HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-06-ConCom-min
Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Conservation Commission
___________________________________________________________________________
AGENDA Monday, May 6, 2024, 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 (Chair), Jason Hnatko,
Ruth Ladd (Vice-Chair); Not present; Duke Bitsko and Tom Whelan
Staff Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Director, Amber Carr, Conservation Coordinator;
Not present: Megan Downer, Department Assistant
6:30 PM
New Business/Pending Matters
Enforcement Update: 843 Emerson Gardens, Approve Riverfront Area and CR Restoration Plan
Mr. Richard Kirby, LEC Environmental, presented. He stated that the enforcement order was
issued for patio work in the rear and front of the property. Mr. Kirby stated that the restoration
plan is to mitigate for the trees removed without prior permission and to improve the Riverfront
area. He stated that the planting restoration includes all of the lawn area up to the 50-foot buffer
zone with 4 Feno markers along the rear. Mr. Kirby stated that the proposed fence is a rail fence
with netting.
Mr. Kirby stated that the applicant is requesting the tree work and fence installation be approved
to begin prior to the implementation of the restoration plan. The planting plan for the front of the
property that is being proposed will be presented at the 5/20/2024 meeting for approval, after the
Commission has had time to review the proposal.
On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to approve the restoration plan.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Review of ADA Garden bed design at Idylwilde by Scout Jeffrey Liu
Mr. Jeffrey Liu, Boy Scout, presented. He stated that the ADA Garden bed design meets the
requirements for ADA of being 2.5 feet high with 2.5 feet reach from each side of the bed, along
with 5-foot walkways in between. The proposal included two beds that are 5 feet by 20 feet and
connected to each other to connect the drip irrigation.
Ms. Amber Carr stated that they are proposing that a water barrel be placed in the lower left
corner (of the diagram) that is tied to the irrigation system supplying water for the garden
currently and will connect this to the ADA garden beds. Mr. Liu stated that he and his fellow
Boy Scouts will assist in putting the compost into the new garden beds. Ms. Carr stated that
shallow rooted plants would be able to be planted in this location. Ms. Dohan suggested lining
the bottom with wood chips that will slowly decompose and raise the bottom to avoid needing
more soil.
7:00 PM
New Public Meetings/Hearings
Request for Determination of Applicability: 12 John Poulter Road
OpenGov Permit# CDOA-24-5
Applicant/Property Owner: Pamela Cohen
Project: Replacement of existing leach field pipes with new pipes and surrounding stone filler within the
Riverfront Area.
Documentation Submitted:
Notice of Intent Application; Prepared by: Pamela Cohen; Date: 4/6/2024
Mortgage Inspection Plan; Prepared and stamped by Bradford Engineering Co,; Date:
9/28/2000
Proposed Drywell Plan; Prepared by JL Oslan; Not Dated
“Drywell Letter”; Prepared by J.L Oslan, General Contractor; Not Dated
Representative Site Photos; Dates: 3/14/2023, 1/26/2024, 3/25/2024, 4/4/2024
Ms. Dohan recused herself from this hearing. Ms. Pamela Cohen, property owner, stated that the
property has a “B dry” system that pumps water from the side of the house into three perforated
pipes, installed in 2001 after flooding. Ms. Cohen stated that now water from rainy weather pools
in the yard and will eventually drain, but slowly. She is proposing replacing the three existing
pipes, and wrapping them in filter fabric to keep silt out. Mr. Hnatko asked if an engineer was
consulted on this project to provide plans to prevent the leaching issues from occurring again.
On a motion by Mr. Hnatko and seconded by Ms. Ladd, the Commission voted 4-0 by roll call
vote to issue a negative determination with conditions.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Alex Dohan – Recused
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Continued Public Meetings/Hearings
Notice of Intent: 16 Willow Street
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-24-9, DEP #201-1316
Applicant/Property Owner: Chase Brownell and Rachel Brownell
Project: Replacement of existing driveway crossing and landscape improvements to existing
single family dwelling within the 200-foot Riverfront Area.
Documentation Submitted:
Notice of Intent Application; Prepared by: Seth Donohoe, Dillis & Roy Civil Design
Group, Inc.; Date: 3/4/2024
“Letter to The Commission”; Prepared by Seth Donohoe, Vice President, Dillis & Roy
Civil Design Group, Inc.; Date: 3/6/2024
Engineering Comments; Date: 4/8/2024
Supplemental Documentation Submitted:
“Letter to The Commission: Revised Notice of Intent and Landscape Plans”; Prepared
by Seth Donohoe, Vice President, Dillis & Roy Civil Design Group, Inc.; Date:
4/15/2024
Stormwater Management Memorandum; Prepared and Stamped by: Francis McPartlan,
PE #49572; Date: 4/11/2024
“Notice of Intent Plan”; Prepared by: Dillis & Roy Civil Design Group, Inc.; Date:
9/28/2023; Stamped by Francis McPartlan, PE #49572; Date: 3/1/2024; Revised:
4/15/2024
Master Site Plans, Lighting/Planting Plan, and Decking Plan; Prepared by: Sudbury
Design Group; Date: 7/20/2023; Revised: 1/26/2024, 4/15/2024
Engineering Comments; Date: 4/19/2024
Previous Meeting Date: 4/8/2024
Mr. Seth Donahoe, Dillis and Roy Civil Design Group, Inc., presented and stated that the
engineering staff provided comments that the proposal does meet the stormwater management
requirements.
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mr. Hnatko, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to close the hearing.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mr. Hnatko, 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
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Notice of Intent: 9 Fairfield Drive
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-24-11, DEP #201-1319
Applicant/Property Owner: Deirdra Conneely
Project: Installation of a pervious bluestone patio, pool, pergola and associated site
appurtenances within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands. Mitigation
measures including erosion controls, stormwater management, invasive species management,
and wetland and buffer zone revegetation.
Documentation Submitted:
Notice of Intent Application and Wetland Resource Area Analysis; Prepared by: LEC
Environmental Consultants, Inc.; Date: 3/19/2024
“Infiltration Calculations”; Prepared and Stamped by: Christopher M. Kirby, PE
#41662; Date: 3/1/2024
Site Plan; Prepared and Stamped by: Christopher M. Kirby, PE #41662; Date: 3/5/2024
Supplemental Documentation Submitted:
Restoration Area Planting Plan; Prepared by: Krefta Landscaping, Inc.; Date:
3/13/2024; Date Last Revised: 4/14/2024
Master Landscape Plan; Prepared by Krefta Landscaping, Inc.; Date: 1/15/2024; Date
Last Revised: 4/11/2024
Previous Meeting Date: 4/8/2024
Ms. Mullins stated that the applicant is requesting a continuance to the 5/20/2024 meeting.
On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing to the 5/20/2024 meeting, at the applicant’s request.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Request for Determination of Applicability: 149-151 Old Spring Street (Chinese Bible
Church of Greater Boston)
OpenGov Permit# CDOA-23-12
Applicant/Property Owner: Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston
Project: connection to the municipal drainage system associated with construction of a new
building
Supplemental Documentation Submitted:
Drainage Calculations and Stormwater Management Plan; Prepared by: McKenzie
Engineering Group; Stamped and signed by: Bradley C. McKenzie, PE Civil No. 36917;
Date last revised: 3/29/2024;
Site Development Plan; Prepared by: McKenzie Engineering Group; Stamped and signed
by: Bradley C. McKenzie, PE; Date last revised: 3/29/2024;
Previous Meeting Dates: 10/30/23; 11/27/23; 12/11/23; 1/2/24, 1/29/24, 2/12/24, 2/26/2024,
3/11/2024, 4/8/2024
Mr. Hamilton stated that the applicant is requesting a continuance to the 5/20/2024 meeting.
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Hnatko, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing to the 5/20/2024 meeting, at the applicant’s request.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Notice of Intent: 8 Blueberry Lane
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-24-7, DEP #201-1315
Applicant/Property Owner: DND Homes LLC
Project: demolition of an existing home and construction of a new single-family home, portions of which
are within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands
Documentation Submitted:
Notice of Intent Application; Prepared by: Dominic Kemmett, Oxbow Associates, Inc.;
Date: 3/5/2024;
Sheet 1 and 2 - “Notice of Intent Site Plan and Details”; Prepared by: Patriot
Engineering; and Stamped by: Michael J. Novak, Patriot Engineering, CE#50696; Date:
2/19/2024;
“Stormwater Analysis and Calculations”; Prepared and Stamped by: Michael J. Novak,
Patriot Engineering, CE#50696; Date: 02/20/2024;
“Operation and Maintenance Plan”; Prepared by: Patriot Engineering; Date:
2/20/2024;
“Representative Site Photos”; Prepared by Oxbow Associates, Inc.; Date:10/13/2023
and 2/13/2024;
“New Residence Floor Plans”; Prepared and Stamped by Michael L. McKay, McKay
Architects, RA#AR6947; Date: 11/14/2023; Last Revised Date: 11/28/2023;
Engineering Comments; Prepared by Marissa Liggiero; Date: 3/22/2024
Project Narrative; Prepared by Oxbow Associates, Inc.; Not Dated
Previous Meeting Date: 3/25/2024, 4/8/2024
Ms. Mullins stated that the applicant is requesting a continuance to the 5/20/2024 meeting.
On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing to the 5/20/2024 meeting, at the applicant’s request.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Notice of Intent: 9 Young Street
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-24-2, DEP File No. 201-1308
Applicant/Property Owner: James Patnaude, Avatar Construction, Inc.
Project: Raze and rebuild single-family dwelling and associated site appurtenances. Portions of
activities are located within the BZ to BVW. Erosion controls, stormwater management, invasive
species management, and BZ revegetation proposed.
Documentation Submitted:
Notice of Intent Application and Wetland Resource Area Analysis and Report; Prepared
by: Rich Kirby, LEC Environmental; Date: 1/25/2024;
“Tree Plan”; Prepared for James Patnaude, 9 Young Street; Prepared by: Daniel E.
Cathcart, Registered Consulting Arborist – Plant Healthcare Consultants, Inc.; Date
1/15/2024
Engineering Comments Date: 3/6/2024
Supplemental Documentation Submitted:
“Site Plan of Land” and “Site Details”; Prepared by: FODERA Engineering; Stamped
and Signed by: Giovanni Fodera, PE No. 54884; Date: 1/18/2024; Revised 4/8/2024
Stormwater Management Report; Prepared by: FODERA Engineering; Stamped and
Signed by: Giovanni Fodera, PE No. 54884; Date: 1/18/2024; Revised: 4/8/2024
Invasive Species & Buffer Zone Restoration Planting Plan; Prepared by: LEC
Environmental; Date: 1/19/2024; Revised: 4/17/2024
Engineering Comments; Date: 4/19/2024
Previous Meeting Dates: 2/12/2024, 2/26/2024, 3/11/2024, 3/25/2024, 4/8/2024
Ms. Mullins stated that three Commissioners, Mr. Bitsko, Ms. Dohan and Mr. Hnatko have
missed two hearings for 9 Young Street and cannot participate in voting to close the hearing. The
applicant is requesting a continuance to the 5/20/2024 meeting.
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing to the 5/20/2024 meeting, at the applicant’s request.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
New Business/Pending Matters, continued
Request for Full Certificate of Compliance: 279 Concord Ave, DEP 201-1284, Opengov COC-
24-6
Ms. Mullins stated that further details from the applicant are required before issuing the
Certificate of Compliance.
Request for Certificate of Compliance: 2 Fulton Road, DEP 201-1288, Opengov COC-24-7
Mr. Rich Kirby, LEC Environmental, stated that the as built plan needs additional information to
confirm the project was constructed in accordance with the Order of Conditions. Mr. Kirby
posed the question of whether or not the small portion of the wall inside the 25-foot Buffer Zone
needs to be moved and whether or not the stairwell off the rear of the house is approved by the
Commission. Mr. Beuttell stated that the stairs and wall need to be outside of the no-build zone
and the drain at the bottom of the stairs is not able to connect to the infiltration system due to
elevation.
Ms. Ladd stated that the window well was not in the original approved plan. Mr. Fernando
Dalfior, builder of the property, posed the question of when the Certificate of Occupancy could
be issued based on the items that need to be addressed. Ms. Mullins stated that the building
commissioner could issue the CO without the Commission’s final approval.
Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 52 Hartwell Ave, OpenGov CNOI-24-12, DEP #201-1320
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Ladd, 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
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 36 Sanderson Rd, OpenGov CNOI-24-10, DEP # 201-1318
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Ladd, 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
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 40 Sherburne Rd, OpenGov CNOI-24-8, DEP # 201-1307
On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, 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
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
MVP Grant Update, Parcel 24-52 Valleyfield St and approve exploratory test pit
Ms. Mullins stated that the full project needs to be submitted for the Commission’s approval
through the regulatory process. She stated that near the Valleyfield St and Grassland St
intersection there are significant drainage and flooding issues. Ms. Mullins stated that she is
working with engineering to find ways to do possible compensatory flood storage. Ms. Mullins
stated that the second request is for proposed exploratory test pits, including one proposed test pit
on conservation land.
Sewer Line Replacement, Takeda, Spring St and Shade St
Ms. Mullins stated that there is a sewer line failing along the gravel path from Shade Street into
Takeda, and over the winter a section of the line broke. The replacement of the sewer line would
require trenching. Ms. Mullins will report on the sewer line replacement again once more
information has been submitted.
Schedule site visits for 5/20/2024 Meeting
The site visits will take place on 5/15/2024 at 5:30pm.
Approve Minutes: 4/8/2024 and 4/22/2024
On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Mr. Hnatko, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to approve the Minutes of the 4/8/2024 meeting.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
The 4/22/2024 minutes will be reviewed at the 5/20/2024 meeting to ensure all Commissioners
have had time to review the minutes.
Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Gardens, Community Preservation Committee, Greenway
Corridor Committee, Land Acquisition, Land Management, Land Steward Directors, Tree
Committee, and Open Space & Recreation Plan
None
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Ladd the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to adjourn the meeting.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Respectfully Submitted via Video Recording,
Megan Downer
LUHD Department Assistant
Approved: 5/20/2024
Archived: 5/21/2024