Members Present: Dennis
Minsky, Lynne Martin, Jack McMahon and Richard Silver.
Members Absent: David Hale (excused).
Others Present: Brian Carlson (Conservation Agent), Ellen C. Battaglini (Recording Secretary) and Celine
Gandolfo.
PUBLIC MEETING
Chair
Dennis Minsky called the Public Meeting to order at
PUBLIC
STATEMENTS: None.
DISCUSSION: Richard
Davis property on Browne Street
Richard Davis and Nancy and Dana Richardson appeared
before the Commission to discuss donating Mr. Davis’ property to the Town. Under
discussion was 1 of 3 parcels that Mr. Davis owns on
PRESENTATION:
Gordon Peabody, a former Conservation Commission
member, and Diana Fleischman made a presentation to the Commission.
The techniques and protocols included in the
presentation were related to erosion control, specifically the installation of
silt and bio-log fencing, sand fencing and straw bales along the limit of work,
as well as how to best control stormwater discharge, concrete over-pour, damage
caused by heavy machinery and excavation and equipment storage at the work site.
Site management is the most important educational aspect for the protection of
the site. Mr. Peabody suggested that an emphasis on building ‘green’ needs to
be conveyed to a contractor in charge of a project that is located near a
sensitive environment and pre-construction site conferences are vital.
Vegetation
and habitat preservation on site is also a critical issue and
He reminded the Commission that all of
MINUTES:
May 13, 2008 – Joint Session – Dennis Minsky moved to approve the language
as written, Jack McMahon seconded and it was so voted, 3-0.
June 10, 2008
– There was not a quorum of members to approve these minutes. They will be
approved at the July 22, 2008 hearing.
DISCUSSION: Conservation Property Sign
Project
Shank Painter Pond – The
Commission discussed how many interpretive signs should be placed at the
property, what the signs should look like and what they should say. The
Commission discussed getting aerial photos of the property. They decided that
they would like pictures of the actual animals and plants living there and not just
generic pictures.
Fox Run and Whistle Path
Woods - The Commission discussed the language for the Fox Run and Whistle Path
Woods signs.
Nicky’s Park – The sign
that Ray Wells has requested to be placed at the property will be paid for by
other funds and will not be made of a laminate.
The Commission briefly discussed
the language that Dennis had come up with. Lynne and Beau Jackett will be
designing the signs. Lynne will do mock-ups of the signs, with the language and
send them around for comments.
Property signs – The
Commission discussed materials for the property signs.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Celine brought up the
issue of the potential pollution from abandoned vehicles at the Coastal Acres
campground.
Dennis mentioned that
there are many Conservation issues that needed attention in Town. He encouraged
Commissioners to get out and try and take a look at some of these issues as
Brian’ position is only part time and he doesn’t have the time to keep an eye
on all projects or issues.
The Commission discussed Brian’s
update of Conservation accounting and several accounting issues in preparation
for closing accounts of FY08. Brian has several requests for expenditures to
discuss with the Commission.
The Commission’s MACC
membership needs to be renewed.
Lynne
Martin moved to approve the expenditure of $139.00 for renewing the MACC
membership, Dennis Minsky seconded and it was so voted, 4-0.
Irene Seipt requested a payment
of $500.00 for her additional work at the Shank Painter Pond Sanctuary.
Dennis
Minsky moved to approve the expenditure of $500.00 to Irene Seipt, Lynne Martin
seconded and it was so voted, 4-0.
The Commission discussed the
need for expenditure for Elaine’s plaque. It will be an 8” by 10” plaque composed of
recycled material and will cost $88.00.
Lynne
Martin moved to approve an expenditure of $88.00 for Elaine’s plaque, Dennis
Minsky seconded and it was so voted, 4-0.
A botany survey needs to
be done for Nicky’s Park as a requirement for the State filing to alter the
area. Donald Schall is on Natural Heritage’s list of approved botanists. He has
quoted a price of $700.00 - $1,000.00. The Commission discussed the issue.
Brian will request a more specific, written proposal from him to bring to the
Commission.
The Board of Selectmen
have approved the Turtle-crossing signs. They will cost $60.00 a piece and will
be placed on both sides of Route 6 by
Dennis
Minsky moved to approve the expenditure of $240.00 for the purchase of 4
Turtle-crossing signs, Jack McMahon seconded and it was so voted, 4-0.
The Airport has lost their original, signed Order
of Conditions that needs to be recorded at the Registry. Brian needs another
original signature page.
Shank Painter Pond Sanctuary – Some split-rail
fencing is missing, along with some end posts, totaling $169.00. 2 pieces of ACQ
lumber are also missing. The end posts were being stored behind the security
fence at the Sewage Treatment plant.
Dennis Minsky moved to have
Brian Carlson contact the Sewage Treatment plant and ask them to make good on
the Shank Painter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary materials stolen from their property,
Jack McMahon seconded and it was so voted, 3-0-1 (Lynne Martin abstaining).
The Nicky’s Park grant is being extended to October
18, 2008.
ADJOURNMENT: Dennis Minsky moved
to adjourn at 9:45 P.M. and it was so voted unanimously.
These minutes were approved by a vote of the Conservation Commission at their meeting on ___________________, 2008.
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen C. Battaglini
Approved by ________________________________ on _____________, 2008
Dennis Minsky, Chair