HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-01-ConCom-min
Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Conservation Commission
___________________________________________________________________________
AGENDA Monday, July 1st, 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, Jason Hnatko, Ruth Ladd
(Vice-Chair), Thomas Whelan; Not present: Philip Hamilton (Chair)
Staff Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Director; Not present: Megan Downer, Department
Assistant
6:30 PM New Business/Pending Matters
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 will be
continued to the 7/15/2024 meeting to allow for revisions.
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Whelan, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call
vote to approve the 6/3/2024 meeting minutes.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Jason Hnatko – 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. Karen Mullins, Conservation Director, stated that staff did not receive all of the required
compliance documents requested and changes were made to the filing. Ms. Mullins stated that a
site visit by the Commission is needed prior to voting on this request.
Request for Certificate of Compliance: 17 Augustus Road, DEP 201-1218, Opengov CNOI-21-
12, COC-23-37
Ms. Mullins stated that this request is regarding a previous deck permit that did not meet the 50-
foot set back and to mitigate this significant restoration was proposed. Ms. Mullins stated that the
proposed deck was built larger than approved and within the 25-foot buffer zone. Ms. Mullins
will meet on site with the homeowner to review the current conditions of the site and
requirements for compliance.
Request for Certificate of Compliance: 5 Howard Munroe Place, DEP 201-1164, Opengov
CNOI-19-23, COC-24-3
Ms. Mullins stated that the restoration has been completed and that some FENO markers were
not installed in the approved locations and need to be relocated.
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mr. Hnatko, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call
vote to issue the full Certificate of Compliance, pending the correction of the FENO bounds and
submission of the as-built plan.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Request for Certificate of Compliance: Munroe Village, DEP 201-361, BL 311
Ms. Mullins stated that this permit is an older permit from the 1990’s to create the subdivision of
the lots and there is not sufficient information for the Commission to issue a Certificate of
Compliance.
Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 843 Emerson Gardens Road, DEP 201-1322, Opengov
CNOI-24-14
The Commission discussed whether or not a gate could be installed leading to the wetlands. The
Commission agreed a gate can be installed as proposed.
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Whelan, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call
vote to issue the Order of Conditions.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 8 Blueberry Lane, DEP 201-1315, Opengov CNOI-24-7
Ms. Mullins stated that a condition should be included in the Order of Conditions regarding the
sump pump size.
On a motion by Mr. Hnatko and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call
vote to issue the Order of Conditions.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Schedule site visits for 7/15/2024 Meeting
The site visits will take place on 7/9/2024 at 5:30pm.
11 Valley Road: Discussion on Noncompliance, B-22-1468, ADM-22-41
Mr. Thomas Whelan, Commissioner, stated that during the site visit to the property, he observed
that the property is upslope from the Riverfront and the impervious driveway creates a drainage
issue. Ms. Ladd stated that either stormwater mitigation needs to be installed or the impervious
area needs to be reduced.
Mr. Yifang Guo, owner of 11 Valley Road, stated that reducing the pavement area would impact
the value of the house. Ms. Mullins will work with Mr. Guo to create a plan for mitigation.
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. Mullins stated that the High School project is anticipating filing an Abbreviated Notice of
Resource Area Delineation in August.
7:30 PM New Public Meetings/Hearings
Request for Determination of Applicability: 12 Cutler Farm Road
OpenGov Permit# CDOA-24-8
Applicant/Property Owner: John Collins
Project: Activities related to creating a basement level accessory dwelling unit, including the replacement
of wooden steps and installation of an egress door and associated regrading of the rear yard within the
100-ft buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands
Documentation Submitted:
WPA Form 1 Request for Determination of Applicability; Locus: 12 Cutler Farm Road,
Lexington, Mass.; Prepared by: John Collins; Date: 6/3/2024
As-Built Drawing; Locus: 12 Cutler Farm Road, Lexington, Mass.; Prepared for: R. M.
Whalen; Prepared by: Design Consultants, Inc.; Stamped by: William L. Soper PE No.
34410; Date: 10/3/2000
“Project Plans for Entire Site”; Prepared for: John Collins; Prepared by: Custom Remodel
of New England; Date: 4/17/2024
Detailed Project Description; Prepared for: John Collins; Not Dated
Mr. John Collins, owner of 12 Cutler Farm Road, stated that the proposal includes creating a
accessory dwelling in the basement of their single-family dwelling. Mr. Duke Bitsko,
Commissioner, stated that during the site visit, the Commission reviewed the existing egress on
the far side of the house and the submitted plans did not show the egress off of the rear of the
house. Mr. Collins clarified that a revised plan was submitted to the record with this egress the
week prior to the meeting.
Mr. Bitsko stated that the proposed plan has the egress within the 50-foot buffer zone. Mr.
Collins stated the proposed egress could be relocated to the side of the house to be created
outside of the 50-foot buffer zone. Mr. Beuttell stated that if the applicant proposes mitigation
for the egress to remain as proposed in the 50-foot buffer zone, the Commission would consider
allowing the proposed egress.
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mr. Bitsko, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call
vote to issue a Negative Determination with the condition that the egress, as sketched, is
relocated outside of the 50-foot buffer zone and does not break the plane of the rear of the house.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Notice of Intent: 18 Woodpark Circle
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-24-16, DEP #201-1324
Applicant/Property Owner: Jayashree Venkataraman
Project: The construction of two additions and a deck within the 100-ft buffer zone to Bordering
Vegetated Wetlands
Documentation Submitted:
WPA Form 3 Notice of Intent Application; Prepared for: Jayashree Venkataraman, 18
Woodpark Circle; Prepared by: Mitch Maslanka, Goddard Consulting, LLC; Date:
3/15/2024;
Hydrologic Analysis: Proposed Site Improvements; Prepared for Jayashree
Venkataraman; Prepared by: MetroWest Engineering, Inc.; Date: May 2024
Proposed Site Plan; Prepared by: MetroWest Engineering, Inc.; Stamped and signed by:
Robert A. Gemma, Civil PE No. 31967; Date: 5/16/2024
Wetland Border Report; Locus: 18 Woodpark Circle; Prepared for: Jayashree
Venkataraman; Prepared by: Goddard Consulting LLC; Date: 3/5/2024
Regulatory Compliance Narrative; Prepared by Mitch Maslanka, Wetland Scientist; Date:
6/11/2024
Mr. Mitch Maslanka, Goddard Consulting LLC, presented that the proposed project is two
additions on an existing single-family house with a deck in the rear. Mr. Maslanka stated that the
25 and 50-foot buffer zones have been demarcated on the property and that the existing deck on
the rear of the house is proposed to be converted into a sunroom. Mr. Maslanka also stated that
the proposal includes sub surface infiltration systems included for stormwater management.
Ms. Ladd asked for clarification on if the lawn extends into the wetland boundary and if there
were any proposals for mitigation. Mr. Maslanka stated that the proposed project does not
include lawn mitigation. Mr. Whelan stated that the lawn area abutting the wetland line was
observed to be wet during the site visit and that the Commission tested the soil and Mr. Maslanka
has adjusted the wetland boundaries accordingly.
Mr. Jayashree Venkataraman, owner of 18 Woodpark Circle, stated that there are no proposed
plans for replacing the existing stairs and Mr. Maslanka stated the plans can be changed to note
that the existing stairs will remain. The applicant will be requesting a continuance to address
engineering comments and the Commission’s request for mitigation and an updated plan with the
adjusted wetland lines.
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing to the 7/15/2024 meeting, at the applicant’s request.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Notice of Intent: 3 Fairland Street
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-24-17, DEP #201-1323
Applicant/Property Owner: Sridhar Duvvuri and Venkata Nb Mungara
Project: Construction of an addition within the 100 ft buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated
Wetlands
Documentation Submitted:
WPA Form 3 Notice of Intent Application and Appendixes; Prepared for: Sridhar
Duvvuri and Venkata Nb Mungara, 3 Fairland St.; Prepared by: Bernard Hamill, H-Star
Engineering; Date: 6/11/2024;
Delineation Report; Prepared for: 3 Fairland St, Lexington, Mass.; Prepared by: Leah D.
Basbanes, M.A., Basbanes Wetland Consulting; Date: 4/18/2024
Site Plan; Prepared for: Sridhar Duvvuri and Venkata Nb Mungara, 3 Fairland St.,
Lexington, Mass.; Prepared by: H-star Engineering; Stamped by: Bernard H. Hamill, PE
No. 32401; Date: 6/4/2024
Hydrocad Calculations, Pre-Dev. & Post Dev. Analysis; Prepared for: Sridhar Duvvuri
and Venkata Nb Mungara, 3 Fairland St.; Prepared by: H-star Engineering; Stamped by:
Bernard H. Hamill, PE No. 32401; Date: 6/3/2024
Letter Re: Submittal of Drainage Analysis and Soil Testing for 3 Fairland St., Lexington,
MA; Site Photos; Prepared and Stamped by: Bernard H. Hamill, PE No. 32401; Date:
6/3/2024
Mr. Bernard Hamill, H-Star Engineering, presented and stated that the proposal is for a small
addition to the existing dwelling outside of the 50-foot buffer zone. Ms. Ladd stated that the plan
states the approximate lines and for approval the plans need to include a definitive line. Ms. Ladd
requested that data sheets providing information on what was found at the transect points and the
distance of the transect points from the wetland line.
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mr. Bitsko, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing to the 7/15/2024 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
Amendment to Order of Conditions: 9 Cliffe Ave
OpenGov Permit# AOOC-24-2, DEP #201-1301
Applicant/Property Owner: Elizabeth Higgins
Project: Modifications resulting in an increase of impervious area within the 200-foot Riverfront Area
located at 9 Cliffe Avenue
Documentation Submitted:
Proposed Site Plan Sheets C-1, C-2 and C-3; Prepared for: Bethel Frank Erickson
Architects; Prepared by: Quetti Design Group; Stamped by: Kevin A. Quetti PE No.
55455; Date: 10/3/2023
Sheet C-4 As-Built / Amended Site Plan; Prepared for: Bethel Frank Erickson Architects;
Prepared by: Boston Civil; Stamped by: Kevin A. Quetti PE No. 55455; Date: 10/3/2023;
Last Revised: 6/11/2024
9 Cliffe Avenue, Lexington, MA – Civil Engineer As-built / Amendment Letter; Prepared
and Stamped by: Kevin Quetti, Quetti Design LLC (DBA Boston Civil); Date: 6/11/2024
Stormwater Mitigation Report – Updated; Prepared and Stamped by: Kevin Quetti, Quetti
Design LLC (DBA Boston Civil); Date: 10/3/2023
WPA Form 5 Order of Conditions; Locus: 9 Cliffe Avenue, Lexington, Mass.; Prepared
for Elizabeth Higgins; Date: 11/6/2023
Mr. Kevin Quetti, Civil Engineer, presented and stated that the project site is within the 200-foot
riverfront area and originally filed a Notice of Intent in 2023. Mr. Quetti stated that while
creating the as-built plan it was noted that there was an additional ±161 square feet of impervious
area from what was originally approved.
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, 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
Continued Public Meetings/Hearings
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. Ladd stated that the applicant is requesting a continuance to 7/15/2024.
On a motion by Mr. Whelan and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing to the 7/15/2024 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
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
Respectfully Submitted via Video Recording,
Megan Downer
LUHD Department Assistant
Approved: 8/5/2024
Archived: 8/8/2024