Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Jim Meadors, Jim Henderson, Peter von Mertens, David Katsuki, & Ari Kurtz STAFF: Angela Seaborg, Tom Gumbart.
PUBLIC MEETING
Revisions to the Lincoln Wetlands Protection Bylaw and Buffer Zone Regulations.
The Commission reviewed the final changes to the Wetlands Protection Bylaw, which will be presented in the Town Warrant Article on March 24th. Most of the changes are clarification edits with a few substantial changes including the transfer of fees from the Bylaw to the Regulations, procedures for continuing a hearing, and increased protection of vernal pool buffer zone from 50 to 100ft. The Commission will wait until the revised Bylaw has been approved before reviewing the final changes to the Buffer Zone Regulations. A public hearing for Buffer Zone Regulation Changes will be held at their April 4th meeting. No interested persons were at the meeting.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
New England Deaconess: The Groves at Lincoln.
The planning team for the Groves development off Sandy Pond Road came before the Commission for informal discussion regarding a road and culvert upgrade across a perennial stream, construction of stormwater detention structures within the 200-foot riverfront area and the placement of a conservation restriction over a mutually agreed upon area. The Commission appreciates the Deaconess’ involving them at the beginning of the process. Most Commissioners have been to the site and are noted that all housing structures will be constructed outside the 200-foot Riverfront Area. The Commission would like to allow for flexibility in the field when constructing the stormwater detention structures so as many trees as possible can be saved and so the structures will blend with the landscape as much as possible. The Commission noted that the
Deaconess is willing to put a conservation restriction on a portion of the property adjacent to the trail and 100-foot buffer zone and will look to include language regarding this requirement in the Order of Conditions. The Deaconess discussed some of the details regarding the water main replacement and road repair.
Use of Atrazine on Conservation Farm Lands
Ari Kurtz forwarded several articles regarding the harmful effects of Atrazine on humans and invertebrate species. He knows Verrill and Arena Farms use the chemical and spoke with Warren Flint about his current use of Atrazine. Warren Flint has used Atrazine in the past and will check to see if he has any remaining in his barn. The Commission would like to continue to talk with farmers about the use of Atrazine on Lincoln’s conservation land and would like to alert farmers that they are moving in the direction of encouraging organic practices and would like to ban the use of Atrazine on its fields this year. Ari Kurtz and Jim Henderson will continue the conversations with farmers.
School Access Route
Conservation Commissioners, Public Safety Staff and School Board Members walked the land around the Ballfield Road Campus to determine the most suitable routes for emergency access to the schools. It became clear that different routes could be used for vehicle access and student evacuation, because these are separate issues. There are several routes currently under consideration. In any case, the Public Safety and the School Board will take the lead role for articulating an emergency access plan to the Conservation Commission should they seek to cross conservation land or wetlands.
Culver Field Dog Poop
Residents have requested that the Conservation Commission place a sign at the entrance to the Culver Field from the School Parking Lot requesting people to pick up after their dogs. Conservation Staff will make that sign in addition to re-doing other signs around town.
Horse Permits
Several horse use permits have come into the conservation office including a request to continue the annual ‘Hunt’ and horse show at Browning’s Field.
ACTION ITEMS
Order of Conditions Issued: Konstandakis, Nicholas. 22 Old Cambridge Turnpike (24-6-0).
Minutes Approved 2/21/07
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Seaborg
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