CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Meeting of
JANUARY 11, 2006
PRESENT: Jason Talerman, Laurence Harrington, Daniel Crafton, Paul Lugten, Allan Shaw, Jeffrey Kane (8:35. p.m.)
ABSENT: No one
The duly posted meeting of the Norfolk Conservation Commission convened at 7:30 p.m. in room 105C at the Norfolk Town Hall.
The first order of business was an appointment with Eagle Scout candidate, Ian Cronin, who presented a proposal to earn his Eagle Scout badge. The proposal was to make City Mills Pond and its surrounding area more accessible to the public. A picnic site and repair of the driveway is planned. An area with defined parking spaces is also planned. Currently there is only a walking trail around the pond. The work would be limited to the area between the pond and the street. Ian would also spread mulch. Mr. Shaw expressed concern with vandalism. Ian would build the picnic tables and attach them to the adjacent trees. Mr. Harrington suggested metal picnic tables as they would last longer. Mrs. Ann Proto, the Recreation Director, stated that a criterion for earning
the Eagle Scout badge is to build products. Ian will ask vendors for materials. Boulders or railroad ties would define the parking areas. There will be one or two picnic tables.
The Department of Public Works would donate materials for the driveway. Mrs. Cyndi Andrade will supervise the project. Mrs. Proto stated that they will install a sign that stated “Welcome to City Mills”, a joint venture of the Conservation Commission and the Recreation Department. Mr. Talerman stated that the project looks good. Mr. Harrington asked that a narrative be provided to the Commission to explain in detail the project and to give a step by step construction sequence. The Commission will draft a letter giving its approval of the project.
Ian asked if he could also plant a few shrubs. Mr. Harrington stated that the shrubs should have berries that would be a good source of food for birds. Mr. Talerman suggested that Ian visit a nursery to get a list of shrubs to show to the Commission. Mrs. Proto stated that there is a landscape company that specializes in natural plantings. She noted that the Recreation Commission could help with the materials. Ian will start this project in the late spring or early summer. The office will make a copy of the City Mills site plan and send it to Ian. Mr. Harrington noted that the Commission is authorizing routine maintenance in an area subject to protection. He noted that the Conservation Commission is not exempt from filing for any new work proposed within a buffer zone.
A copy of the notes of this meeting and a copy of the City Mills plan will also be sent to Mrs. Andrade.
Ann Proto, the Recreation Director spoke to the Commission regarding a proposed Town Pond project. Ms. Proto noted that the Recreation Department is looking to revitalize the town pond for swimming and fishing. The land had been donated by Ken Wood, the former owner of the property, for that purpose. She noted that the site had been utilized until 1988. Funds were needed to address an algae problem at that time.
Ms. Proto stated that they have been working with Lycott Environmental and with the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to make this a nice area. They propose to clean the pond, construct a dock and add handicapped parking areas. They also propose to install an aerator in the pond. The water will need to be tested. So far the water has been tested for e-coli and coliform. The phosphorus levels are at a manageable level. Ms. Proto stated that she can send a copy of the test results to the Commission. She noted that some phosphorus in the soil can be managed with chelated copper.
There are also three locations where phragmites are located. The treatment for these areas would be $1700. Ms. Proto noted that she has asked the Community Preservation Commission to reimburse the Recreation Commission. The treatment for the phragmites would be hand sprayed with herbicide. The operator would have a backpack with the herbicide. Approximately 32 ounces of herbicide would take care of the entire area. The area would be slated for a spring and fall herbicide application. The phragmites will need to be monitored. She noted that if the phragmites gets to the water it will take over the pond. The will use the herbicide Rodeo (Roundup). Mr. Shaw asked if they looked at other means of weed control other than chemicals, such as hand pulling. Ms. Proto
stated that there are some issues with disturbing the roots of the phragmities but she does not have enough information.
Mr. Shaw stated that he does not like the use of chemicals under any reason. Ms. Proto stated that the chemicals would not be used in the pond. Mr. Shaw stated that he would prefer that they look at other control methods. Ms. Proto stated that the phragmites are located about 150 feet the pond. She noted that Fisheries and Wildlife noticed it during their site walk and advised her to take care of it.
Mr. Shaw stated that six or seven years ago the town did a drainage project that directed the drainage from the town center to the area around the pond. The drainage eventually discharges to a brook around the pond. Ms. Proto stated that the water in the brook was tested as well and was clean. pond.
Ms. Proto stated that the town pond is a manmade pond dug from a spring. She noted that years ago there were issues with bacteria. She noted that the cold water pond will hold trout over the winter. She noted that the temperature of the pond was 72 degrees last August. She stated that she does not know the depth of the pond. The Recreation Commission will be hiring a scuba diver or have the fire department check the depth.
The Commission questioned what would happen to the town pond if the access to the site, which is the old town hall, is sold. Ms. Proto stated that they are on two separate parcels. The town pond property is landlocked. It was discussed if the pond could be accessed from Seekonk Street. She noted that Fisheries and Wildlife is very interested in the pond as it will support trout. They will pay for the stocking of the pond. The pond will allow shore fishing. Fisheries and wildlife will also pay for handicapped accessibility.
Ms. Proto stated that she needs a statement from the commission that gives the Recreation Department permission for Lycott Environmental to obtain all necessary permits. Mr. Harrington noted that it is in the Wetland Regulations that having colorable title is a requisite. Mr. Harrington stated that he would like to the Notice of Intent as soon as possible. He asked for a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet to see what chemicals would be proposed. Ms. Proto stated that they would be proposing to use Rodeo, which is the aquatic version of Roundup. Mr. Shaw stated that he felt that it would be easier to just pull the weeds by hand.
Mr. Talerman stated that continuing maintenance plan would have to be implemented, especially in the summer. Mr. Harrington noted that the commission will give them a notice to proceed. Mr. Talerman made the motion to issue a letter authorizing the Recreation Commission to proceed with the filing of a Notice of Intent. Mr. Harrington stated that the Commission needs to visit the site. He also seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. The Commission will entertain a Notice of Intent for the project on the property that the Commission manages provided that the Notice of Intent describes a management plan and what areas are to be treated.
Mr. Shaw made the motion to allow the Recreation Department to file a Notice of Intent to treat the phragmities at town pond. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was unanimous. The Recreation Department will be involving the Highway Superintendent in the project. This area is part of the Northside Interceptor project. Mr. Harrington stated that the scope of the project is only the removal of the phragmities.
Ms. Proto stated that whether or not they proceed with the recreation plans, the phragmites need to be removed. Mr. Harrington stated that he agrees in concept with the plan. Recreation will be planning to charge people for the use of the pond. Mr. Shaw noted that Ken Wood wanted the public to be able to use the pond. However, the use of the pond is pretty far down the road. Ms. Proto stated that she was still waiting for all of the test results. So far everything has tested out well. She will have something written up within two weeks for the use of the pond area. She will do a comprehensive plan and will not fragment the plan.
The Administrative Assistant to the Conservation Commission will help Ms. Proto with the filing. The Commission noted that they will need a lot of plans.
Mr. Harrington asked Ms. Proto if she would like to come back at the next business meeting in two weeks to have the Commission work with her on what needs to be filed. He noted that all wetland resources need to be delineated. It must be shown what they are doing to affect the wetland resources and what mitigation is proposed. Ms. Proto stated that there will be paving involved for the handicapped access. The next meeting will be February 8, 2006.
Mr. Harrington stated that he had an idea of doing a series of articles once per month on the natural wonders of Norfolk and to showcase some of the facilities in the town such as the Campbell Forest and the Lind Farm. He stated that this would be used to educate the citizens on the resources. He noted that his wife is a coordinator of the Girl Scouts in the town.
Ms. Proto stated that she would like to publish a community page in her recreation publication and would like to highlight some conservation lands. Mr. Harrington suggested that the current open space map be updated. Mrs. Cyndi Andrade will call on Jackie Dalton. Mr. Harrington noted that the current master plan has a description of all of the current conservation parcels. He noted that this would be a resource for Recreation.
Mrs. Andrade stated that she will work with Ms. Proto to help coordinate with the Norfolk Boomerrang for photos and information. There would be a once a month feature. Mrs. Andrade noted that Eagle Scout, Matthew Carr, did the trails and signage at the Campbell forest.
Ms. Proto will return to the Commission at 7:30 p.m. on February 8.
8:30 p.m. Marland public hearing – The public hearing was reopened but continued until the chairman arrives.
10 Grove Street – inspection – Erosion was observed at the top of the hill. Mr. Kane arrived at 8:35 p.m. and stated that he will conduct the inspection on Friday.
8:35 p.m. Marland public hearing – Mr. Shaw made the motion to close the public hearing. Mr. Talerman seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was unanimous. Mr. Lugten will draft the Order of Conditions. Mr. Lugten asked for the public hearing notes.
Canterbury Estates – request for Certificate of Compliance – The Commission will conduct a site inspection on the 21st.
Lot 6 Keeney Pond- request for Certificate of Compliance – a site inspection will be conducted on Saturday, January 21st.
Beaverbrook Road – A site inspection will be conducted by the Commission on Saturday, January 21st.
Pine Creek Development – A site inspection will be conducted on January 21st.
Mr. Schworer – Myrtle Street – The Commission will conduct a site inspection on January 21st to conduct a site inspection for the release of the enforcement order and possible waiver of fines.
15 Harlow Ave. – Mr. Kane will conduct a site inspection on Friday for an erosion control check.
The Commission will ask Jack Hathaway to contact Mr. Orwig, the representative of Call & Wait.
The members noted that they have three resumes in response to their request for candidates for the conservation commission agent position. Two of the candidates will be contacted for interviews at this point in time. The candidates will be invited to the meeting scheduled for February 8th for an interview.
Mr. Crafton reported that within six months the Town of Norfolk will be under DEP’s Central Division.
The members noted that there are two new filings scheduled for a public hearing on January 25th. The January 25th agenda is very full.
Mr. Talerman made the motion to approve the minutes of December 14, 2005. Mr. Lugten seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was unanimous. Mr. Harrington made the motion to approve the minutes of November 30, 2005 and the executive session minutes of November 30, 2005. Mr. Talerman seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was unanimous.
The Commission discussed a potential consultant to review the Pine Creek proposal. Mr. Harrington left the table during the discussion. Mr. Talerman noted that Woodard and Curran is a very reputable firm. Lenore White is also qualified.
The Commission will defer any discussion on the Regulations to March 1, 2006. At present they are still gathering information.
The Commission noted that they should be thinking of possible uses for the Weeber property in order to get ready for the town meeting.
The meeting closed at 9:45 p.m.
_______________________________,
Allan M. Shaw, Vice-Chairman
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