ARLINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
MARCH 18, 2004
Mr. Stevens called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the Town Hall Annex. Present were Catherine Garnett, Judith Hodges, Ellen Reed, Nathaniel Stevens, and David White of the Commission. Timothy Sullivan and Cori Beckwith, Administrator, were absent. William O’Rourke, who has applied to join the Commission, was also present.
7:30 p.m. - COMMISSION BUSINESS
MACC Annual Conference – Mr. White and Mr. Stevens reported on the conference held on March 6 in Worcester.
Budget – Mr. Stevens reported that he had been informed by the Secretary of the Finance Committee that the Commission would receive the same amount of money it had received last year for the upcoming fiscal year.
Warrant Article #31 – The Commission discussed the article submitted by 10 citizens which would eliminate the expiration period of the bylaw waiver provision approved at last year’s Town Meeting. Commissioner agreed that it would be good for the Commission to have a broader authority to grant variances, like other Town boards have, but could not agree whether to support this warrant article. Some Commissioners felt this article was a step in the right direction, whereas others wanted a broad variance authority or no authority.
Land Stewards – Plans for the upcoming 2nd Annual Land Stewards Meeting on March 29 were discussed. Mr. White, Ms. Reed, and Ms. Garnett would take the lead in preparing for this meeting. The tentative agenda included a report from the Turkey Hill Land Stewards and the artist who will be using Mt. Gilboa as a site for her artwork this spring.
Town Stormwater Permit – Comments are due April 2, 2004 on the draft application. No one knew whether the Commission would have an opportunity to submit comments after the application was submitted to EPA.
Hills Pond/Menotomy Rocks Park – Ms. Reed reported that ArborCare had been to do tree trimming near Hills Pond. It was further noted that work needs to continue on the draft maintenance permit.
Draft Revisions to Wetland Bylaw Regulations – Comments are due to Mr. Stevens on Friday, March 26, 2004.
Pierce Field Permit – Draft was discussed.
The Commission voted to convene at approximately 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nathaniel Stevens
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