Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, January 2, 2007
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Peter von Mertens, Jim Meadors, Ari Kurtz, Jim Henderson, David Katsuki, & Sara Lewis STAFF: Angela Seaborg.
WETLANDS FILINGS
Public Hearing: Notice of Intent. Jamie Atkins. 5 Sandy Pond Road (53-6-0). For construction of an addition, covered porch and temporary disturbance in the 100-Foot Buffer Zone.
No applicant, representatives or abutters were present at the hearing. The Commission reviewed a letter, submitted by the applicant on January 2, 2008, stating that the square footage of asphalt to be removed within the Buffer Zone Resource Area with a garage orientation facing Sandy Pond Road would be approximately 456 square feet. The proposed addition and covered porch would total approximately 499 square feet of new impervious surface within the Buffer Zone Resource Area. Thus, when all the proposed work is taken into consideration, the total amount of new impervious surface within the outer Buffer Zone Resource Area would be approximately 43 square feet. The Commission felt the resulting project would not have a significant adverse impact on the wetland or Buffer Zone Resource Area.
The Commission voted 6-0 to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions.
Jim Henderson volunteered to represent the Commission at the Historic District Commission’s meeting on Tuesday, January 8th to answer questions or clarify the decisions made by the Commission regarding the project as it relates to both the Conservation Restriction and Wetlands Bylaw.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Public Discussion: Warren Flint. 5 Sandy Pond Road (53-6-0). Review of proposed activities under the jurisdiction of a Conservation Restriction held by the Lincoln Conservation Commission. Proposed activities include subdivision of parcel, construction of septic system leach field outside of the building envelope, addition to the existing dwelling, construction of an accessory building and construction of a fence along Sandy Pond Road.
The Commission had further discussions regarding a proposed fence along Sandy Pond Road. Jim Henderson presented some examples of a less intrusive, black wrought-iron fence. Jim Henderson will also discuss the Commission’s thoughts regarding the fence with the Historic District Commission on January 8th. The Commission will need additional information on the exact style and specifications of the proposed fence along Sandy Pond Road from the applicant prior to approval.
The Commission voted 6-0 to approve the proposed addition and covered porch so long as the associated 456 square feet of asphalt pavement also be removed from the Buffer Zone.
Cell Tower Zoning District
Bob Dominitz, Planning Board Chair came before the Commission to discuss the Planning Board’s preliminary discussions to identify potential locations where a cell tower could be located along Rte. 126. Pine Hill is a viable option, though several additional steps need to be taken prior to it becoming a reality. Angela Seaborg presented two letters dating back to 1999, one from the Walden Woods Project and one from the Conservation Commission, expressing their concerns with a previous proposal to locate a cell tower on top of Pine Hill. If the land was purchased with funds specifically designated for watershed protection, the additional use would require 2/3rd’s vote from the Legislature. In addition the re-zoning would require a majority vote from both Lincoln and Concord’s Town Meeting. Bob Dominitz acknowledged that
this is something that the Planning Board would need to research and coordinate, but wanted to let the Commission know what the Planning Board was considering. He explained that they would only be looking to allow a tower to be 20’ high with no lights or extensions above the tree canopy. The Commission remained open to reviewing more information, but expressed concern regarding conditions, specifications, future additions to the towers and that the sight is significant for views, historic and natural resources surrounding Walden Woods.
2007 Annual Report
Tom Gumbart did a great job explaining the challenges and projects the Commission faced in 2007. They wanted to include a statement about the new tractor and how it significantly increased the ability of Conservation Staff to complete necessary land management projects. The Commission looks forward to tackling more difficult, but important land conservation issues in the coming year.
2008 TM Warrant
The Commission will not be looking to present any Warrant Articles to the Town this year. They have gotten preliminary approval for a new truck as a Capital Expense through the Capital Planning Committee. The Commission will also support the Warrant Article sponsored by the Planning Board and Assessors to hire a consultant to build an on-line GIS data viewer.
Bridge Repair in Dean Field
Although half of the bridge is located on private property and leads to a network of private trails, the Commission would like to repair the bridge as a gesture of good faith to the community. Jim Henderson will speak with the private property owner to see if they are interested in contributing money and/or time for the materials or labor.
Wetland Bylaw and Buffer Zone Regulations
The Commission briefly reviewed the projects that have come before them under the jurisdiction of the new Bylaw and Buffer Zone Regulations. They would like to continue to monitor projects that have been proposed over the 400 square foot and/or 70’ distance threshold to determine whether the new Bylaw and Regulations are resulting in positive effects on the Wetland and Buffer Zone Resource Areas.
Agricultural Field Use outside of Growing Season
The Commission would like the staff to re-post signs at the Mt. Misery fields regarding allowable use and etiquette during the winter season. Dogs may be off leash on the trails through the agricultural fields when the ground is frozen, but must remain under voice control. Owners must pick up after their dogs.
View Clearing at Mt. Misery and Pine Hill
After an additional site visit with conservation staff, Tom Gumbart had concerns that the amount of tree clearing required to re-open the views at Mt. Misery might in fact be more significant than the view that will be achieved. He thought however, that a decent view could be achieved from the top of Mt. Misery by moving up hill and building a small platform from stone and soil. The Commission was generally in favor of this alternative, but remained concerned about the potential of introducing non-native, invasive plants to a relatively undisturbed area. Conservation Staff would take special precautions to monitor the area for invasives once the work was completed.
ACTION ITEMS
Minutes Approved 12/12/07
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Seaborg
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