Approved 6/24/2008
TOWN OF WELLESLEY
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, May 13, 2008,7:30 PM
NRC Office, Lower Level, Town Hall
Attending: Heidi Gross, Chair, Joan Gaughan, Sec., Richard Bashian, Janet Bowser, NRC Director.
Absent: Paul Cramer, Vice-Chair, Neal Seaborn
Guests: Mary Jane O’Donnell, Wetlands Protection Committee Chair
Public Voice
No one at the meeting spoke at Public Voice.
Discussion Regarding NRC Organizational Structure and its Wetlands Protection Committee
The NRC discussed with Ms. O’Donnell the organizational structure of the NRC and how its Wetlands Protection Committee (WPC) functions within that structure. Ms.Gross stated that only the NRC has the authority to oversee and appoint members to the WPC under both the State law and the Town Bylaw that created the NRC, and that only the NRC has the authority to make any changes to the current organizational structure. Ms. Gross stated that the NRC has delegated to the NRC Director extensive responsibilities that include broad oversight of all NRC subcommittees including the WPC and all supervisory responsibilities for all NRC department staff. After some discussion, the NRC stated that they find no need or rationale to change any element of the current NRC organizational or staff supervision structure of the NRC or its Wetlands Protection Committee.
Ms. Gross voiced concerns to Ms. O’Donnell that the Wetlands Protection Committee has a significant backlog of unapproved meeting minutes that go back past a year at this point. Ms. Gross stated that by law there is no official record of a meeting unless the Committee has approved the meeting minutes. Ms. Gross strongly urged Ms. O’Donnell to ensure that the Wetlands Protection Committee’s backlog of minutes is approved as soon as possible. Ms. Gross asked Ms. Bowser to work with the new Conservation Administrator and with Ms. O’Donnell to ensure that the WPC meeting minutes are approved as soon as possible.
Discussion and Vote Regarding the NRC’s Permit for the Wellesley Wonderful Weekend May 18th Concert and Event on the Hunnewell Field Complex
The NRC continued their discussion regarding the permitting conditions for the Wellesley Celebrations Committee May 18th large-scale concert and accompanying fireworks event on Hunnewell Field. Ms. Bowser stated that she has recently talked with Executive Director Hans Larsen and that the insurance and escrow issues have not been resolved, but that he expected that they would be resolved soon. After further discussion, the NRC concluded that they will approve the permit for the Wellesley Celebrations Committee May 18th event, The NRC concluded that it will issue a permit for the use of parkland at the Hunnewell Athletic Field Complex to the Wellesley Celebrations Committee (WCC) for its annual Wellesley Wonderful Weekend event on May 17th - 18th that includes a large-scale
concert by the Beach Boys Band and a fireworks display pending the confirmation of the insurance and escrow to cover any field and property damage. Due to the fact that an event of this scale has never before been held on parkland, the NRC requested and received letters of support for the event from the School Committee, Recreation Commission, Board of Public Works and Board of Health indicating that they believe that the Town can successfully handle this event. A public hearing on this proposed event was held on April 9, 2008 and all residents within a third of a mile radius of the Hunnewell Athletic Field Complex were notified of the hearing. Residents’ input and concerns voiced at the public hearing were taken into account in planning the concert and weekend events. The permit is conditioned on adherence to all public safety, playing field protection and logistical details as discussed by the 2008 Wellesley Wonderful Weekend Event Working Group (comprised
of representatives from the Board of Selectmen, DPW, Wellesley School System Athletic Director, Police Department, Fire Department, Recreation Department, NRC and the Wellesley Celebrations Committee) and as described in detail in the WCC’s memorandum to the NRC dated April 4, 2008.
After a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 3-0 to approve the permit for the Wellesley Celebrations Committee May 18th Concert and Fireworks on the Hunnewell Field Athletic Complex contingent on the following conditions:
1. Insurance/Escrow Coverage for Remediation of Playing Field Damage. The Board of Selectmen, working with the event sponsor and in consultation with its Executive Director, Mr. Hans Larsen, and DPW Director Mike Pakstis, will provide written confirmation prior to the event that insurance coverage and/or an escrow account in the amount of at least $200,000 has been secured and is adequate to pay for property damage and any needed remediation of the Hunnewell Playing Fields and natural resources (trees and under storage vegetation) to at least restore them to the conditions that existed prior to the event. Funds from this coverage will be available to ensure that the DPW can start assessment and remediation of the playing fields on Monday, May 19, 2008, which shall include,
but not be limited to, compression damage remediation and subsequent aeration, and sodding and seeding of the fields after the event. The DPW has determined that, at a minimum, $12,957.50 will be needed to aerate and overseed the playing fields after the event.
2. Assessment of Playing Field Conditions Prior to Event. The 2008 Wellesley Wonderful Weekend Event Working Group shall conduct a playing fields and natural resources (trees and under storage vegetation) assessment prior to the event to determine if the conditions of these areas are compatible (too wet, too dry, etc.) to hold the planned Beach Boys concert and/or fireworks event, and the Working Group shall determine if the concert and/or fireworks event will proceed or will be cancelled.
3. Preventative Measures to Reduce Damage to Playing Fields and Parkland. To prevent damage to the playing fields and parkland, the DPW shall make a determination as to the most appropriate locations to allow access to the field areas by event participants including, but not limited to vehicles, vendors, carts, and port-a-potties. The DPW shall determine whether or not the field area conditions are compatible for access by these event participants.
4. Fire Department Precautions to Protect Vegetation. The Fire Department shall take all precautions to prevent and extinguish any fires caused by burning embers that settle to the ground during the fireworks events.
5. Assessment of Playing Field Conditions After the Event. On May 19, 2008, the 2008 Wellesley Wonderful Weekend Event Working Group shall conduct a damage assessment of the playing fields to determine the extent of any damage that has occurred. Based on the findings of this assessment, the DPW shall start immediate remediation work on the playing fields as deemed necessary, which shall include but not be limited to aeration, overseeding and the use of sod and/or seeding. The needed remediation work shall be completed in a timely manner so that the fields are playable by August 17, 2008 to ensure that there will be no disruption to the fall sports programs that use these fields.
6. Assessment of Natural Resources after the Event. The WCC has committed to using 4-inch shells for the fireworks event to minimize damage to the natural resources (trees and under storage vegetation) located in the fireworks safety area. However, the location of the fireworks launch site for this event still threatens to damage the trees and under storage vegetation located within or adjacent to the fireworks safety area. On June 18, 2008, the DPW shall inspect the natural resources (trees and under storage vegetation) to determine if any damage occurred as a result of the Fireworks event. This date was selected to allow time for this type of damage to become evident on the trees and under storage vegetation.
Attachments to Permit:
1. WCC Memorandum to the NRC dated April 4, 2008 outlining event logistics and details.
2. Site plan outlining locations for all event-related amenities.
3. Letters of Support for the event from the School Committee, Board of Public Works,
Recreation Commission and the Board of Health.
4. Price quotation for field aeration and overseeding supplied by DPW.
5. Written confirmation from Selectmen’s Office regarding insurance/escrow coverage to
pay for any necessary repairs to the playing fields.
These permit conditions are in addition to the NRC’s standard permit conditions for this event, which include:
1) clean-up of the entire site immediately after the event;
2) conformance to a police approved traffic and parking plan, which shall be provided to the NRC; and
3) approval from the Fire Department for the fireworks event.
Review/Approval of the NRC’s Lawn Care Questionnaire
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC the Lawn Care Questionnaire that was developed in association with Ken Wagner’s ENSR Associates. Ms. Bowser stated that she has spent an extensive amount of time in developing this survey and ensuring that all relevant questions are included. She said that she is working with the Town Clerk’s Office to develop a mailing list that will ensure that the survey is sent to all Town residents. She is also working to secure mailing labels for Natick and Weston residents that reside within the Morses Pond watershed. The NRC concluded that they would like to expand the survey distribution to include all Town watersheds rather than just to the Morses Pond Watershed and Ms. Bowser will work with the GIS Department to develop a Town watershed map that will be
included in the survey. Ms. Bowser stated that the goal is to have the survey available on-line and that this service is being purchased to allow the survey to be complied on-line, rather than expending the NRC Office’s time correlating the responses. Ms. Bowser indicated that the postcards will be mailed to all Town residents by the beginning of June and that the response deadline is approximately the third week in June. Ms. Bowser will keep the Commission updated on the status of this project. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 3-0 to approve the Lawn Care Questionnaire as developed by Ms. Bowser and ENSR.
Director’s Report
Update on FY08 Morses Pond Management Plan Implementation
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a progress report provided by Dr. Ken Wagner of ENSR, the NRC’s Morses Pond Manager, which outlined the status of the FY08 Capital and Operating Projects for Morses Pond that are underway. Ms. Bowser stated that these projects include the development of an RFP for the dredging project, the development of an RFP and the actual contractual arrangements for the phosphorus inactivation unit, the watershed education program, preliminary work in the bylaw review project, the limited impact development support project, and the plant management project. Ms. Bowser voiced some concerns that this Morses Pond Plan Project has demanded a substantial amount of her time and is requiring extensive oversight and her involvement in all elements of the program. Ms. Bowser estimates that she
is spending 60 % of her time on Morses Pond related items, which has resulted in a number of other NRC projects not being addressed. Ms. Gross also expressed concern about the amount of time demanded of the Director to address the Morses Pond Management Project, and she stated that the NRC needs to discuss the demands on the Director’s time. The NRC and the Director will further discuss this issue at a future meeting.
Update on the Status of High School Parking Committee
Ms. Bowser and Ms. Gross updated the NRC on the status of the work of the Committee and stated that a site visit is planned for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 14th, at the Hunnewell Field Complex to walk all sites being evaluated for possible temporary and permanent parking needs and to evaluate all natural resource issues and all field use issues related to the land. Ms. Bowser stated that this site meeting could take up to three hours and that she and Ms. Gross will attend and that all NRC Members are also encouraged to attend.
Inquiry from High School Athletic Department Director Regarding a Second Night Football Game Permit
Ms. Bowser stated that High School Athletic Director John Brown has inquired as to whether or not a request to the NRC for a second football night game would trigger a public hearing by the School Committee. Ms. Bowser reminded the NRC that at a previous meeting the NRC agreed that a single night football game would not trigger a public hearing since such an event has been held over the recent years, and there have been no issues. Ms. Bowser said that, however, if a second night game is proposed, the NRC may want to reconsider this position. After further discussion, the NRC concluded that if the School Committee decides to request permission to hold a second night game, then the NRC would require a Public Hearing, which would require notification to all abutters within a third of a mile of the Hunnewell
Field. Ms. Bowser stated that she will contact Mr. Brown and notify him of the NRC’s decision.
Update on 27 Washington St. Redevelopment Project and Selectmen’s Right-Of-Way Land-Use Issues
Ms. Bowser discussed with the NRC the need to meet with National Development regarding an agreement for a Conservation Restriction (CR) for the redevelopment project at 27 Washington Street. Ms. Bowser stated that while National Development has agreed in concept to a CR, it is in the best interest of the Commission to have a CR approved as soon as possible, since National Development is working its way through the Town permitting process. Ms. Bowser recommended that rather than asking for this CR as a single board, that the request be made through the Town Development Review Team (“TDRT”) process and would include asking for some linkage funds for improving the railroad bridge connecting Wellesley to Newton, as well as funds to improve other trails in the area including the Selectmen’s right-of-way
land. Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC had previously requested that the Selectmen place a CR on their right-of-way land adjacent to 27 Washington Street or transfer this land as open space under the care and control of the NRC. Ms. Bowser stated that this issue should also be brought up as part of the upcoming TDRT meeting. Ms. Bowser stated that she will contact Town Executive Director Hans Larsen to schedule a meeting to further discuss this matter.
Update on the NRC’s Vernal Pool Workshop and Organic Lawn Educational Forum
Ms. Bowser stated that both of these educational and outreach efforts were very well received and that the Vernal Pool Workshop was attended by approx. 30 adults and children and that the Organic Lawn Educational Forum held on May 7th was attended by approx. 80 people. Ms. Bowser stated that she received very positive feedback from the public on both of these events, which will be planned for next year as well.
Update on Winter Moth State Biological Control Project at Centennial Reservation
Ms. Bowser stated that on Thursday, May 8th, she was notified by Mike Quinn that the State wanted to release parasitic flies on Friday, May 9th at Centennial Reservation. Ms. Bowser stated that at team of scientists from the State Department of Conservation and Recreation released approximately 1,000 parasitic flies at Centennial Reservation in an effort to control the invasion of the winter moth, which are stripping trees of their foliage throughout the State, but particularly in Eastern Massachusetts. Ms. Bowser stated that based on the information that she received from the State that this is the largest release of the flies in the State, and that they were previously released in Hingham, Falmouth and Wenham. She stated that Professor Joseph Elkinton, who is an professor of entomology at
UMASS Amherst, who is organizing this project that is a joint project between UMASS, the Federal government, and the State Department of Conservation and Recreation. Ms. Bowser stated that the specie of fly, which is the “cyzenis albicans,” is a natural enemy of the winter moth and has been released in other areas to help eradicate the winter moth invasions. Ms. Bowser stated that scientists believe that the fly will only attack the winter moth and not other species, and that it will likely take years for the flies have a significant impact on the large number of winter moths.
Ms. Bowser voiced some concern that there was very short notice to the Town of this release and that ideally the NRC should have been given advance notice on this, which would have allowed them to take a vote, but given the short notice on this, they need to take a vote tonight after the fact. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 3-0 to approve the release of parasitic flies in Centennial Reservation to counter the attack of the impact of the winter moth. Ms. Bowser will keep the NRC informed as to any additional information on this project.
Presentation at Bates School Eco-Connection Program May 16th at 9 AM
Ms. Bowser stated that she has been involved in a yearlong program at the Bates Elementary School “named Bates Goes Green,” and that the culmination of this program is the “Eco- Connection” day, and she will participate on behalf of the NRC in this educational program.
Status of the Fuller Brook Park Nomination to the National Register of Historic Places
Ms. Bowser stated that she continues to work with the NRC consultant on this CPA-funded project, and that she will schedule a meeting with the NRC, the Historic Commission, and the Community Preservation Committee for next month, so that the consultant can present the information submitted for this nomination.
Liaison Reports/Continued Business/New Business
Development of NRC Subcommittee Accountability, Coordination and Formal Communication Policy
Ms. Gross stated that she is working with Ms. Bowser in the development of this policy that will ensure that all subcommittees under the NRC, including its Wetlands Protection Committee and its Trails Committee, are aware of the accountability and communications standards that the NRC expects from all of its subcommittees.
Review and Approval of NRC Meeting Minutes of March 28, 2008 and April 4, 2008
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 3 – 0 to approve the NRC Meeting Minutes of March 28, 2008, and April 4, 2008 as written.
Next NRC Scheduled Meeting
The next NRC meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at 7:30 PM in the NRC Office.
Adjournment
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 3 – 0 to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Janet Hartke Bowser
NRC Director
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