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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-01-ConCom-min-copy 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