ARLINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
APRIL 17, 2003
Mr. Stevens called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm in the second floor conference room of the Town Hall Annex. Present were Nathaniel Stevens, David White, Cathy Garnett, Timothy Sullivan, Christine Wallace, and Judith Hodges of the Commission. Also present were Ron Stocker for 71 Spy Pond Lane, and John Noonan and Brian Sullivan for 43 Dothan Street. Cori Beckwith attended the first few minutes of the meeting and then went home sick.
7:30 pm COMMISSION BUSINESS -
Meeting Minutes – Hodges/Sullivan moved to approve the meeting minutes for March 6, 2003 and April 3, 2003 as amended; motions passed unanimously.
Land Stewards – Mr. White reported that he sent the mailing to follow-up on the first Land Stewards Meeting to those who attended – between 30 and 40. Need to contact those (between 50 and 60) who did not attend and had previously expressed interest in becoming a Land Steward. There are 4 or 5 identified “orphan” sites.
7:45 pm Working Session – 43 DOTHAN STREET, paving of road
John Noonan presented the proposed elevating and paving of a portion of Dothan Street to allow better access to the Sullivans’ residence at 43 Dothan Street; presently, due to flooding, the property is not accessible for a good portion of the year. BVW and floodplain would be altered; those resource area boundaries were identified by the Commission in an Order of Resource Area Delineation issued last fall. Mr. Noonan would file a NOI file under the Act as a limited project. Mr. Stevens alerted Mr. Noonan and the Applicant that the Commission presently does not have the authority to waive the provisions of the Bylaw or its regulations, but may have that power if approved by this year’s Town Meeting. Mr. Noonan, Ms. Beckwith, and Kevin O’Brien of the Planning Dept. had spoken
about possible wetlands replication at Reeds Brook, but needed to speak further. Mr. Noonan and the Commission agreed that it would be best to file an NOI after Town Meeting and conclusion of discussions with the Planning Dept. about replicating wetlands in Reeds Brook.
8:15 pm REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY – 71 SPY POND LANE for reconstruction of enclosed porch within Buffer Zone to Spy Pond
Ron Stocker, contractor and Applicant’s representative was present. Commission reviewed RDA and photos and notes from April 5 site visit. Mr. Stocker confirmed that siltation fence would be placed on site to prevent erosion and materials from entering Spy Pond. Hodges/Sullivan moved to issue Determination of Applicability that while project is within jurisdiction, no filing of NOI is required; motion passed unanimously.
COMMISSION BUSINESS, cont’d
Window On The Mystic – Mr. White to contact Land Stewards about scheduling a clean-up or trail maintenance.
Meadowbrook Park – Clean-up scheduled for May 10, 10 am to 2 pm
Warrant Article #61 – Bylaw Waiver – This article would give the Commission authority to grant waivers from its Bylaw or regulations. It was placed on the warrant by John Maher, Alan McClennan and the School Superintendent since a waiver from Bylaw would save Town a significant amount of money in the Pierce Field remediation. Due to recent discussion on town listserv and article in Advocate, Commission decided to announce that it would discuss it at its May 1, 2003 meeting, to answer questions and concerns; will invite Mr. Maher and Mr. McClennan to attend. Mr. Stevens will contact the Advocate about announcing the discussion.
Hills Pond Projects – Commission discussed three different projects that likely would require permitting or further information. One, treating diseased hemlocks near Hills Pond; Ted Siegan is the contact. Two, proposed and possible past removal of mulitflora rose bushes; MaryAnna Foskett is the contact; the Commission will ask for information and plans on what would be replanted. Three, replanting of bank of Hills Pond where path was rebuilt last fall and erosion control blankets are now placed; Clarissa Rowe is the contact.
New DPW Director – Mr. White suggested meeting with John Sanchez, the new DPW director, to discuss improvements/restoration at Arlmont parcel, as promised by former DPW director Rich Bento; see if there are any DPW lands to be included in the Land Stewards program; and, status of the Town’s work to comply with federal NPDES Phase II stormwater requirements.
The Commission voted to convene at approximately 8:25 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nathaniel Stevens, Chair
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