ARLINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
APRIL 26, 2007
Mr. Stevens called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the Town Hall Annex. Present were Ellen Reed, Nathaniel Stevens, William O’Rourke, and David White of the Commission as was Associate Member Chuck Tirone. Tim Sullivan, Catherine Garnett, Judith Hodges, and Cori Beckwith of the Commission were absent. Present were John and Amy Anderson of 37 Berkeley Street; Leslie Meyer of the Park and Recreation Commission was present for discussion of Wellington Park.
7:30 p.m. - COMMISSION BUSINESS
Mr. Tirone reported on the debate and passage of the Stormwater Bylaw at last night’s Town Meeting. The threshold for the applicability of the bylaw was lowered.
Mr. White showed a photograph of an unpermitted attempt by DPW to control bank erosion of Gerry’s/No Name Brook along the bike path near Gold’s Gym.
7:45 p.m. – WORKING SESSION – 37 BERKELEY STREET
Mr. Stevens recused himself and left the room as he is friends with the owners, John and Amy Anderson.
The Commission discussed the proposed addition to the single-family home within the buffer zone to BVW near McClennan Park. The Commission advised that the Andersons reconfirm the wetlands boundary and then contact the Conservation office with how to proceed.
8:00 p.m. – WORKING SESSION – WELLINGTON STREET
Ms. Meyer presented plans for a challenge course and high ropes course, which would be a supervised course consisting of six 50-foot telephone poles and related equipment. It would be used by high school students as part of the Physical Education Program, and is funded by a Federal Grant. The utility poles would be CCA-treated and sunk 7 feet into the ground; no concrete bases. Ms. Meyer will find out how the guide-wires will be anchored. The Commission asked that the soil dug out be removed from the site and that erosion control (strawbales and silt-fence or a filter-sock) be installed; the Commission recommended filing of a Request for Determination of Applicability. A site visit will be scheduled, so the Commission can determine the distance of the proposed work from Mill Brook and
look at existing conditions.
COMMISSION BUSINESS - Continued
Ms. Meyer asked about a maintenance permit for the Reservoir. The Commission will ask Ms. Beckwith to ascertain if an existing permit could be amended or if a new application must be filed. Ms. Meyer spoke of the need to remove knotweed in several locations.
Mr. Tirone reported on his and Ms. Beckwith’s visit to the State House in support of proposed legislation to study the Mystic River and its watershed.
Mr. Stevens presented photos from April 2006 and 2007 of 30 Spy Pond Parkway. It appears the homeowner has laid down tarps to stop growth of Phragmites in front of the house. Mr. Tirone also witnessed someone with a weed-wacker in the same area. The Commission will send a notice of violation to the homeowner.
Mr. White reported on the Land Stewards meeting in April 2007 held in conjunction with the invasive plant program/grant by Ms. Garnett.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Nathaniel Stevens
Commissioner
| 
