Town of Wellesley, Massachusetts

Approved 11/30/07

TOWN OF WELLESLEY

NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION

October 30, 2007, 7:30 PM

NRC Office, Lower Level, Town Hall

Attending: Heidi Gross, Chairman, Paul Cramer, Vice-Chair, Joan Gaughan, Secretary, Richard Bashian, Neal Seaborn, Janet Bowser, NRC Director.

Guest: Denny Nackoney, NRC Trails Committee.

No one at the meeting spoke at Public Voice.

Discussion Regarding Maintenance/Dumping Issues on the Selectmen’s Cochituate Aqueduct Land

Ms. Bowser thanked Mr. Nackoney for attending the meeting and to discuss this matter. Ms. Bowser summarized the residents concerns regarding the portion of the Cochituate Aqueduct between Washington Street and Prospect Street and indicated that the Selectmen have received two recent letters from residents voicing their concerns about the amount of dumping of debris on the Aqueduct in this area, which is under the Selectmen’s jurisdiction. Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC office receives many calls regarding dumping and debris issues, as well as encroachment issues, on the Aqueduct land and that they forward these to the Selectmen’s Office for their response. Ms. Bowser noted that in the past the NRC has offered to accept jurisdiction over the Cochituate Aqueduct land from the Selectmen since the majority of this land is open space and more suitably characterized as park and conservation land rather than municipal land. Ms. Bowser stated that it may be an appropriate time to inquire if the Selectmen are interested in a renewed discussion with the NRC about a possible jurisdictional transfer of this land from the Selectmen to the NRC.

Mr. Nackoney stated that the NRC’s Trails Committee has discussed this issue and that one of the residents complaining about the dumping of debris attended the Trails Committee’s last meeting. Mr. Nackoney stated that Ms. Diane Hall of 80 Prospect Street had contacted the Trails Committee about getting this portion of the trail cleaned up and addressing neighborhood concerns about keeping the trail cleaned. The NRC discussed this matter and voiced concern about their role in cleaning up and maintaining land not under their jurisdiction. After further discussion, the NRC concluded that in this one particular instance, since the NRC’s Trails Committee is willing to take the initiative and neighbors are concerned about the amount of dumping and debris in this area, that the NRC will help organize a one-time clean-up on this portion of the Aqueduct, since it is part of the Town’s Cross-Town Trail System and that the NRC would agree to co-sponsor a clean-up with the Trails Committee as long as it is co-sponsored with the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Nackoney stated that he has talked with Ms. Hall about a possible clean-up date on November 17^th from 10 – 12 PM. Mr. Nackoney stated that he and other Trails Committee Members will oversee the clean-up and neighborhood volunteers, and he has spoken with Ms. Hall and she is committed to helping with the clean-up. Mr. Nackoney requested that the NRC prepare abutter-mailing labels of and send out clean-up flyers notifying neighbors of the clean up. Ms. Bowser said that due to the NRC’s limited resources that she will request that the Selectmen provide the envelopes and cover the postage since this land is under their jurisdiction. It was the sense of the NRC that the project be jointly sponsored by the NRC, the Trails Committee, and the Selectmen.

Ms. Gaughan volunteered to contact the Selectmen’s Liaison to the NRC, Gig Babson, on this matter, and Ms. Bowser will contact Hans Larsen and the Selectmen’s Office to secure permission to conduct this clean up on the Selectmen’s land.

Mr. Nackoney thanked the NRC for their cooperation on this clean up and said that it is as much an educational opportunity as it is a clean-up effort, and that it will make residents more aware that this is public land and that they have no right to encroach or dump on it. Mr. Nackoney stated that he has contacted the DPW and they will be providing two dumpsters on either end of Washington Street and Prospect Street.

Final Review/Approval Regarding NRC’s FY09 and 5-Year Capital Budget Request

Ms. Bowser reviewed the NRC’s final Capital Budget Request, including the cover letter to Advisory, a summary, and the Capital Budget work sheets as requested by the Selectmen’s Office and the Advisory Committee. Ms. Bowser reviewed the final Budget Request with the NRC and the FY09 Capital Budget Request totals $57,000, including: $30,000 for the Tree Planting Program; $5,000 for the Trail System Improvements; $10,000 for the Fuller Brook Restoration Master Plan Completion; $2,000 for encroachment and permanent boundary markers; and $10,000 for park and sidewalk path improvements. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 5-0 to approve the NRC FY09 Capital Budget Request.

Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC the final NRC 5-Year Capital Plan for FY09 –FY13, which totals $1,311,000. The large ticket items include the Fuller Brook Implementation Restoration Plan at $800,000 in FY10 and $100,000 for the development of a Comprehensive Pond Management Plan in FY11. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 5-0 to approve the NRC 5-Year Capital Plan for FY09 –FY13.

Final Review/Approval Re: Morses Pond Comprehensive Plan FY09 and 5-Year Capital Budget Request

Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC the final FY09 Capital Budget Request for the implementation of the Morses Pond Comprehensive Management Plan. The FY09 Plan includes funding for: $20,000 for technical assistance and website design; $50,000 for Bylaw Review and Enhancement; $50,000 for low-impact development stormwater management improvements, design permitting, and technical support; for a total of $120,000 in FY09. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 5-0 to approve the NRC’s FY09 Morses Pond Comprehensive Management Plan Implementation Capital Budget Request of $120,000.

Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC the 5-Year Capital Request for the implementation of the Morses Pond Comprehensive Management Plan. She reviewed a summary of the requested cash capital items, totally $484,563 for FY09 – FY13. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 5-0 to approve the 5-Year Capital Request for the Morses Pond Comprehensive Management Plan Implementation.

Discussion/Update Re: 27 Washington Street Proposed Redevelopment Plan

Ms. Bowser summarized the current status of the 27 Washington Street Redevelopment Plan by National Development. She stated she and Ms. Gross attended the most recent Town Development Review Team (“TDRT”) meeting with National Development on October 15, 2007. She stated that as requested by the Selectmen, the NRC Trails Committee and Wetlands Protection Committee submitted a summary of their concerns and requests for funding of various natural resources and trail wetlands protection measures on this property.

Ms. Bowser stated that a memorandum sent to the Board of Selectmen and dated October 11, 2007, outlined the NRC’s recommendations for preserving open space, improving pedestrian access, and natural resource protection including wetlands at 27 Washington Street and on the Selectmen’s abutting open space land. The memo outlined the NRC’s desire to maximize and improve open space and public access in the Charles River waterfront area, including the granting of a Conservation Restriction from National Development to the NRC to protect all riverfront open space. In addition, the memo outlined the NRC’s request for financial support by National Development to restore the Charles River Railroad Bridge connection with Newton as well as a request for additional financial support for other trail and recreational area amenities, including the installation of trail map houses and the construction of a canoe ramp on Boulevard Avenue. The memo also outlined the Wetlands Protection Act and Bylaw recommendations and issues as developed by the Wetlands Protection Committee. In addition, the memo recommended that a Town Subcommittee be formed that is separate from the Town Development Review Team to address the issues related to the Selectmen’s parcel and the Railroad Bridge over the Charles River connecting Wellesley and Newton.

The NRC’s recommendation indicated that the State Department of Conservation and Recreation, the City of Newton, and the Town’s State Legislators be included in these discussions. The memo indicated that the NRC has already begun a dialogue through initial meetings with Representative Peisch and staff from Senator Creem’s and Senator Brown’s Offices. Ms. Bowser reported that Mr. Larsen, Ms. Warshaw, and Mr. Himmelberger, as well as Town Counsel, Mr. Al Robinson, all agreed that a special subcommittee should be formed in order to address issues related to the Selectmen’s open space parcel adjacent to 27 Washington Street.

Mr. Larsen stated that the Selectmen will form a subcommittee as soon as possible so as not to slow down National Development’s permitting process. Mr. Larsen indicated that the NRC and its Trails Committee will be contacted as soon as possible to begin meeting on issues relating to the parcel. Mr. Cramer made a suggestion to be brought back to the TDRT group of possibly triple-decking parking at One Washington Street, in exchange for a land swap for the private land abutting the Charles River at One Washington Street. There was some discussion about how this proposal could be presented and the possibility of using CPA funds for it. Ms. Gross stated that she will bring this back to the TDRT group when they next meet. Ms. Bowser stated that she will keep the NRC informed as to the status of this project.

Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a letter from the Board of Selectmen to the State Department of Conservation and Recreation, dated October 17, 2007, indicating the Selectmen’s support for making improvements to the bridge area to improve river access and indicating that the new developers of at 27 Washington Street may be able to provide some linkage money to help repair the bridge decking. The letter requests that the DCR provide a cost estimate to repair the bridge. The letter states that the Board of Selectmen is committed to this project and looks forward to its completion and encourages the DCR to contact the NRC and its Trails Committee to further discuss this project.

Discussion Re: the Fuller Brook Park Restoration Master Plan

As a follow-up to the NRC’s 5-Year Capital Budget discussion, the Commission discussed in some detail, issues related to the proposed width of the new path in Fuller Brook. There was a general sense that because the State standards now recommend an 8-foot-wide path in park areas to serve as multi-purpose-use paths, that a new width may need to be included and that the Master Plan may need to be revised. There also was some discussion regarding the type of path surface to be used in the park and that perhaps a more natural type of surface that is durable could replace the macadam top. The NRC will continue this discussion at a subsequent meeting.

Director’s Report

Deferral of Brown Park Playground Improvements at Neighborhood’s Request

Ms. Bowser stated that she has been in regular contact with the Brown Park Neighborhood Committee and that after submitting the current playground design revisions to the Committee they concluded that they would like to continue their fundraising effort and raise additional money. Ms. Bowser informed them that this prevents a fall installation and that if additional money can be raised by mid-winter that a spring or early summer installation is possible. Ms. Bowser stated that she has scheduled a meeting for November 8^th at 11:30 AM in the NRC Office with the Brown Park Neighborhood Playground Committee and the NRC’s Playground Designer, Ms. Nancy White of O’Brien and Sons.

Update on Playing Fields Task Force October 26^th Meeting

Ms. Bowser stated that she attended the Playing Fields Task Force Meeting on October 26, 2007 and she gave a brief summary of the issues covered. In particular, she updated the NRC on the status of the Sprague Field Project and indicated that currently the School Committee is looking at raising funds of $31,000 for a new Sprague Field Study Proposal and that the NRC has weighed in on the various issues and the possibility of using the remaining Field User money, totally $11,000, which was left over from the previous study. Ms. Bowser noted that she made a recommendation to Selectman Greg Mills that the study evaluate the possibility and costs for the installation of an organic field at Sprague Field. Mr. Mills said that he will work with Ms. Bowser and also Chris Guiffre from the School Committee to ensure that an organic field is costed out as an option before completing the study. Ms. Bowser stated that it appears that Gale Associates will be retained to complete the Sprague Field design and engineering work and that the ENSR Corp. will be hired to complete a risk evaluation that includes an analysis of the health and environmental impacts of the field materials. Ms. Bowser stated that the Sprague Field Task Force and the School Committee will not be going forward at the Special Town Meeting to request funding for the study monies, since they will be paying for the remainder of the bill of approximately $20,000, which includes $2,000 from the Board of Selectmen and $2,000 from the Recreation Commission. Ms. Bowser stated that she was asked by the Playing Fields Task Force to inquire as to whether or not the NRC would be able to contribute any funds for this study. After some discussion, the NRC concluded that they do not have any available funds to contribute toward this study work, and since it is a School Committee initiative, they feel that the funds should come from the School Committee.

Feedback/Issues Related to the NRC’s Organic Lawn Care Educational Forum on Tuesday October 16^th at 7:30 PM

Ms. Bowser stated that 94 individuals attended the Organic Lawn Care Educational Forum presented by the NRC and featuring Jackson Madnick, Chair of the Wayland Surface Water Quality Committee. She stated that she has received very positive feedback on the Forum from residents and that the NRC office is facilitating distribution of the organic lawn seed Eco-Lawn to Town residents.

Update on Open Space and Recreation Plan Funding and Progress Report

Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC has received approval from the Wetlands Protection Committee with regard to the use of the Wetlands Fee Account to pay for a portion of the consultant fees for the Open Space and Recreation Plan as they relate to sections regarding water quality, natural resource protection, and wetland protection.

Preparation for Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing on November 20th

Ms. Bowser stated that she has been working with the DPW to prepare for this Tree Hearing that will propose the removal of approximately 35 trees. NRC Tree Subcommittee members Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn will review the trees proposed for removal and will make their recommendations at the hearing.

NRC’s support for House Bill 3314 Regarding Revisions to the State Bottle Bill

Ms. Bowser stated that the Trails Committee and Ms. Gaughan requested that the NRC send letters to the Town’s State Representative and Senators regarding House Bill 3314, which promotes recycling in the Commonwealth’s communities and schools and will expand the scope of the Bottle Bill to require deposits on containers for water and other liquids now not included in the Bottle Bill. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 5 – 0 to send letters to then Town’s State Representative and Senators in favor of House Bill 3314 regarding expansion of the Bottle Bill.

Review of Weed Harvesting Information Submitted by the Dept. of Public Works

Ms. Bowser briefly reviewed with the NRC harvesting information regarding areas harvested, hours cut, total hours of work, and load information supplied by the DPW this week. Mr. Seaborn had a number of questions regarding this information, which will be addressed at the next Morses Pond Management Committee Meeting.

Liaison Reports/Continuing Business/New Business

Update on October 18^th Inter-Board Budget Meeting with the Board of Selectmen

Mr. Seaborn stated that he attended this meeting on behalf of the NRC and that the Advisory Committee released its budget guidelines for operating budget expenses that limits personnel costs to a 2.5% increase and expense costs an increase of 3.0%.

Update on High School Renovation Effort and Open Space Issues

Ms. Gaughan inquired as to whether the NRC felt it was appropriate to weigh in on open space related issues as part of the High School Renovation effort. It was the sense of the NRC after some discussion, that once a final plan is developed and circulated, it would be appropriate for the NRC to review it for natural resources protection and open space issues.

Quality of Town Compost at RDF

Mr. Seaborn indicated that at the NRC’s Organic Lawn Care Education Forum, the question came up as to whether or not the Town maintains an organic compost pile at the RDF. Mr. Seaborn indicated that he will contact the RDF Director Gordon Martin to find out the quality of the compost and whether there is an organic compost available, and if not, if that is something the RDF would consider.

Land Management Issue at 119 Cliff Road

In response to an inquiry from the Trails Committee, a suggestion was made that the knoll area to the left of the path at 119 Cliff Road be allowed to grow into a natural meadow rather than being mowed once or twice a year by the DPW. Several NRC members visited the property at 119 Cliff Road and due to the topography, they felt it would be better to continue the management of the area in the way it is now maintained by the DPW, that is having the knoll area mowed on a regular basis.

Land Management Issue at Centennial Reservation

Mr. Cramer voiced some concerns about the degree of poison ivy in the back meadow abutting Windsor Road and inquired as to what management options are available to address poison ivy in this area. The NRC briefly discussed issues regarding invasives, including poison ivy, in conservation land. Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC does have a very detailed Centennial Reservation Land Management Plan, and she will make copies for distribution to the NRC for their review and further discussion. Ms. Bowser will contact DPW Park Division Assistant Superintendent Mike Quinn to discuss the NRC’s poison ivy treatment and growth concerns.

Review and Approval of NRC Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2007

After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 5 – 0 to approve the NRC Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2007, with minor revisions.

The next NRC meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, November 6, 2007, at 7:00 PM in the Wellesley Middle School, Room 303, prior to the Special Town Meeting.

After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 5 – 0 to adjourn the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 10:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted: