Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Jim Meadors, Jim Henderson, Peter von Mertens, David Katsuki, & Ari Kurtz STAFF: Tom Gumbart.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Buffer Zone Regulations & Bylaw Revisions
The Commission reviewed and discussed the latest revised draft of the buffer zone regulations prepared by Jim Meadors that are geared towards providing appropriate protection for the entire buffer zone, not just the inner 50 feet. The bylaw revisions done by Tom Harrington, of Miyares and Harrington LLP, will be reviewed at the next ConCom meeting on February 21st. These edits are primarily to make it read clearly, without jurisdictional changes. At the March 7th meeting there will be a formal public hearing for the changes to both the bylaw and the regulations.
Food Project Proposed Additions
Several commissioners attended a site visit to the Food Project site at the Baker Bridge Fields to see the areas proposed for changes. These include construction of a new storage shed that will house a walk-in cooler and an electrical feed to the CSA distribution site. The electricity will be used to power up a small refrigerator allowing sales of value-added products such as soups and salsa to the CSA membership. At this evening’s meeting Elise LeClair, the Director of Agriculture for the Food Project, attended to further discuss the proposals. The Commission strongly supports the Food Project and discussed the long range vision for the land. The initial response was favorable to the changes but there is concern about the amount of infrastructure that is appropriate on public conservation land and the
ConCom requested a more complete site plan with design drawings for the proposed shed. The shed, if built, will displace an open canopy shed, an enclosed shed, and an old truck used for storage so the footprint stays about the same but the equipment would be properly enclosed and the aesthetics of the site will be improved. The ConCom noted that it would have to be a pole barn type construction, not a permanent fixture on the land.
Open Space and Recreation Public Forum
Peter von Mertens reported on the public forum held on January 24th which was attended by many Lincoln residents who raised a variety of concerns on use of public land. Feedback ranged from those seeking a tranquil environment to those hoping to see more active recreational use on the land. The importance of viewsheds and roadside management of trees and stone walls was raised. Complete details will be included in the Open Space and Recreation report and there will be another public forum held in the coming months.
Horseback Riding Event for Breast Cancer Awareness
Tom Gumbart has spoken on the phone with Ruth Adams, a Lincoln resident, regarding holding a horseback fund-raising event for breast cancer awareness. She was informed of the need for getting a group use permit and was encouraged to pursue this worthwhile project. Planning is still in the early stages so there is no specific date scheduled at this time.
Genetically Engineered Crops
Ari Kurtz provided the Commission with a variety of documents, primarily from NOFA, regarding local regulation of the use of genetically engineered crops. The ConCom is considering a policy that will prohibit the use of these crops on municipal agricultural fields starting this coming growing season. It is likely that we will be looking to have a TM warrant article regarding this issue in 2008.
Composting
The Commission is very interested in supporting composting by individual farmers and by the Town itself. The Agricultural Subcommittee (Ari Kurtz, Jim Henderson, Tom Gumbart) will explore various avenues for this, especially looking at a way to have organic-chemical free compost. There is an opportunity to work with Chris Bibbo and the Highway Department on composting at their site.
Public Safety Radio Tower
The Commission received the memo from Tim Higgins advising the ZBA and Planning Board that the application for the communications tower at Lincoln Hill was pulled from consideration while a working committee has the chance to fully explore all the options. There is concern amongst many that a visible tower, especially one with a light, would significantly detract from the historic agricultural viewshed that was created with protection of the Flint farm land and the Heck property.
New England Deaconess
Peter von Mertens, Anna Wilkins, Jane Layton, and Tom Gumbart worked on laying out a potential trail route through the old BIIC property that is now owned by the New England Deaconess that is going to become senior housing. We have also been reviewing plans submitted to the Planning Board. The ConCom hopes to see as many trees saved as possible, especially around the large detention basins, wants the roadway access from Sandy Pond Road to have a minimal footprint, and wants to see permanent conservation protection for the perimeter along the southern and western borders of the property. Soon the Notice of Intent for wetlands permitting should be submitted to the Commission.
ACTION ITEMS
Determination of Applicability Issued to Historic New England for drainage work at the Codman Estate, Codman Road, Map 83-Block 2-Lot 0.
Minutes Approved from 1/17/07
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Thomas Gumbart
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