Approved 4/30/08
TOWN OF WELLESLEY
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, March 11, 2008,7:30 PM
NRC Office, Lower Level, Town Hall
Attending: Heidi Gross, Chairman, Joan Gaughan, Secretary, Neal Seaborn, Richard Bashian Janet Bowser, NRC Director.
Absent: Paul Cramer, Vice-Chairman.
Guests: Katherine Babson, Board of Selectmen Member and Chair, High School Building Committee.
Public Voice
No one at the meeting spoke at Public Voice.
Discussion Regarding Use of Hunnewell Athletic Field for Possible Parking During the Renovation/ Construction of the New High School Building
Ms. Gross stated that Selectman Gig Babson was invited to the meeting as a follow-up to the NRC’s discussion on February 26, 2008 regarding the possible use of the Hunnewell Athletic Field, which is parkland and under the NRC’s jurisdiction. Ms. Babson, as Chair of the New High School Building Committee, would like to discuss use of the Hunnewell Athletic Field land for the possible use of parking during construction of the new High School. Ms. Babson stated that this project will take compromises from all Boards and that the Parking Subcommittee of the High School Building Committee is reviewing options and alternatives for parking during construction of the new High School, which is expected to take 5-6 years. Ms. Babson outlined the current areas being explored for the maximum use of parking and
stated that their goal is to provide adequate but not excessive amount of parking for faculty, visitors, and some space for students. Ms. Babson said that it is likely that they will not allow students to park in these temporary areas. Mr. Bashian voiced some concern and an inclination to not permit parking on the High School Football Field unless all other options have been explored and examined and it is explained as to why there are no other options. Mr. Bashian voiced concerns about the impact on the High School Football program, if the field is used for parking. Ms. Gaughan indicated that she wants to ensure that all alternatives have been examined, as this use would mean a loss of significant open space during construction.
Mr. Bashian emphasized that student’s use of the sports fields should take precedence over student use of the fields for parking. Mr. Bashian and Ms. Gaughan stated that they may be open to some use, only after all other alternatives were examined. Ms. Gross indicated that use of the High School Football Field for parking should be allowed in order to permit parking on a temporary basis during the High School Construction Project period. Ms. Babson acknowledged that this is a tough issue and that the Parking Committee continues to evaluate a long list of options, and one of its major concerns is safety issues along Washington Street and Seaver Street. There was some discussion regarding what sports would be displaced if the field were used for parking. Ms. Babson stated that
the School Building Committee has a current charge to the architect to determine how much parking would be available on-site during the staging of the construction of the new school. A number of NRC members asked if the Lee Softball Field was being considered as an alternative, and Ms. Babson said that she did not believe that this was evaluated as an alternative.
Ms. Gross emphasized that this was a preliminary discussion only and that no decisions have been made regarding the use of the area, but that Ms. Babson wanted to give the NRC a “heads-up” that this is a likely use. Ms. Bowser stated that Ms. Babson is working closely with the School Committee and the High School Athletic Program to minimize the impact on the athletic program. After some discussion, the NRC Board Members indicated that they have some strong concerns about the use of the football field for parking during the 5-6 years that the high school renovation project is anticipated to take. Ms. Babson suggested that Ms. Bowser and Ms. Gross attend the next Parking Subcommittee Meeting to further voice the NRC’s concerns and provide feedback with regard to how alternatives would
impact the environmental and park issues under the NRC’s jurisdiction. The NRC concurred that this would be a good idea and Ms. Bowser and Ms. Gross will attend the next meeting. The NRC thanked Ms. Babson for attending the meeting and for updating them on the status of the project. The NRC stated that once the parking arrangements are known, then any conditions, including restoration, mitigation, and natural resource protection of wetlands and flood plains will have to be worked out before any NRC approval for this use of parkland.
NRC Review/Approval of 2008 Winter Moth Control Program
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC the Town’s 2008 Winter Moth Control Program as developed by Mike Quinn, DPW Assistant Superintendent of Parks and Trees, in a memo to the NRC dated February 28, 2008. Ms. Bowser stated that the program is almost identical to the program developed last year. The focus again this year will be on spraying deciduous trees in order to protect approximately 790 trees that have been identified as being affected by winter moth caterpillars based on last year’s evaluation. The product and application will be the same as last year and the material being used is the most environmentally safe product to control the winter moth, which is a dormant oil and Conserve. The applications would begin with the start of leaves budding out, beginning in late April and will run thought the
month of May and early June. The same protocols, guidelines, and evaluations of the program from last year’s program will be followed. Last year, due to timing issues and the need to report under the Children’s Protection Act, Town trees on school land were not sprayed. This year, the DPW will spray school property during School Vacation Week and during the early morning hours in order to avoid conflicts with school activities. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the DPW’s 2008 Winter Moth Control Program. Ms. Bowser noted that last year’s Winter Moth Symposium will be aired on the cable channel this spring. Ms. Gross noted that she recently attended a course on invasive plants and it was noted that the gypsy moth has killed more than 60 species of beneficial moths, and there are no known predators to the winter moth. Ms. Gross will forward information from the invasives
course to Ms. Bowser for the NRC office files.
NRC’s Review and Approval of Statements of Support for the 2008 Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a number of Articles that she will prepare statements for that may impact the NRC including the Sprague Field Remediation Project, the Green Ribbon Study Committee, and the Naming Rights Policy Committee.
Discussion and Vote on NRC Appointments to the Wetlands Protection Committee
After some discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted to appoint Carlos Gimeno and Laurel Landers as full members of the Wetlands Protection Committee and appoint Debra Takacs as an Associate Member of the Wetlands Protection Committee. Ms. Bowser will prepare letters confirming these appointments to the Wetlands Protection Committee.
Director’s Report
Review and Approve Language for the Little League’s Reidy Field Improvement Project
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC the revised language for the proposed plaques for the Little League’s Reidy Field Improvement Project, which incorporated NRC recommended revisions regarding language for the commemorative plaques and recognition plaques to be installed on the Reidy Field Backstop. After some discussion, the NRC reached agreement on the revisions, and Ms. Bowser will contact Joe Roberts from the Wellesley Little League to confirm the revisions. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the revised language to the baseball field plaques.
Proposal for Installation of the Charles River Webcam Near the Fish Ladder
Ms. Bowser stated that she was contacted by an environmental consultant company that works in Newton Lower Falls about the possibility of the installation of a webcam near the fish ladder. Ms. Bowser met with a representative from the firm who wanted NRC support for moving forward with this proposal to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, which has jurisdiction over the footbridge and fish ladder. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and it was the sense of the NRC by a vote of 4-0 to support the installation of a webcam by the fish ladder for environmental education purposes.
NRC Director’s Participation in Board of Health’s “Healthy Wellesley” Grant
Ms. Bowser stated that she has been working with the Board of Health on this “Healthy Wellesley” Grant and she has been helping to organize a number of events for the Wellesley Wonderful Weekend, and she will be leading a “Tots and Tails on Trails” Walk with Animal Control Officer Sue Webb, as well as organizing a Pesticide Awareness Booth.
Update on Toll Brothers Wellesley Estates, Final Tree Survey and Inspection Report
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC the Final Tree Survey and Inspection Report for the Toll Brothers Wellesley Estates, which included 2 years of assessment of the public shade trees in this area. Ms. Bowser noted that no significant damage has been determined through the inspections and that all existing public shade trees remain healthy.
Update on Status of Hiring New NRC Conservation Administrator
Ms. Bowser stated that she will be conducting the second round of interviews with Ms. Gross, a representative from the Wetlands Protection Committee, and a representative from Human Resources. She stated that the second interviews will be held on March 14th, and she will keep the NRC updated on the status of this matter.
Presentation on “Green Wellesley” Education Program/Logo Proposal
Ms. Bowser presented a draft logo for the NRC’s “Green Wellesley “ Education Program, and it was the sense of the NRC that they supported the logo that will identify the NRC’s “Green Wellesley” Education Program. Ms. Bowser will continue to further develop and revise the logo for the NRC’s review.
Update on 27 Washington Street Redevelopment Project and Selectmen’s Right-of-Way Land Use Issues
Ms. Bowser updated the NRC on the status of this project and outlined a number of issues that the Wetlands Protection Committee’s Consultant has been hired to assist them as they review this project.
Earth Day Clean-Up Along the Charles River
Ms. Bowser stated that she is organizing this 9th annual Earth Day Clean-Up on Saturday, April 26th along the Charles River. The event will run from 9 AM – noon, and she asked for NRC volunteers to help with the event.
Preparation for NRC’s Vernal Pool Workshop
Ms. Bowser stated that she is organizing this annual event and the workshop will be held on May 3rd at 10 AM and NRC volunteers were asked to assist.
Update on NRC Permit for Wellesley Wonderful Weekend Concert May 18th
Ms. Bowser stated that the Wellesley Celebration Committee recently informed her that a large-scale public concert is planned for this weekend along with fireworks to be held on the Hunnewell Field Complex. Ms. Bowser distributed a recent memo from the DPW outlining potential costs, including repairing any field damage, as well as all logistic information for the proposed concert. Ms. Bowser voiced some concern about the scale of the project, and the NRC concurred that they will need an update and more detailed information on the project as soon as possible. Ms. Bowser stated that she will work with the Wellesley Wonderful Weekend Committee in order to get more information in order to issue a permit.
Update on Joint Land Protection Efforts with the Wellesley Conservation Council
Ms. Bowser stated that Mr. Kent Fox from the Wellesley Conservation Council met with her recently to further discuss collaborative efforts for land protection between the 2 organizations. Mr. Fox suggested that both groups could work together to encourage Conservation Restrictions linking Council land and Town land in order to provide better wildlife habitat and natural resource protection buffer corridors.
Update on Status of Miscellaneous Development Projects in Wellesley
Ms. Bowser updated the NRC on a number of development projects in Wellesley including changes to the Taylor Block and the American Legion Building on Route 16, as well as the Star Market on Route 16.
Liaison Reports/Continued Business/New Business
Update on Sprague Field Remediation Project and Use of Field User Fees
The NRC reviewed the Sprague Field Master Plan dated February 6, 2008, which consists of 17 pages, including a site plan. The NRC made brief comments and Mr. Bashian will bring these comments back to the Sprague Field Task Force.
Review and Approval of NRC Organizational and Management Structure Chart
The NRC reviewed a draft Organizational and Management Structure Chart as drafted by Ms. Bowser based on input from Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn. After further review and discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the NRC Organizational and Management Structure Chart as presented.
Review and Approval of NRC Meeting Minutes
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4 – 0 to approve the NRC Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2008, as written.
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4 – 0 to approve the NRC Meeting Minutes of February 12, 2008, as written.
Next NRC Scheduled Meeting
The next NRC meeting was scheduled for March 31, 2008, at 7:00 PM at the Wellesley Middle School, prior to beginning of the Annual Town Meeting.
Adjournment
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4 – 0 to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 11:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Janet Hartke Bowser
NRC Director
| 
