ARLINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
APRIL 15, 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 of the Commission was not present. William O’Rourke, who has applied to join the Commission, was also present. Clarissa Rowe and Maryanna Foskett of the Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park were present for the Hills Pond permit. Dr. Peter Braun was present to discuss the weed treatment in the Upper Mystic Lake. Also present were Michael Quinn, Patricia Thomas, Jelke Koumans, and Dave O’Rourke.
7:30 p.m. - COMMISSION BUSINESS
7:45pm – HILLS POND – NOTICE OF INTENT for maintenance projects such as path reconstruction, plant care, treatment wetland, etc.
Mr. Stevens opened the public hearing by clarifying that the applicant is the Department of Public Works. The list of work is included in the Notice of Intent.
The path work will be composed of a stabilized aggregate/soil surface that will meet ADA standards.
Poison Ivy will be removed by hand and by spraying it with orange spray paint to warn of its presence to park users.
Mr. White was concerned about herbicide use near the pond. Aquatic Control Technology will be the herbicide applicator in most instances in the wetland and Arborcare will be applying the pesticidal oil to the hemlocks. The Commission agreed to condition the use of herbicide to avoid windy days.
The Commission expressed that it would prefer an annual report on work that is completed, that all plant materials be disposed of properly so as not to spread invasive plants and that the sediments removed from the stormwater structure be removed from the site.
The Commission also asked that any current work taking place be explained and posted at the park kiosks. The maintenance (such as painting) of the memorial benches should be done away from the pond.
Ms. Reed commented that she had investigated alternative methods of treating for algae in Hills Pond such as harvesting the algae and burning it to reduce the metals in it for a couple of years and then it can be composted.
White/Garnett motioned to approve the project with the above conditions; motion passed unanimously.
8:15pm – UPPER MYSTIC LAKE - aquatic weed control update on existing permit #91-131
Dr. Braun recounted the work conducted by the residents near Parker Rd since 1997 and performed by Aquatic Control Technology. This years treatment will require the use of Aquathol K and Diquot. The few water lilies still around can be hand pulled.. The area to be treated is within 200 feet of the shoreline. This work has cost the 7 homeowners approximately $2800 per year.
Other business
A resident observed someone on the construction project at the former Texaco Station on Mass Ave dumping concrete washings into the stormdrain.
White/Reed motioned to approve the 4/1 minutes with edits by Mr. Stevens; motion passed unanimously.
The Commission was in receipt of a memo from Brian Rehrig, of the Arlington Land Trust, regarding the Symmes project.
The Commission voted to convene at approximately 10:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Corinna Beckwith
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