Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: David Katsuki, Jim Meadors, Jim Henderson, Ben Horne, Peter Von Mertens, & Ari Kurtz STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Angela Seaborg.
DISCUSSION: BUFFER ZONE REGULATIONS
Tom Harrington gave the Commission a draft of his suggested revisions to both the Wetlands Protection Bylaw and the Regulations. The Commission did not have time to fully review the proposed changes before the meeting, but did discuss their motives for making the changes. They hope to clarify the language in the Bylaw and add regulations to limit disturbance in the 100-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area. Some ways in which this might be done are through a percentage of allowable disturbance; a construction and maintenance buffer offset from the 50-foot buffer zone and/or surrounding all permanent infrastructure; or a predetermined, total area of disturbance. Several Commissioners questioned whether it made sense to make regulation changes prior to the Bylaw changes, but Tom Gumbart thought the regulation changes were straight forward and allowed
under the existing bylaw. The Commission asked to have Tom Harrington to clarify the substantial Bylaw changes and work out additional details to the draft regulation changes proposed by Jim Meadors. The Commission will continue the discussion at their next meeting.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Mullins Rule
The Mullins Rule outlines clear criteria for what constitutes a quorum. Adoption of the rule by 2/3 vote at Town Meeting would, in essence, allow any board member who missed one meeting during a particular case to continue attending the hearings if they have reviewed all materials. The Commission is in support of the adoption of Mullins rule and will work with Tom Gumbart and Mark Whitehead to present the information at Town Meeting.
Tennessee Gas Easement Maintenance
Tennessee Gas submitted written notice of their intent to conduct easement maintenance according to their 5-year schedule. In an effort to keep the easement open for inspection and gas line maintenance, they will clear obstructing trees and brush. They are allowed to spray with chemicals, but generally limit their work to mechanical removal only. The Commission would like to send a letter to Tennessee Gas that expresses their desire for minimal to no chemical maintenance of the easement. If they need to spray for any reason, the Commission would like the company to provide written notice of need and come to a hearing to discuss the work.
Red Rail Farm Update
Conflicts remain between Gustav Bereel and Kim Johnson over the fence installation that separates a common easement at Red Rail Farm. They are working amongst themselves and with Tom Gumbart to finish the plan in a manner that everyone can be satisfied with.
The Commission will be preparing farm maintenance and equipment storage policies to be administered as conditions with the next leasing cycle. Generally, the Commission agrees that to the greatest extent possible, farm equipment, when not in use, should be stored in barns or out of clear sight to neighbors and/or public ways.
Hanscom Housing Redevelopment
Construction on the new housing, storm system and stream restoration are moving along smoothly. Tom Gumbart has been out to the site several times and is only concerned that the new stream has been rip-rapped along the banks. This is not what the Commission envisioned so Tom Gumbart will review the specifications and will work with the contractors and design team to come up with a better solution.
Mt. Misery and dogs – after a year and a half
There has been substantial improvement with off-leash and uncontrolled dogs on the trails at Mt. Misery and people are continuing to use the poop bins. A few users are still challenging conservation staff with the leash law and the new, off-leash areas are seeing somewhat higher use and disturbance. Maintenance will be needed in these areas and signs need to be reposted.
Annual Report
Tom Gumbart is currently working on the Annual Report
Capital Planning
Jim Henderson is on the Capital Planning Committee and informed the Commission that they are moving along with the process. The Conservation Commission did not make any requests for capital items this year. It may be a good time, financially for the Town to add any necessary conservation acquisitions to the bonding list as several items have dropped off and capital spending on the schools will be put off for a few more years.
Morningside Lane Clearing
Homeowners on Morningside Lane cleared several large trees on conservation land and in wetlands abutting their property. Commissioners and Staff conducted a site visit with the homeowner and will discuss what they will require during their January 3rd hearing.
Conservation Land Acquisition – (in Executive Session to discuss Real Property)
At approximately 9:30pm, the Commission voted unanimously to convene in executive session to discuss real property. The votes to convene in executive session were as follows: David Katsuki -yes, Jim Meadors -yes, Jim Henderson-yes, Ben Horne-yes, Peter Von Mertens-yes, & Ari Kurtz-yes. Jim Meadors stated that the meeting would not reconvene in open session.
At approximately 10pm a motion was made to close the Executive Session. The votes to close the Executive Session were as follows: David Katsuki -yes, Jim Meadors -yes, Jim Henderson-yes, Ben Horne-yes, Peter Von Mertens-yes, & Ari Kurtz-yes.
ACTION ITEMS
Certificate of Compliance Issued to Lovelane, LLC (Map 55-Block 8-Lot 0)
Minutes Approved from 11/15/06
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Seaborg
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