🏞️ Conservation Commission 4-9-25 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.

Opening and Roll Call

1. Opening and Roll Call

• Timestamp: 6:53 – 8:26
• Speakers: Chuck Tirone (Conservation Administrator), Brian Bowe (Chair)
• Summary: Chuck Tirone opens the meeting, noting it is conducted in-person and remotely under COVID-19 measures extended to June 30, 2027. The meeting is recorded, and materials are available online. Brian Bowe conducts roll call:
  • Walter Talbert: Present
  • Tony Rodolakis: Present
  • Tim Michel: Present
  • Martha Moore: Present
  • Brian Bowe: Present
• Outcome: Meeting formally begins with all commissioners present.

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Agenda Review

2. Agenda Review

• Timestamp: 8:26 – 9:01
• Speaker: Brian Bowe
• Summary: Brian outlines the agenda:
  1. Notice of Intent (NOI) for DPW Birch Meadow Park modular classroom (new hearing).
  2. Continued hearing for 885 Main Street NOI.
  3. Continued hearing for 695 Pearl Street NOI.
  4. Old/new business, discussion items, and minutes approval.
• Outcome: Agenda set, proceeding to first hearing.

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Birch Meadow Park Phase 2

3. Notice of Intent: DPW (Modular Classroom)

• Timestamp: 9:01 – 1:36:45
• Key Speakers: Brian Bowe, Ryan Percival, Stephen Chris Felly, Holly Ganszer, Joe Huggins, Alda Barnhurst, Commissioners (Tony, Martha, Walter, Tim)
• Summary:
  • Introduction (9:01 – 9:22): Ryan Percival introduces Birch Meadow Phase 2, including playground renovation, basketball court upgrades, modular classrooms, parking, and stormwater systems.
  • Presentation (10:36 – 14:20): Stephen Chris Felly (Activas) presents site plans, existing conditions, and project scope. Holly Ganszer details stormwater design, including a subsurface infiltration system to manage 4,000 sq ft of new impervious surface.
  • Stormwater Discussion (14:26 – 18:38): Holly explains hydraulic connections to existing infrastructure and wetland discharge. Questions arise about culvert locations and water flow paths.
  • Reduction of No-Structure Zone (18:44 – 29:07): Holly requests a slight reduction in the 35-foot no-structure zone, noting existing disturbances and no closer encroachment to wetlands. Commissioners clarify runoff paths and basketball court positioning.
  • Modular Classrooms (30:43 – 54:06):
    • Joe Huggins explains the location choice due to utility proximity and accessibility to RISE preschool. The modulars are temporary (3.5 years) but may become permanent administrative space.
    • Alda Barnhurst confirms the foundation uses sona tubes on gravel, not a permanent footing.
  • Mitigation and Concerns (54:41 – 1:00:27):
    • Commissioners request additional mitigation (e.g., plantings, tree preservation). Concerns include tree removal, non-native species in planting plans, and playground surfacing (rubber mulch replaced with poured-in-place rubber).
    • Public comment via chat requests clearer ADA compliance details.
  • Action Items (1:30:04 – 1:34:41): Updates to narrative (e.g., no mulch, native plants), tree protection details, stormwater checklist clarification, and crushed stone details under modulars requested.
• Outcome: Motion to continue the hearing to April 23, 2025, approved unanimously by roll call (Walter Talbert moves, Martha Moore seconds).

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885 Main Street

4. Continued Hearing:

• Timestamp: 1:37:19 – 1:39:04
• Speakers: Brian Bowe, Chuck Tirone
• Summary: Chuck updates on a third-party consultant proposal from Horsey Whit ($3,200) for stormwater review. Ryan Percival and Andrew McNichol reviewed and approved it. Applicant has been sent the proposal, awaiting payment.
• Outcome: Motion to approve the $3,200 consultant proposal approved unanimously (Walter Talbert moves, Tony Rodolakis seconds).

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695 Pearl Street

5. Continued Hearing:

• Timestamp: 1:39:20 – 1:41:44
• Speakers: Brian Bowe, Chuck Tirone, Tony Rodolakis
• Summary: Chuck reports on a third-party review by LEC (hired after last meeting). Rich Kirby assessed resource areas on-site, focusing on wetland flags and backyard connections crossing Pearl Street. A memo is pending, and further flagging/surveying is needed. Continued to April 23rd from the last meeting.
• Outcome: No new action; remains continued to April 23rd.

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692 Pearl Street

6. New Business: Resident Concern

• Timestamp: 1:41:54 – 1:53:25
• Speakers: Richard Ke (Resident), Brian Bowe, Chuck Tirone
• Summary: Richard Ke, a new resident at 692 Pearl Street, expresses concerns about large trees near his property (one with a “butt crack” deemed an immediate threat by an arborist) and potential runoff from 695 Pearl Street’s project. He seeks a tree removal permit and mitigation options (e.g., transplanting, cleanup). Chuck advises on permitting processes (tree permit for <4 trees, RDA for >4).
• Outcome: No formal action; Richard encouraged to submit a permit application for review.

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445 Pearl Street

7. Violation Update:

• Timestamp: 1:53:56 – 2:09:58
• Speakers: Chuck Tirone, Commissioners (Tony, Martha, Brian)
• Summary: Chuck reports on a site visit with the Building Commissioner and Ryan Percival. A retaining wall (>4 ft) lacks a structural plan, posing safety risks (bending, unanchored stays). Owners were emailed to stop work and avoid parking near it. The far bank has erosion issues with debris-laden soil. Discussion on temporary stabilization (seed mix) and enforcement options (fines, updated order).
• Outcome: Chuck to update the enforcement order, require seed on the far bank, and invite owners to the next meeting (April 23rd) with a 2-month deadline to follow the Williams & Spargis plan (3:1 slope, no retaining wall).

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DPW Storage Container

8. Review

• Timestamp: 2:10:08 – 2:14:04
• Speakers: Brian Bowe, Commissioners
• Summary: A water fountain installed without a permit has a square stone border (plan was circular). The trench around it isn’t filled, posing erosion/tripping risks. Commissioners suggest filling it and adding grass seed.
• Outcome: DPW instructed to fill the trench and seed it; no strong opinion on flush vs. raised.

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Conservation-DPW

9. Monthly Meeting Discussion

• Timestamp: 2:14:18 – 2:22:05
• Speakers: Brian Bo, Commissioners
• Summary: Brian reports a frustrating DPW meeting. Conservation requested tasks (e.g., deck footings at Material Cabin, soil reconditioning, bench installation), but DPW couldn’t commit, citing resource constraints. Limited agreements: handicap space repainting and wood chips. Brian plans to seek volunteer help.
• Outcome: No formal action; Brian to pursue alternative labor sources.

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Minutes

10. Approval

• Timestamp: 2:22:22 – 2:24:03
• Speakers: Brian Bowe, Commissioners
• Summary: March 12th minutes reviewed and approved (no amendments needed). January 22nd and March 26th minutes still in progress.
• Outcome: Motion to approve March 12th minutes passed unanimously (Walter Talbert moves, Tony Rodolakis seconds).

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Key Outcomes

1. Birch Meadow Phase 2: Continued to April 23rd with requests for narrative updates, tree protection, and mitigation details.
2. 885 Main Street: Third-party consultant approved for $3,200.
3. 695 Pearl Street: Remains continued to April 23rd, awaiting LEC memo.
4. 445 Pearl Street: Enforcement order to be updated, seed required, owners invited to next meeting.
5. DPW Issues: Fountain trench to be filled/seeded; broader coordination with DPW stalled, volunteer labor sought.
6. Minutes: March 12th approved.