Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, November 2, 2005
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Mary Lincoln, Jim Henderson, David Katsuki, Peter Von Mertens, Jim Meadors STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Angela Kearney.
WETLAND FILINGS
Public Meeting – Request for Determination of Applicability: Town of Lincoln Cemetery Commission. For road construction in the Lexington Road Cemetery.
Angela Kearney represented the Cemetery Commission with a revised plan for the cemetery expansion plan. She worked closely with the Cemetery Commission to prepare a plan that had the least possible impact on the existing topography, vegetation and wetland resources while still achieving a required number of burial plots. The 12'-wide main road and 8'-wide side roads were laid out to preserve as many large, existing trees as possible. The Cemetery Commission was seeking permission to prepare the gravel roads. They were not seeking permission to pave any of the roads at the present time and would come before the Conservation Commission at a later date should it become necessary. The Commission was pleased with the new plan.
The Commission voted 5-0 to close the hearing and issue a Determination.
Public Hearing – Notice of Intent Continued from October 19, 2005: American Eagle Corp., Hanscom Air Force Base. For demolition and reconstruction of 181 acres of residential housing.
Rick Gorman from Judith Nitsch Engineering presented his comments from a report written on October 24, 2005. Generally, he felt that American Eagle made sufficient changes in response to his initial comments. He wanted to see the detention basin forebays laid out in the final plan set and the outlet to Detention Basin "B" modified to a 42" pipe. Mr. Gorman prepared a table showing the changes in sizes of the detention ponds, in order to help the Commission understand how the proposed drainage systems and calculations changed from the original submission, thus significantly reducing stormwater flows from the site.
American Eagle submitted a letter detailing the construction procedures near wetland resources which the Commission would include in the Order of Conditions.
Don Morris was pleased with the significant reductions in stormwater flow, but was interested to know if the design team had some documentation of changes in groundwater recharge from pre to post-construction. For example, if there were improvements in groundwater recharge, the team should give a range of infiltration rates and/or back up their findings with a statement. The Commission felt this was valid information to understand, particularly in light of the impaired Shawsheen River.
The Commission was pleased with the efforts American Eagle made to protect and improve wetland resources on the Hanscom Air Force Base Housing Project. They were prepared to close the hearing with a 30-day requirement that American Eagle submit a letter regarding groundwater recharge.
The Commission voted 5-0 to close the hearing.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Todd Pond Aquatic Management
The Commission received and reviewed the previously filed Notice of Intent and Order of Conditions. They also reviewed materials from the State's Aquatic Plant Management Guidelines published in 2004. The Commission requested that Tom speak with the Association to arrange a time for them to come in and speak with the Commission regarding the project. The existing Order of Conditions does require written permission prior to each herbicide application.
Natural Resources Committee
John Snell will be co-chairing the Committee with Tom Gumbart. Currently they are working with the Selectmen to advocating for different water conservation efforts. Options that are being explored include: irrigation bylaw, water quality education, private well regulations.
Dogs at Mt. Misery
Use of the Conservation Land has clearly changed since the regulations have been effect. The rangers have seen different user groups on the trails and the dog-walkers have changed their walking patterns. The dog bins are being filled and emptied weekly, however there still remains the need for increased conservation presence.
Bardsley Trees
The Bardsley's submitted a written concern about two pine trees near the stone wall between their property and conservation land. They would like the Commission to take action for removing the trees. Tom and several Commissioners have been to the site and feel the trees are large and healthy. They will contact Jonathan Bransfield to assess the trees. The property line also needs to be verified.
Muster Barn
It is no longer feasible to have the Minuteman students work on the Muster Barn because the students must have a year and a half of shop experience prior to working in the field. The Commission wondered if it was possible to ask other teachers about the 11th graders taking on the project. Tom was hesitant to pursue this option because the instructor he had been working with is the head of the department and it has taken about 4 years just to get his students started on the project. Tom will put a call into the school, but it may end up that the Department Staff do what's necessary to button up the barn for winter and do the final finishes next year.
School Access Road
Police and Fire are interested in creating a 'back door entrance' to the school for alternative emergency access. The Commission would be interested in pursuing the feasibility of using Lily Ditch Path, but is not sure the turning radius will be sufficient, if the road can go over an existing gas easement and of the neighbors would approve of the plan. The Commission will give to parcel maps and aerial photos to Police and Fire to explore.
The Commission thanked Mary Lincoln for her wonderful job as Commission Chair.
ACTION ITEMS
Meeting Minutes Approved from 10/19/05
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Kearney
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