HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-18-CONCOM-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Monday September 18, 2017
6:30 P.M.
Parker Room, Town Office Building
1625 Massachusetts Ave
Chair Phil Hamilton opened the meeting at 6:36pm in the Hudson Room.
Commissioners Present: Duke Bitsko, David Langseth, Phil Hamilton, Dick Wolk, Kevin
Beuttell
Others present: Casey Hagerty, Conservation Department Assistant
6:36pm
Eagle Scout project presentation by Martin Kane
Martin Kane, Eagle Scout Candidate
Mr. Kane explained that his Eagle Scout project proposal includes building a bench to place at the
small pond in Willard's Woods. He is proposing to build a 14 ft. section of split rail fence to
prevent people from walking down into the pond. The bench will be built off site and be transported
to the site. The bench will be buried 6 inches into the ground and any excess soil will be transported
off site.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission suggested that he look into using a plastic material so that the bench has a longer
life. Mr. Kane stated that he would look into that.
Motion to approve the project made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr. Beuttell. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
6:46pm
44 Adams Street
Mr. Hamilton explained that there is an interest in acquiring the land where the Chiesa House once
stood. The selectmen are interested in knowing whether the commission has interest in acquiring
this land. Mr. Hamilton stated that they do not need to discuss this in executive session because
the town's interest in the land is public knowledge. There is an interest in raising private money to
help with the cost.
Motion to support this effort made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
6:50pm
Request for Informal Meeting: Lex Children's Place, Pelham Rd, DiNisco/Facilities
Donna DiNisco, DiNisco Design
Ms. DiNisco explained that the town has purchased a property on Pelham Road with the intention
of building a new preschool for the town. There is an existing school building on the site which
the town has decided to tear down rather than renovate. They were limited as to where they could
place the new school on the site because of the future plans to develop the site further.
Ms. DiNisco presented the commission with two options for the school. Each option has an area
for future expansion. She stated that there is a vernal pool on the site and they are proposing to
keep the work 100 ft. from that, but work is proposed in the 100 ft. wetland buffer.
Questions and comments from the commission:
The commission suggested that the applicant explore some architectural changes which would
keep the work outside of the 100 ft. buffer. The commission stated that they are very wary of
approving work within the 100 ft. buffer.
The commission asked if the school could have two stories. Ms. DiNisco explained that the age of
the students makes this difficult.
The commission asked that the project team explore making the areas more pedestrian friendly.
The commission asked that the project team explore the possibility of combining the parking area
with the Community Center.
7:19pm
Continued Meetings/Hearings
DEP 201-1063, BL 1020
NOI, 10-12 Rangeway Road
Owner: Fisher Nominee Trust
Project: New Single Family Home
Dennis Greichi, Andover Consultants
Mr. Greichi explained that they have submitted new plans to address the comments from the
Engineering department. They have also submitted an updated O and M plan. He stated they do
have to go before the Planning Board for a Street Determination, but do not expect that to affect
the Conservation portion of the project. Mr. Greichi stated that he understands he will have to
come back to the commission if the street determination will require any change to the plan
accompanying the Order of Conditions.
Mr. Hamilton entered the Engineering report into the record.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission asked for clarification about what will be at the end of the pipe. The applicant
stated that it will be a flared end section and there will be some rip rap.
The commission suggested the applicant explore a stronger form of PVC for the pipe so that is
more protected from being crushed. The applicant agreed to this.
Motion to close the hearing made by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Mr. Beuttell. Vote: 5-0 in
favor.
7:31pm
DEP 201-1070, BL 1027
NOI, 167, 173, 177 Cedar Street Lot 10
Owner: Peter Staecker
Applicant: 167, 173, 177 Cedar Street LLC
Project: New single family home and associated site work
Mike Novak- Meridian Associates, Ben Finnegan- Finnegan Development, John Farrington and
Fred Gilligan- attorneys
Mr. Novak explained that they have made some major revisions to the plan. They have adjusted
some bump outs and the house is now 11 ft. further from the wetlands putting it at 63 ft. at its
closest point. Additionally, they have removed the third bay from the garage and replaced it with
a porous paver parking area. They have removed 600 ft. of impervious surface.
Mr. Wolk and Mr. Langseth both stated that they have watched the LexMedia video and have
signed the affidavits.
Motion to close the hearing made by Mr. Wolk and seconded Mr. Langseth. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
7:41pm
Pendine Continued
Request for Insignificant plan change: 18 Constitution Road, DEP 201-884, BL 843
This will be discussed at the next meeting.
Request for Insignificant plan change: 3 Mulberry Lane, DET 16-44
Mike Novak- Meridian Associates, Stephen DeSousa- homeowner
Mr. Novak explained that when they were doing the final survey, they realized that the work had
extended beyond the limit of work line in some areas. Because of the retaining wall construction,
there is now 300 ft. of disturbance within the 100 ft. buffer.
Questions and comments from the commission:
The commission asked if the site was surveyed before the wall was put in. Mr. Novak stated that
it was not.
The commission asked if the area beyond the wall had be restored. Mr. Novak explained that there
was no disturbance in that area and it is stable.
The commission discussed this violation and decided to issue a $100 fine.
Motion to approve the plan change and issue a $100 fine made by Mr. Langseth and seconded by
Mr. Beuttell. Vote: 4-1 in favor with Mr. Wolk voting against.
7:54pm
Request for Insignificant plan change: 98 East Street, DEP 201-1043, BL 1000
Mr. Hamilton entered the engineering report into the record.
Mr. Novak explained that they are proposing to add a second floor to a portion of the house within
the existing footprint. They are also proposing to direct the drainage from the shed to the porous
pavement court rather than the originally proposed infiltration area. Mr. Novak addressed the town
engineer's comments regarding the ground water.
Motion to approve the plan change made by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Mr. Beuttell. Vote: 5-
0 in favor.
8:03pm
Issue Order of Conditions: 5 Fairfield Drive, DEP 201-1068, BL 1025
Motion to issue the Order of Conditions made by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Mr. Beuttell.
Vote: 5-0 in favor.
8:04pm
Issue Order of Conditions: 960-1010 Waltham Street, DEP 201-1066, BL 1023
Mr. Wolk recused himself.
Mr. Beuttel and Mr. Bitsko each stated that they have watched the LexMedia video and have signed
the affidavits.
Motion to issue the Order of Conditions made by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mr. Langseth.
Vote: 4-0 in favor.
8:06pm
Issue Order of Conditions: 167, 173, 177 Cedar Street Lot 6, DEP 201-1069, BL 1026
Mr. Beuttel and Mr. Bitsko each stated that they have watched the LexMedia video and have signed
the affidavits.
Motion to issue the Order of Conditions made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote:
5-0 in favor.
Issue Order of Conditions: 167, 173, 177 Cedar Street Lot 10, DEP 201-1070, BL 1027
Mr. Beuttel and Mr. Bitsko each stated that they have watched the LexMedia video and have signed
the affidavits.
Motion to issue the Order of Conditions made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr. Langeseth. Vote:
5-0 in favor.
8:07pm
Issue Order of Conditions: 167-177 Cedar Street, Lot 10, DEP 201-1064, BL 1021
Issue Order of Conditions: 167-177 Cedar Street, Lot 6, DEP 201-1065, BL 1022
The applicant has withdrawn these applications.
8:08pm
Approve minutes: 8/7/2017
Motion to approve the minutes made by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Mr. Beuttell. Vote: 5-0 in
favor.
Approve minutes: 8/21/2017
Motion to approve the minutes made by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Mr. Beuttell. Vote: 5-0 in
favor.
Schedule Site Visits for the 10/2/17 meeting
Site visits were scheduled for 10/1/2017 at 12pm.
8:13pm
Steep Slope Regulation Discussion
The draft of this regulation has been sent to Town Counsel for approval.
8:13pm
100 foot buffer zone regulation discussion
Mr. Hamilton and Ms. Ladd are working on a draft of this regulation and will circulate it for the
next meeting.
8:17pm
Reports
Mr. Langseth has stated that he has been working on his regulation regarding surveying and it will
be on the next agenda.
8:18pm
Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr. Beuttell. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Casey Hagerty
Conservation Department Assistant
Approved 10/2/2017