Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Mary Lincoln, Jim Henderson, David Katsuki, Peter Von Mertens, Jim Meadors, Toby Feibelman STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Angela Kearney.
WETLAND FILINGS
Public Hearing – Notice of Intent Continued from October 5, 2005: American Eagle Corp., Hanscom Air Force Base. For demolition and reconstruction of 181 acres of residential housing.
Rick Gorman from Judith Nitsch Engineering was not present at the meeting, but is almost finished reviewing additional project plans provided before the October 5th meeting. He will provide comments in a report to the Commission by Friday October 20th. Generally, he feels the American Eagle team made sufficient changes in response to his initial comments; including changing the runoff coefficient, seeking areas to reduce impervious paving and sidewalks, and including swales and LID techniques to filter stormwater closer to the site. American Eagle reflected these changes in a revised Stormwater Analysis Report suggesting a significantly greater reduction in peak stormwater flows than was done in previous reports (32% for the 2-year storm, 44% for the 10-year storm and 36% for the 100-year storm with
flow control structures). Mary Lincoln had some questions regarding the changes and would like to see a summarized report from the hydrologist showing the peak flow reductions from existing to proposed and the extent to which each parameter is contributing to the total runoff reduction. The Commission would also like to see total projected outflow rates into the Shawsheen River.
Gary Jacobs also clarified that the project will include three bridges at the stream restoration area. They will be located at the top of slope, spanning approximately 20 feet over 10-18" streams. The Commission is fine with the bridges and will review an earlier Order of Conditions for a bridge permitted over the main stream channel for guidelines on height requirements of the new bridges.
Mary Lincoln was concerned with Section 4.3 – Water Resources of the Draft Wetlands Report. Construction procedures near water resources need clarification and more detail. Gary Jacobs suggested these sections would be defined in the Order of Conditions, but the Commission would like American Eagle to re-write the section and present it to the Commission for review. American Eagle agreed to complete the requested report. The Commission would also like to review the report and plans with Rick Gorman prior to closing the hearing.
The Commission recognized the need for American Eagle to begin demolition of ten unoccupied buildings at Old Musket Meadows. Although the hearing is not closed, the Commission determined that certain activities within its jurisdictional area shall be allowed to take place prior to issuance of an Order of Conditions. The demolition of the ten buildings can proceed immediately (as far as the Commission is concerned; approvals from the Air Force and other agencies may also be needed) provided that proper erosion controls are installed as shown and described on the submitted plans. Further discussions regarding the Notice of Intent will not change the fact that these unsafe structures need to be razed. This buffer zone work will not adversely impact wetland resource areas.
The Commission voted 6-0 to continue the hearing to November 2, 2005 at 8:00 pm.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Blue Heron Organic Farm
Ellery Kimball is interested in drilling an irrigation well at Blue Heron Organic Farm. The Commission understands the importance of water for agricultural lands and has allowed most other farmers in town to drill wells. The Commission is concerned however with town-wide water consumption and may see this as an opportunity to require farmers to install monitoring meters on their wells. This would allow the Commission to monitor how much water is being drawn for agricultural irrigation and cap water use if necessary. Tom will send a letter to Ellery Kimball stating that the Commission is in support of an agricultural well, but would like her to look into the cost of installing a monitoring meter as well.
Todd Pond Aquatic Management
The Todd Pond Association has requested an extended Order of Conditions to spray herbicides in the pond for aquatic management. Peter Von Mertens would like to cross reference the proposed chemicals with the state list of approved herbicides. The Commission would also like to review the original Order of Conditions to see if they are on track with their management plan and other agreed upon activities. The Commission will review the original Notice of Intent and ask them to come in and give a presentation.
Conservation Staffing
The Personel Board has agreed to the proposed changes for the department.
At Risk Properties Committee
The Committee has worked with VHB to prepare a tool for comparing financial scenarios for different development options on the At Risk properties. They are now beginning to add additional factors in the analysis such as traffic, noise, wetland and natural features. Options for the At Risk properties will be the focus of next month's State of the Town Meeting.
Natural Resources Committee
The Committee met with the Selectmen to discuss recommendations for conserving water in town. They have gathered data from the Water Department and Assessors and are performing queries to learn about water consumption patterns in town and appropriate levels of current and future use.
Mary Lincoln gave a motion to appoint Jim Meadors and Peter Von Mertens as co-chairs of the Conservation Commission. The motion was seconded and the new co-chairs were appointed.
ACTION ITEMS
Deed Restriction Signed, 21 Storey Drive (Map-67 Block-1 Lot-3)
New Commission Chair(s), Jim Meadors and Peter Von Mertens, Appointed
Meeting Minutes Approved from 10/21/05
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Kearney
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