Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Jim Henderson, Peter von Mertens, Joyce Hersh, Ben Horne, Ari Kurtz & Sara Lewis STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Angela Kearney
WETLANDS FILINGS
Notice of Intent. Carlos Gutierrez. 16 Old Sudbury Road in Lincoln (Map 119-Block 2-Lot 0). For wetland restoration activities within the Buffer Zone Resource Area.
Dave Burke, Wetland Resource Specialist and Tim Burke, Architect represented the homeowners with a Notice of Intent to restore several areas on the property which were cleared of existing vegetation without a permit. The homeowners have been very cooperative in responding to the Enforcement Order dated August 6, 2008 as they have followed through with all activities required by the Commission to date. On October 27th Dave Burke oversaw the removal of 5 piles of fill in the wetland and buffer zone resource areas. He also coordinated the installation of silt fencing along the existing cart path and on the upland slopes surrounding the pond and spread a conservation seed mix in all previously disturbed areas. Photos of the soil removal and silt-fence installation and a site visit by Peter Von Mertens indicate that the site has been sufficiently
stabilized.
The applicant’s representatives requested that the Commission continue the public hearing in order to hire a landscape architect and engineer to create a detailed landscape master plan, restoration planting plan around the pond, invasive-species management plan and to explore feasibility options and design details for stabilizing the existing cart path. The Commission agreed to continue the hearing to an undetermined date, but would like the aforementioned items to be submitted for review by the end of February in anticipation of a spring installation. In the interim, the Commission requested that the owner and their representatives manage the re-growth of non-native, invasive-exotic species through direct stem application of the herbicide Rodeo on freshly cut stems on the banks of the intermittent stream, along the woodland edges and
around the perimeter of the pond if necessary. Tom Gumbart and Angela Kearney will conduct a site visit with Dave Burke to review the extent and methods for management work. The Commission asked that this work be done in November and stressed that this work shall not preclude the submission of a long-term invasive-species management plan.
Several neighbors attended the public hearing, many of whom commented on the history of the property.
The Commission voted 6-0 to continue to public hearing to an undetermined date.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Beaver Situation at Morningside Lane
Several neighbors came before the Commission to express concerns regarding high water levels in the Tanner’s Brook wetland system behind Morningside Lane. Conservation Staff have been out to the site several times to look at the water levels and to talk with individual neighbors. Tom Gumbart attributed the higher water levels to beaver activity, however the water level is not significantly higher than in previous years and there is no evidence of damage to wells, septic systems or private property adjacent to the conservation land. The Commission agreed to hold a site visit with the neighborhood and to hire Mike Callahan from Beaver Solutions to assess the situation and provide recommendations.
Operating Budget – FY09-FY10
Tom Gumbart updated the Commission on the anticipated budget outlook for the Town. Tim Higgins asked all Department Heads to submit a base budget with a 2.5% max increase from FY09 and a preferred budget. As a component of the preferred budget, the Commission is going to request in Jane Layton’s hours from 20 to 24 per week. The Commission would also like to keep operating expenses level-funded which will result in a 6-7% increase and may request funding for one to two additional seasonal staff.
River Stewardship Council Representative
Jim Henderson and Jim Meadors volunteered to represent the Commission on the River Stewardship Council.
Community Preservation Committee – Conservation and Pierce Park Pond
The Commission would like to apply for additional funding to continue the preservation of habitats including additional funds to do one more year of treatment in the Codman Hemlock Grove, preparation for and treatment of the long-horned beetle, funds to coordinate an advocacy program and funding to replenish the conservation fund. Tom Gumbart updated the Commission on the status of the CPC request to restore the Pierce Park Ponds. Aquatic Control Technologies will be submitting a report and Sylcon will provide an estimate for time and materials to perform the culvert replacement.
Atkins – 5 Sandy Pond Road
Jamie Atkins would like to make changes to the back of the house and to add a landing and terrace off the back of the house. Detailed plans will need to be reviewed by the Commission at which point they will determine whether the changes will require an Amended Order of Conditions.
Harrington ADA Trail
Tom Gumbart and Angela Kearney are working with the LLCT and Cambridge to make improvements to the Harrington Trail in order to meet ADA trail guidelines. Work to be performed includes grading the existing parking lot to remove stones greater than 1", contouring of the slope from the parking lot to the trail to provide a smooth, 4' wide transitional path and small stormwater drainage features, relocation of the existing gate, clearing of leaves along the trail to the Harrington pond, adding variable amounts of fill (ranging from 2-6") along the existing cart path to the Harrington Pond and smoothing and compacting the surface to meet ADA Guidelines. Conservation Staff spent a fair amount of time coordinating and designing the improvements and will be installing a section of split-rail fence and two sitting areas.
Konstandakis
Stacey Carpenter submitted a follow-up report with a narrative and photos depicting the wetland restoration activities. The owners submitted an application to the Zoning Board of Appeals to locate the pool and pool house toward the back of the property.
ACTION ITEMS
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Kearney
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