Natick Conservation Commission
March 4, 2010
The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 by Chairman, Matthew Gardner. Members present: George Bain, Kathy Rehl, Jennifer Ducey, Bernie Raftery, Doug Shepard
Discussions
9 Woodland Street
Kate Bowen, representing homeowner, is proposing to abandon and crush a cesspool and connect to the town sewer system. Commission requested homeowner file an RDA.
Minutes
January 21, 2010
February 3, 2010
February 18, 2010
Bernie Raftery motioned to accept above minutes, as amended by George Bain and Kathy Rehl, seconded by Doug Shepard, all in favor 6-0.
Gardner Museum – Special Conditions & Land Disturbance conditions
Commission reviewed conditions. Number 28 – applicant should provide a spill prevention and containment plan for pesticides. Compost system should be monitored and evaluated after one year of activity, and a report must be submitted to Commission within thirty days after completion of evaluation.
Certificate of Compliance – 45 Wellesley Road – 233-620
Peter Langon, applicant, submitted change to Joe Sullivan who thought plan slowed down water in swale between the two houses – grades are the same. Not changing where water goes. Mr. Shepard observed site and felt it would not affect wetlands, but Mr. Langon should have come in with a plan change request. Mr. Bain feels a letter should be submitted to Mr. Sullivan, copying Mr. Langon, to avoid future unauthorized plan changes. Commissioner’s agreed that if applicant came before them with a formal plan change request, it would be permitted.
Matthew Gardner made a motion to issue a Certificate of Compliance, George Bain so moved, Kathy Rehl seconded, all in favor 6-0.
Notice of Intent continuation – 0 Pleasant Street
Mark Coviello’s letter was reviewed. He requested applicant add two extra manholes and applicant was in agreement. Bob Bois – requested adding Mr. Coviello’s comments numbered 1, 2, 4 to the Conditions. The headwall will not be removed on abutter’s property. Mr. Bois will bring to Mark Coviello’s attention the guard rails on road above existing headwall to be replaced.
Matthew Gardner motioned to close, George Bain so moved, Doug Shepard seconded, all in favor 6-0. Matthew Gardner made a motion to issue Order of Conditions amended,
1. No work done outside of applicant’s boundary, except street.
2. Erosion control
3. Stabilization of slope. Seed as soon as possible.
4. Inspect by DPW prior to construction.
5. Mark Coviello’s letter, conditions 1, 2 and 4 are listed as special conditions.
6. Mark Coviello’s letter, condition 3 is part of application.
George Bain, so moved, Kathy Rehl seconded, all in favor 6-0.
Charles River Watershed Association
Letter from above, requesting support of Commission for annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup on Saturday, April 24, 2010.
George Bain made a motion to donate $250 for clean up, Kathy Rehl seconded, all in favor 6-0.
Golf Course Monitoring – Natick Three Year Sampling
Bob Bois reviewed December 11, 2009 report. All test results were zero. Based on this information, there is no reason to continue sampling once every three years.
Mr. Raftery asked what are the repercussions if we do not sample. The 2004 amendment required a sampling plan that includes a sampling criteria. Any new chemicals that do not meet the criteria in the amendment will be tested. Mr. Bois recommended amending the existing order to reflect these changes and include a suggestion of Audubon Certification for the golf course.
Mr. Gardner made a motion to amend the existing orders that call for sampling every three years and to drop that condition, and that Audubon Certification be added as a goal of the golf course, so moved by Bernie Raftery, seconded by George Bain, all in favor 6-0.
Woodland Village Walking Trails
Jan Gardner Levin, on Association’s board, was present. Issue is long term O & M plan behind condos. The Commission voted to donate $17,000 to bring trails up to standards. Jan read legal documents, Grantor, Peter Burke, successors vs. future Grantor. Town of Natick, Grantee. Mr. Soderholm had previously stated the town would take care of long term O & M. Mr. Bois stated if we do, Conservation needs to hold an interest in that easement to use Conservation fund monies. The easement is presently with the town.
Mr. Gardner said the intent of grantor. Mr. Bain feels if ten years down the road the trail needs to be rebuilt, the town would help, but not pay for regular annual maintenance. The Conservation fund’s interest could be used, and we need an interest in the easement. Mr. Gardner stated we have already donated $17,000 because it is an important part of the trail system. If the trail needs work down the road, we would help to fix it. George Bain asked what would be necessary to amend the deed. Mr. Gardner stated in his opinion the O & M responsibilities lay with the Grantor and not the town. We can communicate that clearly because we have an easement. Mr. Bain stated the association should be required to maintain grass, cut brush, annual clean up.
Mr. Gardner is not in favor of amending the present language to the easement. We are spending $17,000, we would be open to talk about repairing in the future, if needed, but hope it will last forever. Mr. Bain suggested a letter saying Commission would be open to future repairs. Mr. Raftery recommended continuing to next meeting to involve Commissioner, Jason Makofsky, who is not present this evening.
Matthew Gardner made a motion to continue until March 18th, Bernie Raftery so moved, Kathy Rehl seconded, all in favor 6-0.
Lake Cochituate Appeal
Bob Bois stated the court date is March 11, 2010. No settlement as of yet. He will attend a pre-settlement agreement.
Meeting adjourned 8:20
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