HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-17-ConCom-min
Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Conservation Commission
___________________________________________________________________________
AGENDA Monday, June 17th, 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, Duke Bitsko, Alex Dohan, Ruth Ladd (Acting Chair),
Thomas Whelan; Not present: Philip Hamilton (Chair) and Jason Hnatko
Staff Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Director, Amber Carr, Conservation Coordinator,
and Megan Downer, Department Assistant
6:30 PM New Business/Pending Matters
Scout Thomas Trout Presentation on Shaker Glen Kiosk/Entrance Sign Project
Mr. Thomas Trout, Boy Scout, presented that his project included designing and building a
double post entrance sign and single post kiosk for the Shaker Glen Conservation Area. The
conservation department provided Mr. Trout with blueprints for the project. Mr. Trout stated that
his fellow scouts also worked on the project with him. Commissioners expressed their
appreciation for his work.
Approve Minutes: 5/20/2024 and 6/3/2024
Ms. Ruth Ladd, Vice-Chair of the Commission, stated that the minutes of 5/20/2024 and
6/3/2024 will be continued to the 7/1/2024 meeting to allow for the Commission members to
review them.
Request for Certificate of Compliance: 140 Marrett Road (Now 2 Bacon St), DEP 201-1161,
Opengov COC-22-10
Ms. Karen Mullins, Conservation Director, stated that a Partial Certificate of Compliance was
previously issued that included a comprehensive restoration plan. Ms. Mullins stated that the
three-year monitoring period is complete and the restoration was successful.
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to issue the full Certificate of Compliance.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Request for Certificate of Compliance: 4 Maguire Rd, DEP 201-1201, Opengov CNOI-20-28,
COC-24-8
Ms. Mullins stated that a Partial Certificate of Compliance was issued for this property and the
full certification was outstanding for stabilization. Ms. Mullins stated that she has visited the site
and the stabilization is complete.
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mr. Whelan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll
call vote to issue the full Certificate of Compliance.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Request for Certificate of Compliance: 0 Moon Hill Rd, DEP 201-1277, Opengov CNOI-22-26,
COC-24-9
Ms. Mullins stated that this request needs further review and can be continued to the 7/1/2024
meeting.
Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 3 Goffe Road, DEP 201-1321, Opengov CNOI-24-13
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
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Schedule site visits for 7/1/2024 Meeting
The site visits will take place on 6/25/2024 at 5:30pm.
11 Valley Road: Discussion on Noncompliance, B-22-1468, ADM-22-41
Ms. Mullins stated that this discussion is in relation to a historic permit related to a garage
addition in 2007. Ms. Mullins stated that the driveway was to be expanded through a previous
permit and a condition was that the driveway expansion could not be paved due to the proposal
lacking any proposed stormwater management. Also, Ms. Mullins stated that in 2023 a building
permit for a new front entry way was pulled for the property and that she had visited the site and
the entryway overhang had been expanded further than approved.
Mr. Yifang Guo, owner of 11 Valley Road, stated that in 2006 he applied for the permit for a
garage addition and expansion of the front entrance and had continued the project for the
expansion of the front entrance in 2022. Ms. Dohan stated that options for mitigation are to
install an infiltration system or to remove all or part of the circular part of the driveway that does
not lead to the garage to remove pervious surface.
Mr. Beuttell asked to clarify if an enforcement action is needed or a new filing to address the
noncompliance. Ms. Mullins stated that enforcement action is to be taken due to the work being
completed without compliance. Ms. Mullins also stated that she recommends a site visit and
continuing this enforcement discussion as it is delaying the remainder of the hearings.
7:25 PM Continued Public Meetings/Hearings
Notice of Intent: 843 Emerson Gardens Rd
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-24-14, DEP #201-1322
Applicant/Property Owner: Bridget Koha
Project: after-the-fact approval of installation of patios and walkways and associated landscaping
activities within the 200-foot Riverfront Area to Munroe Brook. Additional walkways, a shed,
and pea stone areas are proposed. Erosion controls. stormwater management, and Riverfront
Area restoration are proposed to protect the adjacent resource area and improve existing site
conditions.
Documentation Submitted:
Notice of Intent Application and Wetland Resource Area Analysis; Prepared for: Bridget
Koha, 843 Emerson Gardens Rd; Prepared by: Richard Kirby, LEC Environmental
Consultants, Inc.; Date: 5/14/2024;
Appendix B Site Plans, C-0 Pre Construction Site Plan, C-1 Post Construction Site Plan;
Prepared for 843 Emerson Gardens Road; Prepared by: Gala Simon Associates Inc.;
Stamped by: Alberto M. Gala PE #36434; Date: 5/14/2024
Appendix C Engineering Drainage Calculations; Prepared for: 843 Emerson Gardens Rd;
Prepared by: Gala Simon Associates, Inc.; Stamped by: Alberto M Gala, PE #36434;
Date: 5/14/2024
Appendix D Buffer Zone Mitigation Planting Plan; Prepared by: LEC Environmental
Consultants, Inc.; Date: 4/26/2024; Revised: 5/8/2024
Ms. Nicole Ferrara, LEC Environmental, presented and Mr. Al Gala, Gala Simon Associates Inc,
and Elizabeth Bailey Strzetelski, landscape designer, were also in attendance. Ms. Ferrara stated
that the proposed project includes patios, walkways and the installation of a pea stone area and
shed in the backyard of the property. Ms. Ferrara also stated that revised engineering calculations
have been submitted and reviewed by town engineering. A planting plan was also submitted to
the record as requested by the Commission. Mr. Beuttell asked for clarification if there were any
changes from the previous restoration proposal as the planting plan shows trees extending into
the restoration zone. Ms. Strzetelski clarified that trees shown in the restoration area are an error
in the sketch and that there is approval in the mitigation plan for the trees shown to be planted.
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mr. Whelan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll
call vote to close the hearing.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – 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;
“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
Supplemental Documentation Submitted:
“Stormwater Analysis and Calculations”; Prepared and Stamped by: Michael J. Novak,
Patriot Engineering, CE#50696; Date: 02/20/2024; Revised: 5/10/2024
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; Revised: 5/10/2024
Buffer Zone Mitigating Planting Plan; Prepared by LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc.;
Date: 5/13/2024
Engineering Comments; Date: 5/16/2024
Previous Meeting Dates: 3/25/2024, 4/8/2024, 4/22/2024, 5/6/2024
Ms. Trina Murphy, DND Homes was present along with Mr. Michael Novak, Patriot
Engineering. Mr. Novak stated that there were previous concerns on the initial flagging of the
wetlands and the flags have been updated since. Mr. Novak also stated that it was confirmed that
the existing house had a sump pump and that the proposed basement floor was raised and a sump
pump design was added to the proposal.
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to close the hearing.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – 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;
Technical Review Letter #1; Prepared by: Scott D. Turner, Director of Planning,
Environmental Partners; Date: 4/19/2024
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, 4/22/2024, 5/6/2024, 5/20/2024
Ms. Mullins stated that this project is waiting for a peer review evaluation. Ms. Mullins stated
that the applicant is requesting a continuance to 7/1/2024.
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Whelan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing to the 7/1/2024 meeting, at the applicant’s request.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Reports: Lexington High School Project Update, Bike Advisory, Community Gardens,
Community Preservation Committee, Greenway Corridor Committee, Land Acquisition, Land
Management, Land Steward Directors, Tree Committee, and Open Space & Recreation Plan
Ms. Dohan stated that the Greenway Corridor Committee is progressing on the land management
plans for parcels on Concord Avenue. Ms. Mullins suggested that the Commission hold a public
meeting for this project prior to preparing a draft.
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to adjourn the meeting.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
7:48pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Megan Downer
LUHD Department Assistant
Approved: 7/15/2024
Archived: 7/18/2024