Town of Wellesley, Massachusetts

Approved 12/11/07

TOWN OF WELLESLEY

NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION

November 20, 2007, 7:30 PM

NRC Office, Lower Level, Town Hall

Attending: Heidi Gross, Chair, Joan Gaughan, Secretary, Richard Bashian (arriving at 8:30 PM), Neal Seaborn, Janet Bowser, NRC Director.

Absent: Paul Cramer, Vice-Chair.

Guest: Kathy Macdonald, Advisory Liaison to the NRC; Mike Quinn, Assistant Superintendent, DPW Parks Division, Kent Warren, DPW Parks Division Staff, Douglas Smith, 8 Midland Road, Joanne Smith, 8 Midland Road, Jennifer Houston, 5 Tennyson Road, Cheryl Mahoney, 7 Tennyson Road, Deborah Riesman, 49 Windsor Road, Krista Ryan, 15 Garrison Road, Hannah Ryan, 15 Garrison Road, Marshall Goldman, 17 Midland Road, Nancy Westenberg, 50 Windsor Road.

No one attending the meeting spoke at Public Voice.

Moment of Silence in Memory of Town Environmentalist Hank Lysaght

The NRC observed a moment of silence in memory of Hank Lysaght who passed away recently and who served the Town as a long-time volunteer committed to the protection of the Town’s natural resources especially the protection and improvement of the Charles River.

Public Shade Tree Removal Public Hearing

Ms. Bowser stated that in accordance with State Law, a legal ad had been placed in the Wellesley Townsman with regard to the Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing and all trees proposed for removal were identified and posted, as required by State Law. Ms. Gross stated that she and Mr. Seaborn, as members of the NRC’s Tree Subcommittee, visited all trees proposed for removal by the DPW and will make their recommendation as to each tree. All trees on the list for proposed removal by the DPW were evaluated by Kent Warren of the DPW Staff, who is an arborist licensed by the International Society of Arborists.

24” Sugar Maple at 5 Midland Road, 26” Sugar Maple at 8 Midland Road, and 30” Sugar Maple at 17 Midland Road

Ms. Gross stated that all of these three large sugar maples have been previously discussed and the NRC voted to deny their removal at a Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing On October 24, 2006. At that time, over ten residents of Midland Road had signed a petition and voiced their opposition to the removal of these trees and requested that they be allowed to remain standing. The NRC voted at the Tree Removal Hearing on October 24, 2006, to place the trees on the DPW’s Watch List for further evaluation.

DPW Arborist Kent Warren stated that the 24” Sugar Maple at 5 Midland Road has a crown that is completely dead and that on September 27, 2007, the last remaining leaves were turning brown and there are serious trunk wounds that are full of decay, as well as signs of significant root decay.

Mr. Warren stated that the 26” Sugar Maple at 8 Midland Road has significant amount of crown dieback, as well as large areas of trunk decay. Mr. Warren stated that the 30” Sugar Maple at 17 Midland Road has lost about 90% of its crown, the main crotch of the tree is badly formed and has major wounds and decay, as well as poor rooting.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith of 8 Midland Rd. attended the meeting and stated that while they are disappointed to see the trees on the street removed, they are aware of the public safety issues poised by the trees since the trees are dead and dying and they support the removal of the trees. Mr. Smith stated that his neighbors understood that the trees needed to be removed since the trees are in severe decline.

Dr. Marshall Goldman, residing at 17 Midland Road, attended the meeting after the vote, but acknowledged that the trees are in such poor health that they have to be removed, but he requested replacement trees where appropriate and if available. Ms. Gross stated that it is always the NRC’s policy to replace any trees that are removed.

Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross stated that although they had originally hoped to keep the trees up, based on the neighborhood’s feedback and the condition of the trees, they are recommending removal of the trees and replacements where possible. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 3-0 to remove all three sugar maples on Midland Road and to replace them with new trees where appropriate and available.

29-inch Norway Maple at 7 Tennyson Road

Jennifer Houston, 5 Tennyson Road, and Cheryl Mahoney, 7 Tennyson Road, attended the meeting to request that this tree remain and that it appears to be in good health and is an important part of the street’s tree canopy. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn stated that in their opinion, the tree appears to have a number of years left, and they recommended that it be placed on the DPW’s Watch List. Mr. Warren stated that it is his observation that the tree has recently lost some of the major branches in the canopy, and the major concern is that the main crotch where the two leaders join has a cavity which is full of water and the decay extends extensively down into the trunk and up into the leader. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 3-0 to deny removal of the tree and to place the tree on the DPW’s Watch List for further evaluation. Mr. Seaborn requested that the neighbors keep an eye on the tree and contact the DPW or NRC if any safety issues are observed.

26” Sugar Maple at 15 Garrison Road

Mr. Warren stated that this tree had lost several branches in previous storms, and has others branches that are split and has rotted cavities in the branches. He stated that the trunk has a very weak crotch and shows signs of a very stressed root system. Krista Ryan of 15 Garrison Road agreed that this tree needs to be removed, because it is a danger, but is concerned about the other trees on the street, because if they are in similar decline then the removal of these trees would have a significant impact on the aesthetics and tree canopy of this street. Ms. Gross explained the Town’s Tree Replacement Policy and said that if a tree is removed, a new tree will be replaced by the Town. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended the removal of this tree. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 3-0 to approve the removal of the tree, and a replacement tree will be installed.

23” Sugar Maple at 19 Garrison Road

Mr. Warren explained that this tree has a large cavity at the base of the trunk that goes down into the root flare and that there is also a large cavity in the central leader, which has resulted in a loss of about 80% of the canopy. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn agreed that this tree needs to be removed. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 3-0 to approve the removal of the tree and to plant a replacement tree where possible

21” Red Pine at 50 Windsor Road

Ms. Gross stated that the owner of the property at 50 Windsor Road, Ms. Nancy Westenberg, is in attendance at the hearing tonight and that there is some dispute in terms of the facts regarding the history of the damage to this tree. Ms. Gross briefly outlined the timeline of events regarding this tree and identified the Town’s concerns regarding this tree. Ms. Gross stated that the NRC had a Public Shade Tree Hearing on November 19, 2001 to consider the removal of this tree, and at that time, the record showed that the owner of the property, Ms. Nancy Westenberg, had stated that she had no objection to the removal of the tree. Mr. Kent Warren indicated for the record, that at that meeting, DPW Arborist Mr. Ron Dupree noted that although the tree had some issues, it did not pose a substantial hazard and there was no formal recommendation for the removal of the tree. At the NRC’s Public Shade Tree Hearing on November 19, 2001, the NRC voted 5-0 to take no action on the tree, but to follow-up. Since that time, in 2005 the DPW noted construction activity at 50 Windsor Road, and they sent a letter to the owners, David and Nancy Westenberg, dated October 18, 2005, advising them that construction activity on their property was in violation of the State Shade Tree Protection Statute, since the construction activity caused damage to the root zone of the 21” Red Pine tree, a protected public shade tree. The letter from Mike Quinn of the DPW indicated that construction activity in the public way and around this tree caused soil removal compaction, which is going to lead to the tree’s death. There was no additional follow-up from this letter and on October 9, 2007, Ms. Westenberg sent a letter to the NRC requesting that the Town remove this tree, since it has been in decline over many years and presents a public safety issue at this time.

There was extensive discussion between the DPW, the NRC, and Ms. Westenberg about the timeline and course of events regarding this tree. Ms. Westenberg stated that she had never received the letter dated October 18, 2005 from Mike Quinn informing her that she was responsible for causing damage to the root zone of the Red Pine tree. Ms. Westenberg stated that back in 2001, she had met with Ron Dupree who told her that it was his opinion that the tree should come down at that time and it was her understanding that the Town was recommending removal. Ms. Westenberg stated that it was her opinion that the work on her property did not cause substantial damage to the tree, and that there was other work, including work by N-STAR that had impacted the tree.

After some discussion, there was agreement that the tree was in extremely poor health and that it is almost totally dead and needs to be removed. Ms. Gross stated that the question is how was it damaged and who should be responsible for paying for its removal. Mr. Quinn recommended that the Town pay for half of the removal of the tree and that the property owner pay for half. Ms. Westenberg agreed to pay $250 for the removal of the tree, but for the record, she stated it is her opinion that she is not responsible for the damage to the tree. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of the tree, with the property owner paying for half of the removal at a cost not to exceed $250 and that a replacement tree be installed if appropriate (note that NRC Member Rick Bashian joined the meeting for discussion on this tree).

20” Sugar Maple and 18” Sugar Maple at 47 Park Avenue

Mr. Warren indicated that he was recommending the removal of the 20” Sugar Maple because it has a severe canker in the trunk, as well as cracks running deep into the heartwood, and there is also major crown dieback and most of the leaders are hollow. He is also recommending the removal of the 18” Sugar Maple at this location since the canopy of this tree is 90% dead, and there is no real root flare on this tree, and there are signs of trunk problems. However, Mr. Warren reported that the homeowner has already removed both of these trees, as apparently they did not want to wait for the Town to remove the trees. Mr. Warren stated that both of these trees were reviewed and denied for removal at the NRC’s Public Shade Tree Hearing on October 24, 2007 because the NRC felt that both trees had a number of years left. Ms. Bowser stated that she had spoken with the property owners and although they were not able to attend tonight’s meeting, they requested that they be allowed to address the NRC on these trees removals. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross reported that the homeowners have planted three Linden Trees at this location, however, they are planted on Town land, and it would be preferable to have them planted further into the private property. The NRC concluded that they will invite the owners to their next meeting scheduled for December 11, 2007 to further discuss the removal of these two trees and determine whether or not any penalties should be assessed.

Removal of 2-10” White Pines and 1-11” White Pine and 1–13’ Oak Tree at 201 Grove Street

Mr. Warren stated that developer Neil McLaughlin requested the removal of these 4 trees to allow for a new driveway location and curb cut on the south end of this property, approximately 9’ from the edge of the pavement, which is currently marked with yellow tape. He also indicated that construction fencing was placed around these trees to protect them during construction. Mr. Warren indicated that the trees are very close to the existing power lines. Ms. Bowser stated that she had received a letter from Mr. McLaughlin dated October 16, 2007, requesting permission to remove the 4 Town trees in front of the property. After a review of the request and the trees, a letter was sent to Mr. McLaughlin from DPW Arborist Ms. Cricket Vlass dated October 23, 2007, outlining that the DPW was in concurrence that these trees could be removed at his expense pending a review of the landscape plans for the area, as well as for replacement trees to be planted by the property owner.

Mr. Warren stated that at some point in the last week and a half, the 4 trees were removed without the Town’s permission. There was a discussion regarding the options for issuing fines and penalties. Mr. Bowser stated that under Mass General Law Chapter 87, Section 6, a maximum fine of $500 can be issued against anyone who removes or damages a public shade tree without permission of the Tree Warden. The 4 trees had been posted with notices regarding the date and time of the public hearing. In addition, Mr. Bowser stated that under Mass General Law Chapter 242, Section 7, allows for triple damages for the assessed value of the trees based on willful misconduct leading to damage or removal of a public shade tree. Mr. Quinn said that in his opinion, he would value these trees at $100 per caliper inch for a total caliper inch of 44” at $100 each, for a total of $4,400, tripled under Mass General Law Chapter 242, bringing this to a total fine of $13,200. The total allowed fines under both of these statutes would be $13,700. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4-0 to issue fines of $13,700 to the developer of this property for the unlawful removal of public shade trees. Ms. Bowser will write a letter to the owner of the property, advising him of the fines and inviting him to the next NRC meeting to further discuss this matter with the Board.

26” Sugar Maple at 26 Allen Road

Mr. Warren stated that this tree has lost over 80% of its canopy and has a large column of decay in the trunk and is located in a very busy area. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of the tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of this tree and to install a replacement if appropriate.

24-inch Sugar Maple at 15 Sumner Road

Mr. Warren stated that this tree has lost over 50% of the canopy and also there are some major branches that are completely dead. He explained that there has been a lot of branch failure and the

trunk has a large wound that is not healing well. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of the tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of this tree and to install a replacement tree, if appropriate.

17-inch Norway Maple at 3 Pilgrim Road

Mr. Warren stated that this tree has serious trunk wounds as well as cavities with decay and girdling roots. He stated that the tree also has a severe lean out over the roadway, and is starting to cause a real problem for the sidewalk. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of the tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of the tree and install a replacement tree if appropriate.

22-inch Sugar Maple at Central Park on Central Street

Mr. Warren stated that the DPW would like to remove this 22-inch sugar maple as the canopy is 90% dead, and there are several old wounds that are not healing. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of the tree, and noted that this tree was previously on the DPW’s Watch List and was denied for removal by the NRC at Public Shade Tree Hearing on March 15, 2005. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of this tree and install a replacement tree if appropriate.

21-inch Sugar Maple at Central Park on Central Street

Mr. Warren stated that this tree has about 80% crown dieback, as well as a large area of trunk decay and signs of poor rooting. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of the tree, and they would like to see a replacement and improvement plan for the entire Central Park area. Mr. Quinn stated that Ms. Vlass will be working on a replacement and improvement plan for Central Park. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of this tree and that they will review and approve the Improvement Plan and Tree Replacement Proposal for this park once completed by the DPW.

20” Norway Maple at 7 Chestnut Street

Mr. Warren explained that this tree has several cavities in the main trunk with extensive decay, as well as large cracks in the trunk. He stated that this tree is located directly beside a utility pole, and that it is located at the intersection of two very busy streets. He stated that the removal of this tree was previously denied by the NRC at a Tree Hearing on June 8, 2004, and September 14, 2004. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended denying the removal of the tree, and placing it on a Watch List since it still has canopy value to the area, and provides a break to the wind, protecting other Town trees. Ms. Gaughan stated that it appears that this tree is in poor health and should be removed. After further discussion, the NRC voted 2-2 to remove this tree, and because the vote is a tie, the tree removal was denied, and the tree will be placed on the DPW’s Watch List.

16-inch Sugar Maple at 16 Pine Street

Mr. Warren stated that this tree is located to the right of the property driveway and has lost approximately 80% of its canopy and the trunk has several wounds and there are major girdling roots. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of the tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of the tree and to install a replacement tree, if appropriate.

18-inch Sugar Maple at 16 Pine Street

Mr. Warren stated that this tree has a very poor crown formation with a 90% loss of its canopy. He stated that there is fungal growth on its trunk and there are indications of major girdling roots. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of the tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of the tree and to install a replacement tree, if appropriate.

30-inch Sugar Maple at 316 Walnut Street

Mr. Warren stated that this tree has 70-80% canopy loss, as well as very poor crown structure, and there are large cracks in the trunk at ground level, one of which is very deep and full of decay. He said that there are also indications of a poor root system. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of the tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of the tree and to install a replacement tree, if appropriate.

8-inch Norway Maple at Fiske Road beside 44 Emerson Road

Mr. Warren stated that this tree has lost more than 90% of its canopy, and the crown has only one leader, and has old wounds that have not healed and shows signs of fungal decay. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of this tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of this tree and to install a replacement tree, if appropriate.

30-inch Sugar Maple at 90 Washington Street

This tree, which is located at Warren Park, has lost more than 60% of its canopy, and has a very large rotted cavity in the trunk, which goes down below grade, as reported by Mr. Warren. There are also other areas of decay and prior growth on the trunk, and the tree is located in the play area of the Recreation Department, directly behind the baseball backstop. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn stated that the tree appears to have some years left and is an important tree in the Warren Park landscape, and they recommended that the removal be denied and that this tree be placed on the DPW Watch List. Ms. Gross stated that a plan needs to be developed to evaluate all trees in Warren Park and to schedule their removal and replacement as needed. Mr. Quinn stated that this is something that the DPW will work on in the near future. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded. and the NRC voted 4-0 to deny removal of this tree, and to place the tree on the DPW Watch List.

2-inch Elm Tree Sucker and a 4-inch Cherry Tree at Oakland St. between Woodlawn Avenue and Rt. 9

Mr. Warren explained that these are two undesirable plants along the sidewalks in the area. He explained that the 2” Elm sucker is growing from an old stump, and the 4” Cherry Tree has black knot disease and is 80% dead, and there are two large privet shrubs blocking the sidewalk and the edge of the roadway. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of these plant materials. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of these plants.

23-inch Sugar Maple at the Clock Tower Park Opposite the Maugus Restaurant

Mr. Warren explained that this sugar maple has lost the entire central leader and it has only 4 or 5 lateral branches. He stated that there is also a large wound in the base of the trunk, which has never healed and is full of rot and decay, as well as exhibits some very serious girdling roots. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of this tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of this tree and to install a replacement tree, if appropriate.

14-inch Red Oak at Hunnewell Street and Comeau Street

Mr. Warren explained that this tree has a very serious lean out over an extremely busy roadway. He stated that there is cavity that is full of wood rot fungi in the trunk, right where it arches over the roadway. He indicated that the base of the tree also has large bulging root flares, which is an indicator of root rot. Mr. Warren noted that this tree was previously denied removal and placed on the DPW’s Watch List at the NRC’s Public Shade Tree Hearing on March 15, 2005. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of this tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of this tree and to install a replacement tree, if appropriate.

12-inch Red Maple at the Fuller Brook Path at the End of Tappan Road

Mr. Warren stated that this a tall spindly tree that is growing up into other trees, but the main problem is that there is a large rotted cavity at the base of the tree, which goes deep into the ground. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of this tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of the tree. Ms. Gross stated that in light of the NRC’s Fuller Brook Master Plan, there is no planned replacement of this tree at this time.

28-inch Norway Maple at 28 Paine Street

Mr. Warren explained that this tree has lost more than 90% of its canopy, and has several very large pruning wounds that have not healed and are beginning to host fungal growth. He stated that there are also large areas of fungi at the base of the trunk, as well as around the root zone. Mr. Warren stated that the DPW has been removing deadwood from that this tree on a regular basis and he recommended removal. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of this tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of the tree and to install a replacement, if appropriate.

17-inch American Elm at 143 Cliff Road

Mr. Warren stated that there is a large rotted cavity in the trunk of this tree, which goes well down into the root system. He stated that on the opposite side of the trunk there is another cavity about 6’ above the ground, and that the crown of the tree is also heavily weighted and is leaning out over the roadway. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of this tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of the tree and to install a replacement tree, if appropriate.

31-inch Sugar Maple at 81 Forest Street

Mr. Warren stated that this tree has lost more than 70% of its canopy, and the central leader is completely dead, and the trunk has several pruning wounds that have not healed and are full of decay, and there is a serious girdling root situation. Mr. Warren said that the DPW visits this location frequently to pick up dead and rotted branches. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of this tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of the tree and to install a replacement, if appropriate.

29-inch Sugar Maple on Whiting Road, Adjacent to the Driveway at 81 Forest Street

Mr. Warren stated that this tree has lost more than 60% of its canopy, and that there are multiple pruning wounds that are open and are beginning to decay and the root system is being compromised. Mr. Warren said that the DPW visits this location frequently to pick up dead wood and rotted branches, and that the removal was requested by the resident at 81 Forest Street and their contractor. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of this tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of the tree and to install a replacement tree, if appropriate.

18-inch Red Maple at 17 Woodland Road

Mr. Warren stated that this tree is on parkland property and that it has several cavities with decay and has a definite lean out toward the front yard of this resident. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of this tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of the tree and to install a replacement tree, if appropriate.

22-inch Red Maple at 17 Woodland Road

Mr. Warren stated that this tree is in poor condition as it has large pruning wounds that haven’t healed as well as a very serious lean toward the house. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended removal of this tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of the tree and to install a replacement tree, if appropriate.

Removal of Several Trees at 17 Woodland Road Bordering Kelly Memorial Park

Mr. Warren stated that the homeowner at 17 Woodland Road requested the removal of a number of trees on the property’s eastern border that are in Kelly Memorial Park. The homeowner said that he was requesting the removal of these park trees in order to make available more sunlight onto his property in order to allow for the installation of solar panels on his home’s roof for use as an energy source. Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn stated that they had visited the site and were concerned about the number of trees to be removed and that it appeared that the removal of these trees would not have a significant impact on the volume of sunlight that would be available at this property. As a result, Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn recommended the denial of the removal of these trees. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4-0 to deny the removal of these trees.

Discussion Regarding Town-Wide Naming Rights Policy and Ad Hoc Committee Formation

Ms. Gross reviewed with the NRC the memorandum from Board of Selectmen Member Katherine Babson, as well as a memorandum by Town Counsel Al Robinson regarding naming rights. Ms. Gross stated that Ms. Babson had contacted her and asked her to be part of an Ad Hoc Committee that will review and propose a Town-wide policy on naming rights. Ms. Babson stated that her interest in this matter evolved from her role as chair of the School Building Committee and the possibility of a fundraising effort and naming for some portion of the High School Project. The NRC reviewed its current policy in regard to naming parks and conservation land, and in particular, its specific policy with regard to memorial gifts in Town Hall Park. The NRC does not have a history of fundraising in order to name parks or conservation land, and, in fact, all of its land that has been named has been done so for individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Town, in either a volunteer role or some other exceptional association with the Town. Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC will have to clarify for the Ad Hoc Committee the distinction in recognizing small individual donors on a plaque, which we have done in several parks, versus the actual naming of a building, room, or land area. Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC has made a commitment to the Brown Park Neighborhood Committee, as well as to the Wellesley Little League organization with regard to their ability to recognize individual donor contributions on plaques at both of these parks. Ms. Gross stated that the first meeting is scheduled for December 5^th, and she will represent the NRC on this Ad Hoc Committee.

Discussion Regarding NRC’s FY09 Operating Budget Request

Ms. Bowser stated that this is the NRC’s first review of its FY09 Operating Budget Request and the Morses Pond FY09 Operating Budget Request, and that the Advisory Committee has established guidelines for increases, which are limited to a 2.5% increase in expenses and a 3.0 % increase in other costs. Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC will review the final budget request at its next meeting.

Director’s Report

Update on Meeting Regarding Citibank Corporate Donation

Ms. Bowser stated that she and Mr. Seaborn met with a corporate representative from Citibank and that they had a good discussion exploring options for both volunteer and monetary contributions from Citibank to the Fuller Brook Park area. Ms. Bowser stated that Citibank is opening a new branch on Central Street and it is in reference to this opening that they are researching options for community service and contributions. Ms. Bowser will keep the NRC informed as to the status of this donation.

Update on Brown Park Playground Design

Ms. Bowser stated that she and Mr. Seaborn met with representatives from the Brown Park Neighbor-hood Committee and their goal is to raise an additional $8,000 in order to further expand the design of this playground. Ms. Bowser will keep the NRC informed as to the status of the Committee’s efforts.

Update on Trails Committee Cochituate Aqueduct Clean-up

Ms. Bowser stated that this clean-up was very successful and that over 20 people, including Board of Selectmen Member Gig Babson, attended this cleanup and that the DPW was involved in the clean-up as well.

NRC Capital Budget Presentation to the Advisory Committee on December 5^th at 8 PM

Ms. Gross stated that she will be preparing for this capital budget presentation to Advisory with Ms. Bowser, and noted that Mr. Seaborn also will attend the December 5^th presentation specifically to address any questions regarding the Morses Pond Comprehensive Plan FY09 Capital Budget Request.

Update on NRC’s Rachel Carson Centennial Program

Ms. Bowser stated that she and Ms. Gross presented this program on Rachel Carson’s Centennial Year and Conservation Legacy and the feedback was very positive.

Liaison Reports/Continuing Business/New Business

Update on Kids Trials Walk

Ms. Gaughan reported that the Kids Trials Walk was well attended and that the Trails Committee is considering sponsoring a Kids Trials Walk on an annual basis.

Update on Trustees of Reservations Conservation Land Management Program

Mr. Seaborn stated that he attended this program on behalf of the NRC and he outlined the various courses he took at the program.

Discussion Regarding Holiday Lighting at the NRC’s Clock Tower Park

Mr. Bashian stated that he would like to see some holiday lighting at the Clock Tower Park, since it is part of the Town’s tradition, but feedback from Mike Quinn and Kent Warren indicated that there were no electrical boxes available and that the previous boxes were in trees that have since been removed or can no longer take the weight of the electrical boxes. There was some discussion regarding other options for holiday decorations or lighting at the park. The NRC will further discuss this with the DPW to explore lighting and landscaping options at the Clock Tower Park.

Review and Approval of NRC Meeting Minutes of October 30, 2007

After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4 – 0 to approve the NRC Meeting Minutes of October 30, 2007, as written.

Next NRC Meeting

The next NRC meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, December 11, 2007, at 7:30PM in the NRC Office.

After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4 – 0 to adjourn the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 10:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted: