2026. >> Uh the meeting is being recorded and I ask if anybody if we have any speakers later on if the speakers could come up to the podium and give us your name and address for the record. Appreciate that. Uh we start out each meeting as always
with our open session citizen concerns and I have listed here uh Mr. Rich Fryer from the Boy Scouts of America or Scouts of America now related to an approval process for camping on conservation commission properties. Sir, please uh take the podium.
>> Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um the the mission of Scouting America is to prepare people, all all eligible youth to make ethical decisions over their lifetime by instilling them the scout oath and the scout law. Many people can
repeat parts of them from memory. Um, we do that by going camping and we would love to have access to um some of the sites in Chelmsford for our troops to go camping. Um, and we would prefer not to
come before you each time and make that request. We would like to work um with your uh staff to develop an application and an administrative process by which the units, especially the um scouting
PSA units, you you already know Jackson, who's a a familiar face to to me as well, um they're really leading their units and we want them to actually make this application to you rather than an adult. And so the idea that they would have to come um and make that
presentation to you each time to camp is uh a little ownorous for them and for us. Um so that's our our request. I did I don't know what you would want. Um the um fellow adult leaders that were here last time you met and discussed this
gave filled me in a little bit. I did prepare a very brief and rather incomplete template for an application that I can share with you now if you'd like. >> Yeah. Maybe you can show us what you've got. We've got a heavy schedule of um of agenda items tonight, but maybe you can
show us something. David, have you seen this already or >> No, no, I have not. >> Um Yeah, why don't you show us what you've got and um we'll take a quick look at it. I really think that we could probably work with David to come up with a schematic here that meets your um
expectations and requirements. >> Um but ultimately, right, you'd want to know the kind of the who, what, when, where, and why of our request, >> and this would provide that to you. The um idea would be that you would be able to give us specifics on which
properties, where on those properties um and what we would be allowed and not allowed to do on them. >> Okay, good. I mean, I I think that um the um concept of having you come in and kind of work out some guidelines ahead
of time for the properties and meet with our agent and um and he can come back to the commission as well. But that that makes kind of common sense to me. Good. David, your comments at this point is our agent. >> Sure. And I've been working with Rich um you know to some extent on this for for
a while now. So I've certainly had a chance to think about it. Uh I think it's a matter of um you know coming up with a list of properties that would that would be appropriate in the sense that there would there would be somewhere on the properties where
camping could take place. Um, and I think we also have to, um, come up with, you know, t time t time t time t time t time t time t time t time t time t time t not only the specific location on the property, but, you know, there may be times of year where it's more appropriate. Um, I'm I'm at this point I'm most familiar with um Warren Pole
and Koulis and I I certainly think there are locations on both properties that would be appropriate. Um, again, I I think it there may also be sort of a a seasonal, you know, concern as well. Um,
so I I you know, I probably um probably getting into the specifics of that. Um, I mean, I don't know how much the commission wants to be involved with this, but but I would I would like to hear so so besides those two properties, I would like to hear from commission members. They're more familiar with the
other properties than I am. you know, you know, their opinion is are there appropriate locations? Uh, I certain I I I certainly think that open fields um in general um would be okay. Uh and and there is such a field at um uh Warren
Pole uh in back there. >> Um that that I think would I think would work. Uh there is there is the the main open field there on Culus on the left there. Uh I I think that would work as well. Although there although we know now there is a vernal pool there. So I
think there probably a little bit of a seasonal concern there. Um because you know the the critters are they're coming from the surrounding woods to get to the vernal pool. Um you know during vernal pool season and then
and then you know the the young the young amphibians are leaving the vernal pool and going the same way. So, I mean, I can I can certainly come up with with a window um you know, a seasonal uh you know, good window for that property. Um
do you think um I mean I I just speaking for myself as an individual, I I think I would have concerns at least some concerns about camping in woods uh in general. Um, but that's certainly something we can talk about, you know, because there are there are, you know,
additional wildlife concerns uh about camping in the woods at night. But, you know, again, I wouldn't I wouldn't I wouldn't at this point say there's no place where, you know, that can't be done. >> All right. Well, I mean, I think I think we can work something out. You know, I
like the idea of having maybe kind of like 8020 rule where we have kind of some preset conditions and guidelines, locations, times, seasons, things like that that we kind of set up. And then obviously if we have special events coming in, I know uh in years, you know,
I have to disclaim my my kids were really involved with scouts a lot as I was too. So I know one at one time we had this like gigantic winter uh event. Um actually we did it at the time we did it down at the um McCarthy fields and it was really we had a lot kids from all
over the Marramac Valley came to it. It was a great time. It was um you know and a number of kids camped out you know scouts camped out you know multiple nights in the coals. It was impressive. But yeah I think we could come up with something. You know, I think the best
thing is kind of work with our agent and if we can kind of cover like a good subset of the events and then, you know, we like to see the scouts and scout leadership come in front of us. We we enjoy seeing the scouts come here. So, we always encourage that. But, you know, maybe we can come up with something
that, you know, is is uh, you know, a little more manageable for everybody. You know, any comments from the commissioners or Peter? Yeah. >> Oh, yeah. Thanks for coming by. Um, I think it's a great idea. I'm also thinking, and we can talk later, uh we've had a number of discussions with
uh scouts and scout leaders about ways uh for scouts to find more projects. >> Yeah. >> In town. And I've been told there's more scout energy than there are projects. I don't know if that's really true, but to me, this is part of a relationship. You know, we can help each other.
>> That's a good point about relationship, partnership together. We share a lot of the same values. um you know protecting the environment, enjoying you know the natural resources. >> Anybody else want to say >> I think it's a good idea for you guys to work with David come up with an idea
like this is a good start too. >> Yeah. And uh come like you say times a year that work better for each property. Uh you have if you do something up on Mill Road you may have to you got the socket field there. You know uh you'd have to work things out with them. I
>> mean years ago I was with a a scout troop. We did camp out at Russell Mill and it worked out well. But again, it depends on the uh >> soccer. Yeah. Yeah. It depends kind of on the other activities, so you had to kind of coordinate it, but it it was a very nice location. It worked out well. >> I'd like to see us fine-tune it so it's
simple for you guys. >> Do you use the property? We want you to use the property and enjoy it. And I think like Chris just said, we like you guys. We like the scouts coming before us presenting projects and doing things like that. So, we don't want to make it
so you don't come before us, but we want to make it so it's simple. When you do come before us, it's just a formality more than anything. And but you guys work out. I mean, David knows the properties pretty well. So, and uh I think it's it's a good idea for you guys
to work together, keep us out of the loop until you get it all figured out. We don't want too many people putting too much into it. It complicates it for you for everybody. So, no, I think it's a great idea. We want to work with the scouts. Scouts, uh, I think we've got a scout tonight doing a project for us. We
like that. We want more of that. I think there was a time we had a lot of scouts come in and then there was kind of a few years where it was a little bit of a lull and we we would really like to have that relationship again that we had before. So, I want to work with you. I
think the as far as the board, I think the entire board does. >> Yeah. Good. So, and I think it's probably uh involved in the process is actually visiting these properties >> um you know with wi with you and um you know getting your ideas of you know
better idea of what you would be thinking of you know you know sort of the the scope and extent um so I mean let's definitely keep that in mind. >> Sounds good. >> Parking at different sites is different. So you might have one site may be good for one
>> thing you want to do it and maybe not good for something else >> different sites are different sizes >> you know it can really you know accommodate different numbers of you know campers so um but I certainly want to get your input on those questions
>> thanks for coming in thank you >> all right the under um the open session citizen concerns our next item that we have is a report from our planning board is on. Chris, >> good evening. Chris Levali, chair of the planning board. Um, in our last meeting
on May 13th, we had a hearing on Lady Slipper Lane. Uh, got that kicked off. Um, we are not having that hearing on uh this week. It's continued to June 10th. Uh, we continued talking about uh
drafting zoning articles for the next town meeting. We started talking through uh Riverneck Road um zoning conflicts and solutions for that. We will continue with that discussion on June 10th with a
meeting with the neighborhood uh to discuss our options there. Uh we started talking through contractor yard redefinition and uh zoning uh redefining what a contractor yard is uh to meet the
changing needs of the town. We started talking through zoning conflict on 210 Boston Road. Um this week, uh May 27th meeting, we'll continue those discussions on contractor yard, the 210 Boston Road, and we'll start talking
about um discussions on defining and zoning for data centers. Uh that is a topic that is coming up fast in a lot of towns. So, we're starting to tackle that. and then um we'll just finalize the
comments on the gap analysis that we've got. >> Excellent. >> That's it. >> Thanks, Chris. >> Any questions for Chris? >> No. >> No. No. Okay. >> Good. Thanks, Chris. >> Uh we're still in the open session. Citizen citizen concerns. Do we have anybody else who would like to come up
and talk to the commission tonight? >> Well, we have Jackson here. Jackson Eagle Scout. Well, >> Jackson, come on up. All right. Just give us a little update, Jackson, and your full name. >> Name and where I live. >> Yeah. >> Uh, hello. I am Jackson Leech. I live at
16 CL the road with my parents. They're really awesome. And a dog. >> Yeah. Nice. >> Um, yeah. I came before you guys the last meeting, maybe two meetings before that. That is the drawing. Actually, I printed out a couple copies of that
>> for the project. I don't know if you guys want it or >> Sure. >> Sure. >> I I have five copies. We're have to do some math here. >> Yeah, that's okay. Give a >> We'll share. Yeah, we can share. Give right to our agent. >> We'll share. You and I can share. >> Well, I'm looking at the screen.
>> All right. >> So So, Jackson, just Well, >> wait. Wait till you get back. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. We can share. >> We're going to be good. >> All right. Yeah. Back to the podium. >> Our agents got some questions for you.
>> So, well, just just to um remind the commission. So, where where is this project located? >> This project is taking place in Coois property towards towards the back side of it. There is an area that periodically will get
water moving through it. Yes. And >> I certainly know where you mean. Yeah. Um, so that that's the sketch. I mean, I I drew that. It's pretty cool.
>> Then I also do have a little bit of a preliminary cost estimate that I also had created because that is relevant information. These numbers are all preliminary cost estimate, right? I haven't fully said I know I can get
this. I don't know if I can get this. So, I just said that the total cost for the project I'd estimated roughly to be around $650. The materials would run up. So, that's like the wood, the everything else would run me up around potentially $450. Supplies,
I have a definition of supplies, not on the top of my head. I'm forgetting that. I will come back to that being somewhere near $100. I believe that's stuff that like will get used up as of course the project goes over and tools like stuff would build with. I said I mean
personally as a as a family I know that we have a deal of stuff and that other people would hopefully be generous and decide to loan some. So I figured that there would not be the most cost there. And then another section being other, which is just other costs. I said that
who knows it'll probably fall around $100. It's an estimate of course. >> So, uh, so you sent an initial plan. Um, I don't think it was to the whole commission. I think it was maybe just me. Um, and but you you copied Mr.
Stanway and then he came back with some suggestions for >> I had changed that and I believe >> this might be reflected on there. >> This is the most recent one. Yes. >> And these are his comments over here. So could you just summarize the changes that
>> the changes? Yes. So Mr. Stanway had said that ADA regulations and I hadn't seen this originally. There cannot be like a one-inch gap between the boards. There was originally and he said that the maximum is a half inch gap between
each one of the boards. I changed it from one inch wide to half an inch wide because an inch wide is not ADA compliant. So, so is this um uh ADA accessible >> by itself?
No, I do not believe so. The TRA, it has the opportunity to be turned ADA compliant and accessible. >> I see. What what more would have to be done to it to uh >> it would have to sort of have an entrance and an exit to it as right now.
Yeah, it's just propped up on curbing >> and it probably have to have a railing of some kind, right? >> Very likely. Yes. >> Okay. >> So, it' be nice if you could do that if possible if that was feasible.
>> Eventually, I guess. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Eventually. >> Uh questions for um Jackson from the commissioners. What's your uh time frame on this? When do you think you can get started? How long is it going to take?
>> So, the time frame that I had set for this and I have dotted all throughout my proposal is it's rough there. It's starting it sometime in mid June and ending sometime in late June. the dates that I had been trying to target and am
still trying to target. I have not stopped trying to target them is I think it's the 20th 21st I think that's the weekend or it might be the 19th 20th I don't remember what weekend it is but that is when I will be trying to do that
when I'll be trying to have the project. >> And do you as an Eagle Scout candidate have like a hard stop date coming up soon or do you have some time before you turn 18? My birthday is in less than six months. It is November 13th. Okay. >> So, I've just under five. No, just under
six months as of the 13th of this month. And yeah, >> then how about the internal approvals from the boys from the scouts? How's that coming along? >> Internal approval. That's I actually have it on the sheet right here. Of
course, I sign off on the candidates's promise. I've got my unit leaders approval. I've got the unit committee approval. The next steps are getting the beneficiary approval. >> That would be us. >> Yes. Correct. And the council or district approval, which would come later, and it's going to take some undisclosed
amount of time that I really have no idea. >> Okay. All right. Any more questions? >> Yeah, Jackson, you got granite curbing for the base, right? Do you have that? You get access to that? >> Um, when I was talking with my project coach, Mr. Hey, he said that Trinity
Lutheran Church, one of the Troop 75's chartering organizations, had granite curbing lying around and that I contacted them. They said they would be willing to lend it to me for use of the project. >> Okay. If you have problem with that, I can get you some. The town has some. So,
if if you need to, just ask us. We can get it for you. >> Pieces. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. >> All right. Chris, Bill, >> we I'm sorry, Peter. Go ahead. We had uh talked about contributing towards this once he came in. >> Yeah. >> Are we able to do that and help him out
or >> we can we we usually help out scouts kind of cost share >> you know a portion of um >> the funds you know. >> Yeah. Were you looking at like $600 or something? I think >> I had estimated $650, not knowing again exactly how much
everything would come to pan out to be, but to the best of my knowledge that is roughly what everything will end up costing. >> How much do we usually >> we we contribute like you know you know one-third cost sometimes or you know 25%. I I you know I I would think $200
we could handle a $200 contribution to the >> class. And I think part of what you're doing is part of your project you mentioned last time was fundraising. >> So let's contribute to the fundraising. >> Yeah, exactly. So I have a motion then from someone. >> Hold up a second. This is also just me
being >> price changes. >> No, no, just me being a bit silly. There's also a fundraising application. You know, I'm a kid. I happen to forget to print that out, >> which also would need the beneficiary approval.
>> So, I don't have that on me right now. >> Does that mean you're coming back >> potentially? Or >> I believe I could just email it to you guys in some way, shape, or form. >> You could work through our agent. >> I think I think um in terms of the
conservation commission making a um a contribution, I think it's probably going to have to be like in the form of an invoice or something. That's the way this process works. So, um, you know, maybe maybe the scouts already have some kind of a form like that. But if you
know, probably be good to look into that. So, >> and you can work with David as far as >> Yeah. But nothing fancy, just a piece of paper that says onethird of the cost. >> It says invoice invoice at the top. You know, I you know, I maybe maybe maybe
it's there's already something on file for the scouts. That's entirely possible. So, I don't worry about that's not a huge issue. I just thought I'd mention it, >> but I think it' probably be good to take a vote. >> Yeah, I think we should have a vote. Bill, you want to make a motion? >> I move we approve $200 uh contribution
to the scout project at Kulis Farm. Second, >> and seconded by Peter, motion by Bill. All those in favor? I. Any opposed? Unanimous. All right. So, you're uh off to a good start with your fundraising.
Uh, anything else we have for Jackson? Uh, >> I think Jackson, if you could just send me an email like at least 48 hours in advance of when you're starting the work, you know, once you know what that is, >> um, that would be helpful. So, >> awesome. I will I may very well get calls, you know, somebody's doing
something out there. >> Yeah, I'll be able to tell. >> You very well could. Yeah. Or an email. >> You will get a call. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I will send you an email far far far enough further than 48 hours in advance of when I announc Yeah. As soon as you know the date, right? >> As soon as I know the date, I'll make
sure to let you know. >> You want to sign that? >> Yes. >> All right. So, just Yeah. If there's a paper for us to sign tonight, just hand it to our agent and he'll get it down the line for our signatures. >> All righty. >> Thank you.
>> All right. Do you do you need to take it with you? No, you probably would, right? >> We can sign. >> Yeah. So, we'll we'll just pause the meeting for a moment to allow for signatures and it only take a moment. >> Where do you want us to, David? Just sign it on the bottom
>> in the blank space. The bottom. >> I assume that works. Yeah. >> It's my first time doing this. >> Yeah, there's actually some boxes to check off. David, you can figure that out >> or not. I think Jackson can probably figure it out. Let me let me know, you
know, if you have any questions, just send me an email. Let me know. >> Yeah. I mean, exactly. And if you can get us a copy, you know, >> Mark, stick the date on there somewhere. >> I think there's a box for the date. >> Beneficiary approval. Council district approval.
>> Unit committee approval. >> Beneficiaries. >> Which one? >> We're the beneficiaries. There we go. This thing There we go. Back to the agent. >> Super. >> Absolutely. So, I think we're all set
then, Jackson. Okay. >> So, questions come up, just reach out to our agent, Mr. Coops, >> and we wish you good luck. >> I will. Thank you all. And I will remember to send the fundraising app
application. We'll be looking for it. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> You bet. Have a good night. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> All right. Any any other open session citizen concerns for this evening? Not. Okay. Great. Uh moving on to our
regulatory hearings and we um some of these are going to be continued this evening, but we still have a a full agenda here. Uh, first up we have a request for determination of applicability. CSX, Transportation, Inc.
Railroad Right of Way. Keith Morris is listed as representing the applicant and um, what have we got going on with that? >> We got a legal notice. >> Legal notice. All right, Mr. Vice Chairman. >> Thank you. Pursuant to the provisions of the
Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, MGL131 section 40, and the Chsford Wetlands bylaw, chapter 187, the Chsford Conservation Commission will conduct a public hearing in room 204 at the Chsford Town Offices at 50 Bria Road on
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7 p.m. to consider the request for determination of applicability filed by property owner CSX Transportation, Inc. Four, the confirmation of wetland resource area boundaries jurisdictional
to the railroad rightway uh preliminary to using herbicides for vegetation management in the rightway. >> Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. >> So, um there's no sign of the applicant's rep. Um, I haven't he, you
know, after after he sent me the the application, he emailed me the the RDA. Uh, I made a couple of attempts to um, you know, contact and haven't heard a peep out of him. So, I I I mean, I I really think he should be give some kind
of a trans uh presentation, you know, let let us know, you know, what why this needs to be done, you know, what what the process is. I mean, I don't see any issues with it, but I I I think it would be good to have him either here or over Zoom um to give the presentation. So, I
I I I suggest um continuing it till the next meeting and I'll just see if I can get a hold of him, you know, see if he can let me know what he's wants to do. >> I'd like to know what they sprayed by herbicides. They never seem to tell us. >> Yeah. Yeah. Ask. They don't give me an answer.
>> Yeah. What's the New Orleans? They wouldn't be here if it wasn't. >> They've been here before doing this, right? >> They lived on this. >> Well, well, they're asking I don't know if we want to discuss it, but they're asking for sort of a continuation of the way I read it of the existing plan. >> Well, let's not discuss it though. >> Yeah. So, that that would be what we
want to know. >> Yeah. Let's let's um Yeah, let's get just continue for now. >> If we could have a motion to continue to our next meeting, which is June 9th. >> So moved. >> So moved by Ally, >> second by >> second >> Bill on the second. Any discussion? All
those in favor? I. Any opposed? Unanimous. All right. So, over to June 9th and hopefully I'll have some luck David getting a hold of their representative. >> I'll I'll do my best. >> Yeah. Great. All right. So, one down. Uh, next up is a request for
determination of applicability. Lighthouse School, Inc., 25 Wellman Avenue. Brian Gudro from Hancock Survey Associates representing the applicant. And we should have another legal notice here for Mr. Vice Chairman.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Pursuant to the provisions of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, MGL131 section 40, and the Chumsford Wetlands bylaw, Chapter 187, the Chsford Conservation Commission will conduct a public hearing in room
204 at the Chsford Town Offices, 50 Bill Ricker Road on Tuesday, May 26, 20 uh 2026 at 7:05 p.m. Consider the request for determination of applicability filed by property owner Lighthouse School, Inc.
for proposed work within the bordering land subject to flooding. Uh that is Marramac River and Deep Brook at 25 Wellmanav further identified as assessors map 9 block six lot one. The
project entails construction of a pvious sport court. >> Thank you very much Peter. Thank you. And now the applicant can just give the commission kind of a quick overview of what you want to do. >> Absolutely. Uh so for the record, my name is uh Morgan Seal with Hancock Associates on behalf of the applicant
lighthouse. Uh so the project we have before us is as we mentioned a pvious sport court um that we want to place near the existing playground um kind of adjacent to the new building that went
up there and is located entirely within the flood zone. So in order to meet uh performance standards for that we are mimicking the existing grade out there. Everything is export. we're going to dig up um I think believe it's about a 6 in
crosssection for the sport court. That all has to get brought off site um and then put back to the existing you know flat ground that's out there so we have no negative impacts to any neighboring properties or anything like that. Uh we went through and we double checked um
proximity to wetlands, vernal pools, zone 2, zone A's um and we're not in proximity to any of that. So that's a strictly flood zone. Um, and yeah, we that's
basically the project in a nutshell. >> All right. Well, questions. >> Thanks for a quick overview. Maybe we'll just jump over to Mr. Coons, our agent, just to see any preliminary uh items you want to flag to the commission before we have the commissioners. >> Um, ju just just a couple questions. Um
and then and then after for me and then after commission ask questions I can I can explain the context of of this filing and you know making a recommendation how to proceed. So my only question is Morgan so I see there are there are a couple areas here where
you where the grade is being changed you know here and and here. So how how does that how does those those area those grade change uh the grade changes in those areas how do they conform to the performance standards? >> So those are strictly cut areas um okay
>> to provide uh additional flood storage. So if you think about it when you go in to construct um this basketball court it's not it you want to have it perfectly sloped down towards um >> the receding you know waterway. Um but
the ground doesn't do that naturally. So, we do have to adjust grades very slightly. And if you see down the bottom right of the page, there's a very there's a small incremental flood storage table that we broke down at um I believe quarter foot intervals um to
show that we have a net export of material. >> Um so, so in in in both these areas, you're cutting. >> Yes, >> you're cutting. Okay, that was my only question. >> Thanks, David. Appreciate that. Jumping over to the commissioners. Uh John, any questions, comments at this point?
>> Uh what are you going to be using? Uh you're using a pavement, but it's impervious. >> Yeah. So, to my understanding, it's a um it's like a plastic grid system that um is porous, so the water can get through it. It's got filter fabric underneath,
so the sand can't get up and stuff can't get down through it. Um and it kind of interlocks um together and creates a nice bouncy surface. Okay, >> I have no other questions at this time. >> I'm good.
>> Okay, good. Mark, >> uh just your cuts and fills are going to be just you're not going to have anything for fills. Just few cuts. >> Yep. Just cut. >> All material is going to be uh
pivious under the uh under the court. >> Correct. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> All good. >> All right. Thanks, Ally. >> Uh, is there any kind of like walkway or any parking associated with this? >> Uh, none that was really needed. They um, you know, they use the field as is
um, for baseball and whatnot. They don't really have any walkways out there. I think they just mow it. So, the kids can walk over the grass. >> Thank you. >> All right. Anything else, Ellie? >> No. >> Oh, good. Uh, Peter, >> hi, Morgan. How far from Deep Brook is
this? >> Uh, well over 200 feet. I was looking at the GIS. Um, and I couldn't even get it on the plan. Um, >> yeah, I was trying to figure that out. >> Yeah, I believe it's it's planned south, but it's I think it's probably 500. >> The point is it's outside of the 200
foot riverfront. Our only jurisdiction sounds like it's flood >> flood. >> Yeah. >> So, of the David to you. >> Yeah. >> And for you, David? >> Yeah. Um, so I just thought of one more question, Morgan. So, so according look just looking at this detail here for the
sport court section, looks like you're going down about 6 in below the surface of the ground. >> And what what is when it says prepared subbase, what does that mean? >> That's just the native material. Um, okay. Once they get down there, they'll prep it. They'll um they'll compact it so that the you know there's no settling
in the cord or anything like that. >> But but all of that material is excavated is going to be removed as well. >> Yes. all the all the material from the subbase up will be material um removed. >> Uh okay. So I'll just explain a little bit um the context here. So, um I I was
asked um if if you know before a filing was even done whe whether whether I thought this could be you know a request for determination applicability uh or or or whe whether I thought it would have to be a notice intent uh you know mean meaning with an RDA that you
know if I said an RDA that was implied that the commission would would grant a negative determination. Um so so I in my opinion it can be a negative determination. I mean it's it's it's really it's really simple. Um that
you know the the the performance standards are are being met very very easily. There's there's in in fact in fact there's additional flood storage capacity that's being added. Um so I I I think this can be a negative uh
determination. Having said that, I don't know if commission members remember there was a recent filing with Courtyard condominiums that was an RDA and um which I also thought could be a negative determination, but DE DP did express
some concerns. They thought at least initially it should be a notice of intent but um I felt really strongly that a negative determination was fine and that's what the commission based on my recommendation that's what the commission issued and D did not appeal.
Um but I I I don't want to take that risk again here. So, um I I asked I asked um Morgan to send the RDA to DP. Um and uh depending on their comments, if D came back and said, "Well, you
know, we think this needs to be notice of intent, then um then I think that would be my recommendation to the commission issue a positive determination." Um so, uh I didn't hear anything from D. I I I sent the circuit
writer an email today asking if D has any comments had any comments on the filing. Turned out she was out of the office. Um and so of course she's not going to be able to get back to me until tomorrow. So um so and and I talked to
Chris about this. I think rather than continuing the hearing, I I I would say, you know, the commission could issue a contingent negative determination. Um but if it if if if I hear from DP that they think it should be positive then it
it should be um a positive and well actually not actually issue the determination until we know one way or the other, >> right? >> Um so you know I I think that's a perfectly reasonable way to approach it. >> So >> I like that. I mean I I think it it goes
to the interests we're trying to protect and it's uh you know efficient use of our resources. So >> yeah. >> Can I get a followup? >> Yeah, sure. >> You're putting in base material, crush stone, sand. >> Mhm. >> So you got to strip off the loom that's existing there. Yes. You're taking that
out? >> Yes. Yeah. >> Okay. That's all. >> All right. Good. Any any other follow-up questions for commissioners comments? Um this is a public hearing, so if anybody from the public has any input for us, please uh raise your hand, let me know.
All right. No public input then. Um, so I think we're we're in kind of in consensus with our agents recommendation. I think we can close the hearing now and and probably take a vote after we close the hearing. >> Motion to close the hearing. >> All right. Mark on a motion to close the hearing. Second. >> Peter on the second to close the
hearing. Any discussion before we close? All those in favor to close the hearing. >> I. Any opposed? Unanimous. Okay. So, we've closed the hearing now. And now um we've heard our agents recommendation of a um contingent uh negative determination which would effectively
approve the work proposed. So we would need a motion to that effect. Anything more detailed on that? >> So So yeah, what I would suggest is so this this this will be a the motion should be an issuance of a negative 22. >> Yeah. um contingent upon D's agreement
or DE D's, you know, not submitting comments that they think it should be a positive determination. Uh in which case, if they do, then it should be a positive determination. >> Okay. >> So, got that, Vivian?
>> All right, good. You How long were we going to wait, do you think, for the D? >> Um I I think we should certainly know something, you know, in the next few days. Okay. If I I'll I'll I'll continue to pester them. >> All right. So, it's just a matter of few days. >> Okay. All right. Good. So, if somebody
can make a motion to that effect, >> we'll give it a try. I make a motion that we issue. Help me out here. Negative two and two. >> Two and two. >> Contingent upon the D comments. If it's supposed to be positive, then it would be positive.
>> Does that sound okay? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Good. >> Second. Seconded by Bill and a quick second on the motion. Very quick second. Any discussion? Very well done. Very well done. >> All those in favor? I oppose. Unanimous.
>> Thank you very much. >> Thanks, Morgan. Just keep in touch with our agent. He'll let you know. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> I'll keep you informed. >> All right. >> Okay. Okay, moving on to our notice of intent filing choice.
One Smith Street, Donald Rose, Jumpsuit Housing Authority representing the applicant. Um, we have a legal notice we'll have to put into the record first. So, Mr. Vice Chairman, another legal notice for you. >> At at this point, I have to step >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Let
the record show that Mark Gibbs is stepping out and recusing himself on this specific matter, but he will be returning to the meeting. >> Right. >> I don't know. >> Maybe.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Legal notice, please. Yes. Pursuant to the provision of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL131 section 40, and the Cherford Wetlands bylaw, chapter 187, the Chancer Conservation Commission will conduct a public hearing
in room 204 at the Council Town Offices, 50 Bill Ricker Road, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:10 p.m. to consider the notice of intent filed by Property Owner Choice Housing Opportunities for Intergenerational
and Community Endeavors, Inc. or known as Choice. Four, proposed work within Riverfront area and 100 ft buffer zone to bordering vegetative wetlands at one Smith Street, further identified as assessors map 33, block 122, lot one.
The project entails demolition of existing buildings, parking areas, and associated infrastructure followed by construction of a new multi-generational multifamily residential building along with improvements to parking, drainage,
and utility systems. >> Thank you, Mr. Vice Chairman. And now the applicant representative will give us an overview of the project. >> Yes. Hello. I am Donald Rose uh from CHA uh on behalf of Choice and SCG. So the
project um located at one Smith Street. There's three existing buildings right there. Two of them are residential. Uh they're uh from the 1970s and have uh outlived their usability. Um they've
they need a lot of repairs and everything. So, uh, choice has is proposing to build one building, um, increase the number of units, uh, at the request of mass housing. So, this is through the 40B comprehensive permit
process. Um, the, uh, jurisdictional wetlands come from Blackbrook, which is off the property. Um, the riverfront and associated BVW is off the property. Um but the buffer zones encroach on the
property. Um there's a couple plans up there that show those uh buffer zones. Uh the proposed project, like I said, is going to be a 96 unit uh one building construction with associated parking, utilities, and storm water drainage
system. Today, there's no real drainage system other than a collection system of catch basins before discharge through an existing head wall uh that then eventually makes its way to Blackbrook. Uh we're proposing to put an underground system which will treat for TSS and
phosphorus uh and infiltrate prior to discharge to the brook itself. So, a significant change. In addition, we are reducing the amount of impervious within the buffer zones uh within the 100 foot buffer and is and the 200 foot from the
100 to 200 foot. Um although there is an increase in impervious on the site, it is not within the jurisdiction of the conservation commission. Um there are no um estimated or priority habitats. There
is a zone 2 D um wellhead protection area which is under a significant amount of gems. Um and um that's that's the project itself. >> Well, thanks thank you for the overview. We appreciate that. You're welcome. Uh let's just see if the commissioners have some questions. We'll we'll start again
left to right here with to my left John. >> Yeah, this is a pretty extensive project. Uh what do you think about this, Dave? Um well um it's it is a big project but
outside the commission's jurisdiction. So the uh the primary performance standards here are um improvements uh in the riverfront area because it's it's work in degraded riverfront area and improvements to the max practicable for
storm water. So, so Don, can you can you uh give the commission a figure on the net reduction in imperous surface and that's going to be replaced with vegetation is going to be uh restored with vegetation?
>> Yes. So the 100 foot buffer within the 100 foot buffer we're reducing existing impervious surface from 1,800 square ft to 474 square ft. So a 1300 square foot reduction and then in the outer RFA from
1400 14,000 square feet to 11,380. So about 2700 square ft. Um again the area has already been impacted by the development just to get this in there. You can see the grading. There is I forgot to mention there is an electric
easement at the edge of the property that is over the parking lot and goes to the property line. Um it's not highlighted on there unfortunately. I should have done that. But so there are stansions, there are tall poles within uh the buffer zone.
>> So So can you see where I'm circling here? So you see proposed garden. So that's currently all pavement, right? >> Correct. >> So that's that's going to be replaced with um a vegetated area. And Don, at
the site visit, I think you you said you were you were open to planting trees um around the garden. Um that's what the commission wanted. Um so that's another another thing to think about. >> There is a a better plan that shows the
impact in the existing conditions. They're the the colored versions just so you can see them. Uh I think it's the uh fourth page and fifth page. So one more Just so this so this is a colored
version. This was not in your packets. Uh but just to show you this was this is the impervious within the buffer zones and the buffer zones that dashed blue towards the purple the magenta is which is the property line that is your um 100
that is your 100 foot inner RFA. the uh next dash line which is not as intense that's your 100 foot buffer to BVW and then the next one that's further into the property that's your 200 foot outer recent
and that's the existing conditions and then the next page shows the proposed just so you can get a sense sometimes it's easier to see colored versions of it um so I I I think that that's that's satisfies you know those requirements
very well. Um and and then just and then and then maybe Don you can just go could you go into a little bit more detail about how storm water management is being improved? >> Yeah. So like I said during uh the storm water management today is catch basin to catch basin which is not done in
Massachusetts any longer and there are no treatment units prior to discharge to an existing head wall that then discharges down and goes down a um slope and eventually makes it way to the BBW and then into the brook itself. Uh what
we're proposing is uh all of it collected including the roof going into an underground system to try and infiltrate as much as possible. Um it's a it has an isolator row. So the isolator row itself traps the particles. It
treats for greater than 80% TSS removal. It includes phosphorus removal. After that gets in larger storms greater than the two year. It will then eventually dischar meter out through that existing head wall. And we're proposing to um put
some erosion control at the head wall because there is a little bit it's a the pipe is about 6 to 8 in above the grade. We want to armor that so it comes down and does not erode the slope any further than it you know it is. So >> So you're going to put rip wrap down there?
>> We're going to put rip wrap at the outlet and then that should make it go much slower. We don't want to go significantly down the slope, but we want to slow it initially. There is a slope though. So, and it's it's walkable, but
>> and the discharge pipe would uh be operational only at a 100redyear storm. >> No, no, it would be operational. I believe it's in 25 and 100. So, below that, it's it's detaining most of the
water. So what what are most of our storms? >> Uh so yeah, we'll circle back to John. John, any more comments? >> No, I mean obviously this is town project. >> Obviously the town's involved with storm water management and it's all gone
through the storm water management of town. >> No, not yet. That's that's something we have to talk about. Um I I have asked DPW if they would be able to do the the storm water review on this. Um that was only today and I haven't heard back uh
any anything yet. So hope hopefully um they will be willing to do that. Um if not the commission will have to get an outside peer reviewer but hopefully DPW >> may I answer that? So we have a meeting with the ZBA on June 4th. So we'll know
more at that point about it. So, we understand I've had the discussion with Dave that we know that you want to have storm water looked at because it's a 40B comprehensive permit. It goes through the ZBA and technically the the um local jurisdiction is not applicable because
it is a 40B, but we're obviously we're this is a town project. It's out in front of everybody. We know that. So, that's why we're here and we're trying to do everything, you know, so you can see it. Um, but then it goes before the ZBA and then we'll find out if they're going to do storm order review inhouse
or not. >> Any more, John? >> No. Nope. >> Uh, do you need any waiverss from us for any of the work you're doing under our bylaw? >> No. Technically, we don't need need um like I said, we want to we're trying to, you know, we still present the notice of
intent. It's really D's, but you are you offer the the suggestion. So we're open to if there are trees that come down within the riverfront if there's you know because we do so show demolition of trees, removal of trees um in order to
get the parking uh some parking and uh so if there is anything that you know you have suggestions on you can write it into the conditions of approval. Yeah. Yeah. And and I had and I had this conversation um at the site visit. Um
yeah, I think we concluded that that on the plans four there are four trees that are shown for removal. Um and there may be couple of others maybe two or three more that might get whacked uh as well. But um but Don said no that's no
problem. just put a put a condition in that any any and all trees you know that are removed shall be replaced with native species or something like that. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Bill, anything more? >> So, can you just explain the uh choice
is building the building for the town? How's that? >> So, so uh choice do you know David Hison? So David Hison now heads up Choice not CHA any longer a CH which is different from my engineering company but not to
confuse you um >> and I got I was confused. >> So Cho Choice owns the project and does this with Straford Capital. So we've done quite a few projects. We did Helena Crocker in Westford. Um you know Chumsford Woods one and two. Uh we
worked on Chumsford Woods one and two. Uh Straford Capital was on that. That was so um local. I mean, this is that's all that's what it is. So, you're getting, you know, someone who cares about the the the project and knows it.
David Hison knows the project in and out. He knows what has needed for repair. And this is badly needed. >> Right. No, I was just curious to see how that worked. >> Yeah. And then like I said earlier, 96 units initially, David only went for the original just to replace one to one. Um,
but Mass Housing actually suggested to uh increase to 96 for this project. >> Good. I'm all set. >> Good. Great. Allie, over to Ally. Good. Peter. >> Uh, yeah. Hi, Don. >> Hi. >> Um, nice package, by the way. It
answered a lot of my questions, so we appreciate that. I think I had two broad questions. Sure. >> One is storm water. We probably don't want to get into it in detail right now. Um, but I'm sort of curious. Some the stormwater plan says it's sized for the
100red-year storm, but I think we're going to end up with a discharge pipe that discharges at the 25-year storm. >> Mh, >> which is arguably now a 10-year storm. So, that's just something to think about. But we also have the storm water standard. So, I mean, that's at the end of the day, we need to comply with
those. So, why don't we not let's not talk about that unless you really want to. >> Oh, sure. We actually, if you would like to, we can talk about the storm water. I I'm I'm curious. I I need a storm water engineer to help me with these questions. That would be easier. >> But >> I'm a stormwater engineer. >> That's what I do. What What would you
like to know? >> Why does the text of the document say the storm water system is designed for theund 100year storm? >> Meaning that >> but it's really but but the overflow to the brook >> happens at a 25ear storm. >> Well, so there's an outlet there's an
outlet control structure, right? the water raises up and then slowly meters out which what it's saying for the hundred-year storm meaning that it's all the water go that we collect goes into that before it goes anywhere else.
>> So um in order to infiltrate or try and do a 100redyear storm as you can see from the amount of impervious that would not be you know the while the sand is great we take a conservative look at it we don't use the highest rate the highest rate for infiltration is 8.27
27. We use a much slower rate, although anticipating that this will actually infiltrate more than our storm water report indicates. >> Yeah. So, I mean, I understand that more or less, but it it was the words in the document that said everything's designed
>> for a 100red-year storm. So, so thinking of the ecology part, >> yep, >> you do have untreated discharge. >> No, not untreated. >> Oh, through the pipe, right? Through the overflow pipe. it has to go into the treatment side. So there's two isolator
rows. These isolator rows are where the there's additional fabric and where the the sediment goes into. >> Okay, I got it. >> Okay. Then this raises up and then eventually goes out. There is no untreated. It has to go into this filtering area first. So it's collected.
>> And just one more thing to point out, there's no increase in peak runoff, right? >> Correct. >> Which is also required. >> Which is required. No increase in uh Prona. >> Off-site Prona. Yes. >> Okay. Sounds like I need to bug David, you and others for the large scale drawings. I was squinting at all this.
>> So my second question might have to do with squinting at the small drawings. >> That's okay. >> Um I'm looking at sheet C003 and on the key it shows trees to be removed. >> Correct. >> And there's a lot. Let me let me just
put this thought out there. Um, our jurisdiction, however, is limited I'm looking at our lawyer. Our jurisdiction is limited to the riverfront 200 ft. >> That's the furthest buffer. Correct. >> So, I think it's great the discussions you had with David around the garden area and put some more trees and the
conversation if you lose some. My question might be more appropriate for the the planning board or the zoning board, but you know that I'm just thinking and again I'm going beyond the con except for one factor I'll get to. So my logic is um let's look at the total net
loss of trees and habitat. Our jurisdiction is limited to the 200 feet, but the net benefit to the environment >> uh includes all the other trees that we may or may not be losing. So, I'm going
to defer part of that to another board because it's beyond our jurisdiction. But my question is um one of these drawings shows a ton of trees and shrubs and they're nicely spaced around the parking >> and and and that is kind of a low impact
development kind of a feature that the town is starting to take a look at. So that's great. But are how do I tell if they're trees or shrubs? >> I couldn't find it on the drawing. So, so we provide a conceptual landscape plan at this point um and make a con,
it's usually through the 40B process a condition of approval for a formal landscape plan. >> Um that's what typically happens because things change over time. If you say, "Hey, we need to replace this tree," then we're not going to specify every single tree. Essentially, actually, our
our plans are more detailed than most 40bs that are submitted. So we don't in this case we do not provide a a detailed um landscape plan because there's a there's a lot more that could change at at some point but generally like I said it's a condition approval. So, what
David and I talked about on site was if there's specific trees within the the buffer zones, your jurisdiction that need to be replaced, removed, replaced, and we find out say one more needs to be replaced. It's a white ash or something like that, then you could say something
to the condition could read needs to be replaced in kind. >> So, you you may not want the uh certain trees though, but white ash you might might um depending on, >> you know, Right. >> So, so what >> there is a landscape plan showing trees
on there. Mainly it's focused on the front side of the property. >> So what I'm circling here th those four are going to get whacked. Um we we also we looked a little bit more closely at a couple of other ones. It looked like maybe there was going to be root there
was going to be work very close to the root season root uh system. So there's I think there's a possibility that maybe a couple more um might uh also uh have to go. Um but then but then we also as I mentioned early on um if I can find it
there's there's the proposed garden up here and and I think at the site visit you had also mentioned maybe doing some additional tree planting correct >> around there. So, so, so would you be okay with with with a condition and you know we can talk a little bit more about
it during the course of this hearing, but just ask just ask for now think about a condition that says that a tree planting plan shall be submitted for that area as well, >> right? So, well, that's part of the landscape plan to be honest. So, what
what the condition could read is that any tree within the jurisdiction is replaced within the jurisdictional area. >> Something to that effect. So that you if there's five trees that are lost, you get five trees within back within the the buffer zones themselves.
>> Well, but but also say a um you know final landscape planting plan shall be submitted. >> It's sub it has to be submitted for the building permit no matter what. So prior to building permit, we actually have to submit a completed plan set to including a landscape plan to get approval before
>> for the building permit. >> Correct. So but but if if it let's just say for the sake of discussion that landscape plan around the proposed garden showed only shrubs would there be any opportunity for the commission >> your condition of approval is what sets
the requirements for the plan >> well >> and then we have to meet that we have to meet those conditions >> that's that's what I'm asking but but I guess I guess what I'm saying is that those those trees would be over and above the just the replacement for the
ones that being removed. >> So, you'd have to set a condition if you're going to say something like 2:1 or something like that. >> Okay. >> If that's what if that's that's the way I've heard other conditions made. >> So, not one to one. We want to you're requesting two to one.
>> Okay. That's basically my question. >> Good. Good. All right. Thanks, David. Uh commissioners, anything else before um um this is a public hearing. We don't have many people here tonight, but does anybody from the public have any input either if you're online or um out in the
audience? All right, good. Um, so what do we uh So, we have I hear some open items. We we're waiting for um on the um storm water to see if the DPW can um handle that calculations. Right.
>> Doesn't sound like we're going to get an answer to that until the 4th. >> Probably not till the 4th, I would think. I I that's when we open our public hearing for. >> Well, I I I I I would I I would think that the the DBW engineer who I sent the email today would get back to me, but
but maybe he won't. Maybe he's waiting for the ZBA hearing. So, I guess the answer is we just don't know for sure when when we're >> So, we got that open. I mean, um the notices have all been filed, right? Your your green cards, everything like that. >> Yep. >> Good. DB comments, anything yet? Um the
only comments they had um were on how the riverfront area was delineated and that's not a concern for me anyway. >> Water department. >> I don't think I've heard anything from the water department. >> All right.
>> Regarding the water department, so they gave a comment letter to the ZBA already. I had a discussion with the water department itself. Um uh it's a looped uh water main around the site. Hydrant in the back. hydrant in the front. Um, obviously they're working on
on it now. So, I tried to coordinate the best I could with the water itself. Um, but it does the water main does go through the the 100 uh the 200 foot riverfront. >> I also have a full set of plans if that would be helpful. I can leave those here. Um, >> good.
>> If if you need additional plans. >> So, we need to continue till after the ZBA looks at it. >> Well, which is which is uh our next meeting anyway. which is on the 9th. But >> but there's a possibility that um there won't the storm water review won't be
ready by then, but still continue it until then. >> Yeah, I mean this there's not a lot of open issues. We need that closure, but I mean overall I mean sounds like a great project. I mean we're from conservation perspective, we're making major reductions in pavement,
>> um which is always good, right? And we've got >> treatment the storm water treatment. We go from like a a visible system from like many many years ago to bringing it all up to current >> standards, you know, state-of-the-art
system. That's, you know, all great from our perspective of protecting our water quality and >> and um protecting, you know, neighboring properties from runoff and that type of thing. So, >> have you done test holes up there and you know what you're dealing with? >> We did already. Correct. >> It's all sand, right? >> It's all sand. Yeah,
>> I'll say it. >> It's going to be sand. >> So, I guess we we need to continue to our next um meeting which is uh June 9th. >> Okay, that's fine. I understood that would be the case. So, we we obviously we want you to feel comfortable with the storm water part of it. Um we're hoping
that it can be done in conjunction with the ZBA. >> Well, but but just to clarify, Don, I mean, the commission is required under the Wings Protection Act to review storm water. So, so we're going to have to wait until that is completed before this hearing can be closed. >> Yeah, understood. >> Okay.
>> Yeah, I have no problem with that. >> That's good. And again, to echo some of the comments from the commissioners, I mean, um, you know, we have more information coming, but you know, we see a lot of projects coming in and a lot of plans. You guys put together some real first rate. >> Thank you very much. >> We try hard.
>> Yeah, we appreciate that. And if I could just add, thank you for your tree protection of the drip line, not just the trunk. >> So the spec >> had the right >> Yeah. >> thing. >> All right. Uh motion to continue to our next meeting. >> Move.
>> Moved by Bill, seconded by John. Uh any discussion before we continue? All those in favor? I >> I >> unanimous. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. Thank you again, Mr. Rose. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, that matter is closed and we can now have Mr. Gibbs come back and
take his rightful position here at the table. >> Oh, we didn't we didn't scare him away. Speaking about, oh, wait, he was smiling. >> I did, too. >> I did, too.
>> All right. So, that was our um our new regulatory matters for this evening, unless I'm missing. Yeah. Okay. So, we've got the um >> It's great to be back. >> Good. Yeah, we missed you. What was the thing? >> So, now moving down our agenda here,
we've got um make sure we've got what we've got. So, um yeah, notice of intent was continued. The down property 9 Lady Slipper Lane. Uh have a note here that the applicant has requested continuence until our June 9th meeting. So if we have a motion to continue.
>> So move. >> Alli on the continuing motion. John on the second. All those in favor? I >> I unanimous. All set then. So that's good. Then we have our um uh notice intent continued. Alexandria
and James Rean 2123 7th Avenue Willis Drive right ofway. And uh Mr. Casey Ferrer from Howard Stein Hudson's been representing the applicant. What do we have on that one? >> So, um I received a request for a continuence uh today uh on that one.
>> Good. Okay. >> Well, well, they're they're they're going to try and work out with the with the GC and um the DPW, you know, the the access issue or the issues of issues of concern with regard to access, you know, while all this work is being done. So
>> yeah, there's certainly a lot of issues that they should be focusing on. So I can understand that. So >> do we have a motion to continue again? >> So moved. >> By all >> Let me double check though. I think I think well I think that was the they requested to the 23rd on that third. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> So motion to continue by all to the 23rd, June 23rd and seconded by >> Peter. Peter. Peter in the second. All those in favor? >> I I >> unanimous. All right. So now uh that takes us down through
that one and then we have our notice of intent continuation New England Power Company with respect to 100 Ecuador road and uh what do we have on that one?
>> Um so that was another uh request for uh a continuence today. um they're they're um trying to resolve the issues um with with regard to storm water management um that our peer reviewer has raised um and
they they are looking at um you know some alternative design um plans uh for that. Um and so I I said I asked are you making progress and they said yeah well we are. So
>> yeah, I mean I think I can speak for the commission. We're >> getting a little anxious. We like to see some more progress if possible. >> Yeah. >> And get you kind of move towards closure on this one. >> That's right. Well, you know, I I kind of press him. You know, he insists that they're working on it, you know.
>> Okay. >> The lights don't go on. >> We need the lights on. It's true. All right. Do we have a motion then to continue to our next meeting of June 9th? >> So moved. Ally on the motion. >> Second. >> Peter on the second. All those in favor?
I. Any opposed? Unanimous. All right. And so then we've got the um notice of intent. Another continuation with New England Power Company. This was the transmission line rights of way.
>> So So this one is just it's just waiting for the peer review to be complete. Um, and the peer reviewer uh insists that uh or is committed to have it by a week from today, which will give us a week to be able to review it. >> Good. >> Um, and so I'm I'm I'm pretty confident
in that. I mean, I I don't know what issues, you know, might be raised, but but the review or at least the initial review will be completed in a week. >> Okay. >> I got one question on that. Dave, are
there is every town peer reviewing this? >> Uh, probably not. Probably not. Um, the uh on on the other one, the the previous one, the 100 Ecuador road, >> that's the different scenario. >> Well, transmission lines.
>> Well, um, that's a good question. If I had to guess, I would say probably not. But but I think we can still use the example of the previous one because the previous NOI, some of that work is in LOL and the L commission isn't requiring a peer review. In fact, they they they
said well according to the applicant, LOL has approved that. But I think I think um that you know I think it's some you know and we we can talk about it. Um
but I I I you know they have to comply with the storm water standards. I mean that's really not optional. And and in and in this case um or in that case where the um uh you know where they don't comply, you
know, there would be wetlands in Chford that would be affected if the storm water management system is not functioning correctly. >> That's on Ecuador. >> That's on Ecuador. >> Right. But the transmission line one >> Yeah. >> where it's going through six towns. >> Mhm. >> From here to Tukbury.
>> Yeah. >> Are we the only town >> that's asking for the peer review? >> Um that I do not know. I I can certainly ask the applicant, but you know, I I think it should be done. I mean, the
Chelter may be the only town where they require um a land disturbance permit from the DPW. Oh, >> that's all from Tukbury to air. It it it covers a lot more water than in Chsford. >> Yeah. >> You start looking at the topo maps of
>> it's it's an 18 mile an 18 mile project. >> Yeah. It's huge. >> Yeah. >> And it's going to get done no matter what. >> Mhm. Yeah. >> I don't understand what that means. >> It It means it's going to get done no matter what. >> What do you mean by that? >> They're going to if that if the pole's
going to fall down, they're going to fix the pole. Mark, >> we still shouldn't look the other way. >> I understand that. >> That's all we're trying to do is make sure >> I I understand that. But what I'm saying is >> we've had history with them before and they >> That's past history. You got to look at
the project that's in front of us. >> You got to go by their record. That's what you go by. >> You know, there's a lot of bad records out there. Okay? We're not going to go there. >> All right. So So So here's the compromise. Here's the compromise
position. We all signed on, right, to look at projects to make sure they uphold our bylaw and the Massachusetts well and protection act. And I don't know about you, man, but I still don't understand all the nuances of storm water pollution prevention plans airgo.
I'm a big fan of getting an expert to work with us at peer reviewer and tell us what reasonable permit conditions or maybe you figure that out based on the storm water engineer. >> That's part of the contract. >> Yeah. So, I totally agree. It's not like we're going to deny a permit, I don't think, for a for a new electric
transmission line, but or or upgrades, but you know, we want some asurances following the laws that we're here to uphold. >> I don't know. That's how I feel. >> I agree. >> There we go. All right. >> I did it. Everybody agrees.
>> All right. I need a motion to continue to our next meeting. >> So move. >> So move by Al. >> You want me to second that? You want me to second it? But you don't have to. >> Let Peter second that one. >> I'll second it. >> No, let Peter second that. >> All right, Peter on the second. Any
further discussion or or gestures or anything? Yeah. All right, we're good. All in favor? I Any oppos? >> I want to keep the lights on. That's all I want to do. >> We agree. We We want that. Yeah, safely. >> Chris, take control of the meeting here. Let's get out of control.
>> Take that control, Chris. >> Take that control. No, no, actually it's it's it's a good discussion. You know, you know, our ratings are going to go way up again, >> right? >> We need Dave here to really >> our chairman was smiling. I know. >> I was I was I was enjoying it. >> I mean, Dave could really light some
fire, you know. >> The human filibuster >> and we know we know his feelings about doing power, you know. >> Yes, we do. >> We do. >> That's past history. >> But, uh, yeah, that is past history. >> Past history. Yes. All right. Uh, so
that takes us through regulatory matters for the evening, which is like, yeah, I think a few days ago I thought we'd be like close to midnight trying to work our way through. >> That might be the next meeting. We'll see. >> But it, you know, like they almost all like ended up just getting continued
over. So, here we are. 8:15 done regulatory. So, now moving on the agenda to our land management items. Maybe we'll have some updates from our commissioners on land management. So, maybe we can start.
Peter, why don't you let us know? Um, you've been very busy the last couple weeks. >> Any anything you want to share, can share with the commission? >> Well, yeah, a couple things. Um, we have a request I think David's handling, uh, but I want to share it
with the commission, if you haven't heard, to use, um, Thanksgiving Forest as part of the Sudbury Valley Trust Bumblebee Project Pollinator Garden Tour along with Sunny Meadow and one other
town. and the the folks that Karen Walton talked about, the the the PhD level B people are conducting uh events. So, I think I might have sent everybody the link. And um I have a specific interest I want to just plant the seed.
Um there's a marvelous article in a in a technical journal about what you can do in a forest to help bees. Now, bees, we're really talking about insects. We're really talking about natural resources. really talking about the food web. So, I'm kind
of interested in maybe over the next year seeing if there's some modest things that our volunteer team could help us with at Thanksgiving forest to apparently bees spend like twothirds of their life in the forest and it's >> I didn't know >> it's not just the pollinator garden and
that's why Subbury Valley Trusting the experts apparently are so interested in Chelsea because we got a forest right there sat out in the middle of a big farm field. So apparently that's the ideal habitat. And anyway, just a logical thing. And the second thing is um we talked about that briefly offline.
But um uh I do have a request into DPW to do the parking spots at Burbank Garden Middle Sex, what do we call it now? Middle Sex Canal Reservation are 10 acres or so. Um, and so the four parking
spots were discussed, I think, as part of that project a year ago with our former chairman. So, I think we're just picking up from Carl, and I did talk to Carl. But, you know, the idea is simple. Just there's four spots there that aren't really parking spots. Make them look like parking spots. Put them
something in the front that Bill will help me with. Not boulders, but something so it looks like a parking spot. And one handicap accessible sign. So, I've got a call in to uh Joe Ericson and Christine Clancy asking if that project remains on their to-do list. I
don't think we're in a a huge hurry, but it's a nice little joint project between Land Trust and Concom. So, I I wanted to pass that on. >> Good. >> And um what am I forgetting, David? Over at um over at Warren Pole, we've got still the
the Blue Strife Beetle project. Do we have a date? >> Uh no. Uh, not yet. That's that's on my list to get a I know status update on that one. >> Okay. >> So, that's about all I have. >> Thanks, Peter. Thanks, Ally.
>> Uh, Lime Corey went over there. Everything looks all right. I know we had discussed last meeting about moving some rocks. Have we heard anything else about that or >> We dropped it. >> Dropped it. Okay. >> Fair enough. >> Unless you want to do something different. Uh, you think it's a problem
the way it's set up now or? >> Yeah, >> seems to be working right. >> Yeah, I'm amendable to whatever everybody else thinks. >> Okay. >> I don't like the rocks. >> If I could just add on not being directly on, I' I've heard a number of comments from fellow citizens and
residents and various functions over the last two weeks and it seems like everybody's got an opinion about the rocks. >> So, there's probably is no right answer. >> That's my take. >> Okay. All right. Anything else, Alan? >> No, it's looking good over there. >> Good.
>> Nothing new at uh excuse me at Redwing. Uh just ride by. Didn't see anything new going on there. No tie marks now. Last time there was >> That's That's better. Yeah, that's good. That's good. Crooked Spring. We had a
sighting of a brown bear recently. >> Brown? >> Yeah, brown bear. It could have been a black bear, but I was told it was a brown. I didn't see it myself, but my uh neighbor reported a brown bear. >> Maybe a black bear that was brown in color. >> Maybe >> we have any brown bears unless it
escaped from a zoo. >> I think it's changing its winter coat. >> It could be. All right. That was >> had mud on it. >> It could have been like, you know, maybe. Yeah, you're right. >> Just woke up from the cave, you know. >> It could be just coming out exploring around. So, all right. >> I mean, the next thing is we're we'll
hear there are grizzlies around here. Well, >> there are >> we haven't grizzly reports, but we did have a bear sighting out there near Crooked Springs. So, >> just when you're out, you know, and about, just be situationally aware of
your surroundings. But anyway, that was uh news on Crooked Spring, Bill. >> Uh all right, I got a few thing on Coolis. Uh the grass is coming in really good up there. Uh the DPW hydro seated again the last week some spots that were
little bare. So they >> a bear. Okay. >> Little bear. >> Brown bear. >> Not a brown black bear. >> Black bear. >> Okay. >> Uh so they >> Huh. >> Green. >> Yeah. So it's really coming in good though. The grass is really coming in good. Like like I said they went up last week and they hydro seated some areas
that were just a little >> bare sparse. It was sparse for the bear. Right. And uh they also uh there's there was an existing picnic table out in the left field. It's real heavy. You it's almost impossible for one person to even
move it over a few feet to uh to uh mow the grass. So the DPW came up last week. They moved the table. They uh put some they dug out the loom and they put some uh stone dust in so it's got a nice
base. Put the picnic table back. So now what was happening was the grass was growing to a foot high under the bench. >> Yeah. >> Under the picnic table and people there was ticks and things like that. So it really made it nice with that uh table. Also last week they brought in the uh
last uh Thursday they brought in the handicap picnic table and put that in on the handicap area that we did a couple months ago. So that's all there. So, right now we're waiting on the interpretive sign, which should be in
within, I'd say, say a week, and we'll put that in place. We've got uh they're getting some information from the Coolers family on pictures, old pictures and different things. We've got somebody that's going to help us with the printing and and uh doing that sign for
us. >> Lizy supplied the stone. Pardon me. >> Lizy supplied the stone. >> Who who supplied the stone for this interpretive sign? No, the interpretive signs is the one we approved last time with the It's a polywood >> sign. It's slanted.
>> It's going to be between the parking area and the kiosk that the scout did. >> I thought it was stone. >> No, no, it's uh polywood. >> Uh so that'll be uh done soon. So yeah, it's looking good. Uh >> I think that's everything. It really shaping up now. If you go up there now
with the grass growing in, it looks like a whole different place. So, >> and they've been cutting the grass regularly. Uh, uh, John Ray and, uh, Phil Stanway have been up there. They cut the grass. It takes about three or four hours to cut the grass because it's quite a bit of area they're doing, but and also DPW
went up there last week and mowed the right field. We mowed it down to about a foot or so. They did some of that to clean that up. It was getting So, they did that. >> Excellent. >> But it's it's in good shape. >> Excellent. >> Yeah. And people are using a lot more than
there there was a problem uh week and a half ago where uh people were walking two dogs and a coyote got a hold of the little dog and dog went to the hospital. I think he's all right. But the coyote's
way on the back side near the White House property. There's a den back there. So, uh, if you're walking the trail on the in the back, you'll see the coyote once in a while because he's watching out. So, other people have seen the coyote just standing there watching
as they walk by. >> Don't go out there with any little dogs. >> No. No. And I told the the girl I ran into, they were walking, they had a small dog. I said, "Make sure you keep the dog leashed." And, you know, I says, you know, so, uh, other than that, it's really looking
good. And the the scout that was here tonight's going to be doing that uh that little uh uh area over the wetland with that uh >> Henry's that down by Henry's >> uh no straight in where he's putting the
the walkway. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, it's straight in. >> Okay. >> So, >> looks good. >> Good update, Bill. Peter, you have a question? >> I'm just throwing this out there. I don't have an opinion. Do we need any sort of reminder on the kiosks that these are also, you know, wild animal
habitat? >> I I'm not saying we need that, >> right? >> I'm just asking the question to remind people it's not exactly a soccer field playground, >> right? Some people don't realize that there's I mean, I've seen a bobcat up there. >> Sure.
>> The DPW had a bear walk right past them when they were working. >> Sure. >> There's turkeys up there. There's coyotes. >> Another bear. Huh? >> Right. call. >> It was a black bear. >> But but but but >> but there's a lot of you know there's a lot of >> Yeah. >> Think and uh I think it's Brian Larry.
He's got a camera up there and he's got the deer and the coyotes on the camera. So there's a lot of going on in this in in that area. >> Yeah. And sort of the flip side of my thinking is it's really no different >> than most of our backyards, right?
>> Critters are not just at culas. >> Right. Right. So I you know I don't feel like we have an obligation necessarily but >> right >> something >> this time of year the coyotes are a little more aggressive >> usual than usual. Yeah that's about it.
>> Good. Um John how are those uh speed humps doing out there? >> Oh my god. >> They are they getting any bigger and taller or >> No. I listen to it all the time though. It's it's you know the neighbors the other day. I mean I I like came down I
went down Route Three and turnpike and I did everything I could to avoid going through that section of town just because of those speed humps that are there. >> I I just keep telling people it's not because of the conservation area. >> Good.
>> That's what I tell them. I tell them it's because of this light of sign, light of sight for the sidewalk and the crosswalk that dead ends to nowhere. >> You were instrumental getting those installed.
>> Not me. Not me. Hey, but but you know you know I I drive that road a lot as we all do. And I noticed that Google Maps a couple years ago started rooting me if I'm going like south started rooting me down Mil Road a couple years ago. Never did
before. And since those speed bumps were put in, Google Maps half the time tells me just go straight down Route 4. I'm curious if it I don't know if it the traffic algorithm is that sensitive that it picks up Mill Road, but maybe there's a benefit there. Less
traffic. I I don't want to go there. >> But anything else to report, John? >> No. >> No. Okay. >> All right. Anything else on uh land management business here before we go to our agents report? >> All right. Over to our agents report.
>> Uh so, uh just a reminder, um I've only gotten comments on the gap analysis from Ally. So, >> thank you, Ally. >> Yes. Thank you. So, um, if if anyone else wants to submit comments, just get those to me as soon as you can. >> Thank you for the reprieve.
>> Yeah. >> When were those due? Like past Friday or something or >> Yeah. I mean, that that that wasn't, you know, really an absolute >> Okay. So, we can still get them in. >> Yeah. Just just >> Good. Good. All right. Good. Anything
else, David? Um, so, uh, the enforcement order at 233 Mill Road, they were supposed to be starting removal of the wall today in the 25- foot no disturb. Um, so, uh, that's slowly but surely
they making progress on that. >> Good. >> All right. Good. Excellent. All right. Uh, let's see. And do we I don't see any minutes in front of us tonight to approve. >> So, I think we can have a motion to adjurnn. So moved. >> Motion by Alli to adjourn. Second.
>> Seconded by Mark. All those in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Unanimous. Well, thank you ladies and gentlemen. This meeting is ended.