Approved July 15, 2008
TOWN OF WELLESLEY
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, June 10, 2008,7:30 PM
NRC Office, Lower Level, Town Hall
Attending: Heidi Gross, Chair, Joan Gaughan, Secretary, Neal Seaborn, Richard Bashian, Janet Bowser, NRC Director.
Absent: Paul Cramer, Vice-Chairman.
Guests: David Walsh, 9 Ordway Road, Roy Harris, 39 Park Avenue, Steve Miele, 41 Park Avenue, Glynis Lomon, 63 Woodside Avenue, Lisa Doran, 65 Woodside Avenue, Jeanne Hathaway, 79 Mayo Road, Faz Cai, 51 Woodside Avenue, Carol Monaghan, 21 Upson Road, Mike Quinn, Assistant Superintendent, DPW Parks and Trees, Kent Warren, DPW Parks and Trees, Katherine Babson, Board of Selectmen, and School Building Committee Chair, Kathy Mullaney, Permanent Building Committee Administrative Assistant.
Public Voice
No one at the meeting spoke at Public Voice.
Public Shade Tree Removal Public Hearing
Ms. Bowser stated that in accordance with State Law, all Public Shade Trees proposed for removal were identified and posted, and a legal ad had been placed in the Wellesley Townsman two weeks prior to the Hearing. Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC’s Tree Subcommittee, made up of Ms. Gross and Mr. Seaborn, visited all trees proposed for removal with the DPW Parks and Trees Forman Kent Warren to evaluate and make a recommendation on all tree removals.
Tree Removals at Woodside Avenue
A large number of trees, as outlined below, were proposed by the DPW for removal due to a Town Meeting approved proposal for acceptance of Woodside Avenue as a public way, requiring the paving of Woodside Avenue and an accompanying sidewalk. Mr. Quinn and Mr. Warren indicated that Town Engineer Steve Fader and his staff laid out the plans and identified the trees that required removal as follows due to the installation of the sidewalk:
· Removal of 8 Arborvitaes at 89 Woodside Avenue;
· Removal of a 22” Oak Tree at 85 Woodside Avenue;
· Removal of a 5’ Ash Tree at 85 Woodside Avenue;
· Removal of a 20”, an 18” and an 8” Oak Tree at 83 Woodside Avenue;
· Removal of 7 Red Maples, averaging 7” each, removal of 2 Oak Trees, averaging 17”; removal of 3 Elm Trees, averaging 6.5”, removal of a 5” Cherry Tree and a 5” Ash Tree;
· Removal of a 12” and a 7” Elm Tree at 65 Woodside Avenue;
· Removal of a three 5” Elm Trees at 63 Woodside Avenue;
· Removal of a 6” and a 12” Oak Tree at 63 Woodside Avenue;
· Removal of two 14” Ash Trees and a 16” Ash Tree at 63 Woodside Avenue;
· Removal of two 6” crab apple trees at 63 Woodside Avenue;
· Removal of a 6” Locust Tree at 63 Woodside Avenue;
· Removal of 9 Arborvitaes with a 2” average at 51Woodside Avenue; and
· Removal of two Forsythia Shrubs with a 2” average at 51Woodside Avenue.
The NRC discussed with the area residents in attendance the Woodside Avenue Street Acceptance and construction project that includes the construction of a sidewalk. A number of the neighbors had questions with regard to the width of the street and a number of construction issues relating to the construction of the street and the sidewalk. After further discussion, it was agreed that additional information was needed from the DPW Engineering Department with regard to a number of street and sidewalk construction issues. There was also a question as to whether there was funding within the approved project for tree replacement and the NRC will follow-up with the DPW on this matter. The NRC concluded that any tree replacement needed for this street replacement project should come from the Town Meeting approved
budget as appropriated to the DPW.
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to continue its hearing on the Woodside Avenue tree removals to its next meeting, in order to conduct a site visit with a DPW arborist, the NRC as Town Tree Wardens, and the DPW Engineering Department to further evaluate the proposed tree removals, and to address all residents concerns.
31” Elm in Front of the Blockbuster Video Store on Washington Street
In a memo, DPW Arborist Greg Carr stated that there is severe rot at the base of this tree, making it susceptible to trunk failure. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred with the 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 plant a replacement tree.
35” Sugar Maple at 27 Livermore Road
In a memo, DPW Arborist Greg Carr stated that this tree has severe rot in the trunk and has damaged roots, and that the weight of the tree leans over private property. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred with the recommended removal of this tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of this tree to plant a replacement tree.
31” Sugar Maple at Town Hall
In a memo DPW Arborist Greg Carr stated that there is very little crown left on this tree and there are signs of root problems. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred on the removal of this tree and recommending planting new trees in the resulting open space. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of this tree and to plant a replacement tree.
28” Red Maple at 27 Valley Road at the Corner of Ravine Road
In a memo, the DPW indicated that this red maple has major rot in the trunk and has almost no crown left. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred on the 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 plant a replacement tree.
21” and 20” Red Maples at 7 Pleasant Street
In a memo, DPW Arborist Greg Carr indicated that both of these trees have extensive rot in the main leaders, and that both trees are interfering in the power lines, and in the past both trees were pruned extensively to accommodate the power lines, but they have now deteriorated significantly and there are major holes in the trunks. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred on the removal of these trees. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of these trees to plant replacement trees.
26” Red Maple at 2 Chestnut Street
In a memo, DPW Arborist Greg Carr indicated that this tree has a large trunk cavity and severe crown dieback and it appears that it was struck by lighting and is deteriorating rapidly. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred on the 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 plant a replacement tree.
22” Sugar Maple at 27 Elm Street
In a memo, DPW Arborist Greg Carr indicated that this tree has a large trunk wound and crown dieback. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred with the removal of this tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of this tree and plant a replacement tree.
31” White Pine at Old Colony Road at the Corner of Plymouth Road
In a memo, DPW Arborist Greg Carr indicated that this tree is near primary electrical wires and has very little crown left after severe storm damage. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred with the 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 plant a replacement tree.
17” Maple at the Intersection of Whittier Road and Walnut Street
In a memo, DPW Arborist Greg Carr indicated that deadwood was removed from this tree in Feb. 2008 and that both remaining limbs hang over the road, have severe rot and that the tops of each limb is rotted out, and the tree significantly interferes with the power lines and has rotten and damaged trunk sections. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred with the 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 plant a replacement tree.
20” Norway Maple at 7 Chestnut Street
In a memo, DPW Arborist Greg Carr indicated that this tree has several cavities in the main trunk that are full of decay and that there are several large cracks in the trunk. This tree is located directly beside a utility pole and is located at the intersection of two very busy streets, and it appears that the damaged trunk is the result of a lightning strike and the tree has a very sparse canopy and rotten trunk sections. It was noted that this tree removal request was previously denied by the NRC in June of 2004, September of 2004, and in November of 2007. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred with the 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 plant a replacement tree.
30” Sugar Maple at 90 Washington St.
DPW Arborist Kent Warren indicated that this tree in Warren Park has a 60% canopy loss and a very large rotted cavity in the trunk that goes down below grade. He indicated that there are also other areas of decay and poor growth on the trunk and this tree is located in the play area in Warren Park, directly behind the baseball backstop. Mr. Seaborn noted that the top of the tree is completely dead and that the trunk is rotten and is deteriorating rapidly. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred with the 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 plant a replacement tree.
29” Norway Maple at 7 Tennyson Road
DPW Arborist Kent Warren indicated that this tree has recently lost a number of branches in its canopy and the main crotch where the two leaders join has a cavity full of water, and the decay extends down extensively into the trunk and up into the leader. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross indicated that upon inspection, it was their opinion that the canopy appears healthy. It was noted that this tree was denied for removal at the NRC’s hearing in November of 2007. Ms. Bowser noted that several neighbors wrote letters in support of keeping this tree since it plays an important role in the tree canopy of the street. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross recommended that this tree not be removed and that it continue to be placed on the Watch List and needed maintenance work be done by the DPW to try to save this tree. After a
motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to deny the removal of this tree and to place it on the Watch List and recommend that all maintenance actions be taken by the DPW to save this tree.
14.5” Red Maple at 135 Benvenue Street
Ms. Bowser noted that this Red Maple is located on Benvenue Street, which is a scenic road, and that a Joint Hearing is scheduled with the Planning Board on June 23rd at 7 PM. It was noted by the DPW that this tree has an open rotted wound at the base, due to severe damage from past automobile impacts, and that it poses a danger to private property and is structurally unsound. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred with the removal of this tree. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of this tree, pending a Joint Meeting and vote with the Planning Board scheduled for June 23rd and to plant a replacement tree.
21” Norway Maple at 12 Duxbury Road
In a memo, DPW Arborist Greg Carr indicated that there is a large split between the two main leaders of this tree and that it is at high risk of failure. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred with the 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 plant a replacement tree.
25” Norway Maple at Maple Road
In a memo, DPW Arborist Greg Carr indicated that this tree has significant deadwood and was previously trimmed in March of 2008 and that the root zone is covered with fungal growth, and there is very little crown left. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred with the 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 plant a replacement tree.
12 Hemlock Trees Averaging 8.5” at the Corner of Peck Avenue and 41 Park Avenue
DPW Assistant Superintendent Mike Quinn explained that these hemlock trees are infested with the Woolly Adelgid disease and are growing into the utility wires. He stated that there is an existing stone wall that was built by the owner on private land and there is no encroachment of the wall onto Town land, but that the trees, which may have been originally planted on private land, are now on Town land and if they are to be removed, they may negatively impact the stone wall. In addition, there is one healthy hemlock, which the owner has petitioned to be removed to allow for a new curb cut for the driveway. There was extensive discussion among the NRC and Mr. Quinn as to the correct solution at this property, and they concluded that the 12 Hemlock Trees abutting the retaining wall will not be
removed and will be placed on the Watch List for further evaluation and possible pruning. The owner of this property, Mr. Steve Miele, explained the need for the new curb cut and driveway, is needed since he currently shares a joint driveway with his neighbor, Mr. Roy Harris of 39 Peck Avenue, but that logistically it has become impossible to continue to effectively use a joint driveway for the two properties. The NRC concluded that the hemlock in the area where the new curb cut is requested can be removed and will be replaced by the owner at the owner’s expense at 47 Park Avenue. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross agreed with the removal of the one large hemlock tree for the new curb cut and that the 12 hemlock trees along the retaining wall should be culled and pruned and the DPW will develop a plan to protect these trees. Mr. Miele thanked the Commission for their understanding and indicated that he will work with Mr. Quinn to find a suitable replacement tree that he
will purchase and install on his property at his expense. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to deny the removal of the 12 Hemlocks along the retaining wall and the DPW will develop a plan to protect these trees and the NRC approved the removal of the one Hemlock Tree in the area of the proposed curb cut and that the property owner at 41 Park Avenue will replace the tree at his expense.
Mr. Quinn stated that the NRC and DPW should meet with the Selectmen meet to discuss the Selectmen’s Curb Cut Approval Process, since it did not result in a particularly good outcome here and he stated that the Selectmen need to act more proactively and improve their communications with the NRC and the DPW in circumstances such as this where a curb cut is proposed that requires the removal of a public shade tree.
18” Sugar Maple at 5 Croton Street
In a memo, the DPW indicated that this sugar maple is in severe decline, with signs of trunk and root rot. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred with the removal of this tree, in particular because it is close to an additional tree at 16 Croton-street that will need to be removed. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of the tree and to plant a replacement tree.
28” Sugar Maple at 16 Croton Street
In a memo, the DPW indicated that this sugar maple is in severe decline, and has major signs of trunk and root rot, and that the last living leader of the tree has a high risk of failure do to the trunk decay, and the trunk root poses a major hazard. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross concurred with the 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 plant a replacement tree.
Discussion Re: Reidy Field Project and a Request from the Wellesley Little League to Hang Championship Banners on the Backstop
Ms. Bowser stated that Wellesley Little League Representative Mr. Roberts was unable to attend the meeting, and she briefly updated the NRC on the status of the Reidy Field Project, and indicated that all hardscaping and landscaping has been completed. Ms. Bowser indicated that she has received an email and had a conversation with Mr. Roberts regarding the Little League’s desire to install and display Championship Banners on the backstop at Reidy Field in order to recognize the past achievements of the program in the summer leagues. Mr. Roberts indicated that each banner would be 3’ by 3’ and would be hung along the top of the backstop in order to not impede anyone’s view of the field. He stated that there would be 4 banners and they would be made of a red vinyl waterproof material with
white letters and his email outlined the specific wording that would appear on the 4 banners. Mr. Roberts indicated that aesthetically the Little League feels that the banners would be a nice complement to the backstop at Reidy Field and that while Little League generally teaches the players that having fun is their number 1 priority, Little League also feels that it is important to teach the players to strive for goals and accomplishments and that the banners recognizing the championship teams’ achievements will serve as an inspiration for players and teams.
The NRC discussed this request, and indicated that before making a decision, they would like to see a sample of the banners in order to better evaluate the aesthetic quality of the banners and Ms. Gaughan indicated that she would like to have Mr. Roberts let them know if there are any other Little League Fields in the Metro West area that hang this type of banner and perhaps the NRC could visit these fields before making a decision. Ms. Bowser will inform Mr. Roberts of the NRC’s concerns and requests, and the NRC will discuss this further at a future meeting.
Discussion Re:Use of Parkland for Temporary Parking During Construction of New High School
Ms. Gross welcomed Ms. Katherine Babson of the Board of Selectmen and Chair of the High School Building Committee and Ms. Kathy Mullaney, Administrative Assistant of the Permanent Building Committee to the NRC Meeting to further discuss this topic. Ms. Gross stated that the High School Building Committee is holding a public meeting tomorrow night, June 11th, at 7:30 PM to inform Town residents and abutters of the Hunnewell Field Area about parking related issues relative to the High School. Ms. Gross encouraged all NRC Members to attend and stated that Ms. Bowser and Ms. Gross have been attending the Parking Committee Meetings on behalf of the NRC.
Ms. Babson indicated that the Committee has evaluated a number of sites and based on the criteria that is being used by the Committee, the following sites under the NRC’s Jurisdiction are being considered for possible parking:
· the Hunnewell Field Tennis Courts;
· the Lee Softball Field;
· the State Street Parking area;
· the Hunnewell Field Basketball Court area; and
· the High School Football Stadium.
Ms. Babson stated that a number of other sites that are outside of the jurisdiction of the NRC are being considered, including a variety of Town-owned and privately owned sites. She said that the goal of the Committee is to locate approximately 200 parking spaces, either on one site, or divided among a number of sites to accommodate faculty and visitor parking during the High School Building Project, and she stated that this parking would not be for students. Ms. Bowser stated that she had distributed the most current cost estimates and parking layouts that have been provided by the Building Committee’s Architect. Ms. Babson stated that Ms. Marlene Allen, Chair of the Parking Committee, will outline at the Public Meeting the criteria that the Committee is using to evaluate the sites under consideration
and will explain why some sites have been eliminated and will further discuss sites that are still being considered for temporary parking. Mr. Bashian inquired as to whether or not all on-street parking in the vicinity of the High School has been evaluated and he indicated that there are a number of wide public streets, including Peck and Park Avenue that may likely allow for some on-street parking. Ms. Babson stated that in general, the Police have voiced concerns about allowing on-street parking and that neighbors have also been opposed, and that in general on-street parking has not been considered. Ms. Mullaney stated that on-street parking is not considered a practicable approach and that neighbors oppose such on-street parking. She said that at this point, they are acting on the premise that on-street parking is not a viable option, since the Police have determined that it is not safe and that it may pose an issue for Police and Fire access to homes in the
area. Ms. Babson and the NRC further discussed the feasibility of using a number of sites on NRC land for parking. There was substantial discussion related to the possible use of the tennis courts and of the Lee Softball Field for temporary parking. Ms. Babson noted, with regard to Lee Field, that it is her sense that the schools are not obligated to improve Lee Field, but simply to restore it to its original condition. Ms. Babson stated that she would like to make it clear that she does not view the improvement of any fields to be a part of the High School Building Project, and this would require additional discussion with High School Athletic Director John Brown and the Playing Fields Task Force.
After further discussion, Ms. Babson stated that she would like to request that the NRC outline in writing to the School Building Committee its criteria for considering any proposal or change of use of parkland or playing fields. The NRC stated that they currently have a policy, under which they consider on a case-by-case basis any change of use of parkland or playing fields, which was developed during the decision making process on the Reidy Field Improvement Project. Ms. Gross stated that the NRC will further develop specific criteria based on this policy, by which they will evaluate any change of use, and in this case, it is a temporary use, which is a different proposal than the Reidy Field Improvement Project. Ms. Babson indicated that since the Parking Committee is not meeting again until the end of
summer, that if the NRC can complete this written criteria by the end of summer, it would be appreciated. Ms. Gross stated that the NRC would begin working on these criteria for the School Building Committee.
Mr. David Walsh of Ordway Road, and a member of the Wellesley Tennis Association, raised concern about the impact and disruption that would occur if the Tennis Courts were used for parking. Ms. Babson explained that a number of mitigation measures are being evaluated for that option, including the use of the Wellesley College lighted tennis courts and improving and expanding the Schofield School Tennis Courts.
Director’s Report
Review/Discussion Re: Morses Pond Watershed Education Website Prototype
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a draft prototype of a Morses Pond Watershed Education Website that she and Mr. Seaborn are working on with representatives from ENSR. Ms. Bowser stated that the goal of the website is to inform, educate, and try to encourage behavioral change in order to protect the Morses Pond Watershed. The NRC stated that they will submit comments to Ms. Bowser as soon as possible.
Update on NRC’s Town-Wide Lawn Care Questionnaire
Ms. Bowser stated that she has been working with an ENSR Consultant in developing this Questionnaire, which is accessed via a secure website. She stated that the cards to all Town residents, as well as to portion of residents in Weston and Natick have been mailed and that the deadline for completing the Questionnaire is June 20th.
Update on Morses Pond Phosphorus Inactivation Unit Installation
Ms. Bowser stated that she is working closely with Dr. Ken Wagner, the NRC’s Pond Manager, to ensure that the Morses Pond Phosphorus Inactivation Unit is installed and stated that it should be operational within the next week. She stated that she will keep the NRC informed on the status of this project and will keep the Community Preservation Committee, which funded this project, informed as well.
Update on the Fuller Brook Park Nomination to the National Register of Historic Places
Ms. Bowser stated that she has been working on this project with the NRC’s Landscape Historian Shary Berg to complete this nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The nomination is now complete and she will distribute copies to the NRC, the Historic Commission, and the Community Preservation Committee and she has scheduled a presentation at the NRC’s next meeting, on June 24, 2008, and she will invite all members of the Historic Commission and the Community Preservation Committee.
Update on 27 Washington Street Redevelopment Project and Selectmen’s Right-Of-Way Land-Use Issues
Ms. Bowser indicated that she has been in contact with National Development, which is developing the 27 Washington Street Project regarding a proposed Conservation Restriction (CR). She stated that she would like to schedule a meeting with National Development and the NRC to work out the specific details of the CR. In addition, Ms. Bowser stated that she has not heard back from the Selectmen’s Office regarding the NRC’s request for improvements for the Selectmen right-of-way land, including the placement of a Conservation Restriction or a transfer of this land as open space under the care and control of the NRC.
Joint June 23rd Scenic Road Hearing w/Planning Re: Public Shade Tree Removal at 135 Benvenue St.
Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC will hold a Public Hearing on an application requesting permission to remove a 14.5” Red Maple Tree at 135 Benvenue Street, within the Scenic Road layout. Ms. Bowser stated that in accordance with the requirements of the Scenic Road rules and regulations, that the NRC will hold a joint meeting with the Planning Board regarding this application. Ms. Gross, Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gaughan confirmed that they are available to attend this Public Hearing on June 23rd at 7 PM.
Update on the Director’s Educational and Public Outreach Efforts
Ms. Bowser stated that she has been involved in a number of public outreach efforts, including the recent Eco-Connection Event at the Bates Elementary School, which was part of a yearlong effort between the School Committee, the Environmental Aides Program and the NRC. In addition, Ms. Bowser indicated that she helped to organize and run a “Tots and Tails on Trails” Walk with the Board of Health, Animal Control Officer Sue Webb, Maura Renzella of the Youth Commission, which was all part of a Healthy Wellesley Grant Inter-Board effort, led by the Board of Health. Ms. Bowser stated that she also organized an education table with Dr. Sara Little, the NRC’s past Environmental Education Coordinator, and that over 100 people visited the table.
Update on Brown Park Playground Improvement Project Installation Schedule
Ms. Bowser stated that she has been working with the NRC’s Playground Consultant and Mr. Mike Quinn from the DPW to schedule this installation will begin this week and could take up to 3 weeks to complete. Ms. Bowser stated that she has been working with the Neighborhood Group to raise additional funds, which will compliment the funds that the NRC has received from Town Meeting for this project.
Centennial Reservation Path and Footbridge Relocation Project by the NRC’s Trails Committee
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a proposal by theTrails Committee for the relocation of a path and footbridge in Centennial Reservation in the southwest corner of the Reservation near Windsor Road. Ms. Bowser stated that she completed a site walk with the NRC’s new Conservation Administrator Adam Bossi and members of the Trails Committee to evaluate the relocation of approximately 150 feet of a new trail, which will take the trail further away from a fragile wetland area and also keep the trail dry during most of the year. The project also involves the relocation of a 16-foot bridge to a new upland stream crossing, which will be approximately 10-feet between 2 banks of the intermittent stream. The project also proposes that the DPW mow a new 6-foot wide trail through the lower field, and also rototil the
compacted soil from the old trail in order to encourage natural re-vegetation on what will become an old trail, and plant new native vegetation on the east side of the old stream crossing in order to revegetate this area. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4 – 0 to approve the Centennial Reservation Path and Footbridge Relocation Project proposed by the NRC’s Trails Committee.
Update on Proposed Second Night Football Game Under Temporary Lights By the School Committee
Ms. Bowser stated that the School Committee is considering requesting a second night football game under temporary lights on the Hunnewell Field Football Field and that they are holding a hearing tonight on this proposal as required by the NRC. Ms. Bowser stated that she has been working with the School Committee to ensure that all abutters within a third of a mile of the field were notified of the public hearing. Ms. Bowser will keep the NRC Members updated the status of this request.
Update on Weed Harvesting at Morses Pond, Longfellow Pond, and Rockridge Pond
Ms. Bowser stated that she has had discussions with Mike Quinn regarding the status of weed harvesting at Morses Pond, Longfellow Pond, and Rockridge Pond. Ms. Bowser stated that harvesting began last week at Morses Pond and that both harvesters are now working on the Pond, particularly in order to open up the area in the northern cove for installation of the phosphorus inactivation unit. The large harvester is expected to run on the pond through the summer under the NRC’s Harvesting Program. Mr. Quinn also indicated that based on a conversation with Dr. Wagner, the old harvester will be placed in Longfellow Pond in late July to harvest water chestnuts, and DPW staff will be doing some hand harvesting at Rockridge Pond. Ms. Bowser will keep the NRC Members updated on the status of these projects.
NRC Request for Support by State Legislature for Two Open Space Protection Bills
Ms. Bowser circulated for the NRC’s review and approval a letter to Wellesley State Representative Alice H. Peisch, requesting her support for two open space protection bills that are currently in the House Ways and Means Committee and need to be approved within the next several weeks in order to be passed this legislative session. Ms. Bowser outlined the two Bills, which include Senate Bill S.288, regarding The Public Lands Preservation Act, which would prevent the loss of parks, playgrounds, conservation lands, watersheds, and other public natural resource lands, by requiring that lands being converted from Article 97 protection be thoroughly reviewed and replacement land be required. In addition, Ms. Bowser stated that House Bill H.799, an Act Relative to the Tax Credits for Conservation, would give
new financial incentives to property owners to preserve their land for open space purposes and would enable private and public conservation partners to make financially attractive offers for conservation properties. The draft letter states that the NRC feels strongly that both bills would help the Town protect and preserve both private and publicly owned open space, including the land for drinking water purposes, as well as land for wildlife purposes and natural resource protection purposes and that the NRC strongly requests the support of Representative Peisch for the two bills. It was the sense of the NRC to support the letter and to forward it to Representative Peisch. Ms. Bowser indicated that she will keep the NRC Members updated regarding the status of these two bills.
Request from the NRC’s Trails Committee to Install Four New Dog Bag Dispensers on NRC Land and the Request that the NRC Fund and Pay for the Doggie Bags
Ms. Bowser stated that she received a request from Bob White, Chair of the NRC’s Trails Committee, indicating that the Trails Committee would like to purchase and place four new Doggie Bag Dispensers along the Cross Town Trail near the Warren Building on Turner Road near the entrance of Morses Pond, along the Fuller Brook Path at Cottage Street, and also at Longfellow Pond. Ms. Bowser stated that the Trails Committee is planning to purchase the four new Doggie Bag Dispensers, but requests that the NRC pay for the doggie bags for the existing three dispensers and the four new dispensers. Ms. Bowser stated that currently the Trails Committee is paying for the doggie bags for the existing three dispensers, which runs about $500 a year, and that if the NRC should approve the four new dispensers, that it would
likely bring the cost of the doggie bags to over $1000 per year. After further discussion, the NRC voiced concerns about assuming the expenses for the doggie bags, and they noted that the Trails Committee is receiving $4,000 a year for operating expenses, which is about a third of the NRC’s total operating budget, and they voiced concerns about taking on this expense when it appears that the Trails Committee has more than sufficient funds to take on this expense. Ms. Gaughan, the NRC’s representative on that the Trails Committee stated that she will further discuss the NRC’s concerns with the Trails Committee. The NRC will further discuss this matter at a future meeting.
Review and Approval of NRC Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2008 and April 29, 2008
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4 – 0 to approve the NRC Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2008, and April 29, 2008 as written.
Scheduling of NRC’s Next Meeting
The next NRC meeting was scheduled for July 15, 2008, at 7:30 PM in the NRC Office.
Adjournment
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4– 0 to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Janet Hartke Bowser
NRC Director
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