Approved 7/13/09
TOWN OF WELLESLEY
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
June 2, 2009, 7:30 PM
NRC Office, Lower Level, Town Hall
Attending: Joan Gaughan, Chair, Richard Bashian, Vice Chair, Neal Seaborn, Heidi Gross, Janet Hartke Bowser, NRC Director.
Absent: Paul Cramer, Secretary.
Guests: Kerry Sullivan, Leewood Road Resident, Pace Wilson, Wellesley W Dog Group, Joe Roberts, Wellesley Little League President.
Public Voice
Ms. Pace Wilson from the W. Dog Group and Ms. Kerry Sullivan of Leewood Road voiced concerns regarding summer hours for off-leash dogs at Perrin Park. The NRC noted that this matter is an agenda item at 7:40 PM and discussion was deferred until that time.
Discussion Regarding Little League Request for Permission to Place Banners at Reidy Field
Mr. Joe Roberts of the Wellesley Little League updated the NRC on the status of the Reidy Field Project and stated that conditions at the Reidy Field are excellent and that all work has been completed. Mr. Roberts requested that consideration be given by the NRC for placement of championship Little League banners along the backstop. He stated that the goal was to recognize the accomplishments of the Little League in Town and they propose to place up to 8 banners along the top of the existing backstop so as not to impair visibility onto the field. Mr. Roberts distributed photos showing the approximate size of the banners that could either be 24” x 36” or 18” x 30” and they would be made of a sturdy, hard plastic material that looks like a banner but would wear well over time. Mr.
Roberts was asked if there were other towns that had similar banners and he said that none had banners that were as attractive as the ones that they are proposing. NRC members questioned that if the area gets full of banners, would they continue to be added, or would the number be limited to 8. Mr. Roberts responded that the number would be limited to approximately 8-12 banners. The NRC members voiced some concern that a more detailed plan would be needed in order for them to consider this proposal. Ms. Bowser asked Mr. Roberts if he had considered the possibility of placing the banners on the back brick wall of the Shaw Supermarket that directly abuts Reidy Field. The NRC felt that this would be a positive option and suggested that he pursue this option with Shaw Market. Mr. Roberts said that in the past, Shaw Market has been very supportive of the Little League and that he would follow up with them and report back to the NRC.
Discussion and Vote R: Summer Dog Control and Off-Leash Hour Regulations at Perrin Park
Ms. Pace Wilson from the W. Dog organization requested that the NRC consider expanded off-leash hours and allow for afternoon hours from 1 PM to 2:30 PM on Tuesdays and Thursday since these are times when children may be home napping or at lunch. Ms. Kerry Sullivan of Leewood Road stated that a number of neighbors are concerned about increased off-leash hours, as the park will be more heavily used in the summer since children are out of school. She said that in her opinion park users are not coming to the park now when dogs are allowed off-leash and that allowing more off-leash hours would further discourage people from using the park. The NRC discussed in detail the options for summer hours. Ms. Sullivan stated that in her opinion people come to the park and allow their dogs to run off leash during
on-leash hours and that many come as early as 5:30 AM, although they are not suppose to come until 7 AM and continue until late into the night. Ms. Wilson distributed a proposal from the W. Dog Group, which included some off leash hours from 1 – 2:20 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ms. Sullivan also voiced concern that many times there are more than 8 dogs off-leash, which is over the NRC limit and that the majority of these off-leash dogs are not under control as required. There was some discussion about when the sports fields are used again for practice, and Ms. Bowser will follow up with the Recreation Department and the soccer and youth sports organizations on this matter and will request that the DPW post a new sign with the new summer hours at the park. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to allow for the following new off-leash hours and related regulations effective from July 1st – Aug. 30th pursuant to the NRC’s authority under
MGL Ch. 45:
1. The number of dogs under the control of one owner is limited to 2, or 3 with a NRC permit.
2. Off-leash dogs shall not exceed 8 at any one time and must be under control at all times.
3. Daily off-leash hours are limited to:
Morning Hours
7:00 AM - 9:30 AM Everyday
Evening Hours:
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Everyday
4. No dogs are allowed off-leash when athletic games are being played.
5. Dog owners must remove all feces and trash.
6. All dogs, on and off-leash, are excluded from the tot-lot.
7. Fines for non-compliance may be levied up to $200.00.
8. No dogs allowed in the park after dusk.
Ms. Sullivan questioned the need for a doggie bag dispenser at Perrin Park. Ms. Gaughan said that the NRC felt that they needed to provide these dog poop bags in order to prevent waste on the field. Ms. Sullivan said that W. Dog Group should pay for the doggie bags and not the NRC.
Discussion Regarding Poison Ivy Control at Perrin Park
Ms. Wilson requested that the NRC consider addressing the poison ivy issue at Perrin Park. She stated that the far corner leading to Bryn Mawr is full of poison ivy. Ms. Bowser stated that this is a recurring problem and that in the past the DPW had been approved by the NRC for a one-time use of an herbicide and that they are to be mowing this area to stop the spread of the poison ivy and keep it under control. Ms. Bowser will discuss the poison ivy issue at Perrin further with Mr. Quinn.
Review and Discussion of NRC Comments on Draft Open Space and Recreation Plan
Ms. Bowser stated that the main sections of the Open Space and Recreation Plan are essentially completed and have been sent to all NRC Members for their review. Ms. Bowser requested that all members review the sections and submit comments to her as soon as possible.
Discussion Regarding Dog Concerns at Centennial Park
The NRC briefly reviewed and discussed a letter from Ms. Nancy Bagdasarian of Windsor Road outlining her concerns about the number of dogs and dog waste in the park, especially near the small Bezanson Pond. The NRC indicated that they will further discuss this matter at their next meeting.
Director’s Report
DPW Request to Remove Tree on Damien Road Due to its Hazardous Condition
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a request from the DPW to remove a diseased maple tree at this location. The owner of the property adjacent this tree supports this removal since the tree is in a hazardous condition as determined by the DPW and presents a safety issue for the abutting home. Ms. Bowser noted that when a hazardous tree needs to be removed, the NRC does not need to hold a public hearing or approve its removal under the law, but since a meeting was being held, the NRC discussed this removal. The NRC reviewed photos of the tree and it was the sense of the NRC to approve the removal of this hazardous tree.
Update on Request for Morses Pond Public Access from April - October
Ms. Bowser stated that she has been in contact with the DPW and Recreation Directors about setting up a meeting to review this request, and she will keep the NRC updated on the status of this matter.
Update on Organic/Integrated Pest Management Turf Plan
Ms. Bowser stated that she is working with Chip Osborne from Osborne Organics on this Organic/IPM Turf Management Plan and that several members from the Playing Fields Task Force would like to be involved as well. She will keep the NRC updated on the status of this plan.
Review and Signature of Disclosure Form for Wetlands Protection Committee Member
The NRC reviewed a disclosure of financial interest from Wetlands Protection Committee Member Carlos Gimeno regarding a wetlands project at 15 Marvin Road. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 in finding that the financial interest was not so substantial as to deem it likely to affect the integrity of Mr. Gimeno’s ability to serve and review this permit request.
Update on Status of Pedestrian and Walkway Improvement Study
Ms. Bowser stated that she has been serving as the NRC’s liaison on this study and she distributed the first draft of the study and asked for input from the NRC Members as soon as possible.
Update on Morses Pond Management Implementation, Hydroraking Project and Grant Application
Ms. Bowser updated the NRC members on the status of the Morses Pond Management Plan Implementation including information on a number of issues related to the phosphorus inactivation unit implementation progress, on the hydroraking project, and the submittal of a grant application to the Federal EPA for $330,600.
Update on Green Ribbon Study Committee and Town Energy Conservation Policy Development
Ms. Bowser stated that she was contacted by the Green Ribbon Study Committee that is developing a policy statement on energy conservation and she reviewed a draft policy and asked for feedback.
Update on Inter-Board Town Budget Meeting
Ms. Bowser stated that Inter-Board Town Budget Meeting is scheduled for June 18th at 7:30 PM in the Great Hall and all NRC Members are encouraged to attend.
Invitation to Sprague Field Complex Dedication Ceremony
Ms. Bowser stated that this dedication ceremony is scheduled for June 6th at 4 PM at the
Sprague Field Complex, and all NRC Members are invited to attend.
Update on Wetlands Protection Committee Recruitment Efforts
Ms. Bowser stated that Mr. Derek Redgate, who is an engineer, has submitted his resume and letter of interest for serving as a member on the Wetlands Protection Committee. The NRC Members briefly reviewed this information and Ms. Bowser indicated that Mr. Redgate will be meeting with the Wetlands Protection Committee at its meeting on June 4th.
Liaison Report/Continuing Business/New Business
Update on Lower Falls Rail to Trail DCR Bridge Restoration Project
Mr. Seaborn updated the NRC on the status of the project and stated that a number of design meetings are being proposed for the first phase, which includes the pathways on both sides of the bridge. He stated that he will keep the NRC updated on the status of this project.
Update on Status of Fuller Brook Park Preservation Master Plan
Ms. Gross updated the NRC on the status of this Master Plan and stated that she and Ms. Bowser will be working with Chris Greene from Halvorson Design on the completion of the plan.
Update on CPA Guidelines and Possible Legislation Affecting Fuller Master Plan
Ms. Gaughan updated the NRC on the status of proposed CPA legislation that could affect the Fuller Brook Project by broadening the scope of the CPA, which could allow for more extensive funding for a project like Fuller Brook. Ms. Gaughan requested that Ms. Bowser send a letter to Wellesley’s state legislators asking for support for this legislation. Ms. Gaughan requested that Ms. Bowser also send a letter to the Historical Commission outlining the NRC’s efforts on the Fuller Brook Master Plan and updating them on the status of the plan.
Update and Discussion Regarding Public Shade Tree Gas Line Safety Project
The NRC further discussed this project and there was some concern that neither the NRC nor the DPW has the expertise or equipment to detect gas leaks and they discussed whether or not it’s in the Town’s best interest to hire the Gas Safety Tree Specialists. The NRC discussed some concerns about this program and the contract agreement language. It was agreed that the NRC will follow up with the DPW to further discuss this matter.
Review and Approval of the NRC Meeting Minutes of April 16, 2009
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the NRC Meeting Minutes of April 16, 2009 as written.
NRC Meeting Schedule
The next NRC meeting was scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 7:00 PM before the Inter-Board Budget Meeting.
Adjournment
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4 – 0 to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Janet Hartke Bowser
NRC Director
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