Town of Wellesley, Massachusetts

Approved 11/18/08

NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION

NRC Office, Lower Level, Town Hall

Attending: Joan Gaughan, Chair, Richard Bashian, Vice Chair, Neal Seaborn, Heidi Gross, Janet Bowser, NRC Director.

Absent: Paul Cramer, Secretary.

Guests: Helene Buchler, Human Resources Board Liaison to the NRC, Todd Bida, Thomas Road, Sarah Little, 14 Montvale Road, Deborah Ellinger, 49 Sawyer Road, Howard Hayman, 201 Bristol Road, Johanna Perlmutter Grad, 22 Haven Road, and Neimsh Shaw, Edgemoor Avenue.

Ms. Helene Buchler introduced herself as the new Human Resources Board Liaison to the NRC. Ms. Buchler stated that she has recently been appointed to the HR Board, and as is the custom, each HR Board Member serves as a liaison to one of the Town’s various boards. Ms. Bowser stated that she will send Ms. Buchler all meeting agendas and minutes.

Discussion Regarding Requiring Perrin Park Leash Regulations

Ms. Gaughan welcomed a number of residents attending the meeting to discuss this issue. Ms. Bowser noted that she has received 4 phone calls or emails opposing the new regulations and 8 emails or phone supporting the new dog leash regulations. Ms. Gaughan briefly outlined the NRC’s rational for the imposition of the regulation at Perrin Park requiring that all dogs be on leash. Ms. Gaughan stated that over the past several years, there have been on-going complaints by residents that large numbers of dogs off-leash are interfering with their use of the park, including the use of the tot lot, as well as children’s use of the playing fields at Perrin Park. Ms. Bowser noted that the NRC and Animal Control Officer Sue Webb have tried working with dog owners to keep their dogs under control or on leash. Ms. Gaughan stated that over the past months, the complaints about dogs off leash interfering with park users, and damage to the playing fields have increased, and resulted in the NRC voting to impose a new park regulation and requiring that all dogs be on leash at Perrin Park. Residents Deborah Ellinger, Howard Hayman, and Johanna Grad all voiced their concern and disagreement with the NRC’s leash regulation at Perrin Park. Ms. Ellinger stated that many of the dog owners can police themselves and that they would like the NRC to reconsider the leash regulation. Mr. Hayman stated that in his opinion, it is the children’s use of the athletic fields that is damaging the athletic fields, and that he has been going to Perrin Park for over 4 years, and it is beneficial to allow dogs off-leash for exercise, and he feels that Perrin is an appropriate place. Ms. Lois Singelman stated that in her opinion, the field is currently over watered and has sinkholes that pose a safety hazard.

Mr. Tom Bida of Thomas Road thanked the NRC for imposing the new regulation, and stated that in his opinion, it is a public health issue at Perrin Park, since the dogs poop throughout the park, resulting in the children’s exposure to the dog poop. He also stated that he has seen many times, large number of dogs scaring young children using the tot lot, as well as children using the playing fields. Mr. Bida stated that he has lived on Thomas Road for several years, and in the past few years, the Town has made a huge investment in improving the Park’s athletic fields, and that the Town needs to protect this investment by prohibiting the dogs from damaging the fields.

The NRC discussed the situation and reaffirmed its support for imposing the leash regulation. It was the sense of the NRC that they would not reconsider the regulation, and they encouraged the dog owners to pursue a solution to find an area that can be designated for dogs and that could be fenced-in. The NRC encouraged the group to consider private fund-raising for such a fenced-in area. The residents in attendance agreed to meet among themselves and pursue possible solutions, including a fenced dog park somewhere in Town. It was the sense of the NRC that Perrin Park was too small of an area to support a fenced-in dog park, and the resulting increase in parking would worsen the traffic problems at the park.

Ms. Gaughan thanked the residents for attending the meeting and for voicing their concerns, and she stated that the NRC looks forward to working with them in pursuing a solution. Ms. Gross stated that the NRC’s primary responsibility is to protect the park for all park users and to protect the Town’s investment in the playing fields, and to look after the health of the children using the tot lot. Dr. Sarah Little recommended that the residents pursuing the dog park to also consider a dog agility course.

Request by Dr. Sarah Little for Use of Pesticide Grant Funds for a NOFA Educational Program

Dr. Sarah Little, the NRC’s past Environmental Educational Coordinator, presented a proposal to apply existing pesticide awareness grant funds (approx. $4,000) towards creating an interactive, user-friendly, searchable, on-line database of NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals. Dr. Little is a volunteer on the NOFA Organic Land Care committee, and is spearheading this database project.

This project will greatly enhance the NOFA Organic Land Care website, www.organiclandcare.net, would make it much easier for homeowners to find organic landscapers in their area who offer the services they need. The website will also be improved for homeowners seeking to do-it-themselves with informational articles and tips on where to find organic lawn amendments and landscaping materials. The new services offered on this website will be advertised to homeowners through press releases and local articles, with special attention given to getting the word out in Wellesley.

The Wellesley NRC has had a long and fruitful collaboration with the non-profit NOFA Organic land Care Program beginning in 2000 as partners on the TURI projects, continuing through participation in both organic Accreditation courses and Lawn and Turf courses, collaboration on the Lawn and Turf Handbook, and distribution of OLC Guides and course brochures. In fact, currently, Wellesley has the most number of organically trained municipal personnel of any town in Massachusetts.

Ms. Bowser stated that Dr. Little’s work with NOFA parallels the NRC’s efforts to educate residents in the Morses Pond Watershed regarding pesticide reduction and use of organic lawn care practices, and she is working with Dr. Wagner to address this effort. Ms. Bowser stated that the source of all of remaining funds in the Pesticide Awareness Program came from the State grants that Dr. Little secured, and that there is approximately $4,000 remaining in the fund. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the use of the remaining NRC Pesticide Grant funds for the NOFA Education Program, as outlined by Dr. Little.

Dr. Little and the NRC briefly discussed the role of the Green Ribbon Study Committee, and Dr. Little outlined her involvement in the ad hoc subcommittee that recommended forming the Green Ribbon Study Committee. Ms. Bowser stated that she hopes that the NRC can continue to work with the Green Ribbon Study Committee and Dr. Little to broaden the scope of the Committee’s charge to develop a sustainability plan that will include the protection of our land and water resources. Ms. Gaughan inquired if Ms. Little has any contacts with the State’s Farmer’s Market Association, as she would like to see the Farmer’s Market brought back to Wellesley. Dr. Little suggested that Ms. Gaughan contact the MASS Farmer’s Market directly, and she said that they do have a web site, and if given the right location, they may be interested in coming back to Wellesley. The NRC thanked Dr. Little for her on-going efforts to reduce pesticide use in Town and encourage organic land care.

Discussion Re: NRC FY09 Initiatives, Project Priorities, and Board Member Assignments

Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a revised Work Plan and Project Priorities Listing for FY09. Ms. Bowser stated that the intent of the NRC’s Annual Work Plan is to help the NRC and the NRC Director establish Project Priorities in light of limited time and resource constraints. She noted that as priorities change based on NRC and Town needs and circumstances, the Work Plan is updated periodically. She stated that the Work Plan is intended to serve a guide only and that the NRC and the Director respond to new information and Work Plan changes as needed. The NRC reviewed the listing, including: the Top 9 Priorities; current Large Capital Projects that are underway or have received funding; Small Projects; On-Going Projects and Initiatives; and Proposed New Projects and Initiatives. They also reviewed the NRC Member Work Assignments for FY09. After further discussion, the NRC established the following top 9 priorities:

1. Transition the new Conservation Administrator (Oversight by J. Bowser).

2. Completion of the Open Space and Recreation Plan (Oversight by J. Bowser).

3. Morses Pond Management Plan FY10 Capital Request (J. Bowser and N. Seaborn).

4. Implementation of the Morses Pond Management Plan Operating Program (J. Bowser acts as Project Manager in cooperation with Dr. Ken Wagner).

5. Implementation of the Morses Pond Management Plan Education Program (J. Bowser and N. Seaborn working with Dr. Wagner to develop web site and educational materials).

6. Implementation of the Morses Pond Management Plan Low-Impact Development Program (J. Bowser and N. Seaborn working with Dr. Wagner).

7. Morses Pond Weed Harvesting Program (Cooperative effort between NRC and DPW).

8. Oversight of Morses Pond Phosphorus Inactivation Program (Cooperative effort between NRC and DPW).

9. DCR Bridge Preservation Project (N. Seaborn).

The NRC reviewed and discussed the listing of 51 different projects, on-going initiatives, and proposed new projects and initiatives, and the NRC ranked them according to their priorities. The NRC noted that they have an ambitious and extensive number of projects and initiatives and they need to be realistic in terms of what can be accomplished within specific periods.

The Commission agreed on the following NRC Board Member Work assignments:

· Morses Pond Management Committee (multiple functions)

· Lower Falls Charles River Bridge Preservation Project

· NRC Tree Subcommittee

· Trails Committee Liaison

· High School Project Liaison

· Wetlands Protection Committee Liaison

· NRC Tree Subcommittee

· Fuller Brook Park Preservation Master Plan

· Gift Acceptance Town-Wide Policy Committee

· Playing Fields Task Force Liaison

Mr. Bashian stated that he would be willing to take on an additional work assignment, such as the Encroachment Corrections, which are currently on hold due to lack of NRC staff resources. Mr. Bashian stated that he will work with Ms. Bowser to see if he can be of assistance with this program.

Discussion Re: Playing Fields Task Force Request for NRC Adoption of Regulations Governing Use of Public Parkland and Facilities for Public Gain

Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a proposed policy entitled “Use of Public Facilities for Public Gain” developed by the Recreation Department and approved by the Playing Fields Task Force at its meeting on October 17^th. Ms. Bowser stated that she had attended the meeting and that the Playing Fields Task Force had adopted this policy because private individuals increasingly are using public land and facilities to teach lessons for private financial gain, without securing a permit from the Town. In particular, Ms. Kaseta, Director of the Recreation Department, stated that on a regular basis private individuals are conducting swim lessons, tennis lessons, and exercise programs on public lands, which often interfere with residents’ use of these areas. Ms. Bowser noted that those running summer camps on fields must adhere to Playing Fields Use Policy and all Department of Public Health regulations, including standard CORI criminal background checks. The Playing Fields Task Force is concerned with interference with the public’s use of public land and facilities, wear and tear on the playing fields and as potential liability issues if an individual uses public land for private lessons. Ms. Bowser noted that in order for this policy be in effect on NRC land, the NRC needs to adopt this policy as a regulation under their authority as Park Commissions of MGL Chapter 45.

After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4-0 to adopt the policy, as outlined below, as parkland regulations, with a notation that permits for use of NRC land for large events and non-athletic events will continue to be issued by the NRC pursuant to the Playing Field Policy.

Use of Public Facilities for Private Gain – New NRC Regulations

• The Town of Wellesley does not allow individuals to use public facilities for private gain

without first securing a permit from the Recreation Department. Facilities include: fields,

tennis courts, the town beach and the like.

• Examples of personal gain are teaching tennis, swim lessons or running exercise programs. Those running summer camps on fields must also adhere to additional town policies and

Department of Public Health regulations.

• Persons wishing to register their program with the Recreation Department must provide both a W-9 and copy of their insurance policy, naming the Town of Wellesley as a co-insured

party. If you plan to teach children, you will also be subject to a CORI check. CORI checks must also be done for any assisting staff. Please contact the Department at least 6 weeks in

advance, as CORI checks can take some time to be processed. You must call the Recreation Department and set up an appointment with the individual who is certified to run CORI

checks. You must appear in person and present proper documentation.

• In keeping with the fee structure set by the Playing Fields Task Force, you will be required to remit $20.00 per participant per session. A session will be defined as any series that meets 4 or more times. For any class that meets less than 4 times, the Recreation Director will determine a fee. Please make arrangements when you report for your CORI check. Checks are made payable to the Town of Wellesley and should be submitted to the Recreation office at 90 Washington Street. Payment is expected within 5 business days following the conclusion of your session.

Ms. Bowser will inform the Playing Fields Task Force that they have adopted the policy as regulation, which will now go into effect on NRC land. Ms. Bowser noted that the Playing Fields Task Force will also be asking the School Committee to adopt the policy so that it is in effect on School land, including the new Sprague Field artificial surface.

Review of DPW/Wellesley Hills Garden Club Request for Improvements at Clock Tower Park

Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a plan designed by DPW Landscape Planner Cricket Vlass, which is the third phase of the Wellesley Hills Garden Club’s Clock Tower Park Landscape Design Project. There are 5 components to the Phase III Project.

A. Extend brick and cobble path from elliptical patio to the steps of tower base. S&H brick pavers will be laid in a running bond pattern and edged with jumbo gray cobblestones laid on edge. The path will be 5 feet in width. The path will complete the axis from the east end pillars, through both patios, to the tower creating a physical as well as a visual connection. (The existing light fixture, which lights the east side of the tower, will need to be relocated). Cost: $5,500.

B. Install jumbo gray cobblestones laid on edge along the both sides of the existing north/south path. The cobblestones will provide a consistent design element throughout the park. Cobble was installed around the elliptical patio in 2005 as part of Phase II. Cost: $1,300.

C. Install a granite medallion in the location of the existing water bubbler. The medallion will replace the rarely used bubbler and will be designed to resemble the existing medallion, which is located in the east end patio. Compass rose or similar elements are options for the proposed design. Cost: $1,800.

D. Install a ‘Clock Tower Park’ sign in order to properly identify the park. Sign Design Options: wood-double sided (free standing), wood single-sided (attached to fence) or bronze (mounted on pillars east and west). Cost: $3,000 - $6,000.

E. Install a Victorian Style Picnic Table with benches and brick pad. The table and benches will be in the same wood and style of existing picnic tables at the park. Cost: $4,000.

After a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the DPW/ Hills Garden Club of Wellesley Phase III Clock Tower Park Landscape Improvement Project.

Ms. Bowser stated that the Garden Club will be funding the first components on a separate matter, which are A & B, of the project, and will be seeking CPA funds for the remainder of the project. Mr. Bashian noted that he would like to have the DPW evaluate placing holiday lights somewhere in the Clock Tower Park, as this had been a tradition until recent years. Ms. Bowser stated that she will contact Mr. Quinn to follow-up on this request.

Director’s Report

DPW Request for Vista Tree Removal and Pruning at Centennial and Boulder Brook Reservations

Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a request from the DPW to remove six Red Oak trees in Rocky Ledges in the Boulder Brook Reservation in order to enhance the southward view from the outcropping at the top of the Ledges. Mr. Quinn noted that before these trees to the south of the Ledges reached their current height, that the view from the outcropping included Great Blue Hill and the Wellesley College Tower. The DPW is also proposing to remove four Oak trees at Centennial reservation in the upper meadow to restore the southerly vista toward the Blue Hills. Approximately 20 years ago, the DPW, with the approval of the NRC, pruned in a limited area at both Boulder Brook and Centennial Reservation, in order to maintain the views from these scenic vista locations. In addition, the Trails Committee supports the view enhancements at Rocky Ledges, since the outcropping is located along the Boulder Brook Reservation Trail and the tree removal would enhance the scenic beauty of the trail. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4-0 to approve pruning and removal of trees at Boulder Brook Reservation and Centennial Reservation in order to enhance the scenic vistas at these locations.

Dog Owners Feedback and Concerns RE: Perrin Park Leash Regulations

Ms. Bowser stated that she and Animal Control Officer Sue Webb have been at Perrin Park on a daily basis and that Ms. Webb has issued 5 warnings to dog owners who have not leashed their dogs. Ms. Webb will follow-up with fines, not to exceed $50 per fine, to those who have already been warned should additional violations occur. Ms. Bowser stated that she has been to Perrin Park on a regular basis and has talked to dog owners and has encouraged them to comply with the new regulation and has explained the NRC’s concerns leading up to the regulation. Ms. Bowser stated that the majority of residents support the new regulation and that the current dog owners who are not complying are a small minority.

Preparation for NRC Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing November 18^th

Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC’s next Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18^thand that the NRC Public Shade Tree Subcommittee, consisting of Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross, have already received the listing, and they will be conducting site visits with Kent Warren of the Parks Division of the DPW to review each tree. Ms. Bowser stated that in compliance with the NRC’s Tree Removal Policy that she will be sending out notices to approximately 20 abutters to each tree proposed for removal, informing them of the reason for the removal and of the public hearing on the 18^th.

Request from Natick Community Organic Farm to Tap Town’s Maple Trees on Town Parkland

Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a request from Mr. Jed Beech, Assistant Director of the Natick Community Organic Farm, requesting approval to tap Sugar Maples on Town land, specifically those at Town Hall and in Simons Park. Lat year, Mr. Beech contacted the NRC, but it was quite late in the season, and it was suggested that he contact the NRC again in the fall to discuss tapping of the trees. Ms. Bowser also stated that the Farm representatives have offered to conduct some educational programming for the Town’s children. Ms. Bowser said that she will work with the Community Organic Farm to schedule tours of the site and to conduct outreach to the Town’s schools. Ms. Bowser stated that she will contact Mr. Mike Quinn of the DPW to evaluate the trees to be tapped. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the tapping of Sugar Maples on Wellesley parkland by the Natick Community Organic Farm.

Update on Open Space and Recreation Plan

Ms. Bowser stated that she continues to work on securing the services of an open space planning consultant to assist the NRC in completing the plan. She stated that because the plan is near completion, it is a small job and that it has been difficult to find an interested consultant.

Update on Playing Fields Task Force Issues

Ms. Bowser stated that she attended the last Playing Fields Task Force Meeting on October 17^th and the Task Force discussed advocating for new recreational facilities, including a new pool, artificial turf at the High School, hockey and skating rinks, and recreational uses for the St. James land. Ms. Bowser stated that Mr. Owen Dugan from the Board of Selectmen voiced concern that the role of the Playing Fields Task Force is not to advocate for new active recreation locations, but that this is the role of the different boards that have jurisdiction over such land. In particular, Mr. Dugan voiced concern that the Task Force may become an advocate for a new pool, and he did not feel that this was appropriate, given the charter and mission of the Task Force. Ms. Bowser said that this topic was planned for further discussion at the next Task Force Meeting, which is scheduled for November 14^th.

NRC Conservation Restriction Issues at 27 Livingston Road

Ms. Bowser stated that the Wetlands Protection Committee (“WPC”) has requested NRC approval for two particular uses under a Conservation Restriction granted to the NRC by the property owners at 27 Livingston Road. The NRC currently holds a Conservation Restriction on the back portion of the lot, and the WPC requested in writing that the NRC approve the proposed work with regard to the construction of a path through the CR, as well as the development and implementation of an Invasive Plant Management Plan. With regard to the path, the WPC recently approved the owner’s request for the installation of a footpath through the wetlands. The path is to be constructed through the removal of invasive plants, the pruning of native plants in the path footprint, and the one-time installation of 1” of mulch on the path and the installation of bog bridges to cross the very wet areas. Currently the CR allows for the construction and maintenance of a footpath by the pruning of vegetation only. The WPC, in their approval, determined that the footpath would alter the wetland, but would not have a negative impact on the wetland’s health or the interest of the Wetlands Protection Act and Bylaw. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the proposed footbath as approved by the Wetlands Protection Committee, and the NRC concluded that the footpath as proposed is allowed under the Conservation Restriction based on the conditions permitted by the Wetlands Protection Committee to protect the wetlands in this area.

With regard to the invasive plant issue, the WPC approved the applicant’s request to manage invasive plant species within the wetlands on the property. The WPC required that the applicant submit a management plan for such work to be reviewed and approved by the WPC before such work can begin. It was noted that the standard land management practice for invasive plants will be applied in accordance with a management plan for this type of a wetlands resource area. The NRC discussed whether or not the management of the invasive plants as proposed by the owner and permitted by the WPC is in accordance with the plan, and they concluded that it is. After a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the invasive plant management conditions permitted by the Wetlands Protection Committee and concluded that the management of invasives species in accordance with the plan to be submitted and approved by the Wetlands Protection Committee within the Conservation Restriction area is permissible under the Conservation Restriction.

Update on the High School Project Town Development Review Team (“TDRT”) Progress

Ms. Bowser updated the NRC on the status of the High School Project Town Development Review Team (“TDRT”) for this project and stated that the PBC is planning to submit its Wetlands permit application shortly for two parking areas, one at the Hunnewell Field Basketball Court area and the other at the State Street Lot, both of which are under the NRC’s jurisdiction.

Liaison Reports/Continued Business/New Business

Update on Wellesley/Newton Charles River Bridge Preservation Project

Mr. Seaborn stated that he has submitted the application to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and that we should hear back by late November regarding this application. Mr. Seaborn stated that a number of recent meetings have taken place regarding this project and that the Newton Conservators have agreed to contribute $4,000 for the first phase of the project, which will involve a survey and a conceptual design plan. In addition, Mr. Seaborn stated that the NRC’s Trails Committee has approved a minimum contribution of $5,000 to the project. Mr. Seaborn stated that he will continue to keep the NRC updated on the status of this project.

Update on Meeting with the Green Ribbon Study Committee

Mr. Seaborn stated that he and Ms. Bowser are scheduled to meet with Green Ribbon Study Committee Member Mary Anne Cluggish on October 29^th at 9:30 AM to review a number of issues and to further collaborate with the Committee as they develop a sustainability plan for the Town.

Update on Fuller Brook Park Preservation Master Plan

Ms. Gross updated the NRC on the status of the Master Plan. Ms. Bowser stated that she has been in contact with Chris Green of Halverson Design, who is the NRC’s Consultant on this project. Ms. Gross will continue to keep the NRC updated on the status of this project. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4-0 that no additional public hearing is needed to complete the Fuller Brook Park Preservation Master Plan, since there has been adequate public participation.

Review and Approval of NRC Meeting Minutes of October 14, 2008

After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4 – 0 to approve the NRC Meeting Minutes of October 14, 2008, as written.

Next Scheduled NRC Meeting

The next NRC Meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, November 18^that 7:30 PM in the NRC Office at Town Hall.

After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4 – 0 to adjourn the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 10:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Hartke Bowser,