 |
Approved 4/30/08
TOWN OF WELLESLEY
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
March 21, 2008, 2:00 PM
Wellesley Police Station
NRC Attending: Heidi Gross, Chairman, Paul Cramer, Vice-Chairman, Joan Gaughan,
Sec., Neal Seaborn, Richard Bashian, Janet Bowser, NRC Director
Others in Attendance: Police Chief Terrance Cunningham, DPW Director Mike Pakstis, Wellesley Celebrations Chair Roy Switzler, Hans Larsen, Executive Director of Government, Steve Fader, Town Engineer, Jan Kaseta, Recreation Director, Two Representatives from BETA Engineering (Traffic and Parking Consultants to the Selectmen)
Discussion Re: Wellesley Wonderful Weekend Large-Scale Concert on May 18th
Mr. Switzler outlined the details related to a proposed concert on May 18th. He outlined the specific logistics and timing of the event and indicated that up to 20,000 people could attend because of the popular musical group that has been confirmed to play. Mr. Switzler and others outlined the specific access points and logistics for using the Hunnewell Field Complex area. Mr. Switzler stated that due to the large-scale attendance expected for this event that the middle playing fields will be used for this event. Mr. Pakstis indicated that a worse case event for field damage would require $350,000 in restoration and that if the field would need to be re-sodded, it could not be used again until the fall. Mr. Pakstis stated that the DPW would conduct a field assessment after the event. Mr. Bashian inquired as to what other alternative locations were examined. Mr. Switzler stated that Elm Bank was examined but that it was ruled out for a number of reasons including the fact that
those fields are used throughout the summer. He stated that he inquired at Babson College, MassBay College and Wellesley College, but no fields were large enough to handle this number of people. The NRC inquired as to the type of insurance and the extent of the coverage to be provided. Mr. Larsen stated that he is working with the donor to ensure that there is adequate personal property, injury and damage coverage for the field and he is working with the Town’s insurance representative to secure such coverage. BETA Engineering outlined some of the parking and traffic issues and said that they are looking to provide shuttle buses to provide adequate transportation to the Hunnewell Field. Police Chief Terrence Cunningham outlined the entrance points and the logistics around the field. There was a consensus among the Police, the DPW, Fire, Selectmen, and Recreation Departments that this was an event that the Town can handle, and that it is now up to the NRC to
permit the event, since the land is under the NRC’s jurisdiction as parkland. Ms. Gross spoke to the need for a Public Hearing to be held by the NRC and the Wellesley Celebrations Committee as part of the NRC’s permitting process. It was suggested that approximately a one-third mile radius of notice to abutters be given. Mr. Switzler voiced concern about naming the band and indicated that he wants to keep this quiet in order to limit the number of out-of-Town attendees. Mr. Bashian voiced some concern about the true benefit of this event to the Town, and inquired as to whether or not the Town could charge for this concert, with the money going to benefit the Town. Mr. Switzler responded that the donor wants to make this a gift to the Town and the logistics for charging for the event would be too much of a burden.
There was further discussion by the NRC with regard to the need to hold a public hearing. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 5-0 to hold a public hearing before a permit is issued. Several dates were discussed for the hearing, including April 9 or April 10, and the NRC will develop language to be used to notify abutters about the hearing. Mr. Bashian inquired of the DPW; if the field were not to be replaced then what mitigation would be necessary, if there is no visible damage. The DPW responded that it is likely that aeration and reseeding will be needed. The NRC concluded that to ensure that any damage to the field is covered, that they will require a bond in addition to insurance that will cover damage to the field, the basketball court and any other area
on the field complex. Mr. Seaborn inquired as to whether or not there will be an impact on the trees in the area since the fireworks launch location is being moved. The DPW responded that they do not believe there will be any impact on the trees.
Adjournment
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 5 – 0 to adjourn the meeting.
Next NRC Scheduled Meeting
The next NRC meeting was scheduled for March 28, 2008, which will be an additional meeting to discuss the concert preparations and permit issues and conditions.
Respectfully submitted:
Janet Hartke Bowser
NRC Director
| |
