Hello everyone. This is Chuck Terrone, Reading's conservation administrator. Um we're here uh in person and online through um extended co uh COVID 19
regulations. And tonight we have um uh tonight is uh December 12th and we will be discussing items on the agenda which will be by our chair Brian B. And um right I'm
going to turn it over to Brian for discussion of the agenda for tonight's meeting and then a uh roll call for attendance. >> Okay, it's uh 7:05.
Um and uh it's a relatively short agenda tonight. Uh the first item is a Eagle Scout project presentation by Sale and Puff. Then we have a hearing for zero small lane which has been continued and
a hearing for 400 Gro Street which has also been continued. At that point, we're done with the hearings and we move into a number of discussion items or vote items. These include a certificate of compliance for 24 Cory Lane. We have
an emergency certification to ratify. Uh we'll get a quick update on the MBTA from Joe. We'll get an update on DCR trail grant from Walter. We have budget update conversation.
We'll go over the proposed meeting schedule for for 2026 and then we'll discuss our site visit to 43 Arcadia. After that is old new business with the usual suspects. And
that's it for tonight. >> Can I just pop on the recording right now? Recording in progress. >> Having said that, uh, we'll do roll call. Uh, Joe, start with you. >> Joseph Flurry, associate member, present. >> Shrog.
Present. >> Walter present. >> Ricko, member present. >> Martha Moore, vice chair, present. >> Ran, chair, present. Okay, so we can to our first item. You want to come up to
the podium and take us through your slides. All right. Um, I'm Zen Puff. I am a life scout from Troop 702 and I am looking to get my Eagle Eagle rank. Um, so here's the
project overview. So, the basic idea is I'd like to replace the first 30 ft of the Alligator Alley boardwalk on the wood end side because the current section is uneven. It's unsafe. There's trip hazards all over the place. Um, the new boardwalk will be 8 in to a foot
higher than the old one, so it sits out of the water a little more. Um, basic design is a covert wood and decking design used elsewhere in the town forest and other uh conservation areas. Um a majority of the cutting and assembly will be done offsite to reduce the
environmental impacts of the projects. This project's important because um Alligator Alley is one of the Oh, it's not uh All right, I keep going. It's the main connector between the town forest and um there's a lot of heavy foot traffic.
It's just mainly used and um there's a lot of hikers on there and the existing structure has a lot of trip hazards and it's it's dangerous for hikers. Um the new design will increase the safety and lifespan of the of the book wall.
Um the construction plan, so it'll be composed of two different days. There'll be the off-site cut day where we'll pre-build sections to reduce the environmental impact. And then all the remaining field cuts um not done on that day will made on tarps or on high ground to prevent microp plastics in the
wetlands and in the uh in the mud. And then the installation day um will be geared for early April due to the weather and the whole paperwork um paperwork process of an Eagle project. So um I'll remove the old boardwalk very
carefully so that um no debris or or existing structures get um left there. And then I will um install the pre-built segments. And then we also use temporary platforms to avoid um disturbing the wetlands and the vegetation.
Um for envir environmental protections um like I said earlier there will be minimal on-site cutting um with all of it contained on tarps and um uh the temporary decking will be used to avoid trampling vegetation and
disturbing the wetlands and then the old decking will be removed carefully to prevent debris entering the wetlands. And also the trail will be closed during the workday and hikers will be safely redirected using signs and uh and notices for a safety plan. Um the power tools
will be only be used by the older scouts and adults with uh with proper supervision. And then for personal um personal protection, everyone operating um operating power tools will have gloves, glasses and hearing protection to ensure that nobody
gets hurt. And then wet condition precautions will be taken um because it's in the wetlands and uh there will also be continuous adult supervision. So now I have some pictures here. So um if you look at the picture on the left
um it will go ideally to the 30 foot mark and then it will also down at the bottom here it will extend up the hill to uh to make it a little higher up here. Um that's the view from the other side of the of the two sections. So, this will leave this section um
not not rebuilt. Um these are some some pictures from the from the newer sections on that on that boardwalk um that demonstrate the design that I'd like to use. Um so, it has the culverts on the bottom and then the boardwalk is resting on top
with the culvert sandwich in between two uh two boards. Um these are more designs. Um um this also shows the uh the boardwalk there. And see at this section the boardwalk's a little higher off the ground than in these pictures. Um it's
not loading it, but um ideally with this new boardwalk, the whole thing will be level and u at an equal distance from the wall. Um this shows the connection between the old and the new. And um these posts are are from the old design and um ideally
those will be replaced by the new old system. Um this is this major direction change is where the boardwalk will end and we will um remake that so that um so that because there's a there's a tripping hazard directly after that. If you see
right right about where my cursor is, there's one tripping hazard. So we will remake that without that tripping hazard. Um this is also about halfway up the boardwalk and it's just a a bit of a change in direction and um we will correct that so it is a complete
straight line. Um the design plans are still in question and developing um to fit my budget, the lifespan and safety of the boardwalk and then also the need to be trail but the the basic idea will be three 10ft sections made of four stringers and composite decking on top.
The boardwalk will be resting on um plastic covers size slope of the boardwalk. Um, but the use of culverts is is subject to change. Um, I know there was there's talk about using u posts in the ground. Um, these are few pictures of designs that
were given to me by the trails committee. Um, so that just shows basic um the stringers with the decking on top and then the the supports on the bottom. Um, here's another picture. So, this should actually be four stringers here instead
of three. And um and that's just kind of like the framework. The skeleton of the bridge and the decking will sit on top of that. And then um the stringers will sit on top of the of the culvers. Here's another side diagram showing um sort of the same thing both with a bit
more detail. Um so this is just a basic um budget. Um noticed that a few things aren't really accurate and um and that's also still developing with the designs. And that's all I have. >> Thank you. So, questions from the
commission. Anybody have any questions? >> I think you did a good job presenting. >> I haven't seen the trail myself, but based on the picture, it does look like it needs some work. You mentioned about the hazards, eliminating those hazards.
I like the presentation. >> Any questions? Questions? Um, first of all, congratulations for being where you are. Um, I'm an Eagle Scout. Uh, it sticks with you for the rest of your life. So,
it's a wonderful accomplishment. It opens doors. So, continue on. Do well. Be happy you did that. Thank you for doing this on behalf of the town. Do have a couple questions, though. >> All right. >> Um, where are you getting the money from?
>> So, I will be fundraising this entirely. So, um the the if fundraising isn't finalized, my plan on where to get it, but um I will talk to my scout master. He has lists of of places I can go. I also do a GoFundMe. Um I'll probably try to fund raise through my church, through my
friends and family and things like that. >> Does the troop can the troop receive money and therefore get a tax the donor gets a tax deduction through the troop? >> Um I'm not entirely sure about the whole
fundraising process yet. Um, you have any >> that's a possibility. >> Okay. >> Kind of has to go first. That's question. >> Yeah, I'd be curious because if you're
making a donation be nice to get tax credits. >> Thank you. Um, looking at your details here, uh, you're going to have volunteers do the work, >> correct? >> Uh, is there a mix of adults and scouts
that you receive? >> Yes. So, my, um, Troop 702 is a very large troop. There's about 60 active scouts with 100 um, registered. So, there'll be a lot of a lot of um, hands from between scouts and parents. Um, and I will I will have a lot of workers
there, both adults and and children that I will have to leave. >> But because since you have to raise all this money, I'm trying to figure out how can you make the number lower? >> And I'm looking at your lunch and drinks. If you have volunteers, can they
bring their own? >> Um, >> how save you some money? >> Yeah. Um, typically it's just sort of tradition in our troop to provide lunch and drinks for um for the workers. Um,
but um yeah, I could save some money there. >> Your decking is going to be TX. >> Um, yeah. So, it's going to be um going to be a composite. Uh, it's not going to be real wood. Um
we have that elsewhere just >> No. Uh we've been switching from uh pressuret treated wood to composite decking over the last couple of years. So we're not can't remember the last time we got a load of uh pressuret
treated wood at the cabin. >> No, I'm just curious because this particular project Okay. We got 30 foot of tracks and there's like another what 150 foot to go. >> Most of it is all tracks. >> Was it to me like it was
>> Oh, I stand corrected. >> Yeah, at least most of the way maybe after that left turn branch >> that might have been what the end part I thought was the lighter color tracks. But to answer the question, yes, we have
these tracks. That's >> Thank you. Thank you. Good luck. >> Just one additional question. So, in terms of the culvers, do you plan on bringing in any additional fill or materials or is it going to be kind of
digging out areas underneath the boardwalk and then refilling them? Um, well, I think we will um sort of shim the culverts to the height um to make adjustments, but um I haven't really thought about bringing in other materials to um
to do that like other uh what other materials are you talking about? >> I'm just saying like if there's any dirt or any any other film that you bring because we want to be careful of that being >> I haven't I haven't really considered that. So there may be an area that
actually meets up with the ground meets with grade. So it's a what's there now what trails is kind of envision for that. So it's actually a question I'm curious about. I think the only thing would be brought in would be gravel. Um
what what's the usual policy for that that you want to use materials that are already on site or it's bringing in gravel or 3/4 crush, something like that. Acceptable. >> Uh we we've had it. Uh yeah, gravel is
what they've used elsewhere. So I guess that would be fine. I guess I would >> I don't know what it looks like, but >> I would say it depends on where the gravel is going to go. If you're putting it on an established path, that's one
thing. If you're putting it into wetlands, that's fill, which counts as altering. So you can't do that. So I'm not exactly sure where the gravel would go. I know that area plus we're out there today for a site visit. >> Yeah.
>> So I'm just not what you don't want to do is fill any of the any of the >> So I'm not sure how that affects what you're thinking of for your >> the trails committee meeting there was a discussion about extending the trail with um discussed up the slope because
it was flooding and I'm thinking that upland on the slope. The existing slope is where then you're trying to have this boardwalk meet. But how do you do that and leave something there to nail the boards to? So that's where the fill might come in.
>> So if somehow you extended the boardwalk so the ramp went over the wetland and landed on dry land on upland, that would be okay. If you somehow are going to land it earlier and think you could fill with gravel, then that wouldn't do. So
getting the ramp to go up that little rise made sense to me, but not gravel anywhere. >> I I understood it from trails that it was just on dry land. You needed some >> I think the first choice would be arc
mulch or wood chips, which we have in compost area. Real easy. and that will break down over time and someone will also have to put that up there. But but it does blend in quite nicely. And um I
guess if you had to it could be could be the 3/4 gravel or less. You know, DPW is a good uh to talk to about that. Well, the other thing is that we've seen in other places where you put the gravel, people walk
and they kind of kick it and sometimes kick it into the wetlands. Uh if you were back further by Wood End, you know that first section there, it wasn't that long ago that uh there was a whole load of gravel put in there. You walk through
it now, there's very little left and so some has been pushed into the ground certainly, but a lot of it's been checked over somewhere. I very much agree with Chuck that bark, something that would biodegrade as opposed to stone would be.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Great work. >> Um just a couple of questions. Um, one you're talking about doing any sawing that's out in the woods on a tarp so
that you don't get um sawed plastic dust sawdust into the environment. Um, could you bring a um portable possibly battery charged vacuum cleaner to vacuum up what's left on the tarps that you're not
like trying to carry a tarp full of sawdust with you? >> Yeah, that's a good idea. >> Yeah. Um, I have had the experience of having to vacuum up sawdust plastic after a construction worker at my house and it was not fun. So, um, keeping it
contained on the tarp is a good idea. Um the other um question I had >> some of that um decking on the existing uh boardwalk looked like it's in pretty
good shape still. Could you um reuse any of that decking on your replacement and save some of your $743 expense >> and also be more environment environmentally friendly.
>> So that is an idea. Um the um the scouts when they when they look over the projects, they're very against um anything that anything that resembles a repair. So they might not be happy about using materials from the old boardwalk. might see that as a repair instead of a
a replacement. Um, but I could look into that. Yeah. >> Can you explain that? Why are they against anything that's like a repair? >> Um, >> I mean, it's already patchwork, different colors from different uh durations of exposure.
>> I think it's just about um the project. They want the project to be um large enough so that it's not just like pulling up a few boards and putting down a few new ones. Um so that It's more like building something new and um >> so it's more to satisfy the Eagle
project requirements than actually assessing. >> And when you say the scouts, you mean the higher uppers who are approving your project as qualifying for Eagle Scout, >> correct? >> Can that exist existing decking be used elsewhere? Like could trails possibly
use it if it was salvageable or is that >> I was wondering how wide it is. I'm I think that The scouts need to look at that because sustainability, it would be nice to not have this waste just
just somewhere on the earth, you know. I mean, I can understand if it was the pressuret treated wood because that does break down over time. It's not going to last even the 30 years that we were guaranteed, but some of these boards may last. Now,
there's a standard width which is around feet, you know, something in that. And if the other boardwalk wasn't that wide, then they weren't wouldn't be usable. So, I think the the best spot for them is on this new
boardwalk, but if the trails committee had to take them and they were at least four feet, then that would be fine because all the boardwalks are going now are supposed to be four feet wide or let's say 46 in that the And we didn't
bring a tape measure on our site visit today. >> Yeah, I didn't know what the rest look like this a few times. >> And I guess that was our other question. Um, we figured out it's a good half a mile from the road into the site you're
working. And um, if you constructed the whole 10-ft section with all of its planks on it before you carry it in, that's going to be really heavy to carry that far. Have you got a plan of how to
get your materials that far into the woods? >> So, um I think the plan that we came up with was to use the um we call the old council ring the um it's a little bit up the trail as as a staging area. >> Okay. >> So, we can drive the stuff in there and then hike it
>> um like 300 yards opposed to half. >> Yeah. Good. And we'd also use um some carts I believe to take in some materials and tools >> like garden carts kind of. >> Yeah, something like that. Something. >> Okay. And I guess the only Well, I have
two more questions. One is um if you're elevating your 30 ft, how are you going to make it meet the level of the existing boardwalk? >> Yeah. So, um I'm only really elevating the um at the start like they were
saying is flooding so it's only about 4 in above the water but as you get to where it connects it's about a foot above the water so the idea is we bring it up the hill so that that start is above the water um and then it just um it's just flat all the way across >> okay so the 30 ft one end will be
elevated and the other end will meet grade with the existing boardwalk >> yes >> okay um also So when you're finished working
there, um, very important to us that any materials that you have worked with, any boards you took up, any small pieces you had to cut off to make everything work get taken out of the wetland and carried back up to the
council ring and loaded on a truck and taken away so that we don't find scrap material. material left over when we go for our next hike down there. Or um I think
you've already talked about making sure to be very careful not to damage the wetland as you're doing the construction. Um and that was all I had. Thanks. >> Sher, you had your hand up. >> Yep. But I think that it got answered uh
with Martha's question and Joe's question. >> Okay, good. Thank you. Um, so what are you doing with the material you take out? >> Um, so I believe we got confirmation
that um was the DBW can remove um they will um remove it and dispose it for us. >> You're bringing it up to the council ring from there. >> Correct. Um you showed us the picture um where there's another tripping and
hazard right where there's that first angle section >> right here. >> Now could you use some of the boards from the piece you're taking out to replace that sagging board there? >> We probably could do that. Yes. >> And actually another section down beyond that there's another situation with a
sagging board or two. >> Yeah. I believe it's >> reuse some of the boards in that area. Um so you're taking care of the existing but reusing material which at least some reuse. Can you explain to me what you mean by
temporary decking? >> Um so the the boardwalk that we remove um we can use that like when we pull out the 10 foot sections we can use that um to to stand on and cut on um opposed to standing in the >> Okay. just going to have it next to
where it is to spread out the way. >> Um, so did you look at that first section where the piece has fallen off support post to figure out why it fell off? >> Um, the So mean this one right here
where my cursor is. >> Oh, right there. Um, >> yeah, >> the Yeah, the very first connection. Yeah, that's it right there. Um, so I believe the trails committee says because the the joist hangers are rusty and breaking due to be due to being submerged.
>> I was there today. It had definitely fallen off the hanger. The hanger didn't look rusty to me. I was wondering if you could fix the hanger and and leave the uh signal in place. Um, >> I mean, I didn't get down in the water
to to check underneath, but the part that I could still see, you could see it was still a galvanized look. >> At least at least look at that. If there's a way you could just rehang it, that would be a lot less material. So you might want to look at that before
you buy the material just to see if that's a way you could save money time. >> Okay, that's all I had. Ch. Did you have any questions? >> Sure. Yeah. So you're at the um town force meeting the other night. Did you
have an opportunity to talk to Chris Bull and Mike Estman about uh any trash and material generated and what your responsibilities are to um get that a spot where they can either pick it up or allow you to dump it at the uh at the
garage and their dumpsters. >> No, we did not talk about that. >> Okay. So, um you could reach out to me, but you probably uh and I would just give you Mike Kesman's number, but I believe they should have been at the town forest meeting. Um both of them
>> Mr. Cole was um >> Chris Cole. Yeah, >> I wasn't if um I don't uh Mr. Hanford wasn't there. >> No, he doesn't go to those meetings. Um so it was Kman so Hannerford is trees so
he wouldn't be this wouldn't be related to his responsibilities but um other scouts have worked out an arrangement and it it may the answer may be no but you should ask anyways because you know like I said other scouts other
work they've been able to arrange to either drop it off at the DPW yard or uh have it in a spot where it could be picked up easily. So, please reach out to me or reach out to Esman or Chris Gold directly. The
next question I'd like to ask would be about the culverts. And um I asked you to find out if there was enough stock for you to get the culverts from the DPW because
my understanding is that when they have a job, they're keeping the pieces that are left over and they're not valuable to the DPW if they don't have the bell housing on one end. If it so because it it really can't be used. It needs to fit
in. they need to fit into each other. So, there might be an opportunity for you to save some money by having that same conversation with those two gentlemen. So, those those are my only comments. I like how you're protecting the wetland. I think you have to
definitely police people on boards as they're walking along the boardwalk because what ends up happening is they get off and it might be it might be where you want to bring a couple boards out. So you do so someone could be working and somebody could be
walking around too or just see how it goes and just think that you might have to make some accommodations during the day. So >> I do want to reemphasize something Martha brought up. Um, in the past there
has been at least one Eagle Scout project where there was scrap wood left behind and it was there for a year or more before somebody took it out and I just really don't want to see that. So just make an effort to clean up
everything behind you. I know Martha mentioned >> having said that >> I think one last thing uh and you reminded me I appreciate that. So, in the past, the conservation commission uh hasn't been part of the review after the
work is complete, but from now on, we are going to be reviewing any um boardwalks or whatnot that that's happened. So we can look for our stuff like you know you know we're not really concerned about construction as conservation people but >> but we want to make sure that the
wetland isn't trampled and there's no debris out there and you know just you know >> well in fact that's how we knew >> be proud that we approved the project I guess >> last time Chuck and I went out to look at it after build and there was several pieces in fact there was still a piece
today small rectangular piece Yeah. So, I think from now on we probably want to see see these projects and >> don't want to speak for any other committee, but >> I'm sure the trails committee would want to look also. >> Uh, so Brian maybe want to find out if
anyone's here wants that and ask any questions. >> So, is there anybody in the public who wishes to ask a question and make >> use the raise hand function? That's if you're online in the lower part of the screen, look for reactions. Under
reactions is raise hand function and Chuck will see that on the screen. >> Anyone here would like to speak? >> All right. All set. Okay. Um have a motion to approve this project.
>> I move to approve Zalen Puff's project for um be doing one end of Alligator Alley. >> Walter Tus seconds that motion. >> Jerox in favor.
>> In favor in favor in favor in favor. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good luck. >> And thanks. >> Thank you very much. >> When you finish, just let Chuck know so we can know to go out and check it out.
Okay. >> Sign out. Oh, you did. Sorry. On the next topic, >> next topic is zero small lane. This is uh an ongoing NOI. Chuck has received a
request to continue from the applicant. So, can I have a motion to continue zero small lane to the ask for date? uh just to the next meeting of January 14th. >> I move to continue the zero small hair
zero small lane hearing until January 14th. >> Walter Talbert seconds that motion. >> Abselica in favor. >> In favor in favor, >> Martha Moore in favor. >> Rambo in favor. >> Okay.
Next one is 400 Grove Street. Also a continuation of a public hearing on NOI. also continued. Is that to the 14th as well? >> Yes. Yes. >> Continued to January 14th. Have a motion to continue. >> I move to continue 400 Grove Street to
January 14th. >> Talbert seconds that motion. >> The Laker in favor. >> You in favor? >> To in favor. >> Arthur Moore in favor. >> Rainbow in favor. Okay, that was quick. Uh, now we get to discussion items or
vote items. >> Yeah. Before we do that, I'm going to make a public announcement. Uh if if you haven't signed in um right there on the sheet on the corner, if you could sign in, that would be very helpful for our minutes uh for the conservation commission.
>> Thank you. >> The first one is a certificate compliance request. >> Yeah. >> Oh, in your bank account and how we get access to it.
>> All right. Uh 24 Cory Lane certificate from Wish. Um does one of you want to come come up >> site visit? >> You here for it? >> So what was going to do
>> what was going to do the speaking? >> Assuming they'll be speaking. >> Yeah, I'm the former owner there. I um hired um single construction back in 1999 to build this place and >> and your name is >> Lee Sullivan.
>> And um yeah, but when I sold it sold the place, this it came up on the day of closing um that that I guess our certificate of compliance never was issued. So, you know, I thought we were in compliance and, you know, I I pulled
a permit, you know, for for a porch, which I came before you you guys a few years ago, it never came up. So I was a little surprised but um anyway I think we are in compliance and we're we're you know though we're 20 something 30 years
late um like like to get compliance and get the new purchase of the house you know what he you know what he bought. So >> um we did a site visit um do you want to talk about it briefly?
>> Sure. Um we did a site visit. We were looking for um issues with erosion and whether or not you were um honoring the limit of the conservation restriction
and um any other possible issues and we found the conservation bounds. These days, we ask those bounds to have a try, a diamond shaped yellow thing stuck on the top that says conservation
restriction on it. >> Yours bounds were there, but they were just granite or >> cement. >> Um, so >> I would love to see Chuck provide you with the things that you stick on top so they'll
show up easier, bright yellow, easy to find. Um, other than that. I did not see any concerns about offering the certificate of compliance. >> Okay. Um
might have implied it, but I'll say it outright. And you have definitely um not gone beyond the bounds. You haven't gone close to the bounds in most cases. And the new homeowner is aware that that you plant. We had the conversation out
there. Gallons means no disturbance beyond beyond those markers. Let's see. When we were out there, there was some conversation about putting in a fence. Are you going to come before the commission with a application for
putting in a fence? defense. We already put in an application and this was approved. >> Did a ministry approve? >> Yeah, must have been. So, I'm I can
look, but I don't remember this particular property. He's going to tell me it was like last week, right? So, when does it happen? I think I I submitted the application back in July or August for >> Okay.
>> I did it when they the Sullivans owned it so that the Cle could you know get a fence as soon as possible for their dogs because they're >> I do remember that. >> Either way, it's not an issue. Just we have to go through the process the way you were talking about putting it as well away from conservation restriction.
So that shouldn't be an issue. Let's just do it. So we cross tees and dot the eyes. I got that right. Um, also you talked about some treatment. >> Yes. And now I have all the details um
in line with maybe I >> Yeah. And if you could introduce yourself. >> Yes, absolutely. >> Do that. >> Thank you. My name is Chris Lee. I'm the new owner of 24 Cory Lane together with my wife. Um,
>> spell your last name. >> K L E. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. So when we looked at um the property, so there were a couple of uh um trees which were close and also um rotten um at the
the trunk and we asked the tree specialist and what we are talking about are five birch trees and either they are compromised and with rot or they leading towards the house.
one small elm tree and one maple tree. Um both of those the maple and the LP they are either already um dead at parts of it or um they're leaning against the
house too. Um what we did is um we made a proposal and to replace those trees um with red cedar um plants and u some ferns. We
provided that information to chop and chop um had the um the proposal that we add a little bit more what we agreed to. So you have a planting plan that you're applying with. >> Yes.
>> So that's post species species placements numbers. It's all good. >> The last uh so where is the tree approval and the process and did the
commission go over this when you were out there? Did this come up as part of >> We talked about the trees. Uh Mr. Cle brought us around to look at the trees. We saw the damaged trees and the one leaning towards the house >> and all made sense. >> Right. So I think I was out there with
Bob Moses >> and um and uh yeah, I asked for a few more a few more trees uh to be planted more shrubs. They were doing a combination of a few different things
out there that worked for their landscape plan and uh I'm not sure whether it was uh and so you got the approval. >> No, I got the approval. >> I didn't got an official approval. >> Okay. >> We waiting for that. Yes. So I think
with the discussion here tonight, the commission could be brought in on that and I was satisfied with meeting um the oper out there and going over the process, but then when the when the planting plan came in, I just thought it
was it was a little bit light, but that's been up. And you said there were five birches, but there's like one place where there were clearly three trunks from the same root base, and you were counting those
as two separate trees, one of which had been removed and two are still remaining >> or is that only counted as one tree with two trunks? >> That is counted as one tree with two trunks. >> Okay. Yeah, you're correct.
There's another place where there are three going up that was counting as one. Our understanding is that was ch. >> Yeah. >> That's correct. >> All right. So, we really are looking at seven trees here, but all the trees that
we saw, and I guess I didn't see all seven had significant damage in one way or another. And you saw the rest of them, and you agreed that they were damaged. Yeah. >> Right. Um, so Tuck, we can't address
that tonight because that isn't on the agenda. So going have to go through the paperwork with that as well. >> Yeah. So anyways, that's that went through the tree uh removal. >> Sure. >> Policy. So, but I just wanted to hear
what you thought and uh I guess got a check on what I've been doing, but it sounds like you agree also that trees can come down. The planting is what would have been required anyways. That's what's happen. >> Well, I do want to see the planting plan. If you can send that around, that would be good. >> Sure.
>> But, um, I have a lot of confidence. Well, I shouldn't say this if you get a fat head, but a lot of confidence if you ask for it to light and you got more, I believe that's going to be sufficient. I just want to see it on paper for myself.
>> So, I'll reach out tomorrow if I have any questions. Otherwise, I'll send around the planting plan and then uh approve. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Um other than that, any more comments on certificate?
>> I guess my one question about the trees is we're acting like Chuck can do administrative approval for seven trees. I thought the limit was five trees. So, it's four trees, but I think the ones that are dead uh are subtracted from the
total count, bringing it down to four. So, that usually is what happens. Like people around town are usually taking down more trees, but we're we're trying to not be strict on some trees that are
ashes, which are going to die anyways, or trees that have severe damage to them. So we consider those dead trees. >> Okay. So these very damaged trees are the ones and therefore it is less than four and therefore you could do it.
>> Yes. >> Got it. Okay. Just wanted to make sure we were clear on that. >> Um yeah I would like to move that we issue the certificate of compliance for 24 Cory Lane. >> Seconds that motion.
Commit in favor. >> Martha Moore in favor. >> Ran in favor. Thank you. Enjoy your new home and enjoy your new home. >> I can I can prepare that tomorrow if you want to come out and pick it up. But even if you don't come out and pick it
up, let me know how many of those plaques you need for the granite >> I'll send you an email through open. Tell me what's >> tell you go back to where your tree permit is
send >> me an email through that >> your email >> I will do Okay. >> Super. Thank you. >> Okay. We can also mail it. >> And you can pick it up next week.
>> Why don't you reach out in the morning? >> I can pick it up anytime. >> Anytime after 10 would work for me. >> Perfect. I'll be there before. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, guys. Six. >> Okay. >> Okay. Six.
>> And I told him six. >> Okay. Uh next is we need to vote to ratify an emergency certificate that was issued. Um these are for some light polls on a birch metal. Uh basically
going around the sunken area for the people state. Um they apparently a number of them fell over and um so obviously they were inspected few others were found to be uh
compromised as well. So I think there's I can't >> So there's six uh that we so get these didn't >> basically the lab with
And so we need to put any conditions on it for how they both hold they won't damage that there. >> Yeah. Sure. Sure. Sure. Charlotte, I'll just update the commission. So, in the
brown up here in these areas one, two, three, um it was a call from the police department to Jim Sullivan, the recreation um department, and he had said, "Hey, you know what's going on with the poles?
They're they're on the ground." And Jim didn't know anything about them. So, these actually fell down either in a windstorm or on their own. So, one fell, the wires on them pulled down the next two. So, Jimimim was prudent to uh have them evaluated and he had a company go
out there to evaluate them and um he found out that there were some issues with more than those three poles and these ones in uh kind of this pale color along Birch Meadow Drive were also noted uh in the report as needing to be
replaced. So, I believe the report said that there were four additional ones and the DPW looked at it and um they thought there were it would be a good idea to add two
more. So, um with an enforcement order, you always need a uh official body to declare that it's uh an emergency. And that would be >> a non enforcement order was an emergency. >> Oh, yeah. Sorry. And this emergency
you need someone to declare that it's an emergency and that wouldn't be the conservation commission. It would be else. So, you know, town manager, absolutely appropriate, but also the DPW um director and assistant director could
do it. So, they wanted to take down additional trees. I thought it was appropriate. We worked out a plan with the RMLD where they went down there and they checked it out and they felt that they could get close but reach in to pluck out the poles and drill next to
them while being on the dry ground above the wetland area. You know, like a wetland. I'm going to say that because it's also a field and so they could actually get to the work um very quickly. Everyone was concerned about
these poles falling down. So the this e certificate had to be issued quickly and and in my opinion, it was absolutely appropriate that we um that it was signed and sent out. So, they did take a lot of the precautions. I believe that
they're done at this point and the polls are up. Not sure they were rewired yet, but that that will be happening. And that's really not something that we really care about um because that seems like more general maintenance than uh
than removing or working this close. So with that um I issued an enforcement order and the way that works is I can issue it but the commission can decide whether or not it was appropriate and they can also have an opportunity if
they decide it was appropriate to add additional conditions. So that's where we find ourselves tonight. You just said enforcement order. >> I keep meaning certificate >> emergency certificate. >> Emergency >> as it says on the agenda.
>> So two options. >> So having said that, does anybody have any comments or questions for Chuck? >> That rectangle did a lower level. >> Yeah. So the story goes that they filled
in Birch Meadow to create um a field. But the story also goes that they dug out these areas and they became wetlands. So I don't know what the real story is, but I know when they did the master plan, the birch metal master plan, it was they needed to figure out
they the recreation department needed to figure out what their what this actually was. So they hired a firm to do a delineation out there. And that field is a jurisdictional wetland according to that delineation that was paid for
through the recreation department and the master plan for the birch metal complex. So we're still using it as a skating area. >> Uh well, you know, it's >> Hey, no one said a wetland. I I skated
on a pond when I was a young guy. So uh they use it as a skating area. >> I made a pond when I was young. >> There you go. Yeah. And so that that hasn't been stopped. We've tightened up a little bit some of the areas we don't want them to mow, but
it's also so wet they actually can't even get to those areas anyways. The the machines they use just sink. So, I think we've come to a good spot. But I would agree with everyone that there would it would be nice to have that additional space that wasn't wet or jurisdictional
as a field, but there's no way to get around that. It's it is what it is. Okay. Any other questions or comments? >> Right. Um, >> do we need a motion to to >> ratify the
>> I'll have to grab that so you can sign it because I need to send it to D. >> Okay. I move that we ratify the emergency certificate for the light poles at Birch Meadow. >> Walter Talbert seconds that motion. Dbertson in favor.
>> Arthur Moore in favor. >> Rambo in favor. And just to be clear, Gerard, you broke up a bit. You said in favor, correct? >> Yes. In favor. >> Yeah. >> I thought so. I just wanted it on the record. Okay. Uh,
so next is a brief update on the MBTA situation, Mr. Sure. Um so the MBTA they had a request to withdraw their NOI on November 12th. We discussed that during the previous meeting. Uh there was a brief update on December 2nd. Uh there
was a letter from Philip Pang, the interim NASDOT secretary and MBTA general manager stating that um they appreciated and valued the feedback from elected officials and residents around town. And after careful deliberation, they're no longer going to pursue the
Bine Street location. And that coincided with the withdrawal being applied. So the way I read this is that Zero Vine Street is technically the station. They appear to be referring to the Mlette S location that they will not continue to
pursue a new donus of intent in that area. Um but there hasn't been any kind of further followup from the town or from the MBTA since that December 2nd letter. So that's the only kind of additional dialogue that we've had over the last month that I'm aware of. Um,
and from here since both NOIs are closed, I'm not sure. >> So that's not legally binding from our perspective. Correct. Wasn't closed with prejudice without prejudice. >> Well, theoretically, they could come back even though they have a letter saying they're not going to come back.
>> Correct. That's and and that's where >> doesn't matter as far, >> right? For the conservation commission, it doesn't matter because we don't have an open NOI in front of us. Um, from town discussions with our town manager and select board and state representatives, this letter has at least a little bit more basis of where
they intend to propose this. So, >> and if they did decide to come back, that would be a PR issue they have. >> And Joe sent me a copy of that letter >> and I put it in the file and I would expect if you know if they come back,
well, I'm here and anyone on the commission would say the same thing. No, this letter says you're not putting in that spot and it would be the first fight and then see where they want to propose it outside of Mlets and Morgan. So, I think that's a great uh that was great that they put the letter together.
It really took a lot of pressure off the Mlet songs and Morgan area and what's going to happen in the future there because I think for the foreseeable future, nothing is going to happen by the MBTA in that area. >> Good. Very good. So
um then it makes sense that we can disassign Joe as the MBTA um the because there isn't any situation today with the job >> I like misspos.
>> So can I have a motion to boot him out? I move that we thank Joe very much for his service and um release him from his obligation to be the MBTA liaison. >> Walter top second that and thank you Joe.
Thank you in Jerox in favor. Thank you >> in favor in favor. >> Martha Moore in favor >> is in favor. I would say thank you but
forward with that. >> Uh, next item. Um, we're going to get a DCR trail grant update from Mr. Tower. >> Oh, Walter. >> Yes. >> Are we getting one from Walter or from >> Yeah. No, I just want to make sure that
we're talking about the Walter. We're just This is just about the original grant, right? Oh, you mean without the machine? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Do you want to give us the update in the interest of time? >> No. Walter has prepared a couple slides.
I I think that that I think I this is so we want to keep this and the budget on our agenda and give the opportunity for our people to talk about it because we want that momentum. We want to find out when they need help. And you know,
again, me and Walter are working on this grant. Um, Rick and Rob is working on the budget. And, you know, like I said, if if if you don't have them on the agenda, you don't make that
opportunity, it kind of forgotten about. >> Okay. >> And with that, are you good? >> You tell me how to do this. >> Okay. So, you should have um I think you should. Yeah. So, you have hosting permissions. So you should be able to just uh put them up.
>> Share screen. >> Anyone following along at home? We are going to get to this in a moment. >> This is the time where Brian usually What do you do? Do you uh do you uh fill in the time? >> I could fill in the time, but you would
have no interest. Whatever. >> Here we go. >> Might want to expand that. >> Okay. Um so the trail we're talking about is the brown part of the trail that wraps around the recount. Um the
gray part is going to be made produced by somebody else and then we are going to be get involved with the brown part uh approximately 500 ft. So uh we have till February 2nd to present
all the paperwork. Um the biggest hurdle in the beginning is do we have permission to go ahead and do this? We have a form from the town manager filled out approving progress
and then Chuck has what leaison with the folks over at conquer that did their project. So this is somewhat similar to what it's going to look like. It's going to be a raised wood trail. Notice that sides will have
rails and screen for protect protecting the people from falling in. And then there's going to be rest stops along the way, including places that are wider where two wheelchairs can get around each other.
So that's where we stand today. Um I still have to dig into the punk proposal a little bit more. and obviously carrying our conversations with children. >> So, a couple questions at least for me.
Is there anybody else need approval from besides the town manager board? anybody else would >> So, so the so the DCI grant just asks that the uh land owner approves the land approves that we're doing the work and
and so uh and and discussions with um Andrew McNichol on the grants that they've been doing. The town managers usually uh uh signs signs off on that. Um, this is well known by the town and
those gray areas that Walter had talked about are going to be part of the town's um, permit and buildout. So, they will be building the recal center, the parking lot, the pickle ball area, all the landscaping, but they're going
to be providing two trails that are ADA accessible down to about, do you see that? Down to about where the wetlands are. And that's where our work starts. So we'll be taking it from there out into the wetland and
creating this this uh access trail which the one in conquered is quite popular and um like I said it's elevated and it's all all these things are for a reason. It's for light to get underneath these the elevation was required through
the D and we're going to get into that. So the first step is design um and engineering and we want some construction estimates.
So that is the grant we're going for in 2026. And so if we're awarded that grant, we could send out an invite to different companies to develop this pro project
for us. And that's what we want to do. You see in the middle picture, there's a a conduit pipe. And so this place in conquered like I don't know we're going to have this kind of money, but that is to allow cell phones to work out in that area. >> Oh yeah.
>> Yeah. So um they They thought of everything and it's brand new and it was just approved by DP. Uh, someone I know very well helped on the project. Um, funny enough, I didn't know anything about it
when I proposed this project at Recal. Uh, but, uh, just talking it up different events, uh, we discovered each other and, uh, he's like, "Hey, you should check this place out." So, this is not exactly what we want, but it's
darn close. >> My second question has to do with the application due date. I know there's still whatever several weeks to go. How's it going? You said you're making progress. You're making enough progress. What's
happening? I don't have a camp chart. I really won't get a chart anymore. I'm retired. >> So, maybe we should have uh maybe we should It seems like there's plenty of time. was a question about whether you needed >> any help. Do you need a boost from
anybody? >> We have we have well it's mostly Walter and I'm going to say and I but we do have other people helping this also and
including Andrew McNichol who's going to review the final chart. We do have other people that through town hall and they have a lot of experience with grants that is also going to review it. Uh me and Walter uh I did mention it. Walter
doesn't know that I carried out on this, but we're going to have a meeting coming up I think after the holiday after Christmas and we're going to talk to DCR and tell them about our projects and and ask for um you know ask for advice. we
probably have a little bit of uh questions at that point. So, I have no doubt that we'll be able to put a grant together. You know, we've done it before. I've done it with the trails committee a couple of times and um no doubt, but my concern is I want it to be
noticed. I want it to be awarded. I So, like I'm hoping, but I want to just make sure I cover all the bases. So, if you can think of any bases that we can do to elevate ourselves above anyone else that may be trying for these DCR grants, that
would be great. That's that's what I'd like others to think about. Um, and of course, reaching out and having a conference with them to tell them about our project and, you know, having the ADA groups in town sign off, say that
they support the project. Those are other things that we're doing. I just looking back on my days of running projects, I just want to say that if you do need help, obviously the sooner you ask for a prophetic and then
there's a more chance that something can be done, waiting till there's a week left before due date and then saying I need help is not helpful. >> Well, I'm in the process of proposing what I'll call the marketing aspect of it because we have to out compete other
people as I'm I'm just saying if you're going to need help, try and raise the flag as soon as possible. Um it's important that you have time and don't let any embarrassment or anything
stand in the way. If you need help, you need help. And the outcome of this withdrawal >> sounds like Brian really wants to be a part of this project. >> It's not what I'm volunteering. I just I just don't want it to be >> We got your number. Okay. We got your number. We just lose it. Lose my number. >> We got your number. We need We need it.
>> I'm losing all kinds of confidence in You're the same person that talked about. >> All right. >> Um, so I have a couple of questions. Something that might attract attention.
Um, our library now has a webcam on a bird feeder and you can watch the blue jays feeding on the bird feeder from inside the library. I don't know where the bird feeder is, but it's really fun to watch the birds coming in and out. I wonder whether something like that
mounted somewhere along our trail, aiming not at the people but at the wildlife might be an aspect that would not increase the price much but might provide >> and actually
>> to piggy back on on that that's an additional justification for the conduit to help with cell phone is it also help the should you choose to do that. >> Yeah. >> And I don't know what the trail will
pass whether we would want to have some educational plaques along the trail like the ones we have at Mlette Morgan. Um so just two thoughts of making it educational as well as a lovely walk
through the woods. I'm gonna put in a order for a sign that says Redwing Blackbird because I know they're gonna definitely be out there. So, um that's those are all those are good ideas. I think that um that process that you're talking about is really not what me and
Walter are going. It's more like we want to get a grant to have those discussions. So, during that design and engineering, we would do public uh information sessions and there would be a couple presented and we would probably
try to take all that ideas and and and get them into the final design. Um but >> right up they're looking for things like is this connecting is this going to attract poor people etc etc you know it's all
>> touchy >> okay >> market all right moving on >> moving on next on the agenda is >> is a discussion on any budget update information
So, >> I'm not sure that you know that you have a partner. So, Brian, why don't you >> Yeah. So, why don't you start out with that >> partner? He's hiding up there on the screen. I can't wait to find >> I'm there. I'm here.
>> Yeah. >> Thank you, Sherro. Yeah. >> Yep. Happy to help any >> armor is probably healed by now. He volunteered and looks forward to working. So, so how did you guys have each
other's email at least? >> We do have each other's email. I know Chuck gave me a gentleman's name from the finance committee. >> Joe Conan. >> Joe Conan. I have a >> Joe Conan knows about it. So, if you reach out, it won't be a surprise. >> We're obviously talking about in the
future and he's probably a wealth of information on how to get this process working. And I don't know if you know this, but if town force committee did get their 50,000 or 40,000 or whatever they asked for at town meeting >> and so
>> we have we have different reasons. This is not just hey >> and by the way Joe was on this commission for a few years too >> stolen from us >> him and John pull in
>> the plan right now is get to the holiday and I'll set up a call or meeting shock you want to grab coffee or beverage you're always welcome to join us >> sure you might want to at least know when the due dates are for draft
applications to like warrants and things like that. But you might I mean I think Joe is going to be most important. Didn't someone else say that they would help us too on on this? But but the thing about it is I just want to make
sure we don't miss any deadlines. Yeah, >> we don't miss any deadlines. Um, so we have a couple people that has reached out um to the commission and I can get you those numbers, but I know that Joe is one of them and um
>> yeah, knowing that >> I don't know when the deadlines are yet. >> Well, anyone who on a regular basis puts in budgets, puts in warrant articles would know. I would have to find out because I don't usually do that, but I could get that information to you.
Um, I know that CPA wants to present to select board in January or February to get on the April town meeting warrant. >> So that gives you a clue as to when the deadline is is certainly by the end of
February. So budget is I mean this may turn out to be exactly what the town force committee did and asked for a warrant article because a budget has to go through public services and it's a it's a different process but that might be something that works also
you know right now it's kind of in a discovery phase so it can go in either direction warrant article and you know we can explain our reasons I know I can see Chris Haley's on the line so I almost feel obligated to say that each
year the trails committee uh and the conservation commission put in a request to the select board for about $5,000. This budget request is going to be $20,000
and it's $20,000 because we want to plan for events in the future. Plus, we want to take care of the thousand plus acres of land that we have. Um, so we're getting 10 now between the two
committees. This budget would in the future take care of the uh trails committee and the conservation commission. And we would no longer ask for that 5,000 each of the $10,000 that we're getting each year from the from
the select boards. And so I'm the liazison to the trails committee, administrator for the conservation commission. and I run both budgets anyways, so it's it's a no-brainer um that we would essentially only be asking for another $10,000 on
top of what we're getting. And so we could put a presentation together to show everybody what we need to do and what we haven't been able to do and hopefully move move forward with that. So that was a quick >> What does 8,000 bring about >> 8,000? Yeah, I think
>> we've got 6,000 a couple times from the select board. >> We get seven,000 somewhere. >> We have had 8,000, but that included some discretionary funds from the town manager account. So, the total for the
year maybe what you're thinking about we might have that. I think we asked for 10 commission the conservation commission alone the last two years and we've got over five north of five six >> 6500
>> and so yeah I mean I I mean I like the trails. I'm sure a lot of people like the trails. I think that it's been said that, you know, a lot of people um they're used to traditional sports, but there's a huge population in Reading that their sports are walking the
trails. And so, >> I mean, you see what he did. It's trail management, right? You have your own plans. You have your forest management. You have your conservation management. >> Absolutely. >> You have your volunteers. >> We have quite volunteers. But how much does it cost tools?
>> Tools. getting back and forth. It's, you know, it's really so >> your salary is not a part of any, right? >> No. >> Okay. >> So, yeah, my salary doesn't go to any of the So, >> ask >> the trails committee the trails
committee can spend their $5,000 >> the next day. >> Yeah. because they need so because between my volunteers from local realtors and um the next step volunteers, we need so much stock to try to put
these trails together and it's like, yeah, we do have trails, but a lot of them are flooded. Pine Veil was completely flooded. People walk up to us now and say, "Thank you for putting in the boardwalks because now you can actually walk through it." So, we're putting in 150 feet, 150 more
feet there. this summer uh starting at Warren which was which was a trail and a trail head that this commission approved trail heads in place right now. >> I don't think you were on us yet. >> I don't think you're on yet but it's
fairly recent. >> But I think for right now maybe I'll coordinate a meeting with >> Yeah. >> We all get together and start off. I'd like to do it after the new year if that's possible. >> Sure right now. Just bear in mind what? >> Yeah, I will.
>> You don't have a time. >> Okay. Ready to move on? >> Um, no. Because it's not a second meeting for him. I'll wait for the second. Okay. So, the next item is the proposed
meeting schedule for 2026. I had the coffee in front of that. Are there any dates with significant conflicts we should be aware of? I wanted to look at Veterans Day and 4th
of July to see how that works out. >> We moved the Veterans Day one to a week later because it was on Veterans Day this year. >> I'm looking at the submitt dates are always two weeks before the meeting. Is
that correct, Chuck? >> Are they posted somewhere? I'm sorry. >> Chuck gave us all a piece of paper. >> Okay. Okay. >> Well, the submitt dates are on there. >> Yeah. But Shiron doesn't have the piece of paper because >> Oh, >> that's okay. That's okay.
>> I see it in Brian. >> Yeah. Sorry, I didn't uh >> Is that subtitled the application or is that when the chair, vice chair, you >> That's That's the last day people to be considered the next meeting.
>> Okay. >> At the end of the day, that day, typically the Thursday before. >> Yeah. But but these are all a full two weeks before. >> All right. Chuck, what am I missing then?
>> So I think the sub so two weeks prior to the meeting, you want to be on the applicants have to submit their complete application. So those submittal days are correct. >> Okay. >> Um >> and then what is the thing that they
need to get to us one week before a meeting? Is that new information on an existing? >> We don't really have a policy on that. Typically I tell everyone you have to get it to me before distribution day which would be the Thursday uh you know
last day we're here the week before the meeting. So the Thursday before the meeting uh before 2 o'clock, >> but that's for supplemental material. That's not for initial um applications. >> Okay, >> that makes sense. >> Okay, so the thinking around Veterans
Day um was that the Wednesday is actually the 11th. So we had a choice of moving it the week before or the week after. And we chose the week afterwards. So that's November 18th.
4th of July is on July 8th, which means our typical day for site visits for that meeting would be Monday the 6th. Um I I don't imagine anybody has their plans for Fourth of July laid out yet,
but um >> um >> yeah, I might rather do the site visit the morning of the 8th, for example, rather than trying to get back from being away in for 8:30 on Monday morning. >> Okay. >> After the 4th of July, >> we obviously don't have to schedule that
here now, but when we get to that point, should we talk about it, >> right? >> And maybe even the Tuesday. It depends. But just so we're aware that Monday isn't going to work for our default. >> Okay. So, I can send this around. Um, and
you want to if you want to if anyone has any issues or dates that don't work or want to have it any changes, I'd have to send them to me. Let's say I'm looking at here for dates
22nd, 23rd or at least by the 30th. We want to have this posted beginning of the year. So maybe the 20 by the 22nd or third, just before Christmas. So, if I send them out tomorrow, you have that amount of time to really review those,
see what's going on, and check your vacation calendars, too. Um, >> I'm on vacation all of these days. >> And so, since Sherro does not have this in front of him, they're all the second
and fourth Wednesdays of the month with the exception of that November 18th one. And the second Wednesday of December comes quite early because it's December 9th, >> as does a couple of other ones are the
8th or the 9th >> and the July 4th week is might be problematic for people because the eth within the July 4th week, >> right? Do we want to bump that one a
week later and have two back to back >> or would we bump both July 8th and July 22nd because that's a five Wednesday month? >> Actually makes more sense. >> That's a good idea.
>> So July 15th and July 29th The only one I know that I might have an issue is the February 11th. >> I think for me July 29th and somewhere in March uh are the only two that stick out right
now that I may not be there but otherwise should be fine. just finalize your thinking and let Chuck know. >> Sure. >> July 29th, but if we meet on the 28th in July, it would be fine. >> Uh, no. I'm going to be uh that's the
only trip I kind of know I'm going to have is uh 25th July to I think like 4th August or something like that. So, I'm going to be out that week and then in March I uh I'm going to most likely be out 20th to the 3rd. Yeah, that's in
lock >> July 22nd because that's our usual fourth fourth Wednesday. >> So you're suggesting 15. >> It's okay if if an individual >> one we're really looking for those
holidays that we don't have a lot of people. >> Yeah. We have to make sure that we uh don't I mean the town should provide a master list but we're but basically what ends up happening is over public services kind of looks over each other's calendar but um
>> and the uh September so for Labor Day September 9th which is later so that probably would be okay double check. Okay. Um, so give your updates to Chuck if you have any.
>> Yeah, I'll send out an email tomorrow. >> Next item is site visit at 43. Again, this is not there's no NOI or anything on the agenda yet. This was allow us to look at it before the snow
flies. We wanted to be sure that we saw it beforehand. Yeah. So, um, Mary Trudeau reached out to me and asked if you had any concerns and on your behalf, I said, "We'd like
to make sure you meet meet the redevelopment standards." >> Yeah. >> Um, which is, you know, it's it's a list of uh A through H. >> Well, no, FG because the last two are mitigation and restoration. Restoration
and mitigation. What is 10 10.58 parentheses five which is redevelopment in riverfront area and then there's a number of sub letters under that and essentially what it says is you have to
meet all of A through E or you have to do either mitigation or restoration. Um, and so it includes things like, um, if you're building something, it has to
be no closer than existing, uh, structures. Um, it talks about the square footage of the property in the river front. You can cut, you can cover. >> So, they should just look through that. I think
>> that's an important section to look at. We've run into it heavy duty on two projects in my time here and one in particular was a lot of back and forth a lot of involvement with the MCC
D whatever to get the interpretation uh understood on some of the aspects of it. The words are simple, but you can want to think about as you understand interpretation. And um I do believe there are three of
those that may be an issue depending on what the actual plans look like when we get them. Depending on that, it may or may not tip over one of those letters. Doesn't mean they can't do it. If it does, it just means they have to do
mitigation restorations. >> Well, so like a says there must be a uh there must be an improvement over the existing conditions to the resource which is the stream and the river and so
what are they doing to and then it also implies that it's for the size and scope of the project. So, a lot of commissions think that, hey, sometimes when they put up a fence, that's an improvement because it blocks off a certain area.
But, you know, I don't know what was out there. You guys had an opportunity to look if it was if it was barren by the bank or there was erosion or there was invasives. Improvements are kind of like in in that area. But
>> yeah, >> it's just a long time to think about it before the meeting comes up. And it would be like really good to get the commission to get used to looking at the regulations, understanding this is riverfront, this is redevelopment in your minds. Does it qualify? Have they met all the
standards? There's also this chart that they're supposed to submit um that quantifies the degraded area and does one of the calculations for you or makes it easier to figure out. So
there's there's that too. This is not a tough project. I don't want to make if they're listening, I don't want to make them think it's a tough project, but it's a good opportunity for the commission to bite into the regulations on a project that with some planting probably is fine.
And again, it is riverfront. Reading has a fair amount of riverfront and the regulations are different than your >> be familiar with. >> All right. >> Was not part of all the conversations. Has this site been approved by the town
building department or whatever? It's in their front yard. >> I I don't I don't know and it doesn't matter from my perspective. I mean, if they're approved to build a 900 foot ADU, then we'd have to look at it from the
conservation. >> Those ADUs were approved by the governor. So, everyone has a right to do them by right if they make the rest of the regulations. So, that's a great question. Do they do they meet do they meet all the zoning requirements? It seems like they would.
I mean, they talked about that. Um they've been at town hall a while talking to different people. >> Um so I I think that they they can meet the zoning. Is there other things they need to meet?
I'm sure there are. But um we can look at it like Brian said without worrying about the other groups giving their approval or even looking at it. um as long as they know about it because our order of conditions does require
them to get all other applicable permits. >> I mean there have been cases where we said okay we're not going to close until we get an answer on this this this so we could do that that's you know we're not >> that was more like storm water that was
in part part of our permit had would affect us but but like zoning wouldn't >> well small lane as the fire department hammerhead. >> Well, the hammerhead, right? But so that makes a difference because if it's a if it's a culde-sac, it would it would
change the disturbance. >> But would we hold up if if CPDC, which was also in that note I passed out, >> yeah, >> is curious about do they have the right they have the right to enter because they have an easement, but do they have the right to build on top of that
easement? And they asked to prove that. Would we hold it up for that? I don't think so because that's not really where conservation is, but planning certainly wouldn't. >> But either way, that's a moot point for right now. >> Although it's two examples of when it would matter and when it wouldn't
matter. >> Yes. >> I'm wondering if you're just trying to get more talk time or is it really >> less time? >> Okay. Um, so if they were to make improvements that included
combating invasives along the riverbank, that would be an an improvement that could help them get this project improve the vision. >> Yeah. So I think so an improvement that wouldn't be helpful to the conservation
commission would be to um in my opinion if they removed an existing imperous patio and made it impervious. I that's not to me they were going to do
that anyways because they have a beautiful brand new addition and but what they weren't going to do is something further back by the stream and the the the regulations also say the closer the better. So so we want to try to get that improvement as close to the
stream or in the stream as possible and I think Mary already mentioned there may be some planting coming up but um but that's the kind of things that you want to think about uh >> you go through In addition to planting, it could also be invasive management. >> Absolutely.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Because that would that would improve the habitat and that would improve the environment. Yeah. So that would be good. >> Okay. Now moving forward to old new business. Um first item uh the
conservation staff coordination meeting was canceled December 2nd. Uh then we get the violation notices. No new things there. I've been by 445 Pearl Street and the work has not been
completed yet. So, it will stay on here. Um, you were going to send him another letter. >> Which one? >> World Street >> to uh to uh yeah, update him. I'll have
to do that. um administrative report on mater. >> Yeah. So uh you know everyone's leaving for holidays. I had completed my list a
couple weeks back about uh what I thought the so we got the second engineering report but we lost our building commissioner who's out on sick leave. Um, but I I was asked to look at the list,
try to figure out what volunteers could do and what we couldn't do. And I put that list together and I sent it to Andrew. And Andrew needs to send it on up the line. But I don't think we'll get back to having a meeting about this until January. And uh my hope that it
would be all set by now because I was going to use January through June to work on the cabin. At least volunteers always include me. So during the volunteer part of that and you know obviously June through September is when
I actually have my regular volunteers come in. So we'll be doing outside work at that time. So it might be hard to do work in the cabin. Uh so my hope is it gets resolved in January. >> Do we have any idea of how many events
we needed to turn down in the last three months? >> We it's funny funny enough you ask. So yeah, there's been there's been several. So um you know, let's say 20 or less. But
what one one person called me up and they said, "Uh, is it open?" I told them no. I always call the people back and let them know because they're shocked by it. And um she said it was the only place her handicapped
sister could get to that, you know, that they could, you know, it's like an affordability thing. She said it was great because they could get someone in a wheelchair right in. that's our whole issue over there. I said, "Well, it's going to be better coming up in the future, you so stay tuned." But, uh, she
felt it was uh had had the access they needed for their family. >> Yeah. >> You said affordability, you mean accessibility. >> So, we're fixing the accessibility, but this person was going because of the accessibility and affordability because there's other places in town
that are ADA accessible. >> Okay. All right. >> But more expensive to >> Exactly. So that was uh that's why this was so important to this person. >> Okay. Uh >> and just one other question. Um
are is somebody checking on that building regularly through the heating season to make sure we don't burst pipes because we're not using it regularly. >> So So there's a bunch of people that go there. Um, we still have trail projects,
so we go there to take things out of the garage. Um, I'm there to do do different things uh usually on a bi-weekly basis. And so, yeah, so we got the heat on. We got So, so far so good.
Um, and the the uh facilities is also out there. Although now that it's closed, I'm not sure they're going as much as they used to, but it's good idea to make sure the heat's on for sure. I mean, >> yeah.
>> Is there a remote temperature monitor? I don't know how all that works, but I will tell you that I walked in there at the beginning of this season and it was really cold and I made a phone call to facilities and they had two people right over. So, I'm going to say they do not
know when it's cold. >> Okay, moving on the minutes. We only have one set to approve and that's September 10th. We talked about it last time. We'll have read it. So, can I have a motion to
approve the minutes from September 10th? >> I move to approve the minutes from September 10th. >> Talbert seconds that motion. >> Uh, Jerox in favor. >> In favor? >> Martha Moore in favor.
>> Ryan Mo in favor. Okay. Any last comments or anything before we adjourn? >> Yeah. Any public comment? If there any public comment online, there's nobody in the room. Um, please
use the raise hand function. You'll find it under reactions lower part of the screen. >> All right. So, should we announce that we're we're not we don't have a second meeting. Our busy. He's got a big day on the 25th. I just can tell.
>> I knew that was coming. So, this is our last meeting of the year. >> Oh, sorry. I'll let let know that Chris Haley has a hand up. Chris, you can unmute. I made you a co-host. Uh, I don't see Chris has it on. >> Okay, never mind.
>> Nope, I don't see that happening. >> Okay, so uh this is our last meeting of the year. I wanted to take this opportunity to say a few more words I said already tonight. I want to thank all of you for volunteering your time.
Um, and I want Joe to become an actual member and no, no longer hide in the associate member category. Um, but no, do appreciate it. Um, we do need one more person. If you know anybody, talk to them. We have room for associate
members as well. Um, And uh it is a pretty short meeting. Um which is good. It's a good way to end it. Uh so I do want to adjourn and make sure everybody is aware that we
appreciate the work that you do. And bear in mind that Martha does the most. Having said that, I want to adjourn at uh 8:44. Can I get a motion to
>> I move to adjourn at 8:44? >> Second. >> In favor? >> All in favor? >> I thank you. Can we end the recording?