Accepted at the February 5, 2004 meeting
CITY OF MARLBOROUGH
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
May 15, 2003
Memorial Hall, 3rd Floor, City Hall
Members Present: Edward Clancy-Chairman, David Williams, Allan White, Lawrence Roy, John Skarin, Priscilla Ryder-Conservation Officer
Absent: Dennis Demers, Donald Rider Jr.,
Minutes – Minutes of February 20, 2003 were reviewed and unanimously approved as written
Discussion
§ Dan Blake – Eagle Scout Project – vernal pool - He will attend the June 5, 2003 meeting.
§ DEP 212-802 Road A/Crowley Dr.- RE: letter dated May 7, 2003 - Mr. Deli Priscoli, Andy Iovani from Franchi Const. and Mr. Bruce Saluk, P.E. were present, as well as James Mongeau and his engineer Alton Stone. The Commission reviewed a letter sent by Ms. Ryder on behalf of the Commission to Mr. Deli Priscoli outlining 4 items to be addressed and asking Mr. Deli Priscoli and his consultants to attend this meeting. Mr. Saluk went through each of the 4 items listed in the letter as follows:
1. They need to check the detention basin to help plug up the holes to stop the water from flowing under the pipe. They will check this within the next two weeks and come up with a fix for the leak.
2. The water standing in the fore bay is not a problem with the design. Over time it will become a wetland area and will provide some infiltration, but he will check the elevations when they do the as-built plan shortly.
3. Haybales are still in-place Bruce Saluk proposed to leave them there and to seed the soil that is around them to stabilize the area. Mr. Iovani explained that they would clean the area around the haybales and stabilize it tomorrow.
4. Groundwater and septic system - Mr. Saluk explained that in his opinion the septic system is situated laterally, and that given the height of the outlet pipe in the detention basin and the area of breakout for the septic system, there should be no contribution of groundwater near his septic system. Alton Stone, and engineer representing Mr. Mongeau explained that he was concerned since Mr. Mongeau’s system is a raised system, which was designed to be above the water table, and they were concerned with changes that might occur due to the proximity of the detention basin. Mr. Saluk explained that the septic system is not down gradient of the basin, the basin discharges to the stream, which is lower. Mr. Stone asked if there is any method in place to measure
potential changes. Mr. Saluk said he did not think that was necessary.
5. Basin design – Mr. Saluk indicated that they were putting together the as-built plans, which should be ready in 3 weeks.
The Commission thanked everyone for coming and will wait for a response from Mr. Saluk as noted above. Mr. White requested that the applicant work with Mr. Mongeau to try and resolve the questions raised tonight between themselves first.
(Ed Clancy arrived)
§ DEP 212-762 Villages at Crane Meadow – Deck on Unit 72
Dave Franchie was present and explained that they had put the deck on the back of this unit by mistake instead of to the side as required by the Order of Conditions. The surveyed plan shows that there is only a very slight bit of encroachment with the footing onto the 20-foot no disturbance zone. He suggested installing a split rail fence along the 20-foot buffer zone, the entire length of this building and restoring the area, which was cleared. The original plan had the split rail fence only behind a section of this building. A planting plan for the disturbed area will be provided. The Commission voted to accept the plan as presented. In addition the Commission noted that the replication area required for the stream crossing has not yet been completed, and should have
been done a year ago. Mr. Franchie agreed to have the replication area location and plan ready to present to the Commission at the June 5, 2003 meeting.
§ Home Depot – Storage issue behind building - No one was present, this item was continued to the June 5th meeting.
Public Hearings
Request for Determination of Applicability
69 Amory Rd. – Wayne Nelson
The home owner was present to request permission to remove some trees between his house and the lake and replace the patio. The Commission acknowledged that the trees were large and are threatening the house and could be removed. The stumps must be left in place, or ground in place, they cannot be pulled out. The patio replacement would not be a problem. The Commission voted 5-0 to issue a Negative Determination with conditions to notify the Conservation Officer before and after work.
Request for Determination of Applicability
175 Maple St. – King Brakes, Inc.
Ellen Thibedo of Handex was present and requested permission to take some soil samples along the brook on the MDC easement through this property. This work is part of the Phase 2 Mass. Comprehensive Permit for hazardous waste cleanup monitoring. Very few trees will need to be removed to get to the areas they need as shown on the plan. The Commission confirmed the work would be minimal and would not harm the wetlands. The Commission voted 5-0 to issue a negative determination for this work.
Notice of Intent (Continuation of public hearing)
127 Lakeside Ave. – Everest Construction
At the applicant’s request this hearing was continued to June 5, 2003. They have agreed to do some test pits prior to this meeting.
Request for Determination of Applicability
316 Mechanic St. – Matthew Roca
Mr. Roca requested permission to add a deck to the back of his house. The deck will be more than 50 feet away from the wetland area on existing lawn area. Minimal disturbance to the soil is expected except for the footings. The Commission voted 5-0 to issue a negative Determination for this project.
Notice of Intent
134 Helen Dr. – Jose M. Echaniz
Mr. Echaniz provided a plot plan showing that the work is proposed 38’ from Broadmeadow Brook at its closest point. All excess material will be hauled off site. Stockpiled materials will be placed in the front of the lot. Additional erosion controls were requested in the front of the lot, to protect the sidewalk and the catch basins from runoff. Dewatering may be necessary given the proximity of the brook, a dewatering system will need to be provided for approval by the Conservation Officer. After some discussion the Commission closed the hearing and voted 5-0 to issue a standard Order of Conditions with the standard special conditions including those noted above.
Notice of Intent
Reservoir St. – Benjamin Donnarumma
Robert Parente of Central Mass Engineering represented the applicant Mr. Benjamin Donnarumma. The lot is on Reservoir St. just across from the entrance to Lakeshore Dr. The proposal is to build a single-family house and grade the back yard, which leads to Ft. Meadow Reservoir. City water and sewer are proposed. A 4-foot high stone/ boulder wall is proposed to protect the grade with the adjacent lot. The Commission noted that since this is lake front property, was a dock being proposed at this time? The back yard is very steep, how is a path to the dock to be provided. Mr. Parente indicated that the dock idea had not been discussed. He will provide that for the next meetings as well as a construction sequencing plan to protect the lake. A site visit
was scheduled for May 22 at 5:30 PM. The hearing was continued to the June 5th meeting.
Notice of Intent
Framingham Rd. – Dept. of Public Works
Tom Andrade, the assistant city engineer, presented a plan to reconstruct Framingham Rd. from Maple St. to Walker St. The plan includes some minor widening of the road, installation of sidewalk, granite curbing and replacement of drainage system and one culvert. There will be some minor impacts to wetlands, which will be restored. Many of the culverts are clogged or only working at half capacity. These will be replaced. There is some ledge and some blasting and dewatering is anticipated. The Commission determined that the wetland boundary was acceptable and the plans as presented would protect the wetland. The hearing was closed and the Commission voted 5-0 to issue a standard Order of Conditions with special conditions relating to dewatering and open
trenches.
Notice of Intent
Richer School – Dept. of Public Works
Tom Andrade, the assistant city engineer, presented a plan to construct an emergency access roadway from Ripley Ave. to the back of the school next to the existing playground. The new emergency access will follow the existing path. There will be some minor impacts to wetlands of 300 sq. ft. where the path is narrows and wetlands line both sides. The Commission noted that the wetland in this area is a finger wetland and is under 500 sq. feet. Therefore, based on the WPA regulations this area will not require replication. An abutter Barbara McKinnon of 138 Ripley Ave. explained that the wetland behind her house fills with water during the spring. She wanted to be sure that no additional water was going to drain to this area. The Commission requested that Mr.
Andrade take a look at the grades to see if a pipe connects the two wetlands or not. After some discussion the commission closed the hearing and voted 5-0 to issue a standard Order of Conditions with special conditions regarding erosion control, dewatering, additional catch basins if necessary on Ripley Ave. and to have the DPW check whether a pipe under the roadway between the two wetlands would be necessary.
Notice of Intent (Continuation of public hearing)
600 & 800 Nickerson Rd. – Glenborough Realty Trust
Cynthia O’Connell from Beals Associates presented a new plan showing a reduced footprint for a 5-story building, which is not connected to the existing building. The parking area and the detention basin are the same as the previous plan. The roof drainage system is directed to the “Bass Pond” in front of the existing building to help keep water in that pond. The 20-foot buffer zone is protected. Revised plans and drainage calculations to reflect these changes were submitted. The planting plan is still to be provided. The commission requested an erosion control plan with a construction -sequencing plan. The location of snow piles as well as stockpiles must also be shown. With the consent of the applicant the meeting was continued to June 5th and a draft Order of Conditions will be prepared for that meeting.
Notice of Intent (Continuation of public hearing)
Crane Meadow Rd. – Fairfield Green at Marlborough – FF Development LP
John Towhig of Gouldston & Storrs and Brian Sullivan of Rizzo Associates were present. Mr. Sullivan presented a construction-sequencing plan. The Commission read a memo from Pat Clancy regarding the drainage dated 5-15-03. Brian Sullivan explained that the site contains much ledge so blasting will be required. Detention basin #1 will need quite a bit of ledge cut. A geotech will be on board during this construction to ensure the specifications required are followed. The basin will be constructed to dam safety standards, although it is not large enough to constitute a dam. A construction-sequencing plan will be provided. The 10 foot wide embankment around the top of the basin is to be addressed. Based on other comments, one of two buildings
may be rotated to provide additional access for safety reason. Groundwater control seepage collars will be standard practice on all pipes. There being additional information required, the Commission, with the applicant’s consent, continued the hearing to the June 5th meeting.
Draft Order of Conditions
114 Kelber Dr. (Lot 5) - Mark Evangelous
The Commission reviewed the draft Order of Conditions for this project and voted 5-0 to issue the Order as written.
Correspondence/New Business / Discussion
§ DEP 212-913 Jericho Hill Construction sequence plan - A man representing Emanuel Brothers was present. The person who will be doing the work could not make the meeting at the last minute, but he was present to answer questions and presented a written outline of the procedures, which the Commission reviewed. The Commission asked how the area would be dewatered when installing the drain-pipe, what is the sequence of the pipe installation and what would the downstream controls be? The Commission explained that dust control and a tracking pad were also required for this project. The representative from Emanuel Brothers said he would be
sure these items were addressed. The Commission continued this discussion to the June 5, 2003 meeting.
§ Leash Law – what does the Commission think about allowing dogs off leash on conservation land? Bill Bryant who is trying to work with the City Council to amend the existing leash law, has asked the Commission to consider this question. The Commission suggested that Mr. Bryant come to the next meeting June 5th to discuss this issue.
§ Donald Lynch Boulevard Office Park (DEP 212-854) Rosewood Construction has contacted Ms. Ryder to explain that the phragmites which was originally to be controlled has expanded to almost twice the size shown in the original Notice of Intent. They now need to decide how to control the phragmites (an invasive weed) given that it is twice as large and now extends to the Berlin border. The Commission requested they be notified to provide a plan to control ALL of the phragmites.
The Commission reviewed the following letter and voted to accept and place on file:
§ Raymond Rd. – Letter to Judge Rooney from Thomas Callahan dated 5-1-03
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Priscilla Ryder
Conservation Officer
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