HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-12-CONCOM-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Monday June 12, 2017
6:30 P.M.
Parker Room, Town Office Building
1625 Massachusetts Ave
Chair Philip Hamilton opened the meeting at 6:30pm in the Parker Room
Commissioners Present: Phil Hamilton, Alex Dohan, Kevin Beuttell, Duke Bitsko, Dick Wolk,
David Langseth
Others present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Casey Hagerty, Conservation
Department Assistant
6:30pm
Request for Insignificant Plan Change at 60 Hartwell Ave, DEP 201-1005, BL 962
Steve Wiehe, Weston and Sampson
Mr. Wiehe explained to the Commission that he has submitted the hydrologic information
regarding the gutter system. He stated that the gutters were able to carry about the 25 year storm
down to the level spreader.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission asked whether enlarging the pipes would be able to increase the size of the
storm the gutters would be able to handle. Mt. Wiehe explained that you would have to
significantly increase the size of the gutters, by up to five feet, to accommodate larger storms.
The commission asked for clarification regarding the size of the storm that they level spreader
could handle. Mr. Wiehe explained that the level spreader can accommodate up to the 25 year
storm, but the gutters cannot carry the 25 year storm to the level spreader. The commission
discussed whether they initially approved this gutter design if it could not accommodate even the
25 year storm. Mr. Wiehe stated that the solar panel designer was responsible for adding in these
features.
The commission stated that their biggest concern is erosion on the site. They have requested that
the applicant do a thorough study into what areas of the site will be susceptible to erosion and
evaluate what can be done on the site to prevent it. The applicant agreed to this.
Motion to approve the insignificant plan change on the conditions that the applicant provide an
analysis of the water flow made by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Mr. Beuttell. Vote: 6-0 in
favor.
Request for Insignificant Plan Change at Concord Ave Sidewalk, DEP 201-930, BL 890
This will be discussed at the next meeting.
6:55pm
Request for Insignificant Plan Change at 24 Constitution Road, DEP 201-1052, BL 1009
Peter Gammie, Project Engineer
Mr. Gammie explained that the applicant has decided that they would like to add about 46 sq. ft.
of additional impervious surface to the project. This is increase will be collected by the
downspouts and brought to the rain garden. There will be a small increase in runoff, but peak
flow went down overall.
Motion to approve the insignificant plan change made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr.
Beuttell. Vote: 6-0 in favor.
Request for Insignificant Plan Change at 45-65 Hayden Ave, DEP 201-1044, BL 1001
Doug Hartnett, High Point Engineering
Mr. Hartnett explained that after doing some site work, they discovered that the area in which
four pervious pavement parking spaces were proposed there was significant ledge. They are
proposing to relocate the pervious pavement parking spaces to an area on site in which the
conditions are better for infiltration.
Motion to approve the insignificant plan change made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr.
Langseth. Vote: 6-0 in favor.
7:00pm
NEW MEETINGS/HEARINGS
DET 17-14
RDA, 78 North Street
Applicant/owner: Bernie and Jenny Wong
Project: Geothermal Installation
Jenny Wong, homeowner and representative from Skilling and Sons Drilling Company
Ms. Dohan recused herself from this hearing.
Ms. Wong explained that she and her husband are proposing to add geothermal wells in the front
of their yard. They had the wetland delineated by LEC and the work is approximately 100 ft.
away from the wetlands. She stated that the only work within the 100 ft. buffer will be the
connections from the well to the house. They are proposing erosion controls as well as a water
tight dumpster on site.
The drill company representative stated they will have a water tight dumpster on site as well as
water truck just in case they hit a water vein.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission asked what type of drilling technique will be used. The applicant explained that
it is the same technique as digging a traditional well.
The commission asked if the system will be closed loop. Ms. Wong explained that it will be.
The commission asked if there are plans to replant the trees that will be removed in the future.
Ms. Wong explained that they will replant trees.
Motion to issue a Negative Determination with conditions made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by
Mr. Langseth. Vote: 5-0 in favor. Ms. Dohan did not vote.
7:12pm
DET 17-15
RDA, 27-29 Hartwell Ave
Applicant/Owner: Timothy White, Alexandria Real Estate Equities
Project: Two small additions and site work
David Mackwell, Kelly Engineering Group
Mr. Mackwell explained that his project is for a future drain connection as part of a larger site
redevelopment project. There are no wetlands on site for this project. They are proposing a few
small additions and need a drain connection permit because the rest of the building is already
connected. Mr. Mackwell explained that they are attempting to improve the drainage in the back
parking lot as well.
Mr. Hamilton entered the engineering report into the record.
Questions and comments from the commission:
The commission stated that they did not agree with the applicant's interpretation regarding the
preexisting conditions. They asked that the applicant explore that section of the application and
return with the additional information. The applicant agreed.
Motion to continue the meeting to 6/26/17 at the applicant's request made by Mrs. Dohan and
seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 6-0 in favor.
7:33pm
Informal Hearing: Hastings School, 7 Crosby Drive
Vivian Lowe- DiNisco Design, Fred King- Schofield Brothers, Bill Brown- Landscape architect
Ms. Lowe explained that the wetlands have been approved through an ORAD earlier this year.
They are in the beginning stages of planning and designing the new school on the site. They are
planning to file a NOI in October of this year.
Mr. Brown explained that they are facing some constraints on the site because they have to keep
the remaining school in place while the new school is being built. He stated that the elevations on
this site also create some problems. They are also looking at the option of building a temporary
access road to reduce construction traffic in the neighborhood.
Mr. King stated the soils in this area are not good for infiltration because of high ground water.
They are proposing to use permeable pavement on the parking lot. Rain gardens, several large
infiltration chambers, and a level spreader are proposed.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commissions stated that they were concerned about the pervious pavement parking lot
because it will be in a heavy use area. The commission wants to know more details about
maintenance and responsibility for the parking lot.
The commission requested to see the traffic study. They expressed concern about the amount of
roadway that is proposed.
The commission asked that they provide information regarding the maximum slope into the
wetlands.
The commission expressed concern about the amount of impervious surface on site. They asked
that they look at reducing some impervious surface and explore more green infrastructure.
8:06pm
DEP 201-1059, BL 1016
ANRAD, 453 and 489 Concord Ave
Applicant/Owner: The Cotting School
Project: Resource Area Delineation
Ms. Mullins explained that the applicant has provided the updated plan to the Commission as
requested.
Motion to close the hearing made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 6-0 in
favor.
Motion to issue the Order of Resource Area Delineation made by Mrs. Dohan and seconded by
Mr. Wolk Vote: 6-0 in favor.
8:08pm
DEP 201-1047, BL 1004
AOOC, 180 East Emerson
Applicant/owner: Jan Bultman
Project: Modification to approved plan
Al Gala-project engineer
Mr. Gala explained that at the last meeting, there was concern from some of the commissioners
about the location of the infiltration system because of potential basement flooding. To avoid this
potential problem, Mr. Gala explained, that they have relocated the infiltration system to be ten
feet further away from the house and have also installed a poly liner on the plan.
Motion to close the hearing made by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Mrs. Dohan. Vote: 6-0 in
favor.
Motion to issue the Amended Order of Conditions made by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mr.
Langseth. Vote: 6-0 in favor.
8:14pm
DET 17-9
RDA, 19 Baskin Road
Owner/applicant: Nick Yang
Project: Home addition
Motion to continue the hearing to 6/26/2017 at the applicant's request made by Mr. Wolk and
seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 6-0 in favor.
8:14pm
DET 17-11
RDA, 191 Spring Street
Owner/applicant: 191 Spring Street Trust
Project: Site improvements including loading dock relocation and patio addition
Chris Lovett-VHB, Erik Mo- Boston Properties
Mr. Lovett explained that he has met with the Engineering Department to review the proposal
and has submitted additional information. They have done additional test pits on site and have
relocated the infiltration system as a result.
Mr. Hamilton entered the engineering report into the record.
Motion to issue a Negative Determination with conditions made by Mrs. Dohan and seconded by
Mr. Wolk Vote: 5-0 in favor. Mr. Langseth did not vote.
8:19pm
DEP 201-1057, BL 1014
NOI, Old Mill Road
Owner: North Shore Residential Development and City of Cambridge
Applicant: North Shore Residential Development
Project: Improve an existing trail
Motion to continue the hearing to 6/26/2017 at the applicant's request made by Mr. Wolk and
seconded by Mr. Beuttell. Vote: 6-0 in favor.
8:21pm
DEP 201-XXXX, BL XXXX
NOI, 758 Marrett Road
Owner/Applicant: Minuteman Vocational Regional and Technical High School
Project: Raze and rebuild of existing school building and associated site work
Motion to continue the hearing to 6/26/2017 at the applicant's request made by Mr. Wolk and
seconded by Mr. Beuttell. Vote: 6-0 in favor.
8:22pm
DET 17-13
RDA, 40 North Street
Applicant/Owner: Daniela Rohne-Garlapati
Project: Utility work and additional pavement
Motion to continue the hearing to 6/26/2017 at the applicant's request made by Mr. Langseth and
seconded by Mr. Wolk Vote: 6-0 in favor
8:23pm
DET 16-8
RDA, 90 Grant Street
Owner/applicant: J and N Design and Build
Project: Request to amend approve drainage plan
Motion to continue the hearing to 6/26/2017 at the applicant's request made by Mr. Langseth and
seconded by Mr. Wolk Vote: 6-0 in favor
Pendine Continued
8:23pm
Issue Certificates of Compliance at 12 Brookside, DEP 201-1000, BL 957
Ms. Mullins explained that this that paper work looks okay, she just has not has a chance to do a
site visit yet. The commission stated that they could issue the certificate, but hold it until the site
visit occurs.
Motion to issue a Certificate of Compliance made by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mrs. Doha.
Vote: 6-0 in favor.
8:24pm
Enforcement: 5 Hadley Road, Removal of trees and porch renovations without required permits
Ms. Mullins stated that there was activity taking place on 5 Hadley Road involving excavation
and piles of fill. The owner was attempting to replace a deck without any permits. She met on
site with the Building inspector and contractor. Temporary supports have been put in place and
the owner is cooperating.
The commission requested that owner come to the next meeting to propose a restoration plan.
8:26pm
Wright Farm Endangered Species Study Request
Mrs. Dohan explained that she received a request from a resident to ask the commission to
explore the possibility of doing an Endangered Species study at Wright Farm. The commission
discussed whether this resident had reason to believe that there are endangered species on that
site. The commission stated that there would need to be more of a demand from many residents
in order to do a study. They added that they should explore all Conservation areas not just
Wright Farm.
8:30pm
Approve minutes: 5/30/2017
This will be discussed at the next meeting.
8:34pm
Schedule Site Visits for the 6/26/17 meeting
Site visits were scheduled for 6/24/17 at 9am.
8:34pm
Reminder: Stewards joint meeting 6/19/17
8:35pm
FY 19 Selectmen Goal Setting: Request for Conservation Commission Comments
This will be discussed at the Joint meeting.
8:37pm
Steep Slope Performance Standards Regulation Discussion
The commission stated that they will continue to work on the draft regulation language.
Mr. Bitsko stated that he will summarize some interesting articles he read about steep slope
regulations in Cincinnati and will forward that information.
8:40pm
The commission stated that the issues with Solar Project on Hartwell Ave have made they
concerned about infiltration systems all over town and whether they are working properly.
8:47pm
Motion to adjourn made by Mrs. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Wolk Vote: 6-0 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Casey Hagerty
Conservation Department Assistant
Approved 7/10/2017