🏞️ Conservation Commission 2-26-25 AI Recap

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.

Meeting Overview

• Date: February 26, 2025
• Location: Reading, Massachusetts (in-person and remote format)
• Purpose: Public hearings and discussions on conservation matters under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and local bylaws.
• Chair: Brian Bowe ( Conservation Chair)
• Administrator: Charles Tirone, Conservation Administrator
• Commission Members Present: Tony Rodolakis, Walter Talbot, Tim Michel, Martha Moore
• Other Notable Participants: Michael Kesman (Assistant DPW Director), various citizens

Opening Remarks

0:28 – 3:51 | (Conservation Administrator)

• Speaker: CT (Chuck)
• Content: Announces the meeting’s hybrid format, compliance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (extended measures until March 31, 2025), and recording in progress. Notes that not all agenda items may be discussed, and a public comment period will follow each hearing. Votes will be by roll call.
• Key Points: Meeting started at 7:02 PM with a quorum established.

Agenda Review and Roll Call

3:51 – 5:56 |

• Speaker: Brian B (Chair)
• Content: Reviews agenda: continuation of public hearing on “Zero Stout,” DPW update, new hearing on RDA for 532 Pearl Street, continuation of NOI for MBTA “Zero Vine Street,” enforcement order discussion, tree policy update, and administrative reports. Conducts roll call.
• Roll Call Results: Tony V (present), Walter T (present), Tim M (present), Martha M (present), Brian B (present).

Continuation of Public Hearing: Zero Stout

5:56 – 17:02 | (Water Fountain Project)

• Speakers: Brian B, Michael Kesman (Assistant DPW Director), Commission Members (Martha Moore, others unnamed)
• Content: Michael Kesman presents updates on a water fountain project near wetlands:
  • Proposes crushed stone and wood timber border to mitigate runoff (6:21-6:54).
  • Declines wetland re-delineation due to cost (7:13-7:24).
  • Plans to relocate fountain if pavement excavation occurs in the future (7:32-8:03).
• Discussion:
  • Martha asks about crushed stone dimensions (8:22-8:52); Michael estimates 6-8 feet wide.
  • Commission clarifies no full delineation was requested, only a specific area (9:06-9:28).
  • Concern about structure proximity to wetlands (25 ft no-disturb, 35 ft no-structure zones) (9:41-10:08).
  • Brian B suggests flexibility in future relocation (10:19-10:55).
  • Question on wood timber height (flush to avoid tripping) (11:00-11:25).
• Conditions: Erosion monitoring, relocation if resurfacing, notification of changes (14:32-16:28).
• Motion: Hearing closed (16:06), order of conditions issued with roll call approval (16:41-17:02).

Amending RDA for Town Forest Invasive Removal

17:02 – 22:00 | Discussion

• Speakers: Michael Kesman, Brian B, Commission Members (Tony V, others)
• Content: Michael proposes amending an existing RDA to include invasive removal along access roads in the Town Forest, leveraging prior funding and work on trails (17:16-17:55).
• Discussion:
  • Commission supports, noting high-use areas (18:21-18:34).
  • Conditions suggested: signage for herbicide use, 72-hour notice to commission (19:19-20:56).
• Motion: RDA amended to include access roads, approved by roll call (21:20-22:00).

RDA for 532 Pearl Street

22:06 – 37:04 | Public Hearing: (Screen Porch Construction)

• Speakers: Brian B, Johnus (representing Tom Walsh), Commission Members (Martha Moore, others)
• Content: Johnus presents an RDA for an 18×21 ft screen porch within a 100-ft wetland buffer zone (23:36-24:41).
• Details:
  • Hand excavation, stone base, planting beds for runoff (24:29-24:36).
  • Wetlands proximity uncertain but believed distant (23:50-24:05).
• Discussion:
  • Erosion control placement questioned (24:49-27:05); extended to shed recommended.
  • Brush pile removal within 100 ft of wetland requested (28:34-29:36).
  • Planting plan required using native species (31:38-33:52).
• Motion: Hearing closed (35:15-35:58), negative determination issued with conditions (36:36-36:59).

NOI Hearing: Zero Vine Street

37:47 – 58:27 | Continuation (MBTA Project Withdrawal)

• Speakers: Brian B, Citizens (Jim Riley, Lucas Pra, Linda Russo, David Kumo)
• Content: MBTA withdraws NOI without prejudice (38:05-39:04).
• Motion: Withdrawal accepted by roll call (40:06-40:27).
• Citizens Open Forum (40:34-58:27):
  • Jim Riley (41:01): Asks about next steps (wait for resubmission) and NOI process timeline (21 days to decide unless continued) (41:07-43:53).
  • Lucas Prato (43:59): Questions wildlife jurisdiction (habitat-focused, not noise/vibration) and diesel particulate concerns (post-project enforcement if measurable) (44:06-50:57).
  • Linda Russo (55:06): Confirms new NOI number, raises idling train concerns near Aberjona River (55:19-58:04).
  • David Kumo (58:40): Asks about drip pan location (permanent, too far from river for jurisdiction) (58:47-1:02:03).

Enforcement Order: 445 Pearl Street

1:05:42 – 1:36:29 |

• Speakers: Brian B, Michael (homeowner), Commission Members (Martha Moore, others)
• Content: Michael proposes amending a plan to address a replaced White Cedar timber wall near a stream (1:07:25-1:09:22).
• Discussion:
  • Wall location debated (same as original or shifted?) (1:09:44-1:17:06).
  • Soil displacement and slope concerns (1:17:14-1:20:21).
  • Commission skeptical of plan feasibility without site visit (1:26:44-1:32:31).
• Action: Site visit scheduled for April 3, 2025, at 8:30 AM; enforcement order extended (1:33:55-1:37:21).

Tree Policy Update Discussion

1:37:36 – 1:44:44 |

• Speaker: Brian B
• Content: Proposes updating tree policy to include “resource area” alongside “buffer zone” and prefer native species over cultivars (1:37:43-1:39:02).
• Discussion: Adjusts language (e.g., “Wetland or Pond” to “resource area”) and considers vernal pools (1:41:01-1:44:05).
• Action: Revised draft to be voted on next meeting.

Administrative Matters

1:44:51 – 1:53:47 | Administrative Matters

• Speakers: Brian B, Chuck
• Content:
  • DPW coordination meeting set for March 4 (snow storage, watering plants) (1:44:51-1:48:33).
  • Annual report submitted with photos (1:49:51-1:51:56).
  • Site visit time changed to 8:30 AM (1:52:07-1:53:39).
• Motion: Adjourned at 8:52 PM (1:54:34-1:54:48).

Key Outcomes

1. Zero Stout: Order of conditions issued with erosion and relocation stipulations.
2. Town Forest RDA: Amended to include access roads with herbicide signage conditions.
3. 532 Pearl Street: Negative determination with erosion control and planting conditions.
4. Zero Vine Street: NOI withdrawal accepted; public concerns noted for future filing.
5. 445 Pearl Street: Enforcement order extended, site visit planned.
6. Tree Policy: Draft updated, pending vote.
7. Administrative: Site visit time adjusted, annual report filed.