09_26_2023 Cons Com Minutes - final City of Beverly Conservation Commission
September 26,2023
Meeting Minutes
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CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION: City of Beverly Conservation Commission
DATE: September 26, 2023
LOCATION: Virtual via Google Meet
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Christine Bertoni, Vice Chair Robert Buchsbaum,
Amber Redmond, Grace Charles, William Squibb (late)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Tara Duffy, Chris Cloutman
OTHERS PRESENT: Conservation Agent David Spidaliere, Conservation Field
Inspector Scott White
RECORDER: Naomi Moca
1. Chair Bertoni calls the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and reads the public notice regarding
holding meetings remotely due to COVID-19.
Redmond: Motion to recess for public hearings. Buchsbaum seconds. Bertoni takes a
roll call vote. Motion carries (4-0).
2. Recess for Public Hearings
7:06 p.m. Squibb arrives
3. Notices of Intent/Abbreviated Notices of Intent/Requests for Amended Orders of
Conditions
a. Cont.: 7 Cherry Street, DEP File#5-1399— construct a garage, yard storage,
mudroom, covered porch, driveway, second story dormers, and deck repairs —John
and Vanesa Linkletter
Conservation Agent Spidaliere states that Bill Manuell of Wetlands and Land Management could
not obtain the revised stamped plan by the surveyor in time for this meeting and thus is
requesting a continuation.
Redmond: Motion to continue to the October 17, 2023 meeting. Buchsbaum seconds.
Bertoni takes a roll call vote. Motion carries (5-0).
b. Cont.: New: 54 Pickman Road, DEP File#5-1400 —construct a retaining wall,
make repairs to a stairway for shoreline access, and replace a fence —Gary Benton
Spidaliere states that the applicant has requested a continuation.
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Buchsbaum: Motion to continue to the October 17, 2023 meeting. Redmond seconds.
Bertoni takes a roll call vote. Motion carries (5-0).
c. Cont.: 29 Brackenbury Lane, DEP File#5-1401 —construct a driveway and a
detached garage—Arlin Sebastian
Project Wetland Scientist Devon Morse of Hancock Associates and civil engineer Matthew
Connors of Hancock Associates are present. Morse states that the plan was revised in response to
the Commission's comments at the August 29, 2023 meeting. Morse states that the August 31,
2023 site plan now has an added callout for the area that will be re-graded and that it will be
stabilized with loam and seed. The Commission had also requested that the applicant research
the possibility of reducing the impervious impact of the bituminous concrete driveway. Connors
states that because the applicant will have the driveway plowed in the snowy weather, a gravel
surface is not optimal because the plow would churn it up and cause a maintenance issue.
Furthermore, the applicant is concerned with pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the summer
months, so the turnaround is important for visibility when exiting the site. For these reasons, the
applicant is requesting to keep the driveway as planned.
The Commission discusses that pervious pavement is not an option for this site. Morse clarifies
that the site is not in Bordering Land Subject to Flooding and is not in an AE flood zone.
Redmond: Motion to close the hearing. Buchsbaum seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call
vote. Motion carries (5-0).
d. Cont.: 58 South Terrace, DEP File#5-1402 — extend deck and sun porch—Ralph
Puopolo
Applicant Ralph Puopolo is present and states that he received an email from MassDEP a few
hours before today's meeting with several questions and he is prepared to go over the answers
with the Commission if desired. Puopolo states that there are certain items among the questions
that are not pertinent to the application. Puopolo states that the delineation of the coastal bank
was completed by a surveyor, not a wetlands scientist.
The Commission discusses items for Puopolo to prepare for the next meeting. Puopolo agrees to
obtain a delineation of the coastal bank by a wetlands scientist and to provide a plan that
addresses stormwater runoff, snow storage, and the plantings since the proposed pennisetum is a
non-native invasive species. The Commission discusses that since the proposed deck extension
cantilevers over the coastal bank, information about whether it is necessary to drill into the
coastal bank is needed. Puopolo agrees to provide the Chapter 91 license, a detailed engineering
plan, and the construction plan to the Commission.
Spidaliere advises Puopolo that the updated plans and narrative should be sent to MassDEP as
well as to the Commission. Bertoni expresses a desire to visit the site independently as she was
not able to attend the Commission site visit. The Commission advises Puopolo to consult the
Commission's list of recommended native species.
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Buchsbaum: Motion to continue to the October 17, 2023 meeting. Squibb seconds. Bertoni
takes a roll call vote. Motion carries (5-0).
e. New: 140 Livingstone Avenue, DEP File#5-1388 —request to amend Order of
Conditions — 140 Livingstone LLC c/o Edward Doherty
Spidaliere reads the legal notice. Bob Griffin of Griffin Engineering and applicant Edward
Doherty, are present. Griffin presents the site plan and states that the OOC was issued in April
2023. Griffin states that as the construction has progressed, there was found to not be enough
room in the crawl space as it is an inadequate height to install and regularly maintain mechanical
and electrical equipment. Thus, Griffin has updated the plan to have the elevation of the
approved house,pool area, and driveway raised up by 2.8 feet, bringing the elevation to 17.8
feet. The slab will be lowered by 0.9 feet and the building floor raised by 2.8 feet. Griffin
clarifies that the crawl space is not a habitable space. The new plan has lowered contours in the
vicinity of the driveway to allow for floodwaters to reach the flood vents. Griffin states there are
no substantial changes to the landscaping plan.
The Commission discusses that 1,000 cubic yards of fill are required for this amendment, that no
blasting is needed to lower the slab, that the new grading is not substantial, and that the pump
chambers and forced main running along the left side of the building out to the street will be
moved to the opposite side. Griffin states that because the crawl space falls below flood
elevation, all mechanical equipment is required to be at least one foot off the slab at its lowest
point to comply with FEMA regulations.
The Commission discusses the condition of ensuring the utilities are a minimum of one foot
above the flood elevation. Griffin states that phragmites control has already begun.
Buchsbaum: Motion to approve the amended order of conditions for 140 Livingstone
Avenue, DEP File 45-1388 per the September 12, 2023 plan, with the one
condition as specified. Redmond seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call vote.
Motion carries (5-0).
Squibb: Motion to reconvene the regular meeting. Redmond seconds. Bertoni takes a
roll call vote. Motion carries (5-0).
4. Reconvene Regular Meeting
5. Requests for Determination of Applicability
a. New: 0 McKay Street/181 Elliott Street—remove 12 dead trees and plant a native
shrub/plant in the general vicinity of each removed tree— Cummings Properties, LLC
Spidaliere reads the public notice. Operations Counsel Damien Savoie of Cummings Properties
is present and states that 12 dead trees on Cummings Center property all located within 10 to 100
feet of Lower and Upper Shoe Pond need to be removed as they are in danger of falling onto
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McKay Street, with one tree at risk of falling onto 600 Cummings Center. Savoie presents the
bird's eye view of the site,pointing out the locations of the trees.
Buchsbaum asks if a certified arborist determined that the trees are dead and should be removed.
Savoie states that the head of groundskeeping assessed the trees and determined that they are
obviously dead. Savoie states that a third-parry subcontractor with a crane placed outside the
buffer zone will be removing the trees and he is unsure whether the subcontractor will have a
certified arborist on site when the trees are removed.
The Commission discusses replacing trees 41, 43, 44, and 47 from the site plan with new trees.
The Commission discusses that a blend of trees and native shrubs would be acceptable for
mitigation planting and that Spidaliere can provide a list of suggested species. Spidaliere states
that he did not conduct a site visit. Redmond comments that the precedent of Cummings
Properties not using a certified arborist should not necessarily be the expectation for future
applications. The members agree that obtaining a certified arborist's report on the condition of
the trees will satisfy this exception. Bertoni comments that standing dead trees that have been
trimmed for safety can provide habitat for native species.
The Commission discusses the following conditions:
1. The applicant shall provide a certified arborist's report on the condition of the trees prior
to their removal.
2. A replacement tree shall be planted in the vicinity of trees 41, 3, 4, and 7 as listed on
"Proposed Tree Removal Plan" dated 9/5/2023. A native shrub/plant shall be planted in
the general vicinity of each of the other removed trees. A planting plan shall be provided
to the Conservation Agent prior to the removal of the trees.
3. Tree removal shall be conducted via hand tools and/or all heavy equipment shall be
operated from paved surfaces only.
4. Trees shall be cut flush to grade.
5. Removal or grinding of the roots or stump is prohibited.
6. All cut materials shall be removed for appropriate off-site disposal.
7. A spill kit shall be located on site during the work.
Squibb comments that tree 49 is a habitat tree that may stay in place.
Redmond: Motion to issue negative three determination for 0 McKay Street/181 Elliott
Street with the conditions as discussed. Buchsbaum seconds. Bertoni takes a
roll call vote. Motion carries (5-0).
6. Requests for Certificates of Compliance
a. New: 238 Lothrop Street, DEP File#5-1270— stabilize the foamed and seeded lawn
— Darren Blyth
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Evin Guvendiren of DeRosa Environmental is present on behalf of the applicant and states that
the lawn has stabilized. Field Inspector White states that he conducted a site visit and observed
that the lawn is established.
Redmond: Motion to issue a complete Certificate of Compliance for 238 Lothrop Street,
DEP File 45-1270. Charles seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call vote. Motion
carries (5-0).
b. New: 511 Netherton Avenue, DEP File#5-254— construct a single-family house—
Continental Law Group c/o Michael Osborne
Spidaliere summarizes that as part of the property sale in 2020, the applicants (the previous
owners of the property) were required to obtain the COC for this OOC. Since no work was ever
started on this project, the applicant is requesting an Invalid Order of Conditions.
Squibb: Motion to issue an Invalid Order of Conditions for 5R Netherton Avenue,
DEP File 45-254. Redmond seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call vote. Motion
carries (5-0).
7. Old/New/Other Business
a. Minor Modifications to Orders of Condition, If Any
i. New: 2 Balch Street, DEP File#5-1365— alternate dewatering method—
City of Beverly c/o Eric Barber
Project Manager Mike Nelson of Fuss and O'Neill is present on behalf of the City of Beverly
Department of Engineering. Nelson summarizes that the tides were working against the
dewatering process necessary to clean the water main. Nelson states that City rejected the change
order for the water-filled bladder that the Commission had approved due to expense, so the new
plan is to move the control point to the existing dam at the outlet of the pond where Lower Shoe
Pond goes over the concrete rear dam and then flows out to the Bass River. There is an operable
sluice gate in place that is used to control the tides. Nelson states that effect will be the same as
the cofferdam method,just at a different location.
Nelson explains that during most high tides, ocean water comes up and over the dam and into the
culvert. By placing sandbags on the dam, the level of the dam will rise two to three feet to slow
most high tides. The premise of building up the dam is the same concept as the approved
cofferdam, but in a different location: it avoids purchasing a $60k bladder, utilizes sandbags
already owned by the contractor, and avoids the need to place anything in the pond.
Nelson states that he will monitor the site daily and that the timely removal of sandbags if there
is an impending storm is the responsibility of the contractor. There is a foreman overseeing each
shift of the 24-hour work cycle, and the foremen communicate directly with Nelson and with
Assistant Commissioner Eric Barber of the City Engineering Department. Nelson observes that
the project was originally estimated to take three months, and is now at its one-year anniversary.
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The members agree that this qualifies as a Minor Modification as it is staying within the original
intent of the project.
Redmond: Motion to approve the Minor Modification for 2 Balch Street, DEP File 45-
1365 for the sandbags on top of the weir as described in the September 18,
2023 plan. Buchsbaum seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call vote. Motion carries
(5-0).
b. Extension to Orders of Condition,if any
c. Tree Removal Requests, If Any
i. New: 269 Dodge Street—Arthur &Pamela Boardway
Arthur and Pamela Boardway,property owners, are present and state that a tree in their backyard
fell into Norwood Pond a month or so ago. Certified arborist Rich Grant of Mayer Tree visited
the site and pointed out four red oak trees that need to be removed. One tree is 30 feet from the
wetland and leans toward the house, one is 50 feet from the wetland and leans toward the house
and also has hollow ground near the base, one is 60 feet from the wetland and has a rotted base,
and one is uprooted and is currently in the water at Norwood Pond.
Boardway asks if property owners are typically responsible for removing trees that fell into the
water. The Commission agrees that the tree remaining in the water will provide a habitat for
native species such as turtles. Boardway shares photos of the tree and proposes having Mayer
Tree cut the branches that are above the surface of the water using a crane. Whatever is cut off
will be removed off-site. Boardway points out that one of the other three trees is in danger of
falling on power lines.
The Commission discusses the following conditions:
1. Tree removal shall be conducted via hand tools and/or all heavy equipment shall be
operated from paved surfaces only;
2. Trees shall be cut flush to grade;
3. Removal or grinding of the roots or stumps is prohibited;
4. All cut materials shall be removed for appropriate off-site disposal;
5. A spill kit shall be located on site during the work;
6. For the fallen red oak, the stump shall be cut and only branches above the water line
removed. All debris from the removed branches shall be removed from the water;
7. For the red oak near the driveway, the tree shall be cut down to roughly 15' tall and left
in place as a habitat tree.
The Commission asks if it is possible to leave a 15-foot stump for habitat and the Boardways
agree to leave one located at the end of the driveway.
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Redmond: Motion to approve the removal of four trees at 269 Dodge Street as
discussed, leaving one as a habitat tree and one in the pond, with the
conditions as discussed. Squibb seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call vote.
Motion carries (5-0).
d. Enforcement Matters
i. Cont.: 16 Branch Lane— 16 Branch Lane LLC
Alex Patterson of EA Engineering is present on behalf of the property owner and summarizes the
update. The Commission requested they provide a plan showing where the plantings have been
completed, and it was provided to the Commission. Patterson shares the site map with color-
coded demarcation of the plantings. Charles, Buchsbaum, and Redmond state that the plantings
appeared to be well-established at their site visit. The members agree that the spacing and density
of the plantings were appropriate and no additional plantings are needed.
The Commission agrees that until the survivorship condition has been met, the Enforcement
Order will remain on file. Patterson states that his firm plans to visit the site in one year's time
and provide an updated report to the Commission.
Redmond: Motion to amend the original Enforcement Order for 16 Branch Lane to
reflect the Commission's acceptance of the planting plan and that the density
as noted on the September 21, 2023 plan is also acceptable. Buchsbaum
seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call vote. Motion carries (5-0).
ii. Cont.: 43 Wood Lane—Eric Ewer
Spidaliere reports that Eric Ewer,property owner, stated that the wetlands delineation will take
place on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
Buchsbaum: Motion to amend the Enforcement Order for 43 Wood Lane with the date of
delineation and the start of the restoration plan in time for discussion at the
October 17, 2023 meeting. Redmond seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call vote.
Motion carries (4-0). Charles abstains.
iii. Cont. 116 West Street—Alex Glovsky
Spidaliere states that the previous owner submitted a COC request in 2022, at which time the
Commission noticed that there was a Buffer Zone restoration area on the as-built plan that was
removed and converted to grass. An Enforcement Order was issued to restore it to the original
Buffer Zone restoration area. Spidaliere states that the two-growing season monitoring period is
over. Spidaliere conducted a site visit with the property owner on September 8, 2023, and
observed the restoration plantings are well-established.
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Redmond: Motion to lift the Enforcement Order for 116 West Street. Squibb seconds.
Bertoni takes a roll call vote. Motion carries (5-0).
The Commission discusses the Potential Violation at 10 Palmer Road. Spidaliere states that the
applicant is in the process of submitting an after-the-fact minor project permit as was directed by
the Commission.
e. Potential Violations
i. New: 342 Old Essex Road—Klaudio Boka
Klaudio Boka,property owner, and the general contractor that Boka consulted for the project,
Adimir Toska, are present. Spidaliere states that the Commission conducted a site visit on
Saturday, September 23, 2023. Buchsbaum states that the owner should have gone through the
NOI process. Buchsbaum observed at the site visit that the stream's erosion was creeping toward
the house. Redmond states she observed a lot of Japanese Knotweed on the property and
suggests that removing or managing it with mitigation plantings would be appropriate.
Toska agrees to provide the plans for the wall to the Commission. Boka states that the wall base
is four feet under the ground and built using five-inch rebar.
The Commission advises Boka to consult with Spidaliere for guidance on the NOI process,
which will include certification by a qualified engineer and potential removal of Japanese
Knotweed. The Commission clarifies with Boka that there will need to be a restoration plan in
the future, but the focus right now is to get the wall work permitted.
Buchsbaum: Motion to issue an Enforcement Order for 342 Old Essex Road with
directives to file an after-the-fact Notice of Intent for the wall in time for the
Wednesday, November 28, 2023 meeting (submittal deadline November 14,
2023). Redmond seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call vote. Motion carries (5-0).
ii. Cont.: 531R Hale Street—Loring Trust, Caleb Loring III
Caleb Loring I11, Trustee of 531R Hale Street Trust and property owner, is present and states that
he will contract with Hancock Associates to conduct the wetlands delineation. At that time the
Trust plans to submit a restoration plan to the Commission.
iii. Cont.: 569-573 Hale Street—Peter & Babette Loring
Peter and Babette Loring, trust beneficiaries and property owners, are present and state that they
are coordinating with Loring III to delineate the wetlands. They state that they did partial
restoration planting one year ago.
f. Other: Discussion or Action Items Related to Commission Business,
Correspondence, etc. Received/Issued After Publication of Agenda, If Any
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The members agree that it is appropriate to exchange their phone numbers for site visit purposes.
96 Preston Place: Bertoni states that the Manchester-by-the-Sea Conservation Commission is
working with the property owner due to the pond's water level rising significantly.
g. Expenditure Approvals
i. Conservation Agent August Mileage
Redmond: Motion to approve the August 2023 mileage reimbursement totaling $16.79.
Buchsbaum seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call vote. Motion carries (5-0).
ii. Conservation Field Inspector July Mileage
Redmond: Motion to approve the July 2023 mileage reimbursement totaling $24.22.
Buchsbaum seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call vote. Motion carries (5-0).
i. Conservation Field Inspector August Mileage
Redmond: Motion to approve the August 2023 mileage reimbursement totaling $33.52.
Buchsbaum seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call vote. Motion carries (5-0).
The Commission discusses the MACC note requesting delineations that the communities might
have.
8. Orders of Conditions
a. Cont.: 29 Brackenbury Lane, DEP File#5-1401 —construct a driveway and a
detached garage—Arlin Sebastian
The Commission discusses the following conditions:
1. Any excavated materials/debris shall be removed and properly disposed of offsite.
2. Storage of construction materials shall be located on existing paved areas or outside the
resource areas.
3. Erosion controls shall be installed between the work area and the wetland resource,prior
to the start of construction.
4. During construction, disturbed soils are to be re-stabilized and re-vegetated as soon as
possible.
Buchsbaum: Motion to issue an OOC for 29 Brackenbury Lane, DEP File 45-1401 with
the conditions as discussed including special, general, and perpetual
conditions under both the Wetlands Protection Act and the Local Wetlands
Ordinance. Squibb seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call vote. Motion carries (5-
0).
9. Approval of minutes
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a. August 29, 2023 Adjournment
The members review and offer edits to the August 29, 2023 draft meeting minutes.
Buchsbaum: Motion to accept the August 29, 2023 meeting minutes as amended.
Redmond seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call vote. Motion carries (5-0).
10. Adjournment
Buchsbaum: Motion to adjourn. Redmond seconds. Bertoni takes a roll call vote. Motion
carries (5-0).
Meeting adjourns at 10:05 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the Conservation Commission is scheduled for Tuesday,
October 17, 2023.
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