ARLINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 16, 2006
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 David White, Timothy Sullivan, Judith Hodges, Catherine Garnett, and Chuck Tirone of the Commission. William O’Rourke and, Ellen Reed of the Commission, were not in attendance. Gary Larson attended for the discussion of 22 Mill St. Al Olson and Bob Keene Keane attended for the discussion of 17 Mill St. Rick Gallagher attended for the discussion of 87 Mystic St.
7:30 pm - COMMISSION BUSINESS
Mr. White reported on the Friends of Parks meeting held on Nov. 13.
White/Hodges motioned to approve the 11/2 minutes with minor edits; motion passed unanimously.
7:45pm – Working session – site maintenance at 17 Mill St.
Mr. Keane filed a management plan with the Commission showing sand bag berms to control the migration of sand into Mill Brook of from winter sanding operations. Mr. Stevens commented that the controls didn’t appear sufficiently permanent over time or structural and would require lots of upkeep and would not be maintained over time. The Commission believed that Many of these comments were suggested by Mr. O’Rourke (who was not in attendance) had similar concerns.
Mr. Olson and Mr. Keane explained that a new fence has been installed between the roadway access and the embankment leading down to the Brook. Siltfence will be installed along the new fence to prevent sand from scattering down the slope. Sand bags, long large tubes filled with sand, will be installed on the brook-side of the fence from Thanksgiving to March and then removed each year. Snow is front-loaded out of the area, not plowed or pushed anywhere.
Following the discussion and review of the plan, the Commission agreed that tThe plan is should be implemented each this winter. The Commission will inspect this year winter and review its the effectiveness in the Spring with Mr. Keane and Mr. Olson. It was suggested that only one row of sandbags should be necessary, the one at the top of the slope (next to the fence). Ms. Garnett suggested the use of biofence, which would degrade in 1 ½ years. Mr. Tirone asked that a permanent structure be considered.
8:15pm – discussion of final details of slope work at 87 Mystic St, Armstrong Ambulance.
Mr. Gallagher was present to discuss slope treatments to the embankment along Mill Brook. The Commission was concerned that the existing mulched and otherwise unprotected dirt embankment would easily wash into the brook. The slope should have jute mesh fabric and dogwood bushes (which have significant root systems) installed to prevent this from occurring. The shrubs should be planted in the spring. The Commission would wait to issue the Certificate of Compliance until after this work has been completed.
COMMISSION BUSINESS (cont.)
Mr. Larson, of 22 Mill St, asked for clearances of older outstanding permits in order to permit a real estate transaction to take place. Ms. Beckwith agreed to review the permit (DEP File #91-136) for outstanding conditions and issue a letter referencing them.
Mr. White presented the estimated expense of $360 for scanning the Walking Book in order to allow for editing and updating. White/Sullivan motioned to approve the expense; motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Stevens reported that the Homeland Security office is going to sell 339 Mystic and will be contacting our office regarding the planting of trees along the shoreline. The Commission agreed that 2 willows and 6 red maples would mitigate the previous clearing of the Bufferzone.
Mr. White discussed the need for a landscape plan for Cookes Hollow. He will contact the Planning Department on how to find a consultant for site evaluation and review.
The Commission voted to convene at approximately 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Corinna Beckwith
Administrator
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