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PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
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Conservation Commission Meeting broadcasted byLexMedia
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Monday, November 2, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
Pursuant to Governor Baker's March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of
the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor's March 15, 2020 and
subsequent Orders imposing strict limitations on the number of people that may gather
in one place, this meeting of the Lexington Conservation Commission will be conducted
via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. Specific information and the
general guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with
a right and/or requirement to attend this meeting can be found below. No in-person
attendance of members of the public will be permitted, but every effort will be made to
ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings in real time, via
technological means. In the event that we are unable to do so, despite best efforts, we
will post on the Town of Lexington website or through LexMedia an audio or video
recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible
after the meeting.
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: Philip Hamilton, David Langseth, Kevin Beuttell, Alex Dohan, Ruth
Ladd, Holly Samuels, Duke Bitsko
Staff Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Director and Meghan McNamara, Department
Assistant
6:30 PM New Business/Pendine Matters
Issue Order of Conditions: 8 Winding Road, ViewPoint Cloud Permit 4CNOI-20-26, DEP#201-
1194
On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Samuels, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to issue the Order of Conditions.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
Issue Certificate of Compliance: 11 Vine Brook Road, ViewPoint Cloud Permit 4COC-20-22
(DEP4201-1113, BL41071)
The Commission requests a site visit to gather additional information before issuing the
Certificate of Compliance.
Issue Certificate of Compliance: 98 East Street. ViewPoint Cloud Permit 4COC-20-21
(DEP4201-1043, BL41000)
Ms. Mullins stated that she needs additional time to review the planting area and documentation.
Property owners, Jen and Sean Kennedy were present and stated they provided information and
photographs to the Commission in December 2018. Ms. Mullins said that if there is any
documentation from LEC Environmental that would be sufficient, however a site visit will be
needed before issuing the Certificate of Compliance.
Insignificant Plan Change: 140 Marrett Road, ViewPoint Cloud Permit 4CPM-20-11, DEP4201-
1161, BL41117
On a motion by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Ms. Ladd, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to approve the Insignificant Plan Change.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
Emergency Certification Form: 0 Hartwell Avenue, ViewPoint Cloud Permit 4EC-20-3
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Ms. Samuels, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to approve the Emergency Certificate Form.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
Emergency Certification Form: 255 Cedar Street, ViewPoint Cloud Permit# EC-20-4
Ms. Mullins is working with John Benedetto to apply for a beaver trapping permit for the Pine
Meadows Golf Course. The beaver dam is located on the west side of the I-95 south ramp and is
blocking Kiln Brook. There are sewer lines so this could be a health threat, and is causing
backing up on the highway infrastructure. Standard conditions are to breach in the middle of the
Brook and not on the sides to avoid erosion. Ms. Mullins confirmed that the beavers will be
euthanized as they cannot be relocated.
On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
to approve the Emergency Certification Form.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
7:03 PM
7:00 PM New Public Meetings/Hearings
ViewPoint Cloud Permit 4CDOA-20-29
Request for Determination of Applicability, 52 Grove Street
Applicant: Ashok Nayak
Project: Proposing the addition of a driveway, garage and deck with a limit of work boundary
within the 100 foot buffer zone.
Documentation Submitted:
-Conservation Plan, prepared by Clifford E. Rober, PE No. 33189, Rober Survey,
dated 10/5/2020. Wetland boundary delineated by LEC Environmental, 10/5/2018
-Proposed Plan, drawing set. Prepared by VU Alexander, PE No. 10210, VU
Architecture, dated 9/l/2020
-MA DEP WPA Form 1 Request for Determination of Applicability, prepared by
Ashok Nayak, dated 9/29/2020
Mr. Ashok Nayak, property owner of 52 Grove Street presented to the Commission. Mr. Nayak
was unclear as to why the limit of work line is so far, as shown on the plan, and that it would be
a question for his contractor.
Concerns of the Commission:
-The tree line is not correct. Mr. Bitsko stated that most times surveyors will use the
aerial photo in the summer to show the edge of the canopy, but it does not seem to
match based what was seen during the Commission's site visit.
-Mr. Beuttell raised concerns about the wetland line, as it's critical due to the
location.
-The rear of the property is a very steep slope. Could be a vegetation issue rather than
soil due to the steepness.
Ms. Mullins added that the plan is from 2018, along with its wetland boundary. She also
suggested that the Commission revisit the site to look at the limit of work. A second site visit
will be scheduled when there is no longer snow coverage on site.
On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call to
issue a continuance to the next meeting on November 16, 2020 at the applicant's request.
7:21 PM
ViewPoint Cloud Permit 4CNOI-20-27, DEP File 4201-1197
Notice of Intent, 0 Off Valleyfield ST (Hayden Woods Conservation Area)
Applicant: Town of Lexington Conservation Stewards
Project: Repair damage to existing boardwalk and extend boardwalk on both ends to remedy
seasonal flooding.
Documentation Submitted.-
-Hayden
ubmitted:-Hayden Woods Bridge Repair and Extension, Site Description and Conditions,
prepared by the Town of Lexington Conservation Stewards, Sept 2020
-MassDEP WPA Form 3-Notice of Intent Application, dated 9/26/20
Michael Tabaczynski, representing the Town of Lexington Conservation Stewards, presented to
the Commission.
Ms. Ladd asked why, on the west end of the site, is the boardwalk only 24 feet? Mr. Tabaczynski
responded saying that he thinks the Stewards measured based on historical information. The
water never gets higher than a certain amount so the Stewards felt confident that 24 is the right
number.
Mr. Bitsko asked if the location of the boardwalk is a certified vernal pool. Mr. Tabaczynski
responded, yes. Mr. Bitsko also asked if the plastic lumber is pre-drilled before it comes to the
site. Mr. Tabaczynski said that it does not come pre-drilled, however they will drill it in a secure
staging area such as the barn, parking lot, or general uphill area. The Stewards will use a tarp to
secure the area from any plastic pieces, and if a gasoline powered chainsaw is used, they will
refuel in a secure location. Any remaining pieces of wood or stump will be left on site.
The Commission raised interest in the possibility of putting up interpretive signage because of
the vernal pool. It is a unique situation that will allow walking through the vernal pool and they
would like to see educational materials perhaps in the future.
On a motion by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Ms. Samuels, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll
call vote to close the hearing.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
On a motion by Ms. Samuels and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to issue the Order of Conditions.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
7:40 PM
ViewPoint Cloud Permit 4CORD-20-1 (DEP4201-1196)
Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation, 0 Earl Street
Applicant: Peter Bradley, B Squared Corp
Project: ANRAD for the parcel totaling 0.24+/- acres located at 0 Earl Street. This site is located
southwest of the corner of Centre and Ward Streets and east of route 95 and the Meagherville
Conservation Area.
Documentation Submitted.-
-Existing
ubmitted:-Existing Conditions: Centre & Earl Street,prepared by Goldsmith, Prest&
Ringwall, Inc., dated 9/17/2020
-ANRAD Narrative, site description and photographs, prepared by Oxbow
Associates, Inc., dated 10/13/2020
-Mass DEP WPA Form 4A-Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation,
prepared by Peter Bradley, B Squared Corp, dated 10/16/2020
-DEP Bordering Vegetated Wetland (3 10 CMR 10.55) Delineation Data Form,
prepared by J. Shuster & M. Charpentier, Date of Delineation: 12/5/2019 and
1/3/2020, Datasheet dated 9/4/2020
On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to continue this to the next meeting on November 16, 2020 at the Applicants request.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
7:47 PM
ViewPoint Cloud Permit 4CNOI-20-28, DEP File 4201-XXXX
Notice of Intent, 4 Maguire Road
Applicant: David Webb, The RMR Group, Represented by: Douglas Hartnett, Highpoint
Engineering, Inc.
Project: building and site improvements within the 100 foot buffer zone, 200 foot Riverfront
area, and bordering land subject to flooding
Documentation Submitted.-
-Mass
ubmitted:-Mass DEP WPA Form 3 Notice of Intent, prepared by David Webb, The RMR
Group, dated 10/13/2020
-Notice of Intent Submission (Executive Summary, USGS Map, FEMA Map,
NHESP Habitat Map, Town USGS Map, Town FEMA Map, and Town Topographic
Map), prepared by Highpoint Engineering, Inc., dated 9/29/2020
-Stormwater Management Report: Building and Site Improvements, prepared by
Highpoint Engineering, Inc., dated 9/29/2020
-4 Maguire Road NOI Comments, Memo from Michael Sprague, Town of Lexington
Engineering. Dated 10/30/2020
Douglas Hartnett, PE, representative from Highpoint Engineering, Inc., presented to the
Commission. Also present from Highpoint Engineering were John Rockwood and Joe Picirrili,
and Michael O'Shaughnessy from the RMR Group. The RMR Group is re-tenanting the building
to become a life-science building. In addition to demoing the interior to make it more marketable
for new tenants, they are also proposing to eliminate asphalt sidewalk in and out of the riparian
zone, and reduce the degraded area within the riverfront area, 650 square feet around.
Ms. Ladd raised concern that the plan calls for over 30 trees to be removed and that they are
being replaced by small trees and shrubs. It is a lot of mature trees to lose. Mr. Michael Radner
with Radner Design Associates responded, saying that the proposed revegetation is in the area of
the old concrete walkway where there was very little undergrowth. Mr. Radner wanted to
establish more groundcover.
Ms. Ladd asked how much parking was required and how much there was being proposed. She
added that it seems to be more than required and was wondering if some of the pavement could
be removed, or replaced with a rain garden or more trees. Mr. Radner followed up saying that the
pavement goes almost all the way up to the wetland and believes it to be about 185 spaces. The
building owners are reluctant to give back parking, as they are unsure of individual tenant
requirements. Mr. Radner continued to say that they could look into introducing compact parking
as a measure to reduce pavement, and that Lexington allows 30 percent compact parking
adjacent to the wetland edge to pull the pavement back a bit.
When asked about the implications of infiltration being within the 100 year flood plain, Mr.
Radner stated that they don't typically design to be overly concerned with that flood plain, and
that they want to accommodate more frequent storms.
When asked if the catch basins will have grease trap type hoods, Mr. Hartnett said yes, they have
standard detailing but he will verify.
Members of the Commission added that the number of mature trees being removed is
disappointing and would like the landscape architect to verify the list of approved plantings.
They would like to see islands with trees if it is not completely feasible to remove parking spots,
and would like a higher percentage (70%) of native plantings in general areas.
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mr. Langseth, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll
call vote to continue the hearing to the next meeting on November 16, 2020 at the Applicants
request.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
8:22 PM
ViewPoint Cloud Permit 4AOOC-20-10 (DEP4201-1123, BL# 1080)
Amendment to Order of Conditions, 10 Springdale Road
Applicant: Scott P. Henderson, PE No. 51845, Henderson Consulting Services, LLC
Project: Increase in as-built impervious surface area outside of the BVW buffer zone but within
stormwater management watershed.
Documentation Submitted.-
-Letter
ubmitted:-Letter Describing Requested Amendments, prepared by Scott P. Henderson, PE.,
dated 10/13/2020
-10 Springdale As-Built HydroCAD Report, prepared by Scott P. Henderson, PE,
dated 9/28/2020
-Site As-Built Plan, prepared by Scott P. Henderson, PE,dated 9/24/2020
-10 Springdale Road AOOC Comments, Memo by Michael Sprague, Town of
Lexington Engineering, dated 10/30/2020
Scott Henderson, PE,presented to the Commission. Ms. Mullins asked if feno-markers were put
in and Mr. Henderson replied saying that he forgot to look during the site visit but that there was
also snow on the ground.
On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call to
close the hearing.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
8:30 PM
ViewPoint Cloud Permit 4AOOC-20-9 (DEP4201-1118, BL# 1074)
Amendment to Order of Conditions, 26 Dane Road
Applicant: Von Salmi, Thought Form Corporation
Project: Seeking a revision to the permitted driveway to accommodate requirement to have an
asphalt driveway apron between the proposed paver drive and Dane Rd on the town right of way.
Overall reduction in square foot of pavers.
Documentation Submitted.-
-Letter
ubmitted:-Letter Describing Requested Amendments, email correspondence, dated 9/16/2020
-Driveway Calculation Sheet, prepared by Meridian Associates, not dated
-26 Dane Road AOOC Comments, By Michael Sprague, Town of Lexington
Engineering, dated 10/30/2020
There was no representative in attendance for 26 Dane Road. Ms. Mullins stated that the DPW
and Engineering Department don't want to maintain private driveway pavers in the right of way.
The entire driveway was going to be pervious.
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Ms. Ladd, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to close the hearing.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
8:42 PM
Continued Public Meetings/Hearings
ViewPoint Cloud Permit 4CDOA-20-28
Request for Determination of Applicability, 209 Waltham Street
Applicant: William Erickson, Bechtel Frank Erickson Architects Inc.
Project: Construct a covered, open porch(318 SF)with a 180 SF Patio. Work to be performed
outside of the 100 foot Wetland Buffer with an increase in impervious surface.
Previous Meeting Dates: 10/19/2020
Supplemental Documentation:
-Engineering Comments, Memo from Michael Sprague, Engineering, dated
10/26/2020
On a motion by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Ms. Ladd, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
to issue a Negative Determination with conditions.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
8:45 PM
ViewPoint Cloud Permit 4CDOA-20-22
Request for Determination of Applicability, 1060 Waltham Street
Applicant: Grossman Companies
Project: Re-Use an existing Drainage connection to a municipal storm drain
Previous Meeting Dates: 8/10/2020, 8/24/2020, 9/8/2020, 10/5/2020, 10/19/2020
Supplemental Documentation: None
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing until November 30, 2020 at the Applicant's request.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
8:46 PM
ViewPoint Cloud 4CNOI-20-25, DEP 201-1195
Notice of Intent, 22 Village Circle
Applicant:Dinesh Shanthappa and Savitha Shvaiah
Project: Construct a two-story garage addition and a front entry porch within the 100-foot buffer
zone from a Bordering Vegetated Wetlands
Previous Meeting Dates: 10/5/2020, 10/19/2020
Supplemental Documentation:
-Engineering Drainage Calculations, prepared by Gala Simon Associates, Inc.,
revised 10/6/2020
-Drainage/Grading Plan, prepared by Alberto M. Gala, PE No 36464, Gala Simon
Associates Inc., dated 10/6/2020
-22 Village Circle NOI Comments, Memo from Michael Sprague, Town of
Lexington Engineering, dated 10/30/2020
Ms. Mary Trudeau presented to the Commission on behalf of the Applicants. Al Gala, with Gala
Simon Associates Inc., spoke with Michael Sprague, Town of Lexington Engineering, earlier in
the day. The Applicant is awaiting a favorable engineering report before the order can be issued
by the Commission.
On a motion by Ms. Samuels and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing until November 16, 2020 at the Applicant's request.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
ViewPoint Cloud 4CNOI-20-24, DEP 201-1198 (close of hearing pending DEP File 4)
Notice of Intent, 43 Sanderson Road
Applicant: Evan Freeman
Project: Construction of an expanded deck within the 100 foot Buffer Zone from a Bordering
Vegetated Wetlands
Previous Meeting Date: 9/8/2020, 9/21/2020, 10/5/2020, 10/19/2020
Supplemental Documentation: None
On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Samuels, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to close the hearing.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
8:49 PM
Continued: New Business/Pending Matters
Approve Minutes: 6-29-2020, 7-13-2020, 8-24-2020, 9-8-2020, and 10-19-2020
On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to approve the June 29, 2020 meeting minutes.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Samuels, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to approve the July 13, 2020 meeting minutes.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Ms. Samuels, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to approve the August 24, 2020 meeting minutes.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to approve the September 8, 2020 meeting minutes.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
On a motion by Ms. Samuels and seconded by Ms. Ladd, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to approve the October 19, 2020 meeting minutes.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
8:53 PM
Schedule site visits for 11/16/2020 meeting
The site visits will be scheduled on the next two Saturdays, November 7, 2020 and November
14, 2020.
8:57 PM
Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Gardens, Community Preservation Committee, Greenway
Corridor Committee, Land Acquisition, Land Management, Land Steward Directors, and Tree
Committee
Mr. Hamilton mentioned to the Commission that the Zoning bylaw discussed during previous
meetings was passed.
Ms. Dohan asked for an update on Hobs Brook and Ms. Mullins said an enforcement order will
need to be sent.
Ms. Dohan mentioned that she saw plastic erosion control along the pathway at Brookhaven.
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Langseth, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll
call vote to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 PM.
Record of vote as follows:
Duke Bitsko —Aye
Kevin Beuttell—Aye
Alex Dohan—Aye
Ruth Ladd—Aye
David Langseth—Aye
Holly Samuels —Aye
Phil Hamilton—Aye
Respectfully Submitted,
Meghan McNamara
Conservation Department Assistant
Approved: 11/16/2020
Submitted: 11/17/2020