So, good evening. Welcome to the Air Conservation Commission meeting. It's Thursday, May 28th, 2026. Meeting in town hall. In attendance tonight, we have member John Schmallenburgger, conservation agent Heather Hansen,
member George Bacon, and outgoing vice chair Mark Phillips on his last day with us as commissioner. and me Jessica Gino chair. So before I forget
uh first on the agenda is approval of the agenda. >> We actually have two changes to the agenda. Um we do not have the meeting minutes of the May 14th meeting. So we will not be voting on those and the request for determination for 50 deer run will be at a another date. The
applicant could not make it this evening. >> Okay. Okay, George, we'll make a motion. >> Move to approve the agenda as amended. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I. >> Chair votes I. Opposed. Okay. So, uh, first on the next on the agenda is continued public hearing for the notice of intent for Sawyer May LLC
Orion Park Drive. Yes, we are still awaiting to hear back from Natural Heritage regarding the um this project. So, um, Mr. Joe Catella has kindly requested a continuation to the next meeting on June 11th. Um, I will try to
reach out to um, Natural Heritage as well to see if I can figure out where they're are with that project so we can get it moving along. >> Okay. >> Are they just swamped or what? >> I don't know. It's the state that it's conservation staff. They're probably just underst staffed.
>> Yeah. >> Well, this is going to be a quick meeting. >> It is. >> Yes. >> I have updates. So, that's good. >> George, would you care to make a motion to continue? Motion to continue the hearing to June 11th. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I >> opposed. Chair votes I. Motion passes. Uh, next up is the continued public hearing for notice of intent D file number 100-0502
for 153 Oakidge Drive. And tonight we have with us, state your name, >> Brandon Ducharm with David E. Ross. >> Okay. And we did a sitewalk uh this last Saturday.
Um and believe we did not see anything remarkable. It was just getting straight where everything was. Um George, Mark, do you want to anything we had to comment? Heather, anything on this?
>> Um, I'm going to pull up the plan over here. >> And did you have anything for us? >> What's that? >> Did you have anything new for us on >> No. I I think we should just go over what occurred at the site visit. Um, since that's not during a public meeting.
>> Yes. >> And we can figure that whole aspect out. And then I will share the plan. So, oh, and I put the cube in.
Okay, so at the sitewalk, we looked at the an area was marked out in orange showing where um building materials would be stored as I believe. Um >> Mhm. >> there would be we were told there would
be a dumpster in the driveway to take away excavated materials. Uh we saw the area where the um >> there we go >> addition would be put in with the sauna tubes and we saw the area well where there's an existing garage
that would be taken down and then >> that old foundation taken up and then replaced with a new foundation in the exact same location. >> No. >> Anything to add? >> No. So, just so we know on this plan
that was submitted for the notice of intent because Brandon did email me this afternoon asking if he needed revised plans and I didn't think that was necessary, but on the plans it doesn't show where the storage area will be. It was on the site, >> right? >> So, when I drafted um when I d when I
draft the special conditions, which I I can do in the morning, um I did state that we would like to h that we'll have the storage area outside the 50oot zone. It was kind of in this area. It was in this area over here close to the retaining wall in that grassy area where
it's mostly flat. Um, and if we needed anything in regards to in a revised plan, um, we could always request that and then I could just pend hold on order until those were received if the commission so feels that it is necessary. The other item that was discussed, um, I think me and Jess were
talking about this is we're trying to get away from silk fence as much as possible. Not with not so much of a concern with this site cuz obviously the neighbors aren't going to want it there, but it it tends to get left. >> Yeah. >> So, we're trying to just do either silt socks or just waddles and with this one maybe a construction fence because it's
pretty flat where they're working. They're not going to be doing too much that we have to worry about having the silk fence. >> Yeah. >> So, I So, I know there might be a note on the plans. I think there is there's a note for silk for a silk fence, but just we might need to add tilt um a construction fence. >> Sure.
>> To keep things away from the shoreline. Yeah, >> those are the only two things that I could think of that we didn't really need revised plans for, but if the commission feels that we needed them to add those, just maybe a quick note, but I don't feel like that was necessary, but those are the only two things I could think of for conditions for the
site if they have any other if you guys have any other thoughts. >> The material storage though. So, not the material but spoiler storage. >> Yes. Uh, but you had the material rectangle basically layered, you know,
outlined. I think if you put the the slate because I know the neighbor heard of that, the homeowner indicated they possibly would want to use for something else. Okay. >> So, either next to or behind that material storage. >> Yep. >> And then potentially the spoil storage
>> immediately next to it. >> Okay. >> Versus I I think Heather, kind of where your cursor is now, that's a little too far down from what I remember. >> Yeah. Was it closer over here? No, it was more toward the fence in the front >> there. >> Oh, yeah. The fence isn't really Oh,
yeah. Oh, it's right. You're right. >> It was more up in here. So, the idea would put any spoils like in here and then maybe cuz I know there's like a tree or two here, but but then also the fact >> Yeah, I think Yeah, you're right. I think it was, >> you know, he could put his you can put his slate like like over here next to
that tree or whatever kind of just store up and out of the way. Y. >> Yeah. So, just move the material storage as far away from the 50 foot line as as reasonably possible. >> I'm not that I'm not that worried about materials from that though.
>> You, George? >> No. >> Yeah. So, you know, it just is what's what works. And then the other piece too, I guess there was a little confusion when we were there understanding the tear down of the breezeway/shed
>> and then the reinstallation. So the thick black box where you have proposed addition all of that foundation that's under whatever or whatever's under that shed is all going to be ripped out. Correct. >> Yeah. >> You're going to put a full foundation under for the new proposed shed. Yep.
>> The ex the pad that's proposed at the end. Is that going to be extension of that or is it just going to be a separate little pad like for a step? >> It's essentially a ramp. So I I think there's an existing kind of ramp that is there just to >> So there really wasn't a ramp because
this again this is a tad deceiving in the sense that the current shed goes right to the back of the garage. >> Yeah. And so again, when we when I initially looked at I'm thinking, okay, >> um where's this proposed pad? And if the
guy was explaining, well, it's underneath because we're shortening the shed length. >> Okay. >> And that was misunderstood. >> It's going to expose that. >> Yeah. Okay. So, but it's going to be a little bit of a ramp coming down. So, they're going to have what, like a double door or something, drive a long
tractor around. Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> Um Okay. And that was just like I said just a it took us a little bit to understand exactly what was happening there. >> That's right. >> Now we got it. That's all I had. Thanks.
>> Okay. >> John, you weren't there, but any observations? >> No. >> Oh, seems pretty straightforward. >> So, this would be a vote to
approve the notice of intent and draft the >> order. I have the order of conditions ready. I will >> use the standard order um template we have for our special conditions and I will add the note to ensure that all um
storage of um constru >> construction material >> construction stockpiling will be as far outside the 50 foot as possible. Um and with the um thought to have some line of construction fencing to do the
limit to ensure they limited work outside the um next to the air wattles. >> Yeah. Unless there's anything else to add to those two outside of the normal ones we have. >> Okay. Any comments?
>> I think that's good. >> Okay. So, at this point, entertain a motion to approve the notice of intent and issue the order of conditions with the special conditions as Heather just outlined.
>> So, second. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. And the chair votes I. So, it passes. >> All right. Thank you very much. Have a good night. Thanks.
Thank you. >> Okay. Next up is the continued request for determination the air department of public works for culvert removal uh close to Grove Pond off of Fly Street in Peron Park. Oh, we also did a
sitewalk for this uh project last Saturday. What was the date of last Saturday? Today's the >> 23rd. >> 23rd. We did a sidewalk there for the 23rd. Did a little bushwhacking to get
to the culvert. It was all pretty grown over. A lot of invasives were observed. An awful lot of invasives were uh were observed. Um, >> what kind?
>> Honey suckle, bittersweet, and automal. >> Yeah, Russian. >> Those are the I'm sure there was more, but those are the three that I noticed. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um, so they'd have to do a little bit of clearing to get some equipment in. >> Mhm. >> And uh there would doesn't look like
there'd be many trees that would come down. There was one right on the edge of the area, edge edge of the bank that's dead already. and uh um and some other stumps that are coming
up. So it does not look problematic, but it does look like this would have to be given the nature of the work would have to be a notice of intent. >> Yes. >> So what we are considering here is to issue a positive determination of
applicability which means the wetland protection act will apply and they need to submit a notice of intent. If you look I go through the the um the determination. So >> there's a list of take it away >> Heather. >> Yeah. So there's the reasons why we do a positive. So under the this for this
particular project I checked off a positive termination for the first one which is the area described on the reference plan is in an area subject to the sub subject to the protections of wetlands to the act removing filling dredging or altering of the areas
requiring in of no's intent. And I also did a number three which is the work described on reference planned in documents within the area subject to protection under the act will remove fill alter and judge. Therefore the said work requires a filing of a notice of intent. >> There's other ones that apply but I feel
like that's enough that we can >> justify that. We do not need that. And Matt did mention um while we were on site um the town engineer that he understood that that was most likely going to be the case. Um, and when we do go through that filing of a notice of intent, which they believe they can do
the engineering for that in-house, I think he said, um, then we can go through and and hopefully give them a site visit so you, John, can come and whoever our new have a new person comes for that so we can go through and understand what we
can do for hopefully some invasive removal and maybe some more native planting in the area at that time. And we wanted to see some detail on grading >> down the bank as well. So it would be a good >> good slope. >> And just as a side note for that, if
anyone re realizes the area um because there's that covert there, there has been beaver activity in the area. So to replace the culvert, it would probably just get plugged with beavers. So it's easier to leave it as an open channel. >> Yeah. Gotcha. And this was initially an open channel. It looks like or at least
what we heard was that was sort of a an artificial road created and crossed over the stream and created the culvert >> for some tree stump. >> Yeah, it was stump dump. >> Stump dump. Yeah, that's no longer in effect. And so it does make sense to
return this to its normal. It's its original condition. Any comments from Mark or George? I guess the only thing is you're saying that and now I kind of wonder would DPW want access to the other side
and is there access from the lie at all? >> I think if they would need access over there they would want to keep the culvert in >> I think at this point it would make more sense to to open the stream up on a conservation standpoint to e standpoint. We don't want to we want everything to be open. we don't want to cover.
>> No, I agree with that. Um >> I'm just saying in the future, 6 months, 9 months, two years down the road, they say, "Oh, you know, we want to we need to get over there." And I thought the fence was again not too far. So, it wasn't a big property. >> Yeah, the fence isn't too far for the budding property. Um >> from BL Street, too.
>> They I mean, they could always clear along BL Street to get in there if they need to. Um and I think anything they would need to get in there to to do would more or less just be on foot. I don't think they would need to bring equipment in. And if that was the case, I think the channel is narrow enough
they could probably put plates over for temporary access if needed. >> Okay. I guess I'm just thinking, >> you know, let's just confirm with them that >> they might not have an anticipated future use. >> Is that property where the >> stump dump was? Is that town property?
>> Yes. Okay. >> I thought that was posed to to Matt at the last meeting to ask him if he >> wanted access that to that. >> Did we maybe I thought we did. >> Yeah, I think we did. And even if >> So you just confirm it. >> Yeah. And even if he if they didn't I
think to replace the covert would still be a notice of intent anyway. >> Oh yeah, definitely. >> But yeah, we will I'll confirm that with them when I tell them this is in their box. >> Yeah. So they'll have to address it eventually. >> My job is long-term planning on a daily basis. So it's like,
>> you know, >> right now I don't really care about I want to take that out, right? It's like what do you do in five years from now? >> Is that going to be the next senior center? I mean, >> oh gosh, that'll be flood storage is what it's going to be. >> Okay. So, any other comments or
questions? >> All right. So, um George, would you like to make a motion to issue a positive determination for the uh co removal of street park? >> Second.
All in favor? >> I >> I >> opposed >> and chair votes I. So, okay. >> Okay. So, on that one, we now wait to hear from the DPW. >> Mhm. >> On their next step. >> Yes.
>> Next, we have conservation office and member updates. >> Yes. So, first off, and this came into perfect time, the Stratton Hill project, they finally have gotten their approval to move the turtle nesting area um from
the proposed location that was done when this subdivision went back before the planning board and before the conservation commission, which we will show you on the lovely plans. So, the propo which which makes sense. we went on site. We did talk about moving it cuz the the current site is over here which
is going to be what is going to be deeded over to the town that's in the middle of the existing cart path. >> Yeah, >> we all always discussed about moving it to the top of the proposed road where we had already started seeing turtle nesting as it was. Um so that is the
plan. Um, so this just shows the existing notice of intent and this plan will show you where we're going to be doing the they're going to be doing the the proposed turtle nesting area. Um, the question from the engineer um Frank from Dillis and Roy was how the
commission would like to condition this it's or it was already in the order of conditions to have the turtle nesting area at the old location. Um and he didn't know if moving it to the new location um given the extent of the work because it is there is an isolated
wetland there next to the larger one if we would uh entertain an amended order of conditions or a need a whole new notice of intent. Um in my opinion it was always the plan that we hoped it would move >> amended. Um, so I I thought it would be
an amended order, but since it all lucked out that he asked me this question today, I figured I would bring it to you all too, just and also so you would know it's coming that that has happened. And also to this point too, when I had walked the site with uh Fish and Wildlife, we all made the same
comment too that it would make sense to move. So they even did on the state side, not DP, but on the state side, they in that office, they agreed to that aspect as well. So, >> yep. Is that where the pile of dirt was >> that had the eggs on it? >> Oh, yeah. >> Okay. It wasn't over to the right.
>> No, no, it was the top of the slope. So, the where the egg the pile might have been over in like this area or over here, but they're I think looking at making this whole area >> probably the pile right there. >> It's probably these piles right here. >> Yeah. >> Um, so I think they're looking at putting it in this area anyway, which I
think they just needed to verify that it was a viable area. I think they agreed as well. We all agreed that because it was already nesting there. That makes the most sense not having it >> in the middle of a cart path that we're going to try to use for open space. >> Totally. >> So, they are moving it on the plans, but
>> correct. They're going to move, >> but they're keeping it in the location the turtles already think it should stay in. >> Yes. Yes. >> So, we just So, I just wanted to just verify that with you all. It made It made sense. We'd all already talked about it, but >> wanted to let you know that that is >> they took input from the residents.
>> Yeah, they a whole different set of residents. >> Or we could say they're trying to put one over on us. It's a shell game. >> There you go. >> Chess. >> Exactly. >> Exactly.
Um also this afternoon, and I apologize I I didn't have my phone to take pictures. I went over to um 117 uh Oakidge Drive. Um, that house is
currently for sale and the owner slash uh broker for the property had asked about removing some trees on the site. Let's see if I can get a good aerial or something of it. So, um, I went out. I
did mention to them about this is the house um about move what they wanted to do. I'm going to try to get it better if we did an aerial shot. But um >> is this on the pond side? >> It's right on the pond side.
>> Um >> let's see >> these healthy trees >> they so they are looking to remove I did tell I met with the gentleman that's going to be hopefully contracted to do the work. Um and mentioned to them that
we do like to try to keep a six to eight uh four to six to 8 foot stag. They agreed that that would be um doable. There's two trees that they are going to take out. Um and it's not the full tree. I mean, you can it's it's they have quite a bit of woods back there. I mean,
this is unfortunately the best they can do. Um two of the trees are oaks. They have the trunk has split >> on the lower side, so one branch is leaning over. They're going to take that trunk that's leaving, leave the rest, um
and still leave that stag. Just the person the owner property owner is just afraid that if anyone ever wandered back there and that falls it's a big trunk or it could hurt somebody. So they're going to take just enough to leave that that that arch is gone and it's still standing straight up. >> Yeah, >> there's and there's a second uh oak
closer to the house doing the same. They did ask about removing or limming some trees that are over by the water. I told them they could not do that because as soon as you take limbs away that are overshadowing the pond, then you're changing the dynamic of the pond. So,
there is one pine, I called it the funky limb pine, it was just this pine with just hundreds of just dead and weird limbs. And they're going to limb that tree up quite a bit and make it look prettier. And that was as far as they could go. They couldn't touch any trees further than that. That was probably a
good 10, 15t from the pond. everything else that they're going to limp is closer to the house. Um, and there's only removing those two trees. Um, I did mention to him about doing administrative approval for that and I would let you guys know what I had saw
on site and I apologize for not taking pictures. Um, it is a pretty there was quite a few trees back there. I think they're limming six trees. Um, they're not taking the trees out. Just cutting the limbs to get the roof line so the
house has a view of the pond is what the >> the owner would like. Um I haven't >> well they're oaks and pines >> and then when you look down um below that where they're taking the big trunks out there's little oaks trying to sprout up like oh this will just grow in its
place. I did mention to him >> about the hope the possibility of hoping them to to replant something in its place if they could. I think whoever does purchase this house because of how the backyard is, it's lawn and then just
drops and then it goes through all of this all these trees with random some some minor shrub but there's barely anything over there. There's just some shrubbery. It's just all trees all the way to the water. So, I think whoever does purchase it um we might be seeing them come back to us for something as
far as fixing up that that because it does just drop. there's no retaining wall or anything there um to make a more reusable yard or something. I think I could feel something like that happening with this property. Um but I think allowing them to just trim up some of those trees, all it's going to do is daylight some of the stuff that's
growing underneath. >> It's not much vegetation there. There is quite a few trees already out there. Like I said, they're going to take two trunks out of a split tree and then limb about six other ones um just to the roof line. But if it's something that the commission would like to go out and see
or have an RDA done on, I will let the owner know. >> So it's the current owner that wants to do that. >> Yes. So I believe the way it must look like is whatever the person bought it and then is selling it >> or the person who owned it is is now selling it.
>> But yeah, they the the broker on the house is also the owner. What do you all think? >> It seems like there's a lot of trees there. >> You're right. >> To take a little bit down to do a little distant trimming is >> okay with me. >> I would say there was one limb that when
you're standing in the backyard is like in your face. And I'm like, "Okay, you got to take this thing." Because you couldn't even walk through your backyard without dodging an oak. >> So, that one to me makes sense. So, I mean, >> they might take out more than I would like, but if as a homeowner and I wanted
to see the pond, I get it. >> Um, so >> we're leaving the whole trees. >> They're not taking the trees down. >> Nope. >> What we're seeing is the upper foliage. So, it's definitely still going to be there. It's just the lower, >> you know, the understory, I guess you call it. >> And I did. Yeah. I did want them to make
sure that they they could not overs, you know, oaks a lot of times you get those lower dead limbs. Yep. >> You know, it's just like >> oaks and pines, you get those little dead limbs fall and they're hurting people and stuff like that. >> And they seemed fine about leaving the the two uh branch trunks they want to
take out about leaving that sad. I said enough just to, you know, get the arch, but you know, leave the rest. >> Yeah, it's fine. >> Okay. All right. Awesome. Just let that. And then um >> So, you're going to do an administrative approval on those?
>> Administrative approval on those. Yep. And I will um make sure I write in there that they can't do anything as far as beyond what we scoped those six trees with the two trunks. Nothing um over the wa no limbs over the water. Nothing beyond the tree the pine that we
mentioned on site. And if they do anything above and beyond that, it would be considered a violation. >> Okay. Just a little warning. I don't think I need to do that, but just just anything beyond that would need to come back to the commission for approval. Can you take a look at what at it once it's
done then? >> Yeah, I will ask to take a look at it once it's done. Yeah. Um, what else we got? Um, on June 2nd, so next Tuesday, um, Water and Wetlands will be doing their pre-treatment survey. Um, I did email the town manager's
office to just verify the, um, parks uh, interim parks director um, Jerry's email address so I can let them know. I always like to let the parks department know in case they ever get any questions. >> Do you know when they're going to open this year? >> No idea.
Usually it's um after school gets out. They open up full time. >> Okay. >> Because the lifeguards usually in school, but I don't know. I don't think there's been any announcement. >> Okay. >> June 2nd, they're just doing the >> the pre-treatment survey. I think they're doing the pre-treatment survey
and the um >> they do water samples. Don't they do >> they're not doing a treatment on that? >> Let me double check my email because now that you said that I think they do I think they are doing a treatment. >> Yeah, there's an early I think it's fan more
>> because they they've got it posted right now, >> right? Yeah. >> Yeah. Oh, they do already posted. >> Good. >> Nice green signs. >> Oh, I got so many emails today and I don't know what I do with it. I apologize. So, they might they might be doing the the the sonar treatment. Oh,
and they do that with their pre-treatment. >> Yeah, cuz there's one thing we want to They want to get in early. >> Mhm. >> And we want them to get in early. So, >> yeah. >> Yeah. My apologies. Oh, wait. Is it here? Nope.
There it is. Identify the water wetland survey and water quality sampling at Sandy Pont. So the water the surveys and water quality sampling at Sandy Pond and initial sonar treatments. Yes. Will be on the on the Yeah. >> So the So they're doing the water
sampling, the survey and the initial sonar treatment on Flanigan Pond and Sandy Pond. >> But they're doing Yeah. Yeah. Okay. So that's Tuesday. >> Yep. Um, Tuesday I will be out of the office attending the MSMCP annual
conference in Shrewsbury. One of the workshops this time is reviewing storm water reports. So that'll be fun. Those are long and lengthy. And I think the other one I'm going to try to do is a scavenger hunt,
which we'll see how many things I can find. Um, but that is Tuesday. So I will not be in the office for that. Um, anything else? Um, just as a rundown, just so the commission knows what's going on, Lincoln Hills has submitted two building permits. Um, I think two
for up there. Um, and the majority up there. Um, I think they're looking at doing Dina gave an update on the work on there. They're going to be looking at doing um, paving um, in the next few weeks. binder code of paving the next few weeks
and the site contractor Onyx should be completely done their work by mid July >> and they're the ones that've been doing all the lasting work site work. >> Yeah. So it'll be strictly um housing construction come >> so they'll be done mid July. >> Mid July is the is the hope I think at
this point. Um and everything that the storm water that has gone in has all been inspected by Green International. >> Okay. >> In the town. So there's that. I think Stratton Hill is started starting to pull looking at starting to pull building permits as well. They were
working on the numbering of that. Um >> so they've been having there have been quite a number of um catalog dump trucks going up in their loaded. >> Is that fill for Do we know what that's for? >> I don't. >> Okay, >> I can ask.
>> Yeah, just find out. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Um, and then some of you may have seen, um, they are working, they installed the traffic lights for West Main Street, for the West Main Street Bridge to start closing that down to one lane.
>> Do you know when that's going to be? >> Um, I know they installed when I drove by Wednesday. When did I go brownfields? Wednesday. When I drove by yesterday, they had um installed the they were installing the traffic lights. I think is once they were fully installed, they
would start working. So, I I noticed the traffic had been worse that that they were actually in there, but >> it'll be it's it's coming. >> Yeah. I was coming back from my vet and Shirley today and I thought usually I have a shortcut through getting over to
West Main. I thought, nope, not today. >> Yeah. No, it's it's coming. So, um >> it's moving forward >> on Stratton Hill when they're pulling building permits. Is that initially just for infrastructure or road? >> No, building permits are for the houses.
>> Okay. They're ready with some lots already for that. >> I I know they were working on the numbering of it. I just uh Sam had asked me in the building department. I don't know if she just wanted to know for reference when they do start pulling them because Lincoln Hills had or if they were ready to pull them. I don't know. >> Okay.
Um, but yeah, I know they were shut down for the winter, but they had I mean, last time I was out there, I think middle, I think. Yeah, they they had were working on the big basin in the in the large basin that was close to the Long Pond. So,
>> yeah. And they've also been as you go in um >> the first entrance um they've been pulling pulling down that >> steep cliff, they've been >> grading. Yeah, there's only going to be the one entrance there. So,
>> yeah, everyone's busy. Everyone's working. >> All right. Anything else? >> No, we and beyond the um Orion Park, we don't have anything coming down the horizon at this point. >> Okay. Uh member updates.
>> Just a question about Air Solar 2 is >> Oh, yes. Thank you for bringing that up. Um Adam Costa reached out to me earlier this week about the um conservation restriction. Well, he reached out a couple a month ago. I'm asking about ready to to sign. He did I think earlier
this week or end of last week sent the CR ready to be signed and voted on by the town um the select board and the conservation commission. I emailed him back asking where the baseline was because it would be nice to have that to
ready to approve while we go through with the CR. Um, and I heard back from him today and he sent it. Um, I and it's the same one we'd seen from a few years ago without signs up. It just
says, "Oh, propose sign here, propose sign there." So, I was going to ask and thank you for mentioning so I can ask you guys too if this is appropriate since we have North County Land Trust helping us with our CRS sending them that draft baseline and ensure that
they're okay with it and assume that it's acceptable um before because I I I personally don't feel comfortable having the town approve the conservation restriction without the baseline being done and complete um because I don't know what's going to hold. We can't do
the monitoring of a CR without the baseline, >> right? >> Um and I and I'm afraid since everything else has happened with that site, as soon as we get approvals of something or they agree something, we just don't hear from them for years. Y >> and I just don't want that to happen again. >> Yeah. >> So, I was going to send that question.
>> Well, who's going to hold the CR? Is that going to be the town or >> the town? The commission holds the CR. So, we'll hold the CR and we're commissioning North County to do the monitoring monitoring for us. >> Yeah. So, I was I was gonna reply back to Mr. Attorney C asked if he minded if
I'd since North County Land Trust is going to be doing our monitoring for us if he minded if I sent the baseline to them for um verification that it meets their their you know, some of their standards for the monitoring going forward. >> I hope that's not
>> Yeah, that's good. >> Too contentious. You know what? I' I'd phrase it that the commission would like to get feedback that's feedback from North County before it considers signing. >> Yes. I mean, I'd done that with I think another one when we were looking at doing something. I said, "Oh, do you
mind?" I think it was >> the draft. Oh, do you mind if I send it to to North County just to verify that it has everything we need? And they didn't mind. So, I'm hoping I can get with the baseline >> and that they'll be okay with it in hopes that we can get it >> through the finish line. Yeah.
>> Okay, >> sounds good. >> Thank you for reminding me, >> George. >> Oh. >> Oh, >> don't keep going. I got I I keep going and and I'll tell you my thing after. >> Mark, >> I got nothing.
>> I have a couple things. >> I ordered our message board today. >> Okay. >> Um takes five to six weeks to come in. I will if I don't hear anything from them um by the beginning of the second week of June I will ask them if they could just invoice us because I was able to
get it a PO for it. >> So I'll ask them to invoice us for it um before the end of the you know fiscal year. >> Um it's going to be delivered to the DPW. Um Dan did um allow to you know have it sent there and um stored there
for a little while and um Chuck the facilities director did offer to help um help us install it. Um if you look at the message board that's out here at town hall which is going to be similar what we're going to be getting in what's currently at um Pine Meadow both signs
on Oakidge and on Gren Harbor. Those are a little bit wider, but they're not as tall as far as the the surface of the board. So, I think we should be fine and getting everything to fit in no problem. >> Okay. >> I was very happy to have that done this morning.
>> Excellent. >> All right. I had uh two things. one um oh I can't even remember who called me on this but um there is a big in growing infestation of notweed
>> everywhere >> everywhere but this is uh coming off of right road turning left onto Snake Hill >> that lot with the the down trees in the back >> oh already >> and um >> it's jumped across the street
>> it's jumped across the street into that stream that the little streamlet that comes into Sandy Pond. >> So, is there anything we can I know I I said, you know, part of our issue is that's private property. >> Mhm. >> So,
>> private you you said it's private property. >> Yeah. >> So, >> so what am I going to do on private property? >> So, that would be Yeah. Some of that on one side it's the gun club, right? And the other side it's
that log cabin house, right? >> Mhm. >> I think that little parking area is gun club. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Everything has gun club directly across the street. Yeah. Yep.
>> Okay. >> Well, you know, >> we can't do things on private property generally. We cannot. Um, >> and notweed is one of those ones where I mean as far as being like, oh, we could try to see if we can find somebody to
come in and hold some sort of workshop for, you know, residents. They can figure out how to remove invasives, but notweed's one of these ones where it's I could do that, but it's it's not going to do anything. I mean, I pull it outside here at town hall.
>> Yeah. >> Um, >> comes right back. >> It comes Yeah. I it gets I for I when I was on vac I did it all and I went on vacation and it was some starts were this high and I had to go out again in my clippers and I pull it out and thankfully it's just it's a small section that I if hopefully if I keep up
with it in four or five years it'll be gone but it's one of those things where it's it's just a constant hand pulling or you have to fully completely dig it out or comp just herbicide it. >> It's a Cisophian task continually rolling the B boulder up the hill. It's
um I mean yeah >> love to get rid of it but I mean >> not much we can do there. >> Do goats like it? >> H >> do goats like it? >> I don't know. Yes. >> But I
>> I wonder if it would eat it though. It's something because I I know I've heard people say that they they've taken it and like left it in a pile or whatever and or and or burned it but didn't get 100% and it still rebooted itself. But I wonder if it's a goat eat it but somehow it managed to still reboot itself if it
poops >> grow out of the goat. >> I mean it goes through pool liners like >> Yeah, >> it's persistent. It's persistent, but I don't Yeah. I mean, you the little baby stuff you can make, you can use it as rhubarb.
>> Yeah. >> How does it stay in check wherever it came from initially? How does how does it not just take over? >> I don't know. >> Question for Japan. I think it's Japanese. I don't know.
>> I don't know. probably because it's it's native to that vegetation. So, it doesn't everything else that's there it doesn't compete with. It's kind of like our native plants here where they tend to work in a balance. >> Yeah. >> Whereas, you know, it comes here, it
doesn't have something else competing with it compete at all. >> Right. But yeah, I mean I can work on getting some information out on the website and online about
>> invasives and if people spot them, things that they might be able to do, whether it's necessarily not, we even if it's not they just cut down in hopes that we can and make sure that they do remove it, they're not putting it in mulch piles that they are indeed I mean unfortunately basically
throwing it away. >> Yeah. And I think um Beth Sudier has said in her um updates at CPC meetings >> that uh the Nashville River Watershed Association is starting to
>> have workshops on a regional approach to invasive vegetation. So >> yes yes they are. Um >> I I we you attended that one that one time and that was more or less like >> pick an area pick an invasive you can
handle and and work off of that where you know when I look at the note we like we can't it's too much. >> Yeah. >> I look at there's too much autoolive. Um but >> there was that one gentleman at the I think was in >> Graten
>> who's got a license to >> Yes. to be able to >> put down herbicide, right? Mhm. >> And he was it was very interesting cuz he was saying that he they actually take sections and they treat it controlled.
And he was saying that you put cut it off Roundup in one little bit of Roundup, a lot of Roundup and he was saying it was fascinating how it responded to the >> to the chemicals. Like you think a lot
of Roundup would would be more effective, but it's not. For some reason, it's just a little bit around. Um, is that something that we needed? >> I I did I did ask um Dan uh DPW if they
had anyone that had their herbicide license. They said no. >> Um so I was inquiring about applying from uh looking to getting my applicator's license because I feel like somebody in town should have it. >> Yeah. >> Um I just it's something I just I I >> got some information on it from other
agents. Um maybe I'll see one of them on Tuesday. I know who has it if she if she does come to the conference. Uh Katie, she used to be the director and stuff. Um and then um pursue that and then we at least have it. Um it's just a matter of like okay once we do if if I do able
to get it um it's okay. What what do I what do I try? I I do mark spot on central lab that one little batch there because >> be able to take it out. try to entertain it and get rid of it there and see if we can get it to work or something like that. But um I will I will double check
on the applicator's license and and um >> try to get that process going. >> Every time I see it, I go that's what Mark told me about. >> Would Roundup be usable by that very close to wetlands? >> That's so So that's that's the thing. So
I'm looking at like, oh, where could I use it? Because I >> don't want to do anything on grow pond. >> Yeah. um because it's such a steep slope to me that and and that's where it's tricky where it grows on grow pond because tarping is the other thing. But I'm like if we tarp it then that's that
whole slope is then just going straight to the water. >> So I'm like how do we do this? So I think it's a matter of finding a area if once some whether I get the application license or not how long that takes finding a spot that we could test stuff
at that is on town property and figure out what works best and then move from there. Whereas I think that spot on Central L being in the town's right away on the side of the road isn't I mean it's across the street from the pond but not really it's one of those areas where we that it wouldn't
affect anything that would be a good you know spot to try stuff. >> I mean >> within 24 hours it's dried. It's into the >> it's into the vegetation. It's not going to >> it's not like it's going to weep off. >> No. And that's the that's the concern people having you do use that it stays in the in the in the dirt
>> whereas that area I think would be if we were to try that. But we'll we'll work on that. >> All right. And last on mine would be this is Mark Phillips last meeting with the commission as he moves on out of air
and like to thank you for your How many years have you been on the commission now? >> I don't know. Too many. >> Too many. >> What are you going to do with your Thursdays? But I know I've appreciated I've appreciated everything you've
contributed over the years. >> No, you you're welcome. And again, I've it was it's been great a good learning experience for me. Um and like I like I was saying in the email, hopefully I've had a positive impact on some things here. So
>> you do. It's been fun. Appreciate working with all of you. >> You and John installed all your pond the waterway signs. >> Yeah. And what is it? We have that um over on Willow Road, the uh D, not D,
highway, state highway. >> They had to put in that. >> Yeah, they put in the the drain. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> The enhanced storm water there. Um >> Yeah. So, thank you very much. >> Little vocal in our drinking water.
>> Yeah. And the last on our agenda would be public input. We have >> nothing today. >> It's okay. Um I just talk here. >> Um here
>> on camera. That's the only problem. >> You got a little buddy with you tonight? >> And who is who is this? >> Leonitis. >> Leonitis. >> Leonitis. >> Come in, sweetheart. >> Had to bring him tonight. I'm sorry. That's okay. >> I figured you guys >> So, this is the one group I don't think
mind. >> Actually, I used to bring my old golden retriever to CPC meetings. >> And in her advanced age, um, she had dog doggy gas under the table. >> You're blaming it on the dog, huh, Jess?
>> Blamed it on the dog. >> Yeah. >> Well, thank you so much, Madam Chair. Um Rachel at Gren Harvard Road. Um I just uh had a question. Uh the Roundup uh situation. Um has the town ever
uh administered pesticides in that manner? just >> with uh I just uh there's I just feel that there's a lot of
>> other things that are going on uh in the town and there's a lot of I mean I know personally you guys were talking about the pickup trucks coming up and down and it's there's just been a lot of like gross dust and residual things in the
air. So, I just wonder if, you know, we're bombarding the town already with debris and dust and everything like that. So, if we're adding I just wonder, you know, if the town hasn't done this before, you know, why now? >> We're we're not doing it right now, but
Oh, >> yeah. It was just >> Somebody had contacted me about a notweed area on Wright Road and Snake Hill Road, and it's private property. >> Mhm. and we would have issues with doing anything within the buffer zone to to
the water anyways. So, um but Heather's been Mark pointed out a site on Central Avenue, a little patch and uh >> yeah, that's not right by the pond and it would be a good place to just experiment a little bit. And the thought
is not to go ahead and oh someone gets their uh herb their application license to go ahead and then now we're going around and spraying everything in the town. It's just on the aspect of if there was an an invasive species or management plan that we wanted to
implement. It saves the town money and time to have a staff member have that license because then we're covered by the town's insurance and having to spend the money and hire a outside person. to then do that work. So if it was
somebody in town, then it could be okay, let's let's try if I just did this little bit here, does it work? Because we don't really want to have to use that, but to have somebody on town staff, whether it's the DPW, myself, or somebody else in town, >> have it. It gives the town the ability
to then spot treat spot treatment on things that we can try whether it's right outside of town hall here on a on a rock bed as opposed to I would never go on grow pond and do that would never do anything on long pond. It's something like that.
>> Got >> to just verify because in some in some instances the invasive is worse than the treatment to get rid of it >> in regards to what do you mean the reverse before you know the invasive is worse than the treatment for it. It
doesn't take long. Hence why we hence why we use the the herbicides in the pond to get rid of the pond um inv the aquatic pond >> invasives is the same reason those those invasives will do more damage to the pond than the the treatments that we put in it
>> right gotcha yeah I just um and then just with regard to the chemical retention within the soil you mentioned that it would stay >> some some people have those fears that it does that um when you go for your applicator's license there's a bunch of training everything that goes along with it and how to use it and stuff like that
and there has been talk about how that when you do you do a you do a spray um that's when it goes in the soil when you do specific application sometimes you're just painting specific >> you're just doing painting stems um when it comes to not weed way up way I've
always heard the only way to actually get it to work which painting the stem might work was to act what I was always told this is one me was to physically inject the the herbicide directly into the stock to go into the root >> wow and I thought is that might stay in there.
>> But I do have a fun book and this would be another whole experiment >> that there's certain plants that will take chemicals out of the soil and they absorb them. So it would just be a whole experiment like that. >> Peanuts do that. They take the toxins out. >> So it would be an experiment in that if
we did have those. Um but unfortunately it's the town can't use um UMass Extension to do soil test but residents can. So if you wanted to test your soil to find out what's in it and what kind of fertilizers or whatever if needed you needed, you can send soil samples to
mass extension. >> Also, do you know >> that weed though? You got to get it >> as it's growing. >> You got to trim it, let it flower cuz it's putting all its energy into the flower, >> then take the flower out and inject it as you said like the second week of
August because then that's when it's trying to suck the stuff down and that's when you got to hit it. >> Yep. Yeah. Okay. >> Also for toxins in soil. You know those little when you take up a log or stone and you see those little uh till bugs or
whatever you call them that roll up. >> Oh yeah. Roly polies. >> Roly polies. We call them >> potatoes. >> We call them potato bugs. Yeah. In Buffalo. >> Oh yeah. >> Yeah. Western New York it was potato bugs. They actually take up toxins out of the soil is I think I read that
somewhere recently. I think >> they're good for toxins. So, how old is Leonites? Leonitis. >> Leonitis. Uh, he's about six months. I was going to say border collie. >> Uh, he's mostly Australian shepherd. They said his mom is an Australian shepherd. His dad is a mystery. So,
>> I had I had one just like you. >> Is he a rescue? >> He's a rescue. Yeah. >> A new acquisition. >> Yes, they are the best. Well, thank you guys so much. Sorry for the distraction. >> Oh, it's okay. >> Take care. There's a good distraction.
>> All right. If there is nothing else, we have a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I chair votes I. We adjourn at 75 >> four.
>> Three or four. 754.