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
📝 Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Summary
📅 Date: January 14, 2026
📍 Location: Town Hall & Zoom Hybrid
⏰ Start Time: 5:49 (video time)
⏱️ End Time: 1:30:00 (video time)
👥 Attending: Brian Bowe (Chair), Martha Moore (Vice Chair), Walter Talbot, Tim Michel, Rick Keogh, Joseph Fleury (Associate)
🚫 Absent: None
🔹 Zero Small Lane – Continued NOI
🕒 8:32–8:55
- Status: Continued to February 11, 2026 at applicant’s request
- Action: Motion passed unanimously
🔹 400 Grove Street – Withdrawal
🕒 9:03–9:21
- Status: Applicant requested withdrawal of NOI
- Action: Motion passed to accept withdrawal without prejudice
🔹 23 Family Circle – New NOI
🕒 9:26–56:16
- Applicant: Sean Brier
- Project:
- Demolish existing barn and shed
- Extend paved driveway (~510 sq ft)
- Construct accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with garage (186 sq ft in buffer zone)
- Discussion Highlights:
- Net reduction of impervious surface within 100-ft buffer zone
- Soil stockpile area proposed; erosion control with 12″ mulch sock required
- Sewer and water lines to connect from main house (cut-and-cover installation)
- Conditions discussed:
- Remove old construction debris and upper layers of leaf piles
- Manage invasive species (bittersweet, knotweed, buckthorn)
- Planting plan for triangular area near flags 14–17 with shade-tolerant native shrubs and groundcover
- Granite or concrete bounds at three locations (near driveway, curve at 7A, and V near 16A)
- Orange construction fence between barn and shed during demolition
- Action:
- Hearing closed
- Order of Conditions issued with above requirements
- Planting plan to be reviewed by Conservation Administrator (no return to Commission required)
🔹 Discussion Items
DCR Trail Grant Update
🕒 56:32–1:00:39
- Status:
- Draft grant application for trail design behind RECAL in progress
- Google Docs collaboration to include Brian, Walter, and Mary (Montessori School)
- Deadline: February 2, 2026
- Action:
- Martha to upload draft to Google Docs for review
- Chuck to contact DCR for template and guidance
Budget Update
🕒 1:00:46–1:04:43
- Highlights:
- Meeting held with Finance Committee liaison
- Proposal for $20,000 annual line item for Conservation and Trails discussed
- Timing may be impacted by potential town-wide override in fall
- Action:
- Chuck to email Andrew and Jane for next steps
- Joe Fleury added to budget working group (with caution on quorum rules)
Tree Removal Policy Revision
🕒 1:05:01–1:16:38
- Proposed Changes:
- Explicit protection for resource areas and vernal pools
- Clarify scope: policy applies to 4 live trees or fewer; larger projects require NOI/RDA
- Remove allowance for cultivars except those on Reading’s approved list
- Add definition for “dead tree”
- Note that shrubs and groundcover removal is not permitted even if <6″ DBH
- Action:
- Commissioners to review marked-up version online before next meeting
- Feedback to be sent to Chair and Administrator only (avoid quorum)
Wetland Regulation Fees Discussion
🕒 1:16:43–1:21:43
- Highlights:
- Current fees exceed neighboring towns and town counsel guidance
- Options: reduce fees, cap maximum for large projects
- State fees remain unchanged; adjustments apply only to local bylaw fees
- Action:
- Chuck to prepare comparison with other towns for next meeting
- Formal vote after public notice and three discussions
🔹 Old/New Business
🕒 1:23:56–1:25:30
- DPW Coordination:
- Meeting canceled; Chuck met with DPW Tree Warden to review project list
- Material Cabin status unresolved; building commissioner review ongoing
- Violation Notices:
- 445 Pearl Street: Significant progress; bank graded and debris removed
🔹 Administrative Updates
🕒 1:25:35–1:27:48
- Material Cabin: Awaiting compliance direction; may impact DPW project requests
- Budget Group: Joe Fleury appointed (with caution on quorum communications)
🔹 Minutes Approved
🕒 1:28:01–1:29:21
- Approved:
- September 24, 2025
- October 22, 2025
- November 12, 2025
- Pending:
- October 8, 2025
- December 10, 2025
✅ Key Outcomes
- ✅ 23 Family Circle NOI approved with conditions
- ✅ Zero Small Lane continued to February 11
- ✅ 400 Grove Street withdrawn
- ✅ DCR Trail Grant collaboration initiated; deadline February 2
- ✅ Budget line item proposal advanced; Joe added to working group
- ✅ Tree Removal Policy revisions drafted for review
- ✅ Wetland fee adjustments under discussion
- ✅ September, October 22, and November minutes approved
- ⏸️ Material Cabin compliance pending
- ⏸️ DPW project list update pending
- ⏸️ October 8 and December 10 minutes pending
