Approved 6/2/09
TOWN OF WELLESLEY
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
April 16, 2009, 7:30 PM
NRC Office, Lower Level, Town Hall
Attending: Joan Gaughan, Chair, Richard Bashian, Vice Chair, (Joining the meeting at 9 PM), Paul Cramer, Sec., Neal Seaborn, Heidi Gross, Janet Hartke Bowser, NRC Director.
Public Voice
No one attending the meeting spoke at Public Voice.
Review and Discussion Regarding NRC FY09 Work Plan and Project Priority Listing
The NRC reviewed and discussed the current NRC Work Plan and Project Priority Listing for FY09, which was previously reviewed and approved by the NRC in October of 2008. The NRC approved and confirmed the following priorities:
1. Transition new Conservation Administrator
2. Open Space and Recreation Plan
3. Morses Pond Management Plan FY10 Capital Request
4. Implementation of Morses Pond Management Plan Operating Program
5. Implementation of Morses Pond Management Plan Educational Program
6. Implementation of Morses Pond Management Plan Low Impact Development Program
7. Implementation of Morse Pond Weed Harvesting Program
8. Oversight of Morses Pond Phosphorus Inactivation Unit Program
9. Lower Falls DCR Bridge Preservation Project.
10. Organic/Integrated Pest Management Turf Plan
11. Fuller Brook Park National Historic Register Nomination
12. Fuller Brook Park Preservation Master Plan
Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC had recently received an email from the Town Accountant indicating that any capital funds appropriated in and received prior to FY06 should be spent by June 2009, or the funds will be returned to the General Fund and will be lost for that project. Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC specific projects where the funding was received prior to FY06 and they include the development of an Integrated Pest Management Turf Plan, $4,200 for the Fuller Brook Park Preservation Master Plan, $2,500 for the Morses Pond Management Master Plan, and $7,365 for Trails Improvements. Ms. Bowser stated that she has notified the Trails Committee that their funds need to be spent as soon as possible. The NRC discussed the fact that all of these projects were approved by Town Meeting and are needed for
public safety reasons, and that it would not be appropriate to have the funds returned to the General Fund, as they are needed projects. The NRC requested that the Director send a memo to the Town Accountant outlining the fact that the NRC is working to expend these funds and ask for flexibility to carry over these funds if the project is in progress that the funds. Ms. Bowser will draft a memo to the Town Accountant to this effect, and will work with the Trails Committee to ensure that funding is available for its projects. It was the sense of the NRC that the memorandum will include a timeline and will ask for the Town Accountant’s approval, and if she is not willing to approve this request then the NRC will ask to meet with the Board of Selectmen to further discuss these capital expense needs.
Director’s Report
Update on Playing Fields Task Force Issues and Field Master Plan Development
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC the current Field Master Plan outlining the demands on the Town’s playing fields. Ms. Bowser stated that the Recreation Commission and Playing Fields Task Force Chair Andy Wrobel is spearheading the development of this master plan, and the first step is to identify the needs and demands for the fields. Ms. Bowser stated that she will keep the NRC updated on the status of this plan.
Update on Glen Road Reconstruction Project Impact on Town Trees
Ms. Bowser stated that approximately 13 Town trees will need to be removed as part of the Third Phase of the Glen Road Reconstruction Project. Ms. Bowser stated that she will be receiving more information from the Engineering Department regarding the removal of these trees, and she will keep the NRC updated on the status of this project.
NRC Co-sponsoring Wellesley Conservation Council Event “Sustainable Landscapes” on May 6th
Ms. Bowser stated that she and Mr. Seaborn recently met with a representative from the Council to discuss rescheduling a program on “Sustainable Landscapes” since an earlier date conflicted with an energy conservation program. Ms. Bowser stated that the program has been rescheduled to May 6th and the Council respectfully requests that the NRC co-sponsors the program and make a donation, if possible. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4 – 0 to co-sponsor the Wellesley Conservation Council “Sustainable Landscapes” program and to make a donation of $100 toward the program from the NRC’s Gift Fund.
Update on Status of 27 Washington Street Wetlands Protection Permit Appeal
Ms. Bowser stated that a Superceding Order for the 27 Washington Street Wetlands Protection Permit Appeal was received on April 21, 2009, outlining the DEP’s finding that the Wetlands Protection Committee’s permit issuance was accurate and complete and issuing a Superceding Order of Conditions verifying the Committee’s decision. Ms. Bowser stated that at this point, this should conclude the permit appeal unless there is a further appeal of the Superceding Order. Ms. Bowser stated that she will keep the NRC updated on the status of this appeal.
Update on Morses Pond Management Plan Implementation and Weed Harvesting Schedule
Ms. Bowser updated the NRC members on current issues related to the implementation of the Morses Pond Management Plan and stated that the weed harvesting program should start the first week in May and that the harvester will be assisting in the hydro-raking of both private and pubic shoreline around the Pond.
Collaboration with the Wellesley Green Ribbon Study Committee and the Wellesley “Green” Groups on Environmental Issues
Ms. Bowser stated that she has met with members of the Green Ribbon Study Committee and with Mr. Scott Bender, founder of the “Power of One” Program, and that they would like to coordinate with other “Green” groups in Wellesley. Ms. Bowser stated that she will be coordinating a website calendar for the Town in order to better coordinate “Green” events and programs.
Preparation for May 12th Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing/Weston Rd. Reconstruction Project Ms. Bowser stated that she is working with the DPW to schedule a Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing on May 12th, which will include the trees to be removed for the Weston Road Reconstruction Project.
Update on the Status of the Open Space and Recreation Plan
Ms. Bowser stated that she continues to work with the NRC’s Open Space and Recreation Plan Consultant and that good progress is being made in completing the sections of the plan. She stated that in the next several weeks copies of sections of the plan will be forwarded to the NRC for their review and feedback.
NRC Participation in State Street Master Plan Study
Ms. Bowser stated that the first meeting of the State Street Master Plan Project is scheduled for April 30th at Town Hall and that she and Ms. Gaughan will represent the NRC. She stated that the scope of the project is the general area surrounding the State Street and Rt. 16 intersection and encompasses the Shaw shopping area, as well as portions of the Hunnewell Field area. Ms. Bowser will keep all members updated on the status of this study.
Update on Mass. Annual Land Conservation Conference
Ms. Bowser stated that she and Ms. Gross attended this Annual Land Conservation Conference and received helpful information applicable to land preservation and also to the Fuller Brook Preservation Master Plan.
Preparation for NRC’s 10th Annual Earth Day and Charles River Clean-up on April 25th
Ms. Bowser stated that she is once again organizing this annual Earth Day Charles River Clean-up, and she asked for volunteers from the NRC to help with the Clean-up.
Preparation for NRC’s Vernal Pool Education Program on May 9th
Ms. Bowser stated that she is once again organizing this education program on vernal pools and that she has publicized the event in all of the school’s newsletters and asked for NRC volunteers to help with the program on May 9th.
Update on Community Sustainable Agricultural Project
Ms. Bowser stated that she has been working with representatives from the Wellesley College Community Garden and Ms. Ellen Zientara from the Wellesley Housing Authority Community Gardens to discuss the possible development of community sustainable agricultural project, potentially on Wellesley College land in the North 40 area. Ms. Bowser circulated information on the Wellesley Housing Authority Community Garden Summer 2009 Workshops focusing on pesticide awareness and community gardens. Ms. Bowser will keep the NRC updated on the status of this project.
Update on Removal of Town Trees Adjacent to 42 Thackeray Road
Ms. Bowser stated that she recently received a notice from the Deputy Tree Warden regarding the unlawful violation of Town trees adjacent to 42 Thackeray Road, and that this matter will be further addressed at the NRC’s next meeting.
Interview with Channel 5 Chronicle Show Regarding Dog Control Issues at Perrin Park
Ms. Bowser stated that she was contacted by a reporter from the Channel 5 Chronicle Show, who wanted to interview the NRC regarding the Perrin Park dog issue. After further discussion, the NRC concluded that they will decline the request to be interviewed for this program.
Liaison Report/Continuing Business/New Business
Update on Lower Fall Rail to Trail Charles River Bridge Conversion Project
Mr. Seaborn updated the NRC members on the status of the project and indicated that the DCR has confirmed that they will pay for all costs related to the preservation and improvement of the Lower Falls River Bridge over the Charles River. Mr. Seaborn stated that the Town is fortunate that the DCR will fund the entire bridge conversion project under the State Accelerated Bridge Program and that the first phase of the project will begin shortly. Mr. Seaborn stated that Dan Driscoll from the DCR will be the project manager for this project, which includes the survey and site design work from both the Washington Street access point, as well as the Newton side. Mr. Seaborn will keep the NRC updated on the status of this project.
Update and Discussion of Fuller Brook Park Preservation and Master Plan
Ms. Gross and Ms. Bowser updated the NRC on the status of the plan and briefly outlined the next steps involved in moving the plan forward to completion. Ms. Gross said that she and Ms. Bowser will be meeting in May to further discuss the project.
Update on Trails Committee Projects and Issues
Ms. Gaughan stated that an Eagle Scout has proposed a project at Rockridge Pond that involves relocating and constructing a bog bridge and a regular footbridge and a trail rerouting to make the two new bridges accessible. The goal of the project is to take pedestrians using the trail further away from the Pond and the wetlands. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 5 – 0 to approve the proposed Rockridge Pond Boy Scout Project. Ms. Gaughan also stated that the Trails Committee is working on a project on DPW land near Morses Pond to install a short number of steps to improve the trails around the Pond.
Review and Approval of the NRC Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2009 and March 10, 2009
After some discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 4-1 (one abstention) to approve the February 10, 2009 Meeting Minutes as amended. After a motion was made and seconded, and the NRC voted 5 - 0 to approve the March 10, 2009 Meeting Minutes as amended.
Next Scheduled NRC Meeting
The next NRC meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 7:30 pm in the NRC office.
Adjournment
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 5 – 0 to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Janet Hartke Bowser
NRC Director
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