held until the Amended
Order of Conditions has been recorded.
Motion to issue the Certificate of Compliance made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mr. Wolk.
Vote: 7-0 in favor.
Issue Partial Certificate of Compliance: 555 Lowell Street, DEP File No. 201-987, BL 945
Ms. Mullins explained that this will be put on the next agenda.
8:52pm
Motion to adjourn made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mr. Wolk. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Casey Hagerty
Conservation Department Assistant
Approved 6/13/2016