Conservation Commission

Waltham Conservation Commission April 24, 2025 Meeting Minutes Meeting took place via public Zoom call with participation information posted at City Hall, Government Center, and on the Commission’s page of the city web site. Zoom information was circulated directly to all applicants and others on the public agenda. Meeting called to order at 7:03 PM. Attendees: Vice Chair Bill Doyle, Gerard Dufromont, Michael Donovan Philip Moser. Conservation Agent Meghan Sullivan. Absent: Chair Alexander Sbordone. Mr. Doyle acted as chair. Public Meeting Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA 25-04) Applicant: Nicholas and Nicole Capodilupo Property Location: 104 Hibiscus Ave Project Description: Second story addition within existing footprint. The site is within 100-foot Buffer Zone but there will be no additional disturbance and no impervious area will be added. Applicants were present. Robert Bibbo of Bibbo Brothers presented. He described the site and the plan. All equipment will access the site from the driveway and there will be no additional disturbance to wetland areas. Ms. Sullivan has visited the site and it’s a straightforward project. She concurred that there will be no additional disturbance, no trees will be cut, etc. She has no concerns. Mr. Dufromont asked for clarification of the 50’ and 100’ boundaries on the property and received it. There were no other concerns. Motion to issue a Negative 3 / Positive 2b determination by Mr. Donovan, seconded by Mr. Dufromont. Discussion. In favor: Doyle, Moser, Donovan, Dufromont. Motion passed. Public Meeting Enforcement Order Property Owner: Brian McNamara and Nicole O’Callaghan Property Location: 265 Totten Pond Road Description: Restoration plan submitted to correct alteration to Bordering Land Subject to Flooding, Bank and 100-foot Buffer Zone. Property owners were present, and also Diane Simonelli of Field Resources, who described the issues that resulted in the violation and enforcement. Ms. Simonelli described the restoration plan (on behalf of Deb Anderson, who created the plan but could not be present). Discussion of details of the restoration plan, including invasive removal and planting of native species. Ms. Sullivan has reviewed the plan and feels it meets the goal. She had a small concern with the deck, but felt it met requirements. She was pleased with the monitoring period. Mr. Dufromont asked if the building Approved 5-8-2025 department had inspected the deck, as requested. Ms. Sullivan has reached out to confirm, but not received a response. Mr. Dufromont felt this was enough effort. He asked if the violating shed had been removed and received confirmation that it has. Mr. Moser thanked the homeowners for taking this issue seriously and acting responsibly. He commented on erosion potential if the pavers beneath the deck are removed, and recommended adding crushed stone. It was confirmed that the owners have taken this into account. Discussion of options on this detail. Mr. Moser asked for Mr. Doyle’s professional opinion on the validity of flood zone considerations for this site, and the permissibility of a small footbridge. Mr. Doyle offered information on the regulations and his opinion. He felt that the nature of the proposed bridge would not lead to additional adverse impact under WPA jurisdiction, and that it would largely be an insurance matter (i.e.: if it is damaged or destroyed in a flood, it would not be covered). Discussion. The current bridge was shown. Mr. Donovan also thanked the owners and their consultants for their work. Mr. Doyle asked for details on the enforcement order status. Ms. Sullivan recommended that the commission vote to approve the restoration plan, with the order to be lifted at a future date after the restoration has been completed. Mr. Donovan motioned to approve this plan; Mr. Moser seconded. Mr. Moser asked that the substance of these discussions and approvals be recorded in writing, sent to the owner, and placed in the file. In favor: Doyle, Moser, Donovan, Dufromont. Motion passed. Commission Business • Approval of meeting minutes from 4-10-2025. Motion to approve by Mr. Donovan, seconded by Mr. Moser. Motion passed. • Discussion of new and revised Commission procedure documents. This commission felt that all members should be present for this discussion, so delayed this to their next meeting. Correspondence • NOTED: DEP has downgraded statewide drought status. As of April 9, the Northeast Region, including Waltham, is at “Level 2 – Significant Drought.” • NOTED: DCR planned cleanup and invasive species management work in Beaver Brook reservation (316-0777) on April 16. Additional herbicide treatment and management planned for May 6-9. Old Business • Site Visit Reports • Lexington Street, near YMCA. Ms. Sullivan visited today after a request from Mr. Donovan. The sign that has been noted references an old City of Waltham filing. There is no active work, although the MWRA project is nearby. Mr. Donovan noted that the pond there is nearly dry. Committee Reports • CPC: Met April 15. Next meeting scheduled for May 13 (annual public input meeting). Mr. Doyle noted requests from Gore Place for new windows ($20,000) and Paine Estate for multiple items including patio, roof, and boiler ($850,000). CPC recommended both projects and they have been sent to city council for a vote on approval. New Business • Mr. Dufromont asked for permission to discuss the release of conservation trust fund monies for Paine Estate improvements with city council. Mr. Doyle saw no issue with doing this, as no funds can be allocated without a vote by the trustees. Mr. Moser noted that use of these funds was raised at the 10 April Conservation Trust Fund meeting. He noted that the trustees submitted a Approved 5-8-2025  formal request to council for release of funds for work at the Paine Estate over a year ago, and this has not been resolved by council. Discussion. It was again suggested that Mr. Sbordone raise this with the mayor during this year’s budget discussion. Mr. Donovan asked the office staff to send Mr. Dufromont a copy of the previous request to council. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Donovan, seconded by Mr. Dufromont. All present in favor. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:44 PM. Approved 5-8-2025