Approved 8/4/08
TOWN OF WELLESLEY
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 7:30 PM
NRC Office, Lower Level, Town Hall
Attending: Heidi Gross, Chair, Joan Gaughan, Secretary, Neal Seaborn, Janet Bowser, NRC Director.
Absent: Paul Cramer, Vice Chairman, and Richard Bashian.
Guests: Jim Nicolls, Fox Hill Road and Wellesley Tennis Association, Bob Grant, Linden Square, and Wellesley Tennis Association, Shary Page Berg, Landscape Historian and Consultant, Jack Morgan, Community Preservation Committee Chair, Linda Buffum, Historical Commission Chair, and Adam Bossi, NRC Conservation Administrator.
Public Voice
Mr. Jim Nicolls, and Mr. Bob Grant from the Wellesley Tennis Association voiced their concerns about the School Building Committee’s proposal to consider using the High School Tennis Courts for temporary parking during the High School Construction Project. Mr. Nicolls and Mr. Grant stated that in their opinion it does not make sense for the Town to destroy this recent investment in the tennis courts and then replace them, and at the same time displace a large number of residents who use the tennis courts. Ms. Gross thanked Mr. Nicolls and Mr. Grant for coming and voicing their concerns and she stated that the School Building Committee is currently in the process of evaluating all options and that the NRC is actively involved in that discussion and is providing feedback in evaluating the options, the majority of which
are located on NRC Parkland. Ms. Gross stated that she will pass on these concerns to the Parking Committee.
Introduction of NRC’s New Conservation Administrator Adam Bossi
NRC Director Janet Bowser introduced Adam Bossi, the NRC ‘s new Conservation Administrator. Ms. Bowser stated that Mr. Bossi was selected from a large field of well-qualified candidates and that he has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Policy and Management from the Conway School of Landscape Design and worked previously as the Assistant Conservation Administrator in Lexington. Ms. Bowser stated that Mr. Bossi will be working closely with her on a number of NRC related projects, including the Fuller Brook Park Master Plan. The NRC members welcomed Mr. Bossi and stated that they look forward to working with him on NRC projects.
Presentation RE: Fuller Brook Park Nomination to the National Register of Historic Places
Ms. Gross introduced the NRC’s Landscape Historian and Consultant Shary Page Berg who has been working closely with Ms. Bowser in developing the nomination application for the Fuller Brook Park to the National Register of Historic Places, which is now complete. Ms. Bowser stated that copies of the nomination form for the Fuller Brook Park were made and forwarded to the Wellesley Historical Commission, the Natural Resource Commission, and the Community Preservation Committee.
Ms. Berg outlined the process currently being used to place this park and landscape on the National Register. She stated that the National Register program is administered by the Massachusetts Historical Commission through the National Park Service, and that once the nomination file is complete, she will
work with the NRC to schedule the nomination for presentation before the Massachusetts State Review
Board of the Massachusetts Historical Commission and subsequent submission to the National Park Service. She said that this process may take up to two years due to a backlog at the state and national level. She stated that nominations and their acceptances are based on a comprehensive local inventory of cultural resources and that a completed inventory allows preservation decisions to be made within a consistent context and allows properties to be identified as eligible for listing in the National Register. She stated that there are several benefits for a property to be listed on the National Register including recognition that it is a significant property of value to the community, as well as providing some level of protection from adverse effects of federal or state assisted projects. Ms. Berg stated that
there are grants that are provided for properties listed on the Register of Historic Places. She stated that listing in the National Register does not interfere with the property owner’s right to alter, manage or sell the property and that local improvement projects do not trigger protection or further review under the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Ms. Berg also stated that a letter from the NRC, Historical Commission, the Community Preservation Committee, and the Board of Selectmen should be drafted shortly and signed by all of these boards to indicate their support for the project. Ms. Bowser volunteered to draft a letter for circulation to all 4 boards, indicating their support. Mr. Jack Morgan, Chair of the Community Preservation Committee, voiced his support for this project, which is funded through the Community Preservation Act Fund. He inquired about the status of the NRC’s Open Space and Recreation Plan, and Ms. Bowser indicated that the
revised Plan is substantially completed and will be submitted to the State for preliminary approval shortly. Mr. Morgan stated that he looks forward to working with the NRC to evaluate funding options for the Fuller Brook Park Restoration Master Plan, and that he is cautiously optimistic that CPA funds can be used to further improve and protect the Fuller Brook Park.
Discussion Regarding NRC Criteria for Evaluating Changes to Resources Under NRC Jurisdiction
As requested by Ms. Katherine Babson of the Board of Selectmen and Chair of the High School Building Committee, Ms. Bowser drafted for the NRC’s review and approval, an outline of criteria to be used for evaluating changes to resources under the NRC’s jurisdiction. Ms. Bowser stated that in light of the School Building Committee’s need to use NRC parkland for temporary parking during the construction of the new High School, that a number of options are being considered, and that Ms. Babson requested that the NRC outline in detail the criteria they will use for evaluating the options for parking. Ms. Babson stated that in January of 2005, the NRC developed a policy in regard to change of use of parkland or playing fields as part of their review process for the Reidy Field Improvement Project. Based
on this policy, Ms. Bowser outlined specific draft criteria for evaluating NRC land use changes, which included five broad categories:
1) impact on natural resources;
2) impact on land user groups;
3) impact on the neighborhood;
4) cost; and
5) whether the change is temporary or permanent.
After further discussion, the NRC made revisions and Ms. Bowser will make these changes and circulate them to the NRC for their final review and approval at their next meeting.
Continued Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing On Woodside Avenue Tree Removals
Ms. Bowser stated that this Tree Removal Hearing was continued from June 10, 2008 and a site meeting with DPW Arborists and Town Engineer Steve Fader, as well residents and NRC Members has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 25 at 8 AM. Ms. Bowser stated that following the site meeting, which will hopefully clarify a number of the site issues, the NRC will be able to proceed with a vote on the tree removals.
Director’s Report
Review/Discussion Re: Morses Pond Watershed Education Website Prototype
Ms. Bowser previously distributed copies of the draft Morses Pond Watershed Education Website, which is a prototype developed with ENSR Consultants and asked for feedback on content and design from the NRC members as soon as possible. The NRC will further discuss this at a future meeting.
Update on NRC’s Town-Wide Lawn Care Questionnaire
Ms. Bowser stated that the deadline for completing the Questionnaire was June 20th and that the response has been very favorable. Ms. Bowser has been working with the ENSR Consultant on this project and a summary and analysis will be forwarded to the NRC for review prior to their next meeting.
Update on Morses Pond Phosphorus Inactivation Unit Installation
Ms. Bowser stated that she continues to work with Dr. Ken Wagner, the NRC’s Pond Manager, to ensure that the Phosphorus Inactivation Unit is properly installed and is operational. Ms. Bowser will keep the NRC updated on the status of this project.
Update on 27 Washington Street Redevelopment Project Conservation Restriction and Selectmen’s Right-Of-Way Land-Use Issues
Ms. Bowser stated that she, Ms. Gross, and Mr. Seaborn met recently with the Town Development Review Team on this project. She stated that the Planning Board has received a commitment of $10,000 toward improvements to the Selectmen right-of-way. There was some concern that this is a relatively small amount and that other departments were not consulted prior to securing this funding for the right-of-way landscaping. Ms. Bowser and the NRC Members discussed the possibility of requesting additional funds for improvements to the Charles River Bridge linking Wellesley to Newton and additional funds to improve the right-of-way land. There was some concern that the Planning Board’ Consultant’s plan for improving this Town land is not being consulted or followed and that significant improvements
will not be made that are in the Town’s interest. Ms. Bowser stated that she will invite representatives from National Development to the NRC’s next meeting to finalize the Conservation Restriction (CR) land area.
Update on Brown Park Playground Installation
Ms. Bowser stated that the new playground has been successfully installed and that the project came in on budget and was installed on time and that the neighborhood representatives are very pleased with the playground. Ms. Bowser stated that she will work to organize a formal dedication in the fall and secure press coverage for the event.
NRC’s Wetlands Application for the Installation of Bethnic Barriers and Hand Harvesting at Morses Pond
Ms. Bowser stated that she is working with Dr. Ken Wagner to develop the Request for Determination of Applicability for the installation of bethnic barriers for weed control at water depths of less than 4 feet at Morses Pond and hand harvesting at shallow areas around the Pond. Ms. Bowser stated that approximately 62 zones have been identified as potential treatment areas and they have been surveyed by ENSR to document early growth along the shoreline. She stated that the invasive targets for control are eurasian and variable milfoil as well as water chestnuts. Ms. Bowser stated that she will be attending the next Wetlands Protection Meeting on Thursday, June 26 to present this wetlands permit application.
Resident Concern Regarding Park Near the High School Used by Students
Ms. Bowser stated that she received a recent email from a resident who suggested getting rid of the area near the High School where students congregate and smoke. The resident was concerned that the use of this area by high school students intimidates younger children who walk by daily on the way home from Middle School. Mr. Seaborn stated that he is working with High School Vice Principal Jamie Chisum and that the determination was made to remove the seating area and close it down over the summer months. Ms. Bowser will relay this information to the resident.
Continued Discussion Re: Request by the NRC ‘s Trails Committee to Pay for Doggie Dispenser Bags
As a follow-up to the NRC’s previous discussion, Ms. Gaughan, the liaison to the NRC’s Trails Committee, stated that the Trails Committee has offered to buy new doggie dispensers and to buy all doggie bags for FY09, but would like the NRC to pay for the bags after FY09. There was mixed feeling among the NRC Members about the need for additional dispensers and concerns about the NRC paying for the doggie bags, as the Trails Committee has a substantial operating budget as well as $25,000 in carry-over capital that could be used for these expenses. After some discussion, it was the sense of the NRC that the Trails Committee should continue to pay for all existing doggie bag dispensers bags, and that the NRC would be willing to split the cost of the doggie bags for the four new dispensers in FY10 and onward.
It was the sense of the NRC that they have never committed to purchasing the bags and that there are other substantial demands on the NRC budget, including many NRC services that are provided to the Trails Committee, but that are not paid for by the Trails Committee. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 3 – 0 have the Trails Committee continue to pay for all doggie bags and split the cost of the doggie bags for the four new dispensers starting in FY10 with the Trails Committee.
Liaison Reports/Continued Business/New Business
Town Wide Gift Acceptance Policy Development
Ms. Gross stated that she has been asked to serve on the Town Wide Gift Acceptance Policy Committee, which is charged with development of a general gift acceptance policy that will be accepted by all Town Boards. Ms. Gross stated that this new Gift Acceptance Policy Committee evolved out of the Naming of Public Assets Committee, which made a policy recommendation that was approved by the NRC and Town Meeting in 2008. Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC has a general Gift Acceptance Policy, and that she will work with Ms. Gross to further review and provide input to the Gift Acceptance Policy Committee as to issues that the policy might cover. Ms. Gross will keep the NRC up to date on any progress made by the Gift Acceptance Policy Committee and acknowledge that the NRC will need to vote on adopting any new
policy.
Review and Approval of NRC Meeting Minutes of May 13, 2008
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 3 – 0 to approve the NRC Meeting Minutes of May 13, 2008, as written.
Scheduling Next NRC 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 3– 0 to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Janet Hartke Bowser
NRC Director
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