ARLINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
OCTOBER 2, 2003
Mr. Stevens called the meeting to order at 7:30pm in the second floor conference room of the Town Hall Annex. Present were Nathaniel Stevens, David White, Christine Wallace, and Judith Hodges of the Commission. Timothy Sullivan and Catherine Garnett were absent due to work conflicts. Ellen Reed, who has applied to join the Commission, was also present. Hana Aljader and Ammar Chamo of 339 Mystic St were also present.
7:30pm - COMMISSION BUSINESS
Town Counsel John Maher’s comments about the ACC Stewardship Fund, with the Arlington Land Trust, was discussed.
Mr. White reported on Friends Of Arlington’s Great Meadows: its Annual Report is out.
Mr. White reported that the Open Space Committee is discussing Town tree policies, with the Committee to study tree policy set up by this past spring’s Town Meeting.
Mr. White reported that planting needs to be done at the weir in Meadowbrook Park, due to recent severe erosion. Ms. Reed suggested planting dogwood, which is more shade tolerant than willow.
Puddlestompers has confronted parking problems in accessing the Mt. Gilboa conservation land. Commission to research what parking is allowed on Park Lane.
7:45pm - 339 MYSTIC ST - ENFORCEMENT for clearing of vegetation within the Buffer Zone to Mystic Lake, in violation of DEP File No.91-156
The owner of 339 Mystic, Hana Adjader, and her cousin, Ammar, appeared befpre the Commission.~ Ammar did all the talking to the Commission (Hana did not appear to speak English, although she did sign our attendance list in English).~
~
Ammar maintains that they cut only one tree, and offered to plant two.~ He also said that bushes, shrubs and other plant growth they cut had regrown to about half its height, so wasn't that OK.~~~ We asked him to present to the Commission at its next meeting (in 2 weeks, October 16, 2003) a planting plan, and suggested he contact either the wetlands scientist who prepared the application for the house renovation (which project they are not pursuing) or a landscape architect (Ms. Beckwith had provided the name of a firm that had done work for homeowners on Lower Mystic Lake).~ The Commission suggested tree and shrub species to plant.~~
~
The Commission also asked him to place a siltation fence or haybales along the edge of the lake, so as to prevent erosion.
~
Ammar asked about fines.~ Mr. Stevens explained that the Commission has the authority to levy fines of up to $300/day.~ He thought that was steep.~ Mr. Stevens replied that this reflects the seriousness of having to comply and that the final amount would depend on their compliance.~ He then asked what we typically fine.~ Again, member of the Commission urged compliance sooner rather than later will reduce the amount of the fine, but, at a minimum, count on several hundred (to approximate the fees if they had filed to perform the work).
~
The Commission told Ammar that it will expect to see a planting plan produced at the 10/16 meeting and full compliance with the order to install the erosion control fencing/haybales.
COMMISSION BUSINESS, continued:
The Bylaw Waiver Policy was discussed and revised.
The Turkey Hill Land Stewards are coordinating a trash pick up.
Ms. Reed said that she would help organize a conservation or Great Meadow’s program for the Lexington Nursing Home.
The Commission voted to convene at approximately 8:32pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Cori Beckwith, Administrator
| 
