ARLINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 30, 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, Bill O’Rourke, Ellen Reed, Nathaniel Stevens, Timothy Sullivan, and David White of the Commission. Commissioner Judith Hodges and Cori Beckwith, Administrator, were absent. Also present were Mark Mitch, P.E. and Jason Gillespie from Wesson & Sampson for the Reservoir Dam Project, DPW Director John Sanchez, and Arlington residents Jane Howard, Ann LeRoyer, and Brian Hasbrouck.
7:30 p.m. - COMMISSION BUSINESS
Belmont Uplands – Mr. Stevens reported that he mailed the various letters concerning the Belmont Uplands.
Comments On Proposed Changes to State Wetlands Regulations - Mr. Stevens reported that he hand delivered the Commission’s comments to DEP on Monday.
Lalicatta Landscaping/Ryder Street – The green card was returned, indicating that the Notice of Noncompliance letter had been received. Mr. Sanchez said that he believes this Town property is under the management of the Town Manger’s Office.
7:30 p.m. – Continued Hearing: NOTICE OF INTENT – ARLINGTON RESERVOIR DAM REHABILITATION PROJECT
Mr. Stevens noted that Commission members Garnett O’Rourke, Reed, Stevens, Sullivan, and White attended a site visit on June 24 with Mr. Gillespie.
Applicant submitted letter revising NOI to say that it was submitted as a Limited Project under the Wetlands Protection Act.
Possible alternative locations for the auxiliary spillway were discussed. Mr. Mitch explained that although more trees would have to be removed in the present proposed location, that location was best for flood water flow and would avoid having to remove and replace the culverted concrete bridge over Mill Brook.
Tree replacement was discussed. Applicant submitted a proposed planting plan. Applicant agreed to more precisely locate the boundaries of work and location of the auxiliary spillway by survey.
Applicant agreed to submit a planting plan prior for Commission as a condition of the permit. The plan would show number, location, and species of trees removed and proposed for planting. Locations for planting would include the area between the proposed auxiliary spillway and new handicap accessible ramp, the knoll adjacent to the former “stump dump”, and other locations around the Reservoir. Applicant agreed to have citizen input on the planting plan. Applicant further agreed to remove piles, smooth and level, and compact and then seed the former “stump dump” area with a tall meadow-wildflower mix.
Applicant agreed to avoid significant trees where possible.
Possible locations for wetlands replication were discussed, including along Mill Brook closer to Colonial Village, but that location might be costly. Other locations in Town were considered. The Applicant still had not heard from the Army Corps of Engineers and a joint site visit with the Commission and Army Corps was mentioned as a possible approach. Applicant agreed to submit for Commission approval a wetlands replication plan prior to beginning work.
Fencing along the spillway would be constructed so as to allow small wildlife to pass under it.
White/Reed moved to close the hearing; motion passed unanimously.
O’Rourke/White moved to issue an Order of Conditions and Permit for the project with conditions as discussed; motion passed unanimously.
The Commission voted to convene at approximately 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nathaniel Stevens
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