ARLINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JULY 20, 2006
Members of the Commission present:ACC Attendees: Nathaniel Stevens, David White, Ellen Reed, Bill, CKathy Garnett (in attendance for Reservoir Planting Plan only), Judy Hodges, Chuck Tirone (Associate Member)
Other Attendees: Christine Deshler; Michelle Durocher; Elsie Fiore; Sandy Caffelle; Michele Oshima; Jon-Eric White; Gary Santini; Thomas Falwell
Meeting was called to order at 7:35PM.
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Commission Business
Mr. Stevens submitted handed out copies of the Request for Determination of Applicability WPA Form 1 to all present – for John Sanchez, DPW Director, for the 634 Summer Street project.
Meeting Minutes – July 6 – White/Hodges moved to approve with minor edits; motion passed unanimously. approved with minor edits – David approved; Judy seconded.
Mt. Gilboa Walk
Mr. White announced that a walk would take place at 10AM on Saturday, July 22, to evaluate the property boundaries at the site.
Boat Ramp Signs
Mr. Tirone informed that he is waiting for the signs from the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Dothan Street – Working Session
Sandy Caffelle, owner of land on Dothan Street, submitted to mapping that showed wetlands were flagged.
Elsie Fiore said area was a swamp many years ago, as well as a dump.
Mr. O’Rourke asked when there are heavy rains, if area floods. Mr. White showed evidence on mapping that no flood plain was involved at area.
Mr. Stevens suggested a Request for Determination or an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation, ANRAD. He also explained 100-foot buffer zone.
Land Stewards Update
Mr. White reported that the new sign was installed at Turkey Hill.
Window On The Mystic
Ms. Reed informed that the conservation area does not fall into the area for a grant.
Posters/Pamphlets for Town Day
Ms. Reed is making three (3) posters around themes of:
· Land Stewards
· Wetlands
· Invasive Plants
Ms. Reed and Mr. Tirone will try to get more pamphlets and brochures to hand out (possibly – Invasive Plants of New England, N.E. Wildflower Society.)
Enforcement - 339 Mystic Street
Mr. Stevens informed that there is no update on this property as yet – resident is said to be working on planting plan.
Continued Public Hearing on Notice of Intent for 40-42 Brattle Street Project – Continued Hearing (meeting began at 8:15PM)
· Letter from Patricia Worden was provided to members who did not have a copy.
· Received 3 revised plans and letter dated July 10 from BSC who went over Commission’s specific questions and concerns.
· Per Jon-Eric White of BSC:
o Will install haybales along Brattle Court, as discussed, and all catch basins will have siltsacks and haybales.
o Trees will be planted in central area if we request it - will do.
o Requested confirmation of plants that are not invasive – Boston Ivy and Vinca.
o Deep sumpsbs will be inspected and maintained
· Mr. O’Rourke suggested change from 5’ to 6’ in diameter – pipes for manholes – applicant would obliged.
· BSC – The test bed study is in report.
· BSC – pointed out added inspection ports – 3” in diameter – discussed erosion control plan, went over all
· Ms. Reed said many trucks have compacted soil at site and asked if soil will be turned. The applicants responded that construction activities will resolve this.
· Ms. Fiore – inquired about sewer line – is it connected to Town sewer – answer “Yes”
· Ms. Fiore – requested copies of two added report sheets from BSC.
· Ms. Fiore – restated concerns about flooding on Brattle Street.
· Mr. O’Rourke – said when river increases in elevation, waters flow backwards.
· Ms. Fiore – said Mill Brook overflows – believes mapping is poor – wants to be sure flood plain is respected – said other residents have attested to flooding at area.
· Mr. O’Rourke – impervious surface – said drainage sufficient for run-off
· BSC – said 20% reduction in run-off
· Mr. O’Rourke reviewed the drainage calculations and found them satisfactory – said existing conditions, over ground flow – with piping will go in or on site – this site, with the development, will improve runoff conditions.
· Michele Oshima – said flash flooding in back yard has been as high as 15” – lives on Laurel Street – sent letter.
· Mr. Stevens went over M. Oshima’s and P. Worden’s project comment letters.
· John H. – will send Fay, Spofford & Thorndike’s peer review study done for the ZBA during the Comprehensive Permit hearings.
· Ms. Reed reviewed Mr.Belkis’ comment letter – sand or calcium chloride for snow – suggests including this in order of conditions.
· Ms. Fiore – said that 40B project allows few controls from ACC.
· Mr. O’Rourke – said that 40B project had little impact in decision-making.
· Mr. O’Rourke motioned to close hearing on Brattle Street; Mr. White seconded; motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Stevens explained that the Commission will discuss and likely vote on the Brattle Street project on at its August 3 meetingand put to vote.
Reservoir Planting Plan
Mr. White moved to accept planting plan; Mr. O’Rourke seconded – as devised and designed by KathyMs. Garnett; motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned – 9:30PM
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Hodges, Commissioner
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