Conservation Commission

Waltham Conservation Commission August 7, 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 7:02 PM. Attendees: Chair Alexander Sbordone, Vice Chair Bill Doyle, Gerard Dufromont, Michael Donovan Lisa Limonciello. Absent: Development Prospectus • 220 Moody Street. An Order of Conditions was issued for this project in December 2024 (DEP file 316-0831). Mr. Doyle moved to authorize the chair to sign off, seconded by Mr. Dufromont. Ms. Limonciello initiated a brief discussion to explain the purpose of a development prospectus and the sign off process. This is part of the city council’s special permit process, independent of ConCom permitting. Paul Finger was present for the applicant and confirmed that no changes have been made to the plans since the OOC was issued. In favor: Sbordone, Doyle, Donovan, Limonciello, Dufromont. Motion passed. Public Hearing Request for Amendment to Order of Conditions (DEP File # 316-0816)(continued from 7/24/25) Applicant: Bubchull Kim Property Location: 171 Copeland Street Project Description: Construction of 80 sq.ft. and 598 sq.ft. additions to the rear of the dwelling and construction of a rain garden. Amendments: Expansion of impervious driveway and expansion of rain garden to compensate for increase to impervious area. Applicant requests a continuance. Mr. Daly from the commission office noted that information had been received that morning indicating that this will likely move ahead at the next meeting. Motion to continue by Mr. Doyle, seconded by Mr. Donovan. In favor: Sbordone, Doyle, Donovan, Limonciello, Dufromont. Motion passed. Public Hearing Notice of Intent (DEP File # 316-0842) Applicant: Robert Winn – City of Waltham Engineering Department Property Location: 200 Trapelo Road Project Description: Replacement of utility infrastructure and roadway reconstruction. Mr. Winn and John Martino of the Engineering Department were present. Mr. Winn gave a brief overview of the project, then Mr. Martino presented plans and provided more details. The work involves storm water infrastructure, reconstruction of roadway and sidewalks, and the demolition of Approved 8-21-2025 one building (the chapel). He highlighted the jurisdictional area, a stream that runs parallel to the roadway. The proposed work would improve infiltration and recharge and reduce runoff into the stream. Water quality would be improved. There will be no new outfalls, but flow will be diverted and existing outfalls would be limited to emergency use. Mr. Donovan asked for clarification on this location relative to the previous stream restoration [DEP 316-0748], which was highlighted. Current flow diversion from the stream under the chapel was shown, although it was explained that the exact location of the pipe is not known, as existing plans disagree; the inlet and outflow are known. They will inspect the line before the proposed work but will not touch it. Specifics of the erosion and sedimentation controls were discussed. Mr. Martino noted that all the catch basins will be replaced. The footprint of the demolished building will be filled then loamed and reseeded. Brief discussion of the flow from this area to Beaver Brook and of the functioning of catch basins. Mr. Doyle noted that if not for the drainage improvements and the work nearest the chapel, this could qualify as a limited project, and all of the work is improvement. He asked that additional sedimentation controls be put at the outfalls when work is being done upstream, which the applicant agreed to. He asked about the schedule. They are hoping to get bids this fall, so if things move quickly they might be able to do some work this winter, but most work would be expected in 2026. Public comment was solicited, but none offered. Mr. Donovan moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Dufromont. Mr. Doyle asked it DEP had issued any comments; they had not at the time. Most of the commission is familiar with the site, and they did not feel an extra site visit was necessary. Ms. Limonciello will look into making a visit. In favor: Sbordone, Doyle, Donovan, Limonciello, Dufromont. Motion passed. Mr. Doyle moved to issue a positive order of conditions with the standard special conditions. Mr. Donovan seconded. In favor: Sbordone, Doyle, Donvan, Limonciello, Dufromont. Motion passed. Mr. Doyle asked that the commission be kept informed of the project timeline. He also said he would be interested in attending, if a site visit is scheduled. Public Meeting Informal Discussion Representative: Brian Maroney – Piety Corner Club Property Location: 2 Worcester Lane Description: Request to remove dead oak tree. Mr. Maroney was present. He is concerned about a dead tree, which has the potential to fall on powerlines or into Bacon Street. They had hoped to save it during previous work, but could not. [Referenced work took place under an RDA and enforcement order dating to 2023.] Their insurance company is also concerned. He presented photos. Discussion. Mr. Donovan has recently taken a look and agrees that it is a hazard. Mr. Maroney asked if they could grind the stump. Mr. Doyle recommended that the commission allow stump grinding to 6″ below grade, and that the hole be filled with soil. Mr. Doyle recommended this decision be properly documented. Ms. Limonciello asked if they had a schedule for removal; they do not, but Mr. Maroney hopes to have it done within the next month. Mr. Doyle moved to issue the letter documenting this discussion and conditions. Mr. Donovan seconded. In favor: Sbordone, Doyle, Donovan, Limonciello, Dufromont. Motion passed. Mr. Daly noted the commission tree policy, drafted several months ago but not yet discussed or approved. The commission asked that this be recirculated for review. Commission Business • Approval of meeting minutes from 7-24-2025. Mr. Donovan motioned to approve, seconded by Mr. Dufromont. Motion passed. Ms. Limonciello abstained, as she was not present at this meeting. Correspondence Approved 8-21-2025  • NOTED: SOLitude planned an observation visit to Hardy Pond on August 12. If conditions warrant, they will apply treatment during the visit. (316-0837) • NOTED: 104 Hibiscus Ave (NDA issued in April). Notified that work was planned to begin on or after 8/5 and requested erosion control inspection. • NOTED: National Grid gas main replacement in the vicinity of Newton Street, from Yetten Terrace to Whitcomb Street (south of the Charles River). A portion of the work will be in WPA jurisdiction, but is exempt utility maintenance within existing roadway. • NOTED: MWRA plans to begin test borings at 209 Lexington Street during the week of August 11. Work was approved by the commission as part of an RDA July 12, 2024. Old Business • Status of commission vacancies. It has been confirmed that the city recirculated notice of the openings on social media. • Status of conservation agent position. The opening was posted by the city last week, and has been sent to MACC and MSMCP for additional distribution. Ms. Limonciello asked for specifics on which social media outlets the city uses. Mr. Daly will investigate and report back. Site Visit Reports • 245-265 Winter Street. Ms. Limonciello reported favorably on their preparations and the anticipated impact. Mr. Dufromont noted that the sidewalk might have to be moved to the opposite side of the drive to meet ADA requirements, due to steepness. • 404 Wyman Street & 303 Wyman Street. Three projects are involved in this area. Mr. Donovan recently visited. The breezeway glass replacement and sewer line repair were completed satisfactorily. These will be on the next agenda for RCOCs. The current patio project has not yet started. They will be doing work in 3 locations, only 1 is in jurisdiction. He noted a tree that the commission had approved for removal, which the site supervisor now believes can be kept in place. Erosion controls will be going up in the next week, and he will visit again soon. • 455 Totten Pond Road. Mr. Dufromont noted that MWRA’s contractor appears to have left, but has left a mess and this could potentially wash into the brook. Mr. Donovan spoke with the contractor sometime back and they were to leave the erosion controls and jersey barriers in place. He noted that the contractor has cleaned up and reseeded the old branch library site on Lexington Street, which was also being used for storage. Mr. Daly noted several site visits needing scheduling or follow up. • 43 Chesterbrook Road. For RCOC. Proposed for 8/13 9:30 AM. No one was available. He will contact the applicant for alternate times and dates. • Brandeis Chapels Pond. For RDA. This is accessible, and Ms. Limonciello will try to take a look before the next meeting. Brief discussion of the reason for this RDA, related to confirming the pond’s man-made status and exemptions. • 105 Riverview Ave. For RDA. Mr. Dufromont suggested 8/13 2:30 PM, and Ms. Limonciello will also go. Will confirm with the applicant. Committee Reports • CPC: Special meeting was held July 28. Next meeting scheduled for September 16. Mr. Doyle reported that the commission recommended around $270,000 for repairs at 88 Lexington Street / St. Mary’s Apartments. This moved on to city council. New Business • The ZBA has received a comprehensive permit (“40B”) application for 379-395 Totten Pond Road and requested comment by August 19 from ConCom and other involved boards and Approved 8-21-2025  commissions. An OOC was issued to this location in August 2023 (316-0819). Recommended response to the ZBA: “All projects proposing work within Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131 § 40) jurisdictional areas must follow the appropriate permitting process established by Mass DEP. An Order of Conditions was issued to 379-395 Totten Pond Road in August 2023 and remains in effect (MA DEP file #316-0819). The applicant will be expected to file to amend the existing Order with the Waltham Conservation Commission, or close the existing Order and file a new Notice of Intent. An approved Order of Conditions must be in place prior to the start of work.” Mr. Daly noted that this text is similar to that previously sent to the ZBA for 40B projects, but this is a slightly different case because there is already an OOC in place. Clarification of this site and other nearby 40B projects (455 Totten Pond Road, 245-265 Winter Street). The commission is familiar with these sites from previous and current activity. Discussion of whether an amendment would be allowed or if a new filing would be required. The commission has not seen the new proposed plans, only those previously approved. Ms. Limonciello had a question about water and sewer at the site, which Mr. Doyle clarified is handled by Engineering and CPW. Mr. Doyle moved to accept the proposed text with the modification (strike-through) shown. Seconded by Ms. Limonciello. In favor: Sbordone, Doyle, Donovan, Limonciello, Dufromont. Motion passed. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Doyle, seconded by Mr. Dufromont. All present in favor. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:11 PM. Approved 8-21-2025