Approved 10/30/07
TOWN OF WELLESLEY
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
October 11, 2007, 7:30 PM
Kingsbury Conference Room, Wellesley Police Station
485 Washington Street
Attending: Heidi Gross, Chairman, Paul Cramer, Vice-Chair, Joan Gaughan, Secretary, Richard Bashian, Neal Seaborn, Janet Bowser, NRC Director.
Guest: Ruth Levens, 25 Baker Place, Newton Lower Falls, Kit Stover, 72 St. Mary Street, Newton Lower Falls, Amy Sangello, City of Newton, Alderwoman
Public Voice
Several residents of Newton Lower Falls attended the meeting to voice concerns regarding the 27 Washington Street Development. Ms. Ruth Levens of 25 Baker Place, Newton Lower Falls, voiced concerns that a number of the abutters are currently in litigation against the State Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) regarding ownership of an old railroad right-of way leading from the Charles River to the Riverside T Stop. Ms. Levens stated that currently there are 50 direct abutters on this DCR property leading to the Riverside MBTA Station in Newton. She indicated that only a handful of abutters are parties in the litigation against DCR and that the Lower Newton Falls neighborhood is split as to support for creating a bike and pedestrian path from the Charles River to Riverside. Ms. Gaughan inquired as to
what Ms. Leven’s primary concerns were. Ms. Levens indicated that while she is not opposed to the development of a trail and pedestrian access in the area, she feels that it is inappropriate to develop the old railroad right-of way that leads behind people’s home, which is a very secluded, narrow strip. She said that she and her neighbors are afraid that if this area is opened up to pedestrians and bikers that there will be vandalism and peeping toms. She stated that the house lots on Baker Place are very small, and a trail would have a negative impact on the property owners abutting the rail trail. Ms. Kit Stover of 72 St. Mary Street said that she would like to see Wellesley and Newton work together to create a rail trail or bike and pedestrian trail in the area without impacting the neighborhood. She said that she would like to work with both towns to create an alternative route to the Riverside Rail Trail. Ms. Amy Sangello, a Newton
Alderwoman, stated that she is working with the State Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Newton Planning Department and the Newton Conservation Commission to look for alternate paths that will provide access from Wellesley to Newton and along DCR land bordering the river. She stated that she is currently working with a non-profit organization that has engaged the engineering firm of Horsley and Whitman to examine options in this area, and she looks forward to working with the NRC and the Town of Wellesley as the 27 Washington Street Redevelopment Plan progresses. Ms. Gross thanked Ms. Leven, Ms. Stover, and Ms. Sangello for attending the meeting and noted that the NRC will keep them informed as this project moves forward.
Review/Approval of Parking Reconfiguration at Perrin Park
The NRC reviewed a memo from Town Engineer Steve Fader dated August 8, 2007 regarding a recommendation for a new parking layout at Perrin Park. As requested by the Board of Selectmen, the Town Engineer developed a plan for the formal layout of parking spaces for the Thomas Road cul-de-sac at Perrin Park. Currently, parking at this location is problematic and is on a first-come-first-serve free-for-all and there are no parking spaces painted or formally delineated at this cul-de-sac. The proposal outlines two options. The first creates 25 parking spaces and the second creates 27 parking spaces. Both options provide for 2 handicap/van accessible spaces and include parking spaces that are 8.5 feet wide, which is the Town’s standard parking width. After further discussion, the NRC agreed that the
recommended Option #2 that provides for 27 parking spaces is the preferred option. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 5-0 to approve the Perrin Park Parking Layout Option #2 as outlined in Town Engineer Steve Fader’s Memorandum and Site Plan dated August 8, 2007.
First Review/Discussion Regarding NRC’s FY09 and 5-Year Capital Budget Request
The NRC reviewed the draft FY09 and 5-Year Capital Budget Request as drafted by Ms. Bowser and the Commission made additional capital request items and some revisions. Ms. Bowser will make the requested revisions for the NRC’s final review and approval of the Capital Request at its next meeting on October 30, 2007.
First Review/Discussion Re: The NRC’s Morses Pond FY09 and 5-Year Capital Budget Request
The NRC reviewed its draft Morses Pond FY09 and 5-Year Capital Budget Request as drafted by Ms. Bowser that will be submitted to the Advisory Committee in collaboration with the Board of Public Works, and the Recreation Commission. Ms. Bowser stated that she still needs input from the NRC’s Pond Manager Dr. Ken Wagner but that the current budget is based on the Morses Pond Comprehensive Management Plan and does not deviate from the original Plan budget. The NRC will review and approve the final Morses Pond Capital Budget Request at its next meeting on October 30, 2007. Ms. Bowser will forward a copy of the request to the Community Preservation Committee in order to determine if any costs are eligible for CPA funding.
Review/Approval of a Citibank Gift of Temporary Skating Rink at Warren Park
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a letter from Jim Conlon, Chairman of the Recreation Commission, asking for the NRC’s formal approval of a portable temporary skating rink installation at Warren Park. Ms. Bowser stated that Citibank is opening a new Branch in Town and has expressed interest in making a donation to the Town of a portable outdoor skating rink at Warren Park, which would include all components and would measure 40 feet by 72 feet with plastic sideboards. The Fire Department has reviewed and approved the proposal and indicated that they will work with the DPW Water Department to turn on a fire hydrant in the winter to fill the rink. Assistant Fire Department Captain Rick DeLorei reviewed the project and did not see any problems with moving forward with the rink. The Recreation Department
indicated that they will be responsible for all set-up, installation efforts and yearly maintenance. Ms. Bowser and representatives from the Recreation Department and Mr. Mike Quinn from the DPW conducted an on-site visit to consider whether the rink should be installed on the basketball court or in the playing field near the building. Based on an evaluation of the grading of the field in that area, it was determined that the field is not level enough to contain the outdoor skating rink and that the rink will be placed on the basketball court. Mr. Quinn indicated that the temporary skating rink will not damage the surface of the basketball court. Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC received capital funding in FY08 for the basketball court renovation, which is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2008. The Recreation Department recommends that no hockey be allowed on the rink at least for the first year of operation, in order to maximize safety on
the rink. Town Counsel, Mr. Al Robinson, has been contacted, and he noted that there are no liability issues with the rink, stating that he sees this as a normal recreational facility. Recreation Director Jan Kaseta has contacted the Selectmen’s Office about adding the rink to the Town’s property liability insurance. Ms. Bowser noted that the Selectmen voted to accept this gift at their meeting on October 9, 2007. The NRC expressed an interest in adding at least two additional temporary skating rinks in park areas to be determined, and Ms. Bowser stated that she will insert a placeholder for the rinks in the NRC’s 5-year capital budget and she will further discuss maintenance issues related to this budget item with the DPW. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 5-0 to approve the installation of a portable outside ice skating rink at the Warren Park Basketball Court.
Discussion Re: Additional Citibank Offer for Donations to Improve the Town’s Park System
Ms. Bowser stated that she was contacted by a Citibank representative who indicated that the company is interested in making an additional contribution to the Town, and a specific mention was made of donating trees and benches to a Town parkland. The NRC discussed using this potential gift to improve the Fuller Brook Parkland, and they will continue to discuss this matter and make a formal recommendation at the next meeting.
Review/Update Re: 27 Washington Street Proposed Redevelopment Plan
Ms. Gross, Mr. Seaborn, and Ms. Bowser stated that they attended the most recent Town Development Review Team (“TDRT”) meeting on this project. At the meeting, the NRC outlined their recommendation to maximize open space on both the 27 Washington Street parcel and on the Selectmen’s abutting railroad right-of-way, which is currently open space. In addition, the NRC and the Trails Committee recommended that National Development be requested to provide financial support for improvement of the Charles River Railroad Bridge connecting Wellesley to Newton. The NRC was asked by the Selectmen to put their requests in writing and the NRC reviewed a memorandum as drafted by Ms. Bowser. Ms. Bowser stated that the memorandum incorporates the comments of the Trails Committee and the Wetlands Protection
Committee. The NRC approved the memorandum that will be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen outlining concerns and recommendation for improving the site with regard to open space, natural resources protection, and improved pedestrian and bike access.
Discussion Re: the Fuller Brook Park Restoration Master Plan
The NRC discussed the status of this plan, and Ms. Gross indicated that while the plan is substantially completed, the NRC needs to determine the recommended width of the path, whether it will remain at 5-feet, or be expanded to 8-feet, which is currently the State and national standard, allowing mixed-use for both pedestrian and bicyclists. There was some discussion regarding pros and cons of both widths and Ms. Bowser recommended that all members review the current draft plan in preparation for further discussion. Ms. Bowser will make copies of the current draft plan for all members for their review.
Final Review/Approval of Morses Pond Management Services Contract Award
Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC received two proposals in response to its Request for Proposals for Pond Management Services at Morses Pond: one was received from Dr. Ken Wagner from ENSR/AECOM; and one from Dr. Jerry Carr, Carr Research Lab. Ms. Bowser stated that on October 4, 2007, the proposal review team, Mike Pakstis, DPW Director, Steve Fader, Town Engineer, Jan Kaseta, Recreation Director, and Ms. Bowser evaluated the two proposals according to the procedures outlined in the Massachusetts Procurement Requirements under MGL Chapter 30B. After a thorough and detailed review, the Review Team unanimously recommended that the NRC hire ENSR/AECOM for the Pond Management Services at Morses Pond, based on the “highly advantageous” rating that the ENSR/AECOM proposal received in all categories. The
Carr Research Lab proposal received “advantageous” or “not advantageous” in all categories. Ms. Bowser indicated that the two price proposals were as follows: ENSR/AECOM $50,980; and Carr Research Lab $50,690.
Based on ENSR/AECOM’s higher rating than Carr Research Lab in all categories, and on the firm’s comparable price proposals, the Review Team unanimously recommended that the NRC approve the hiring of ENSR/AECOM for the Pond Management Services at Morses Pond.
After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 5-0 to award the Morses Pond Management Services Contract to ENSR/AECOM. Ms. Bowser circulated for the NRC’s signature the contract with ENSR/AECOM, and stated that Town Counsel has approved the contract and, as she will work with ENSR/AECOM to ensure that the pond manager is hired as soon as possible.
Director’s Report
Update on Playing Fields Task Force Meeting of September 28, 2007
Ms. Bowser stated that she attended the Playing Fields Task Force Meeting on September 28th and she indicated that the School Committee Representative to the Sprague Field Task Force, Chris Guiffe, met several times with the Advisory Committee, and he reported that they were not favorable to the request for approximately $70,000 to fund the Sprague Field Remediation Study, which would incorporate an analyses of the health and environmental impacts of the artificial surface, as well as a design and engineering layout for the fields. Mr. Bashian stated that he viewed the three proposals for the Sprague Field Study, but because no funds were available for the study, it appeared that the study would not move forward. Ms. Gaughan stated that at the Community Preservation Committee Meeting the previous
night, Greg Mills from the Board of Selectmen, indicated that they would request the study money from the CPC and go to the Special Town Meeting for this request. Mr. Bashian said that he felt that the BETA Engineering proposal was the strongest because of the proposed analysis of the health and environmental impacts of the field material. Mr. Cramer stated that he felt strongly that once the Town has made a decision that the artificial turf material is safe for the Town’s children to play on, then the design and engineering could potentially move forward, but until that threshold question is answered, the money should not be made available to move forward on a design plan. Ms. Bowser stated that at the September 28th Task Force Meeting that Mr. Tom Harrington of the Wellesley Town Soccer Organization stated that Mr. Cramer had informed him that the NRC did not favor installation of an artificial turf surface at the Multi-Purpose Field, but that the High School
Football Field would be a preferred alternative. The Task Force had sent a letter to the School Building Committee requesting that they include the High School Field Improvements, including a possible artificial turf surface, in the High School Building Plans. There was also some concern about possible damage to the fields due to staging and construction and that remediation and restoration would be needed. It was clear that the High School plan is in a preliminary stage and that the NRC would need to be brought into at the discussions earliest stage regarding planning for an artificial surface at Hunnewell Field, as this area is under their jurisdiction as parkland.
Update on NRC Organic Lawn Care Educational Forum on Tuesday October 16th at 7:30 PM
Ms. Bowser stated that she is organizing this program with Jackson Madnick, of the Wayland Surface Water Quality Committee. She stated that the Wellesley Cable Station will film the program and that she is working on educational outreach and publicity for the program.
Inter-Board Budget Meeting with the Board of Selectmen on October 18th at 7:30 PM
Mr. Seaborn stated that he will represent the NRC at this Inter-Board Budget Meeting.
Status of High School Modulars and Potential Use of Hunnewell Field
Ms. Bowser stated that she has received confirmation from the School Department that the proposed modular classrooms to accommodate the increase in the High School population will not be placed on NRC land at Hunnewell Field, and the focus for the installation is now on School land only.
Review and Approval of NRC Meeting Minutes of September 25, 2007
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 5 – 0 to approve the NRC Meeting Minutes of September 25, 2007 as written.
Next Meeting
The next NRC meeting was scheduled for Tuesday October 30, 2007 at 7:30 PM in the NRC Office.
Adjournment
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 5 – 0 to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Janet Hartke Bowser
NRC Director
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