Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Jim Henderson, Peter von Mertens, Ben Horne, Ari Kurtz, David Katsuki, & Sara Lewis STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Angela Seaborg.
WETLAND FILINGS
Notice of Intent: Christopher Stamos. 123 Lincoln Road (84-4-0)
Members of the Commission and Staff met with the applicant and their representatives for a site visit on Tuesday August 14th. The Commission reviewed the proposed wall and barn as it was staked by the applicant. Revised plans were submitted to the Commission prior to the September 5th hearing which addressed concerns expressed during the site visit. Revisions included a reduction in the wall length from 76 feet to 42 feet, a slight reduction in the wall height, relocation of the proposed 24x24 barn away from the wetland resource area by approximately five feet, removal of approximately 150 sq. ft. of pavement for the barn and a reduction in the size of the lean-to by approximately 50% (from approximately 240 sq.ft. to 112 sq.ft.). They also brought in a sketch plan that rotated the east end of the wall toward the driveway and further away
from the wetland and a mature oak tree. The Commission preferred this layout.
Peter von Mertens began the discussion by recognizing the proposed changes in response to comments and concerns that were expressed during the site visit. He noted that the proposed steps and retaining wall are likely to have minimal impact on the wetland resource area as they will be installed in existing landscaped areas, will help to stabilize the steep slope and will help prevent erosion. Peter remained concerned about impacts the proposed barn and lean-to may have on the wetland resource area, being that it is proposed within 10 feet of the wetland, necessitates a fair amount of grading and would introduce approximately 800 sq. ft. of impervious area within the 50-foot buffer zone resource area. Jim Henderson asked the applicant if they considered an alternative that relocated the barn adjacent to the existing garage, over the driveway.
The applicant explained that they would not be able to get cars out of the existing garage and have enough turn-around room.
The Commission reviewed the proposed grading behind the barn and asked the applicant to add a larger berm between the proposed drip trench and the slope leading to the wetland to prevent overflow stormwater from eroding the slope. The Commission also asked the applicant to bring the silt fence directly behind the barn and wall and keep all work and equipment on the up-slope side. They would require the applicant to re-vegetate all disturbed areas by hand with native plants. They also expressed interest in requiring the applicant to place a deed restriction on a mutually agreed upon boundary to ensure that no additional infrastructure be built on the property. The Commission needed more time to review the proposed changes and wanted to see the additional changes expressed during the hearing.
The Commission voted 6-0 to continue the public hearing to September 19th at 7:45 pm.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Conservation Commission Projects
The Commission would like a list of current and on-going projects.
Use of Conservation Land and Trails – Trail Biking
In response to the recently completed Open Space and Recreation Plan, members of the Commission would like to hold a public forum to discuss options for new connections and uses of the trail system. This discussion would include the possibility of opening a few designated trails to bikes so that kids can better access the schools and people can ride one large continuous route. A public forum on the topic is scheduled for October 3rd at 7:30 pm.
Deer Hunting on Conservation Land
Over the past couple years several residents have expressed concern about the overabundance of deer, the high prevalence of lyme disease and damage to homeowner’s plants. In addition, several people have come in asking about Lincoln’s hunting policies on conservation land. Over the coming months, the Commission will discuss the pros and cons of deer hunting on conservation land. They will host a public forum to hear how the community feels about deer hunting on conservation land on Wednesday, October 17th at 7:30pm. Location to be determined.
Spraying of Roadsides
Commissioners were very concerned to learn that the Highway Department has been spraying chemical herbicides along the roadsides to kill weeds and poison ivy. They would like Tom Gumbart to let Chris Bibbo that he must come in before the Commission if he intends to use additional chemical herbicides within 100 feet of wetlands or on Conservation land. The Commission does not support the use of chemical herbicides or pesticides near wetland resources or on Conservation Land.
Community Preservation Committee Proposal
Peter von Mertens will prepare a list of conservation projects that could be funded by the CPC.
Capital Budget Planning
Tom is currently preparing the Capital Budget for the Conservation Department which will include the purchase of a new dump truck.
Deed Restriction for 188 Tower Road
The Commission reviewed and approved the draft deed restriction prepared by Ken Eisner.
ACTION ITEMS
Certificate of Compliance Issued to Massachusetts Audubon Society. (DEP# 203-759)
Certificate of Compliance Issued to Hobbs Brook Farm. (DEP# 203-696)
Matlock Farm Agricultural Lease Signed
Minutes Approved 8/8/07
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Seaborg
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