Town of Wellesley, Massachusetts

Approved 9//8/2009

TOWN OF WELLESLEY

NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION

August 10, 2009, 9 AM

Arnold Conference Room, Wellesley Main Library

Attending: Joan Gaughan, Chair, Heidi Gross, Neal Seaborn, Janet Hartke Bowser, NRC Director.

Absent: Richard Bashian, Vice Chair, Paul Cramer, Secretary.

Guests: Renee Curtain and Jennifer Luks, Wellesley House and Garden Club, Joel Slocum, Wellesley Historical Commission, David Wright, Wellesley Historical Commission, Kerry Sullivan, Town Resident, Pace Wilson, Wellesley Dog Group.

Pace Wilson, from the Wellesley Dog Group, asked when the doggie bags will be installed at Perrin. Ms. Bowser stated that this is on the DPW’s work list and the bags should be installed soon. Ms. Wilson inquired as to when Centennial Reservation will be mowed, as several of her dog group members wanted to know when the fields will be low, so that the dogs could run through the fields. Ms. Bowser stated that the five different meadows in the Centennial Reservation are mowed on a rotational basis and generally they are mowed in the fall in order to protect ground-nesting birds.

Discussion and Vote RE: Fall Off-Leash Dog Regulations and Hours at Perrin Park

Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC the Perrin Off-Leash Hours and Regulations from this past spring when the youth sports organizations used the playing fields. Ms. Wilson circulated a graph showing the Wellesley day light hours, and suggested that the night off-leash hours be moved to 7 PM to 9 PM, rather than 7:30 PM to 9 PM. Ms. Bowser stated that the information she has received from Recreation indicates that the field is scheduled for use until 7:30 PM for practice and games during the week. Ms. Bowser stated that she will contact the soccer and lacrosse organizations to confirm their field use hours.

Ms. Kerry Sullivan, a resident of the Perrin Park neighborhood, reported that she and several other area residents have had to deal with uncivil behavior from several dog owners at Perrin Park. She stated that she has observed dog owners coming to the park with off-leash dogs before 7:30 am and after dark in violation of the established rules and that she and several neighbors have had to call the police regarding these issues. Ms. Gaughan stated that these matters are outside the scope of the NRC’s regulations and that Ms. Sullivan should continue to call the police to have these issues addressed. Ms. Sullivan also voiced concern about putting doggie bag dispensers at Perrin Park, and that in her opinion this reinforces Perrin as a dog park, as there are no other similar parks in Town with dog bag dispensers. She stated that in her opinion, Perrin is now overused by dogs and she feels the NRC should make an effort to have dog owners use parks throughout Town. Ms. Sullivan asked the NRC if they’d be willing to find an area where a fenced-in dog park could be located in Town. Mr. Seaborn responded that in his opinion it is not the NRC’s responsibility to locate a dog park in Town, and that this should be a citizen’s initiative.

After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 3-0 to approve the following Fall 2009 Perrin Park Off-leash Dog Hours and Regulations:

EFFECTIVE AUGUST 31 – NOVEMBER 15, 2009

1. The number of dogs under the control of one owner is limited to 2, or three with a NRC permit.

2. Off-leash dogs shall not exceed 8 at any one time and must be under control.

3. Daily off-leash hours are limited to:

7:00 AM - 9:30 AM Monday - Friday, and Sunday~~and 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM Saturday

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM or dusk, whichever is earlier, including weekends.

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. Park is closed to all users after dusk.

REGULATIONS ISSUED PURSUANT TO NRC AUTHORITY UNDER MGL Ch. 45

Discussion Wellesley House and Garden Club Regarding Sculpture Proposal in Central Park

Ms. Renee Curtain and Ms. Jennifer Luks of the Wellesley House and Garden Club outlined this proposal for a bronze sculpture to be located in Central Park. Ms. Curtain provided a brief background of the House and Garden Club’s efforts in Central Park, which date back to 1958. Ms. Curtain said that over the past several decades the House and Garden Club has been committed to beautifying this park with brick walks, Victorian lights, benches, picnic tables, an underground sprinkler system, and shrubs and trees. She stated that in July of 2009, the club donated funds to refurbish the brick walkways and replace rhododendron plants, and that they continue to refurbish the park with trees, shrubs, and flowers and also continue the club’s on-going volunteer efforts. She stated that in 2008, the club celebrated its 50^th anniversary and hosted a Holiday House and Garden Tour, and the club is proposing the donation and placement of a bronze sculpture in Central Park using the proceeds from the tour. Ms. Curtain stated that as the Club celebrates its 50^th year, they have reflected on their accomplishments and commitment to the Town , especially the young and the elderly, and their continuing goal is to protect the Town’s resources, beautify the community, and educate themselves and others on environmental issues.

Ms. Curtain provided a description of the sculpture, which would be of a young girl, either standing or sitting, holding either a butterfly or flowers, and the sculpture would be approximately 2-feet high and would be mounted on a natural stone base. The materials in the sculpture will be bronze and the sculpture will be placed on a natural rock or granite base with a dark finish. Regarding the location, Ms. Curtain said that a number of club members recently visited the park to observe the traffic flow and suggested two possible locations, either near the maple tree at the west corner of the park or in the small nook to the right of the walkway as you approach Washington Street from Railroad Ave. Ms Curtain stated that the Garden Club has chosen and is working with a local artist, Merrilyn Belano Marsh, who is a long-time Wellesley resident and an established and award-winning artist. Ms Curtain circulated to the NRC, the artist’s portfolio of sculptures that have been displayed throughout the world. The portfolio included a biography of Ms. Marsh, which included a listing of her many awards and art shows. Ms. Curtain stated that in June the club voted to spend approximately $7,000 on the sculpture, with an additional $3,000 to be committed for refurbishing the brick walkway in Central Park. Mr. Seaborn asked how the club determined the theme and design of the sculpture. Ms. Curtain stated that there was no strong theme, but that the sculpture topic of a young girl was appropriate for a women’s garden club and holding a butterfly recognized the club’s commitment to building and maintaining a butterfly garden at each of the Wellesley’s elementary schools. Ms. Gaughan inquired as to whether a butterfly garden could also be installed in Central Park, and Ms. Curtain said that there was not enough sun, and that the Town’s Landscape Planner, Ms. Vlass, would not support it because it would be too high maintenance at this location. Mr. Seaborn voiced some concern that the sculpture was only of a girl, and perhaps a sculpture of both a girl and a boy could be considered. There was some discussion on this topic, and the Garden Club said that they felt that it was appropriate to have only one sculpture of a young girl.

After further discussion, it was the consensus of the NRC to support the House and Garden Club's proposal for a sculpture in Central Park, and they requested either a sketch or clay model by the artist of the sculpture for further consideration. The NRC also said that they would like to conduct a site visit in the near future to review and finalize a location. The Garden Club will formally approve a design and then come back to the NRC for final approval, once a final rendering is available. It was also noted that the club would like to place a small plaque on the base of the sculpture with the name of the artist and that also recognizes the House and Garden Club, and the NRC concurred with this proposal. The NRC thanked the House and Garden Club for attending the meeting and for their commitment to beautifying this park and indicated their support for the proposal.

Update on Fuller Brook Park Preservation Master Plan

Ms. Bowser and Ms. Gross updated the NRC and Wellesley Historical Commission Members Joel Slocum and David Wright on the status of the plan as well as the current timeline for completing the Plan. Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a timeline for completion of the plan by the end of October. The NRC discussed the plan with the Historical Commission Members and the need for the Historical Commission’s involvement, since the plan will make a strong case for the historical significance of the park and the need to preserve the elements of the park, including the path, vegetation, and ecological elements. The NRC stated that they are concerned that the park is a resource that may be lost unless the elements of the preservation plan are implemented, and they need the Historical Commission’s involvement in order to make the case that there are significant historic elements of the plan. Ms. Gross indicated that the park, itself, has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, but this alone is not enough to secure CPA funding. Ms. Bowser stated that the plan is expected to be completed by the end of October, and once it is in final draft form, they will ask for the Historical Commission’s feedback on the plan, and the Historical Commission will be involved in supporting the NRC’s submission to the CPC for funding. Ms. Gross stated that the Historical Commission has a copy of the Cultural Landscape Report completed by Shary Page Berg and that they should contact Ms. Bowser if they need another copy of the plan. It was suggested that Kara Shiketty, who is the Historical Commission’s representative on the CPC, contact Ms. Gross for more information about the project and the park’s history. Ms. Bowser also noted that the NRC is co-sponsoring with the Historical Commission a lecture on Olmsted and his Parks on September 29^th at 7:30PM in the main library. The NRC thanked the Historical Commission Members and said that they look forward to working with them on the Fuller Brook Park Preservation Master Plan.

Discussion/Vote Re: Director’s FY10 Goals

After discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 3-0 to approve the Director’s FY10 Goals, with benchmarks as discussed, as follows: Completion of Fuller Brook Preservation Master Plan; Continued Implementation of Morses Pond Management Plan; Completion of Organic/IPM Turf Management Plan; and Completion of Open Space and Recreation Plan. The NRC noted that these goals serve as guidance to assist the Director in setting work plan priorities and are in addition to the Director’s broad range of current job responsibilities. These goals are subject to change and revision by the NRC in response to the development of new priorities.

Director’s Report

Update on Morses Pond Low Impact Development Project

Ms. Bowser updated the NRC on the status of this project and she stated that she continues to work with the Morses Pond Consultant AECOM team and Mr. Seaborn to develop this Low Impact Development Project within the Morses Pond watershed at Upham School.

Update on Morses Pond Dredging of the Northern Basin

Ms. Bowser stated that a Request for Proposals has been issued and that five responses have been received and that Mr. Seaborn will be overseeing the review of the five proposals and selecting the contractor for the project on behalf of the NRC.

Update on Morses Pond Weed Harvesting Program

Ms. Bowser stated that the first full cycle for harvesting at Morses Pond has been completed, and that the DPW has commenced the second phase of harvesting.

Update on New Advisory Committee Liaison

Ms. Bowser stated that she has been advised by the Chair of Advisory that Jason Wittet has been appointed as the new Advisory Committee Liaison to the NRC and that she will be sending all agendas and background materials to Mr. Wittet.

Update on NRC’s Organic/Integrated Pest Management Turf Plan

Ms. Bowser stated that she continues to work with Mr. Chip Osborne who is the NRC’s consultant developing this Organic Turf Management Plan and that he has completed all site analysis and assessment work and that he has begun the written documentation and analysis for the turf plan. Ms. Bowser will keep the NRC updated on the status of the plan.

Review and Approval of High School Permit Request for Night Football Game on October 2, 2009 for Hunnewell Field

Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC the Application for Use of Parkland by the High School Athletic Department for the use of Hunnewell Field for a night football game on October 2, 2009. Ms. Bowser circulated the minutes from the High School Committee Meeting on May 5, 2009 at which time a Public Hearing was held as required by the NRC. The High School Athletic Director, John Brown, reported that no one attended the meeting to speak regarding the night football game. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 3-0 to approve the permit request for the High School night football game on October 2, 2009 on Hunnewell Field, which is parkland under the NRC’s jurisdiction. Ms. Bowser will send out a permit for the night game with the conditions that have been used for the past 4 years for this event.

Update on Public Tree Removal Violations

Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a letter from Deputy Tree Warden and Superintendent of Parks Mike Quinn regarding a number of tree removals on Colby Road. Ms. Bowser will follow up with the owners and invite them to the next NRC Meeting to review this matter.

Update on Gas Leaks-Tree Safety Issues and Letter from National Grid

Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a letter dated July 22, 2009, from National Grid regarding its tree monitoring and vegetation programs. The letter stated that National Grid understands that there is an organization seeking to litigate on behalf of cities and towns regarding tree protection from gas lines. In response to this, National Grid outlined their comprehensive program regarding surveying the company’s infrastructure, including what they are doing to protect vegetation and trees. They indicated that they have an on-going system-wide monitoring and survey program that includes regular mobile leak surveys to identify and document existing leaks. The letter indicates that National Grid would like to meet with the NRC to explain their vegetation-monitoring program. After further discussion, the NRC concluded that they would like to request from National Grid a listing of all inspections that they have completed, and Ms. Bowser will draft this letter. Ms. Gross stated that she has been working with a client on Rockridge Road for some time and that they have smelled a gas leak for several years and are only now getting a response from National Grid to address these potential leaks. The NRC plans to invite National Grid to come and explain their Tree Protection Program to the NRC at a future meeting.

Update on Status of the Open Space and Recreation Plan

Ms. Bowser stated that she and the NRC’s consultant continues to work to complete the plan and that the plan is now nearing completion. Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a draft memo that she wrote regarding the proposed Top Ten Recommendations in the Open Space and Recreation Plan. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 3-0 to approve Ms. Bowser’s Proposed Top Ten Open Space and recreation Plan Recommendations as follows:

1. Protect, enhance and expand Wellesley’s Open Space Areas.

This goal includes protection and acquisition of open space in Town, including State land (MassBay College land, Cochituate Aqueduct northern section), and protection of public, private and institutional open space throughout Town, including enhancements to the Town owned open space abutting the State owned DCR Bridge in the Lower Falls area adjacent to 27 Washington St.

2. Natural Resource Protection Efforts.

Protect, preserve, and enhance the Town’s diversity of natural resource areas, including wetlands, wildlife habitat, water supply land, and watershed areas.

3. Protect, enhance and improve the Town’s Ponds to improve water clarity and quality (surface water, potable water and recreational uses of water).

Continue to implement the 2005 Morses Pond Comprehensive Management Plan and continue the NRC’s pond restoration program for the Town’s smaller ponds.

4. Protect Wellesley’s public trees throughout the Town.

Continue to implement the NRC’s and the DPW’s Tree Protection and Improvement Program in order to protect the Town’s investment in over 12,000 public trees including public shade trees and parkland and conservation land trees).

5. Continue to protect, improve and expand the Town’s parks and playgrounds.

Continue to implement the NRC’s playground master plan, ensure that the Town’s parks are maintained and used for a balance of passive and active recreation, and open additional parkland.

6. Implement the Fuller Brook Park Preservation Master Plan.

Secure funding and implement the Master Plan for improving and enhancing the Fuller Brook Park, which runs for 2.5 miles through the center of Town and is the most heavily used open space in Wellesley.

7. Continue to improve the Town’s trail system by looking at ways to connect major open spaces, provide linkages to regional trails and open spaces.

Multi-use trails can link to reservations or existing trails that can provide access to opportunities in neighboring towns, such as the Massachusetts Bay Circuit Trail in Wayland and Framingham. The northern section of the Cochituate Aqueduct could be acquired by the Town in order to provide a link to the Natick trail system. Continue to support the implementation of the DCR Bridge Improvement Project and approaches in order to create this important link in Lower Falls between Wellesley and Newton and help create a park spanning both sides of the bridge in order to promote the enjoyment of the Charles River in this dense commercial area.

8. Improve and enhance active recreational resources and playing fields.

Continue to work with the Playing Fields Task Force to promote improvements to the Town’s active recreational land in order to maximize use with limited impact on playing fields. Implement the NRC’s Organic Turf Management Plan that seeks to develop high quality turf in parks and athletic fields without the use of pesticides in order to protect the health of the Town’s residents and to limit negative impacts on the environment.

9. Continue the NRC’s Pesticide Awareness and Reduction Campaign.

Continue to promote the NRC’s Pesticide Awareness and Reduction Campaign in order to limit Town resident’s exposure to toxic substances and to protect the Town’s natural resources.

10. Promote sustainability and climate protection efforts within the scope of NRC responsibility in order to protect the Town’s environment and residents’ health.

Promote sustainability and climate protection efforts through conservation education, tree planting and environmental resource protection.

Update on Prospective Wetlands Committee Members

Mr. Seaborn has recommended a number of individuals as potential Wetlands Committee Members and Ms. Bowser, Mr. Seaborn, Mr. Bossi, and Dr. Carolos Gimeno recently met with one potential member, who will likely be recommended for membership. Mr. Seaborn continues to recruit a number of potential members and the NRC will be kept updated on the status of the potential members.

Liaison Report/Continuing Business/New Business

Update on Lower Falls Charles River Bridge Conversion Project and Park Approaches

Mr. Seaborn provided an update on both the Bridge Improvement Project and the Pedestrian Bridge Approaches Project. Mr. Seaborn stated that currently the bridge project RFP will be issued this October and a consultant has been chosen for the design and permitting work. Mr. Seaborn stated that a public hearing has been scheduled by the DCR for the design for the pedestrian approaches on Wednesday, August 19^th from 6:30-8:00 PM at the Lower Falls Community Center Gym. All NRC members are encouraged to attend. Mr. Seaborn stated that he has been in close contact with Board of Selectmen Chair Barbara Searle and that they will be working together on a CPC application for submittal this fall.

Discussion Regarding Residents Concerns at Centennial Reservation and Bezanson Pond

The NRC reviewed a letter from a resident abutting Centennial Reservation who voiced concern about the condition of Bezanson Pond within the Reservation. The resident asserted that due to the increased number of dogs using the Reservation and the pond, the environmental quality of the pond has been degraded. The resident requested that the NRC have the pond tested for ecological contaminants. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 3-0 to approve up to $400 from the NRC’s Gift Fund to have the pond water tested for contamination.

Review and Approval of the NRC Meeting Minutes of June 2, 2009

After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 3-0 to approve the Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2009 and July 13, 2009.

Next Scheduled NRC Meeting

The next NRC meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 7:30 PM in the NRC Office.

After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 3 – 0 to adjourn the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 AM.

Respectfully submitted: