Natick Conservation Commission
February 3, 2010
The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 by Chairman, Matthew Gardner. Members present: George Bain, Kathy Rehl, Jason Makofsky, Jennifer Ducey
Discussions
High School Senior Parking Lot
Bob Bois suggested Commission rethink the possibility of taking over the High School parking lot. Mr. Bois views it as having no value. The schools is not trying to get rid of it, they just want to see if Conservation is interested.
Jason Makofsky stated they can stop using it as a parking lot, and still keep ownership of it. The only value is for community gardens. Ms. Rehl feels it has potential if a water source is available and would recommend a fence.
Mr. Bois does not see a real reason why we should have it. Cars have been parked there for years, so the condition of the soil would have to be determined. It will continue to be used for at least the next two years for staff parking.
Mr. Gardner recommended continuing the conversation at a later date.
Community Farm Signage – update
Mr. Bois stated it’s a conservation restriction and no signs are permitted. The abutters’ are against any signage. Mr. Makofsky suggested amending and recording a new document. We have a two year window.
Mr. Bois spoke with Linda at the farm, and she agreed to withdraw her application from ZBA without prejudice.
Minutes – January 21st
Regarding the Woodland Village walking trails, the Commission absolutely wants Beta Engineering to oversee the construction of the trail. The homeowner’s need to accept responsibility of the O & M of trails if that is what their deed specifies. Mr. Makofsky feels the homeowners should know what’s on deed.
Commission needs time to review the minutes and vote.
O Lake Street – update
Bob Bois said the state acknowledged they need more information then they originally had to make their decision. They would like to open again, accept for the record, and vote in two weeks.
Jason Makofsky feels if there is no new information, not necessary to hear it all again.
Golf Course – testing
Bob Bois stated the Order of Conditions requirement is to update the latest analytical results. Peter Meaghan, Golf Course management, apologized for not coming on an annual basis. It’s the 10th year of operation, 37 acres, of which 17 in Natick, 20 in Sherborn. The course is as “green” as a course can be. The goal is to eventually become totally organic.
Both Sherborn and Natick Order of Conditions require an annual report. Chemical use is declining, organic treatment is rising. The maintenance system has not changed. We have been given the same list of approved products from ten years ago. Kathy Rehl stated that some of the products are organic, but not certified organic. Mr. Meaghan said the 4th hole is totally organic. Maybe better products are out there, but too costly to have someone come in and say they are okay to use. Natick’s order states that if new chemicals meet green criteria, no need to sample. Sherborn has the most restrictive order. Six products were applied in 2009. The focus is on turf management and using less chemicals, trying to be as environmentally cautious as possible,
watering as little as possible.
Mr. Bois reviewed the sampling results, ground water and surface watering samplings. There are no new chemicals and no exceeding the application rate. Mr. Bois feels further testing is not necessary and does not expect to see anything in groundwater. The money saved by no sampling could be used toward the golf course Audubon certification. The course is stable.
Ms. Rehl said the real problem is with Sherborn. They have no incentive to stop testing since the Town of Natick is paying for it. She recommended testing here, in Natick, for one more year, then discontinue. Dropping a test is a savings of $6,000.
Mr. Gardner would support testing in 2010, then communicate to Sherborn that Natick will drop testing all together.
Kathy Rehl asked if maybe we can go back to UMass experts and maybe Sherborn will agree to test on a three year cycle.
Mr. Bois would like to see moving away from sampling, replace with Audubon certification. Mr. Makofsky feels the certification does not give Conservation anything. .
Mr. Gardner recommended getting one more testing from Natick and in October review the results. He would support going five years depending on the results. Mr. Gardner would be happy to draft a letter stating the intent of the Commission is to test once every five years cycle and send it to Sherborn.
Kathy Rehl asked to consider the abutting orchards and the chemicals they use.
Mr. Gardner will write a letter, and Mr. Meaghan will get a list of the approved chemicals.
Certificate of Compliance – 19 Jennings Pond Road
The porch was pulled a little further away from the No Disturb Zone. Mr. Bain made a motion to issue a certificate of Compliance, Kathy Rehl seconded, all in favor 5-0.
ANRAD continuation – 0 Hunter’s Lane
Applicant requested continuation to February 18th. Mr. Gardner made a motion to continue, Kathy Rehl so moved, George Bain seconded, all in favor 5-0
Notice of Intent continuation – 0 Pleasant Street
Applicant requested continuation to February 18th. Mr. Gardner made a motion to continue, Jason Makofsky so moved, Kathy Rehl seconded, all in favor 5-0
Meeting adjourned 9:15
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