Below is a summarized version of the Conservation Commission meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
Contents
Initial Setup and Introductions
0:54 – 6:39:
- Speakers: Brian Bowe, Tim Michelle, Ryan Percival
- Summary: The meeting begins with technical setup (recording in progress). Tim Michelle confirms his presence after a brief absence. Ryan is asked to unmute and present, indicating the start of formal proceedings.
- Key Outcome: Meeting logistics are established, and participants confirm their presence.
Annual Road Paving
6:51 – 14:27: Program RDA (Ryan)
- Speakers: Ryan, Chuck, Martha, Unidentified Commissioner
- Summary:
- Ryan presents the 2025 Road Paving Program RDA, covering 11 roads, with 4 near wetlands (e.g., Avalon, Oakridge, Grove Street). The process involves pulverizing, regrading, and paving with erosion controls (silt sacks) on all roads.
- Martha notes unfinished erosion control from last year on Dana. Ryan confirms it will be addressed this spring.
- An unidentified commissioner raises concerns about curbs for safety and stormwater management. Ryan explains curbing is not typically part of the paving program due to cost but could be added for severe erosion cases.
- Another question clarifies that a utility-paved road (Prescott Street) is separate from this RDA.
- Key Outcome: Motion for a negative determination is approved unanimously (Tim Michelle, Tony Rodolakis, Martha Moore, Brian Bowe, Walter Talbot in favor) with no additional conditions beyond standard practices.
153 Belmont Street Deck
14:34 – 23:10: Construction RDA (Sean Seyffert)
- Speakers: Moderator, Sean Seyffert, Martha, Brian, Chuck, Jeff Mullen
- Summary:
- Sean Seyffert proposes a 12×35-foot deck off a sunroom within a 100-foot wetland buffer zone.
- Martha and Brian report on a site visit, noting the wetland line is ~33-35 feet from the deck’s edge. Chuck suggests a cantilevered design to meet the 35-foot no-structure rule, with updated plans pending.
- Concerns include a wood pile near the wetland (to be moved) and temporary structures (e.g., bird feeders).
- Neighbor Jeff Mullen asks about the timeline (April to early May).
- Key Outcome: Motion for a negative determination is approved (Tony, Walter Talbot, Tim Michelle, Martha Moore, Brian Bowe in favor) with conditions: cantilevered deck adjustment and wood pile relocation.
885 Main Street
23:30 – 2:02:26: Child Care Facility NOI (Andrew Tibo, Josh Klein)
- Speakers: Moderator, Andrew Tibo (Goddard Consulting), Josh Klein (Stonefield Engineering), Martha, Tony, Chuck
- Summary:
- Andrew delineates an offsite wooded swamp impacting the 1.94-acre site, with a 100-foot buffer zone cutting through existing structures.
- Josh presents a two-story, 7,000 sq ft daycare with 40 parking spaces, two play areas, and stormwater infrastructure, all within the buffer zone but outside the 25-foot no-touch zone.
- Martha raises concerns: retaining wall heights (6-9 feet, safety risks), stormwater direction, lighting spillover, tree protection, and non-native plants (e.g., Emerald Feather vs. Eastern Red Cedar).
- Tony questions long-term trash management, stormwater pre-treatment (underground infiltration with isolator row), and synthetic turf (XGrass with Envirofill, no rubber beads).
- Additional concerns include snow storage, vernal pool impacts, and microplastics/6PPD-quinone discharge.
- Josh agrees to update plans (e.g., native plants, O&M plan, snow storage) and provide architectural details.
- Key Outcome: Motion to continue the hearing to April 23rd is approved (Walter Talbot, Tim Michelle, Martha Moore, Brian Bowe in favor) pending peer review and plan revisions.
695 Pearl Street
2:04:25 – 2:15:17: Peer Review Scope (LEC)
- Speakers: Moderator, Martha, Chuck, Tony
- Summary:
- The commission reviews a $5,200 bid from LEC to assess wetland delineation accuracy for 695 Pearl Street.
- Martha questions if LEC’s scope (re-flagging if needed) shifts the burden to the commission. Chuck explains it’s standard practice, with LEC providing feedback for the applicant to adjust.
- Tony suggests LEC should only approve/disapprove, but withdraws after clarification that the applicant pays and benefits from detailed feedback.
- Key Outcome: Motion to approve LEC’s scope for $5,200 (paid by applicant) is passed (Tim Michelle, Tony, Martha Moore, Brian Bow in favor).
246-248 Walnut Street
2:15:25 – 2:22:22: Minor Plan Change (Ian Angley)
- Speakers: Ian Angley (Meister Brem), Moderator, Martha, Chuck
- Summary:
- Ian requests a minor modification to add a 2-foot berm and fence along a property line, reducing from 3 feet to minimize tree loss (one 6-inch tree affected).
- The fence is adjusted to end at the 100-foot riparian zone/stone wall, avoiding additional trees.
- Mitigation leverages a bridge project at Sturgis Park, deemed sufficient.
- Key Outcome: Motion to approve the amended plan is passed (Walter Talbot, Tim Michelle, Martha Moore, Brian Bowe in favor) with a condition to avoid trees along the fence.
1503 Main Street
2:22:30 – 2:35:00: Certificate of Compliance (Chuck)
- Speakers: Chuck, Moderator, Tony
- Summary:
- Chuck discusses a certificate of compliance for 1503 Main Street, delayed due to missing granite bounds along the 25-foot wetland buffer.
- Homeowner Garrett Cobb proposes bounds every 80 feet (vs. 40 feet), waiving an as-built plan and engineer certification due to cost (developer issues).
- The commission agrees to review the site itself, with Garrett funding survey and bounds (~$800).
- Key Outcome: Motion to accept the proposal (bounds every 80 feet, waivers) is approved (Tony, Tim Michelle, Martha Moore, Brian Bowe in favor).
Administrative Items
2:35:08 – 2:53:34: and Closing
- Speakers: Chuck, Moderator, Martha, Walter, Tony, Brian
- Summary:
- April 1st DPW Meeting: Chuck and others confirm attendance.
- Minutes Approval: Feb 12th and 26th minutes approved; Dec 22nd and March 12th deferred. A new minute-taker (Chuck’s daughter-in-law) is hired for $250/set from the state wetland fee fund.
- Conservation Lands: Tony suggests mapping abutting properties for easements; Chuck proposes GIS/intern work.
- Town Forest: Walter reports on Arbor Day planting (e.g., choke cherry, paw paws), with no maintenance plan. Brian to align dog policies.
- Key Outcome: Meeting adjourns at 9:55 (all in favor).
Overall Key Outcomes
- Road Paving RDA: Approved with standard erosion controls.
- 153 Belmont Deck: Approved with deck adjustment and wood pile move.
- 885 Main Street NOI: Continued to April 23rd for revisions and peer review.
- 695 Pearl Review: LEC scope approved for $5,200.
- 246-248 Walnut: Amended plan approved with tree avoidance.
- 1503 Main Street: Certificate approved with reduced bounds and waivers.
- Admin: New minute-taker hired; conservation land mapping proposed.
