Okay, we'll call the Monday, January 5th meeting of the Southwood Conservation Commission to order here in town hall conference room number three. This is a hybrid meeting both in person and on Zoom
and we'll open by taking attendance. Chris Pratt, Dennis Clark, Nory, >> Kevin. Please note we do have a quorum >> public comments. Anybody in the audience
would like to speak on anything >> if he wants to right now. So this is Robert Robert Garvey. >> Of course. >> Yeah. So this is Robert Garvey. We have his resume. If we want, we can talk with him during public comment about what he's interested in doing or or we can
wait until discussion on associate members for the commission. So, I have >> Okay, let's wait till we get on to that discussion. Okay, just a few minutes. >> Sure. >> Anybody online for public comments? Nobody online?
>> Okay. First item on the agenda is uh notice of intent 6 South Lumis Street, gauge 2920432 continued. And I believe we have a request for an
extension here in this pile. >> We got a lot of mail. This is a letter from R. Leave Bath. The applicant property owner Vladimir Vilvoy
R. Leesque Associates is requesting continuence of the January 5th public hearing for the above reference notice of intent filing. The town of South Planning Board plans to hire a third party storm water peer review which is still pending. We understand that the
conservation commission would prefer to have this peer review completed before the applicant returns for further discussion. In light of this, we respectfully request that the notable attempt be continued to the commissioner's next available public hearing. >> So, I have a motion to continue. I'll
make the motion to continue. >> Do we have second? >> Okay, Kevin made the motion. Chris made a second. Next item, new business, discussion of associate members of the commission.
Actually, Robert, why don't you come up and join us? Sure. So, Robert had contacted me um saying that he was interested in volunteering for the commission and then he sent me his resume and then I thought I think we
need to circle back on that associate member thing because I think he would be a perfect candidate for it. Um because one day, unfortunately, one of you guys are going to leave for whatever reason. >> Yes. it would be nice if we had somebody on
board um we could just start right away. And I asked him if he was available Monday nights around like 10 hours per month and he said yes. >> Um so I >> I asked um our town clerk what her
thoughts were on associate members. She did a little bit of research. She suggests that we do it through a Warren article. Um, I then contacted Doug Molin and I just got his email today because of the holiday and he said it's a great
idea. He just wants to make sure that it's legal. So, that's where we're at right there. I I also just forwarded you guys an email um that Michelle Gerard, the MCC education um coordinator, she
sent us a lot of great information on on that. Um, so hopefully this can be something that can actually come into fruition. Um, but I I don't know if you want to talk about yourself. >> Sure. Uh, so I live here down. I've
lived here for seven years. Um, my kids are getting older and uh, older driving. So now I need something to do. Um, this seems like I also have a certain set of skills, background, and experience that would lend me to be here. Um, probably quite helpful to the town. I've spent a lot of time on the other side of this um
working for contractors and in my younger days I spent a lot of time um wetland permitting mostly um delinating wetlands getting permits for fairly large projects. I've kind of worked all over the country um settled here 7 years ago. I currently work for Eversource as
a uh supervisor of the transmission division. Got uh 12 guys under me. We run all of Western Massachusetts uh transmission anyway. Um, I do an education in environmental planning from Plymouth State University up in New Hampshire from 2004. Um, I've smattered
around at UMass since then with no formal degrees, but in uh soil science, plant science, that kind of thing. Um, and I'm now into construction management. I've kind of moved my way out of uh environmental, but I'm now now in the construction world, but uh my my background is certainly in environmental. And again, I've been
presenting at boards like this since I was 19 years old. >> I don't know. It sounds kind of overqualified. I was like, "No, we got to get back to the discussion that we can't listen. >> I do think it's a great idea." He does seem very qualified, of course, but you
know, and to understand like our bylaws, I think, is pretty much where he needs to be brought up to speed. >> Everything else, I'm pretty sure he's got them. you know, I mean, um, as far as making him sit here every Monday night or every other Monday night, not
sure what good that's going to do him. >> Well, even if he's an associate member, the intent is not necessar it wouldn't be a voting member, >> right? >> Um, but just to have his input. >> Yeah. >> Another set of eyes and ears. >> Okay. Another voice because I think he has more experience.
>> So, he would be able to be part of discussion associate member. >> Absolutely. Okay. Yeah. In my mind, it's >> always worked out that way. But >> in my perfect world, the >> She's from my old neighborhood, so that's cool, too. >> Oh, yeah.
>> Woodland Rich. >> That was on Treetop. >> Oh, no kidding. >> I was at 8 Treetop for probably 15 years >> until when? >> Seven years ago. >> No kidding. There you go. >> Bought your house. Did I buy your house? No, I bought uh another woman's house I bought. I forget her name at the moment.
Um Sue Gone Theater's house. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. across the field of the field. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> I just have a couple comments on on the general topic. Having been an associate member of another committee, a non
voting member, I would be have better attendance than everybody on the I'd be more prepared in every meeting. I couldn't vote. And if they didn't have a quorum and I would have made the quorum, they still had to cancel the meeting.
>> Right. So other boards have the ability to have associate members and if they need them to vote >> part yeah that they that they're allowed to >> I would not be opposed to that. All right. >> I don't know if that >> that might be the legal part.
>> Yeah. I don't know if that part is legal. >> But I think that sounds good to me. >> Yeah. >> Backup >> especially if they've been here at all the meetings and >> they're done project. That's what we >> No, this is the mass general law for
like the >> but like some of these I think the caveat though was that the associate member had to be at the other meetings related to the project. >> Oh, >> that's what I was just going to say. If they were at all the other meetings related to the project so they understood the project and didn't have
to sit here and ask 15,000 questions and delay the process. >> Well, they know what's going on. >> They're not just No, they're right in the dark. >> Yeah. But other than that, I'm very much in favor of it.
>> But also, we have three other members that are on the open space committee. That's correct. Who also are being are interested in being part of this whole thing. >> So, how do we go about making that >> deciding who's who? >> Well, I was thinking about having two
associate members. So, I mean, if they wanted to be one of them wanted to be an associate member as well out there, >> they they could I think that would be good. >> I know one of them probably did because he did apply for >> He did. Yeah. >> Did conservation. The other two might be
just interested in serving as open space people. >> Yeah. >> And that, you know, that's a totally separate different animal. >> Yeah. >> Um >> he might have his plate full now. And >> well, that's true as well. Well, we did it, didn't we?
>> D more than full. >> So, >> it any other comments that anyone would like to make about this stopping? >> Do we need to do anything to get this get the ball rolling on this?
>> I asked Doug um I just I just emailed him this afternoon asking him how would we know what you know definitely how do we how would we know if it's legal or not? Like what do we need to find? How do how do we go about making it legal? >> The other thing is will they be in
charge of choosing that member? >> It it looks like um >> you would give our strong recommendation and then they would follow. >> This is this is I think it really depends on each town and like
who does what normally >> or how the bylaw set up >> like usually my board here at that point. Um, but like I I I >> I found meeting minutes from I don't know the 1980s where they just appointed associates right here at a meeting.
>> Um, whether or not that was quote legal, I don't know. >> Changed by now, too. It could have been changed. >> Yeah. So, um, I would say have a look at that email that Michelle sent us to get so we could have a better idea. Um, and more information, I guess, to drink
Doug. I just chose Doug as sort of like go-to person because he's been on the select board the longest and he's been in part of town um for a while. So >> yeah, >> he's got some knowledge. >> Select board does approve other associate members from other commissions.
>> Yeah. So I'm sure that's how it would go. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But if we did a straw poll here now, everybody would be in favor. >> Favor. >> I pollanimous. I don't even know what that means.
>> It's just a a field. We get a feel for it. >> Okay. >> Sounds good. >> Just to see which way everybody's leaning. It's not a true vote, but it's just like a >> Yeah, >> it's going to be a topic for tomorrow at noon. Was that tomorrow at noon? >> It is. So, that's another thing that
we're going to discuss later. Our budget that the budget's tomorrow at noon, not not the budget, >> just budget. >> Not the hearing, but just the discussion. So it looks like that um Nicole is trying to steer away from boards and
committees attending the Saturday mornings, right? Really? >> And so that's why she's having >> five minutes. >> Yeah. So that's why she's >> she's having these meeting boards and committees ahead of time. So she and I'm not sure if this is officially what's going to happen, but this is her goal.
So then she can go in front of the finance committee and select board and then have those discussions moving down instead of >> all of us coming >> really never made any difference previously when we went to meetings and begged them
>> never made a difference before. over. >> Nice. >> Think we'd miss person. New idea. Not a bad thing. >> But um I did go to a meeting today um uh with Nicole and members of the cultural council. It was good because we actually
kind of figured out why they were um cutting our our budget so much every year and it was just there was um >> they say you don't spend the money, you know. >> Well, the thing is is that we were spending the money. Well, we've been through that before, too. >> Yeah. >> Plus, it's a physical year as opposed to
the calendar year. >> Yeah. Well, we were spending the money, but it was this the money that we spent during like what is it called? The carryover um wasn't showing up in MUN. >> So, it looked like we were only spending 50%, but that wasn't the case. And so,
that we figured that out today. So, it was a productive meeting. >> Good. That's good because we had that question for years. Use it or lose it kind of thing. Yeah. And we knew we spent it, but it wasn't in the books. >> Yeah. So, it was it was good that Sue had the paper ledger. Yeah. Because it
wasn't showing up anywhere else. >> Yeah. Very good. >> Circling back to Robert and associate members, public is always capable of speaking in the public hearings. It's only after the public hearings closed that it comes back to the table. >> Open comment. Right. So the only
>> the only time an associate member has benefit is after it's the public part's closed. So if plans are thrown down and you're sitting over there and you say, "Hey, this and this and this isn't right." >> It's well within your ability member of the public. Sure. Just could be here without the title and still do the job.
>> Yeah, fair enough. >> Yeah, he can be here. He doesn't have necessarily be I just thought it would be good to have an official. >> Um >> Sure. >> I'll take that at the very least. >> Yeah. Sure. And I I we've seen people do that for years in different boards that
just they just have interest. And sometimes as the public, you can actually speak more freely. >> Sure. >> Sure. Yep. >> Not all boards. You've done that. >> Don't instigate. >> It's not on the agenda that you don't speak.
>> This I promise this is not my first cause meeting. I've had five people before. >> Well, very good. Anything else for Robert? Thank you. >> Thank you all very much for volunteering and >> yeah, welcome. We'll see you all next. >> Thanks a lot. Yeah, >> welcome. We hope.
>> Well, I'll be here in the public or I'll be here at the table. I'll be here one way or the other. >> If it has to go through warrant article, it won't happen until May anyways. So, but at least we have >> practice. Well, yeah. >> Exactly. You know, like I feel like it's good to have >> Yeah, absolutely. Your input. Yep.
>> Yeah. >> The brain's a good thing. >> I'm here to help. I'd love to help. That's why that's why I'm here. >> Excellent. Thank you again. All right. >> Very welcome. >> Appreciate it. Next item on the agenda, review application for variance section
6.2 manual removal of docks 5258 Lakemon Street, which is one we have approved multiple times in the past. >> I didn't see him at the big wide and he asked. >> Yeah. >> Bill Johnson.
>> John. Yeah, he was get out of the like >> I don't know if he says I tried to call Sabrina but you that wasn't at the office like >> he called he called it >> was before um before break before Christmas maybe
>> well you must have not left a voicemail I don't >> need to take a vote on that norm yes we do make a motion to approve >> second and made the motion Chris made the second to approve Move the request
for a dock uh to stay in for the winter at 5258 Lake Street. Any further discussion or debate? Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> I >> I >> norm I cabin I >> unanimous further.
Next item review the approval and approve the FY27 budget packet. >> You see that? Did you sign the the paper? >> There it is. No, that's not it. >> The the variance paper.
>> This one. >> Yeah. >> What can I do is that way to pull it up here maybe? >> Right at the bottom. Um, so you guys don't have the packet because I just finished it at like 2 o'clock in this this afternoon. I've sent it via email,
but um I can bring it up to the screen. Thank you. >> Let me just think of where I put it. Conservation budgets and it doesn't. Okay.
And where' it go? Just go. I know I sent it to you guys. share. Please accept my request to share. Um, so this year I did things a little
differently. I Well, you'll be able to see it in a second, I think. Maybe not. H. Why can't I share screen? Let's just share that.
>> There you go. I don't know what happened. Um, I elaborated a bit, a lot actually. um just to sort to explain why we're asking what we're asking and
also what we have and what we can spend it for because it looks like it can look like that we actually have quite a lot of money but we have certain pot that can only be used certain for certain things. Um so basically this is an introduction saying um we acknowledge
that you've requested a 5% decrease. However um we're requesting a modest increase um and for the following reasons and well this is going to be tricky. How
do I turn this over? Hold on. I can't actually see up on top on my computer, but I can see >> on the right hand side there. >> Yeah, there's another one there. >> It's really slow right now. >> Solar solar flares.
>> We're having solar flares. >> No. Wow, this is extremely frustrating. Come on. I'm almost ready just to make copies right now. Come on.
Oh my goodness. What were you saying, Chris? >> That one on the right hand side there. >> Right. The little one by one. Refresh. It looks like every password. >> It does look like every >> That's the same picture, but it's backwards. >> Let me Let me just stop share for a
second and try to figure this out. I think my computer's just kind of like gone. Yeah, it's just gone nuts. You're right. All right, I'm going to start sharing again. >> Okay, >> so this is basically like the meat and potatoes. what we're what we're talking
about here. Um, we here we have our different account names. We have their salaries, which they've requested that we leave those blank, which I'm h fine with. Um, and then we have our conservation operations. Here we have land maintenance, our dues. Um, those dues are for like MACC,
uh, travel and conference. That's what we use for, you know, MACC conferences and their, uh, like online trainings and whatnot. um the Westfield Watershed membership for years we have been giving the money but they haven't really been
sending any anything to us so we just left that at zero last year and I want to leave that at zero this year um consultant that was something that had been on the line items for years um but we haven't really been using that and then supplies which are like our office
supplies and stuff and then down here I have a new line item tree work that I want to put in um because of what's been happening the past couple of years where we have like one or two trees that need to come down and otherwise we wipe out our entire ma land maintenance budget.
So that's why I've added that. Um we have the requested 5% decrease. So the 5% decrease is for the total amounts down here at the bottom. It's not necessarily for every single line item. So that's why I kept land maintenance
for $4,200. Um I dropped down dues to $410. And that's just because um it's basically the base dues for MACC plus me and then like the $20 fee for the like list serve
for conservation coordinators. Um and then anybody else who wants to take the classes, they still can take the classes. They just won't get like the $15 discount. I figured we would just leave it at that because I think we had Julie signed up for it last year, too.
Um, and that was like an extra $65, but I don't think she took any classes. Um, the next one, travel and conference, the f this is where there's going to be the fi mainly the five to% decrease from 1,00 to 800. Um, the next two line items
are zero because we haven't been using them the past I don't know some odd years that I've even been here. and then supplies um leaving at $1,250. Then we have level funded which is the same the same basically um amounts of
money as last year. And then we have department requests. So I'm requesting an increase for land maintenance and that is specifically because of our surveillance cameras and the monthly fees. Um, that was an additional um like
$1,100. Uh, dues, keeping the same. Uh, travel and conference, that's actually supposed to be a,000 right there. I messed up. I'll fix that. Um, again, 000. Uh, supplies, I put $2,000 because of um the
open space committee. that would give them $7,500 to for like office supplies if they need for filings or if they need to, I don't know, print out surveys or, you know, whatever they need to do. So, because um the open space plan is
actually up at the end of this year. So, if I figured give them some money to do that. And then the tree work I put in $10,000. That's like two trees. >> So, you know,
>> um and that's my reasoning for these. And then I went on was this one? Yeah. Um to these accounts, we have the Mortining uh field maintenance, which actually I just found out it was a grant. So, that should be
down here. We have our conservation trust. I'm actually still looking into that. Back in 1967, uh we had a vote on the warrant article to create a conservation fund and part of our con we are allowed to put our
conservation fund money into a trust. So I really feel like it's the same the same account. Um so I'm going to talk to Nicole about that. I already talked to Laura. She thinks I'm I have a pretty strong case. I talked to Jess. She didn't have any information as far as
well, she didn't have any information to tell me that I wasn't right. >> Um, so I feel like the conservation trust is actually our conservation fund, but regardless, we have $8,000 in that account. We still have the CPC conservation trails project money. That
is what I wanted to use for the erosion control for the plantings and stuff cuz that we can use. >> Is there more? I thought there was like 15,000. The total was 15,000, but um some of it was used for the kiosk and like the the
trail trail trailblazers and >> nice job done. >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, but that's what it was for though, you know. >> No, I'm not complaining. I just was wondering. >> It was originally 15,000 though. Yeah. Well, we But we got to spend that, you know. We got to spend that. >> Oh, absolutely.
>> Um and then the Kong portaotties, the ARPA funds. I do not believe we still have those, but I put them there anyways. >> They were pulled back. >> They were pulled back. So, I can actually take that out. We'll cross that off. Then we have our local lake permitting
revolving accounts. So all of our um dock fees and vessel fees goes into this revolving fund and it carries over throughout the year uh throughout the years. We're allowed to spend I think like 40 grand a year. Um, and basically
all we've been using this these funds for is to pay Ellen to pay for the yearly stickers. And I can't remember if there is anything else, but there aren't a lot of costs. I
think we should probably be paying for more administrative work actually because it's still it's still a lot. >> It's a lot. We're already getting we're already getting applications. Well, >> it's like insane. Um, but we have $64,000 in that account. We have our
local wetland application. That's our bylaw fees. We have $8,176 in that account. And our conservation wetland fees, that's just like the regular state fee. Um, which that was unfortunately going into the general fund for a few years. We lost that on
that. Uh, but I made sure that that wasn't happening anymore. And now we have around $1,200 in that account. Okay. So, the total will change too when you pull out the 5,000 from our funds. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yep. That and that just that'll that'll
automatically do that in the Excel spreadsheet. There's like a a formula. Um the only thing I have on this form which is salaries, operations, and capital um items slash projects. This is for fiscal year 2027.
is to purchase a weed whacker. And I talked with Steve in buildings and grounds and he essentially said that he could mow and weed whack the Senowski community garden >> for us. However, he wanted us to
purchase a >> Okay. >> So, >> that would probably save us around $700 a year. >> So, that that's why I'm requesting that. >> Okay. Think there a dollar amount though. It has to be over $5,000 for capital
>> maybe. Not sure. >> Buy a really good one right on air conditioning. >> Steve Blacker. I got a quote from Steve. He's like, I want this one. >> Um I don't I don't know. Uh that might
be something I need to adjust. And then we've got the five-year projection. The only thing I could think of was the rising corner parking area. It has problems with u water drainage. Uh and we had that meeting
>> do that >> couple times. >> It needs to be done again, I guess. >> Wow. >> But we had that meeting last >> Did they put crush like gravel and stuff? >> Yeah, there's crushed gravel. Um I think it just put a band-aid on it though. I don't think it actually like fixed it. And that's our only handicapped
acceptable um accessible trail in town. Um, so I think it's important that the the parking area be improved, but also we had that meeting from the Appalachian Mountain Club last year and they were trying to get some
funds to >> improve the um >> bridge >> the handicap accessible path. I guess the the pitch was off >> and they wanted to make it all accessible. So had a couple other things and there they they asked well during
that meeting if we could improve the parking area and and you guys said yeah that would be something. So that's something I'm thinking in my head. I tried emailing I think it was Miriam to see what the result was for that for the application they put in last year
because she said that she would know like around July if they got it or not and she didn't get back to me. I don't know. She's I don't know. Maybe she's on vacation or something. >> Good. >> Um, and yeah, $10,000. I just put around
$10,000. I have no idea. I didn't quote it, but just something just to put that >> Yeah. >> up there. >> Press you do it last time >> perhaps. Um, these line item justifications
basically is what I told you guys. Um why there is an increase from last year for our land maintenance was the surveillance cameras uh mentioned that we have a decrease from last year for our dues a travel and conference I want that level funded um
zero for both westfield watershed membership and consultant and then supplies the $2,000 which is the increase and I also mentioned the tree work and the weed whacker Um, and then I mentioned again the
future project. So that's basically I wanted to make sure that they had as much information as possible and read up why we're requesting this money and not just like it's not coming out of thin air. And I just went back with what all the information that I could find on
past budgets and expended um funds. And this was back in back from fiscal year uh 2020 21 22. That's when Dennis left, I think, and then I started. So, it makes sense that we didn't spend that much money because there was no one to
spend money. Um, fiscal year 2023. Here I go. I'm spending money. And then 24. And then I don't have the information for 25 yet. Um, but that just shows that we have been relatively consistent on spending the money that we were that
we're requesting. And then don't bother with this. It's it's basically justification what I was counting for here. >> Yeah. >> Um >> those numbers that made your graph. >> Yeah, exactly. Um and you can use a magnifying glass if you really want to know.
>> And then this just shows our salaries versus operations right here. And then I go into the different funds that we have, our revenue sources. And I don't know if you want me to read each one, but essentially what I wanted to
make sure um that well you guys are aware and the finance committee is aware, select board's aware that yeah, we have revenue sources. >> Um and in each one of these sources, I tried to put as much information as possible for each account, where the
money is coming from, what we can use it, who can use it, how much we can how much we can spend, like basically everything I could think of. Um, and then you know what are what the funds currently or what the accounts currently have for funds. So we have like $1600
for the conservation wetland fees. So this is updated. I don't think it matches the other ones. Not important. Um, I put down the conservation trust account and conservation funds separately because I still haven't 100% prove that they're the same ones. is one
of did we call it the Woody >> the Woody fund I think is the trust but I think the trust is the conservation fund. Okay. >> Because otherwise like so that we did approve we did approve to create conservation fund and it was there was
money put in it back in 196768. Where's the fund now? >> Right. >> So >> yeah, it's got to be the same. >> We have our conservation gift account. This was opened up with anticipation that we were going to get $5,000. We
didn't get those $5,000, but I want this account to remain open for future gifts. Um just because that was kind of a headache just like trying to get the account like wait we we can't take your money yet and then when we finally opened up the account he oh never mind
>> changed my mind. >> Uh we have the 155 Mort Vining uh field maintenance account. Um this is for our Senowski land preserve which is located at 155 Mort mining road. This was purchased with a land grant from the
state. Um, right. It was a land grant or was it >> self-help self-help? They changed the name to land. >> It was was self. >> It was self-help at the time. >> Yeah. >> Executive Office of Environmental Basically the same thing. >> Yeah.
>> Um, >> changed over to the >> ECR. Well, Sophanowski has a couple of or a few fields and they need to be maintained for wildlife habitat. Um, we
have what? Well, right here, the family that is is hanging the field. They're not um there's no there's no money exchanged for the hanging of the field from my understanding. >> No. Brush. >> Exactly. So, >> hang is not
>> the hang is not part of part of >> we're not even paying for gas anymore. Well, we get paid to brought to the brush hog. And as far as the mowing goes, you don't get any. >> No, we just take we take the hay. >> They take the hay and they use the hay. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Um and so, like Kevin mentioned,
they do get paid for the brush hogging, and that's what this account is for. It's for the brush hogging and like any invasive species that need to be um dealt with. So, currently there's $3,292 and we pay the Solax
um $1,200 a year. So, $600 per brush. >> So, I want to just basically empty that account. I don't know if we need to apply for another grant. Um I I don't have information on that specific grant. I just saw in a letter from Carl saying that this particular account was a grant
and it's used for brush hogging. So, we might need to apply for a grant in the future. >> NRCS. >> Yeah, maybe. Then, uh, this is just a bunch of information on the Concom, what we're responsible
for. Again, just to give them a better picture of what we actually do, because I feel like no one really knows what we do. Um, >> but we say it in writing. >> Yeah. And if we need to edit it, add or whatever, we can. But at least this is
just a base. Then we have our uh fiscal year 2027 department goals. Um this goes beyond the day-to-day stuff that we need to do with permitting and whatnot. Um I have written down collaborate with the open space management and planning committee to update our open space and
recreation plan. um design, permit, and imple implement the planting plan for the three sections of the roaded area at the northbound conservation area. We need to print and install the signs that were designed by uh Lucas Care and the Shinron Yoku.
And I'd like to design um kiosk signs for the North Pond Conservation Area and the Granville Gorge Us. And then I also just u created a chart on our over
>> division of responsibilities and what we do. Okay. >> Yeah. We like the package >> just just a couple of >> y >> highlights here. >> So you were requested or we were requested to submit a 5% reduction from
last year. >> Yes. And we achieved that with the exception of new line item trees. >> Is that correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Uh we I basically just took some funds out of the travel and conference. >> So we we're not really using it that
much the travel and conference. So >> I'd like you guys to use more >> and in the previous years we've gone in for additional hours for our coordinator. >> Yeah. Given up. >> Given up. >> I've given up.
There's only so many times I can say I need this >> every for the last 20 years. >> Yeah. >> So, I'm just going to do what I can do. >> You agree that's the right way to go. >> That's up to her. I I want to I would like to advocate for her. >> Are you Are you still not full-time now?
Then are >> technically I am fulltime with the town of South Lake, but I'm 24 hours for conservation. and eight hours for community preservation. So,
um I was told that they will look into it this coming year. So, my contract is up for renewal this year. So, I might have some bargaining power there. >> Wouldn't hurt for it.
>> Yeah. Ask would advocate for >> the other thing is is the money that the the conservation generates with the revenue. Can any of that be used? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And we don't use we're not using all of it. >> So the only thing is start doing that. >> We could start doing that. The only
thing is that it's not a constant source of revenue. We we don't know. Sometimes we have sometimes we have two applications. Sometimes we have 22 applications. >> So we don't know >> the local permitting program. >> We can use that for >> should be taking money out of that
because you spend a lot of time on right. And I believe what uh assistant associate >> Naen >> Naen said was if you in addition to your
24 hours for conservation if you work six more hours that week for LPP issues you could work 30 hours. I think that'd be ideal. >> So it's as needed basis. So you're make you're making the money that you're working at kind of like
>> getting paid for what you're doing. Yeah. >> So anything you said should >> should be separate. Well >> should be separate and >> that would need to I think that would need to be put in writing because right now I cannot do anything over 32 hours
according to accounting. I'm saying category is that but if you're considering fulltime already >> it wouldn't make any difference that insurance rate or anything. >> I don't understand because we do have funds that we could take out and
supplement the extra hours. We do have that right now and I wouldn't what push me because I already have the benefits. >> What time is your meeting tomorrow? >> 12 >> 12 >> 12. You going to be able to make a trip? >> I'm working. Yeah, >> I'll go. I'll go. >> I said I will be there. Where is it
going to be upstairs? >> It's going to be in Nicole's office, which you know where the select board um main office is. It's just one one door down. >> Okay. >> And >> is it just Nicole? >> As far as I know, it's just
>> noon time noon. I would that makes perfect sense. Normally I can be there at 12. >> That'd be awesome. >> I would sponsor that would go along with that. I think that's a great idea. It only makes sense spending a lot of time on that and The money's there coming in for it.
>> It's a consistent source of revenue. You can pretty much predict every year what you're >> We know how many docks there are. Norman, how many got an idea? >> We beg for more hours for conservation since >> I've started here. Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> And it never they never increased. That's funny. This would be a way to do it without having to >> So basically, if say she needs eight more, couldn't you just say, "All right, well, we're gonna designate eight hours a week for I don't know how much the LP brings in, but if it was eight hours a
week throughout the year, >> six hours a week that how many hours?" >> So, I'm 32 hours right now total. So, it wouldn't be it would be like five extra hours. But what I wanted to do is I wanted to quit CPC.
I wanted to quit CPC and have that extra hours, you know, the extra eight hours, whatnot, and then >> eight nine hours total. >> Then we will use our money. >> Um or maybe like lessen the eight hours from CPC. I
>> Yeah, we don't really need you that. We only have like three meetings a year. So, >> yeah, I know. You really don't like >> when we need you, we need you. But >> yeah, um >> do you want to go from the current 32 to round it off to 40? Is that the general idea? I think I think technically my aim I think would be 37 and a half because
that's >> okay. >> I think that's like what all the staff does. >> Um yeah. >> All right. Yeah. >> So maybe maybe >> avoid that over time. >> So that five and a half hours LP would
cover that through through the year with what we bring in for revenue. Is that what I'm >> It could um >> that doesn't really change you. I think it I think it should be a mixture between the LPP and like the the the wetland funds. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> Um LPP is pretty consistent with, you know, the revenue source, but like I said with the other two accounts, well, there are two accounts that we can pull from to be for me. >> So, and we one of those accounts is only
$1,200 because we were putting it in the wrong place before. >> Yeah. So, I think we missed out on like $21,000 in like four years. >> Those accounts you can't use for personnel or >> which one? >> I'm not sure, but one of them is you can't use it for >> I don't know.
>> Have to check with NACC. It's in the book >> because I tried to do that before and >> I'm under the impression that >> account you can't you can't pay for staff. >> That might be the conservation. because I'm I'm pretty sure you can use
you can use wetland fees for administration, but >> it's spelled out in the in the big blue handbook there. >> The big blue handbook. >> I would just say that what if if they won't give us more money for sub needs hours for if we can whatever
if we can legally pull it out of >> supplement out of the LP. >> I think that's what we should do. >> That she works that many hours anyway. >> They owe me anyway. That fund owes me. Um, >> okay. >> So, for tomorrow's meeting, you'll
update this for the putting your additional hours in. >> Um, well, there's really no place for me to put additional hours in this packet because like I said, they h they request
for us not to talk about salaries. But what we can do is talk with Nicole about it and see if we could put something separate together and we could present it to them >> because I don't think it's the f >> you want us to talk about salaries. That's what we're gonna we want to talk about.
>> Yeah. I don't I don't really think it's ne I think the administration deals with the salaries and not the finance committee. I think that's what why things >> I don't know. >> I don't know. We tried we tried so many
ways. >> I still don't want it to go this way last time. Well, we don't do that. They do that. Yeah. They say that we don't do that. They do that. We don't care who nobody does. Somebody. >> So, that's that's the thing. As long as we can corner it into somebody. >> Money's there. We're bringing it in.
>> Yeah. We should spend it where it's going. >> Right. Right. Makes it want to work. >> Absolutely. >> I'm pretty sure nobody got 5% reduction in their property taxes this year. >> Close though. Very close. >> Yeah. >> Well, you're pulling that together. Sabrina, nice job.
>> Yeah, very nice. >> Use this for years to come. >> All right, next item under new business. 1542 Birkshire A file number 2920433 work started.
Vote to accept John Condrin Condan as the erosion control monia. We have anything back up to that? Just a request to approve. This is so we did a pre-construction site visit. I I gave him the go-ahad to start work. Yeah. >> Um and then he
>> agreed to be the erosion control monitor. >> Okay. So, let's make a motion for that, please. >> I'll make a motion. So, moved. I'll >> second. >> Made the motion.
>> Chris made the second. Any discussion or debate? Roll call vote. I Chris I >> Dennis I >> norm I >> Andy I >> Kevin I >> unanimous vote >> item number five construction
restriction for 17-39 Vinings Hill Road Nobles subdivision has been approved by division of conservation services and the executive office of energy and environmental affairs and is ready to proceed with local signatures. The
grantee is Town of Silver Conservation Commission. >> So Alvin Allen is going to be in charge of making sure we get all of the signatures in the town hall. So I don't have that with me today, but just
letting you guys know that I know this has been a long time waiting. >> Yeah. >> Um but it has finally been approved. >> This is the bridge. This is the conservation restriction for the open space which was which was a requirement for the planning board. >> Okay.
>> Well, unfortunately we get the burden of being the conservation the monitoring >> without any without any extra monetary like >> we need to get money for this like we need we need the subdivision
applicants to have funds so we can continue to to monitor these properties. say in the conservation restriction they're responsible for any financial it should say that >> it might but >> they have to >> but as far as that still
>> but if we have to hire a consultant they have to >> I'll just call I'm not crazy about it the town doesn't get to reap any of the benefits because it's private until
nobody can go on that property except the >> the Yeah, some of the properties are private, some of them are public, >> but >> I don't know. >> I'd have to read I'd have to read the restriction. >> Yeah, I don't know what category this one was under.
>> Planning board didn't want to make it exclusible for towns people. They wanted it to be private. So, just for people in the subdivision. So, that's how the last one was done at the um course.
>> That makes sense. would have been nice because there was an access right from the road been a parking area but >> in that greens. Yeah, >> it would have been nice. >> They want us to take the responsibility
but not bring any of the rewards. >> Yeah. Not make it for public. >> Anyway, right now the biggest thing is like when it snows, who's going to blow? Are they going to come and plow? Who's coming to blow? >> Where are you going to put the snow? That's what happened.
>> Going to melt anyway. >> But that's good subjects for a matter for the open space committee. So >> yeah, >> any further discussion on that item? >> I think that's been done. >> Item number six, public meeting for Cong
Lake set for January 14th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Southwork Time Hall and via Zoom. We have a public notice that I've been asked to read >> from Darren Davis, the state conservation engineer. >> Public meeting for Cong Lake set for
January 14th, 2026. It says December 12th, 2025, USD Natural Resources and Conservation Service, NRCS is hosting a public meeting to discuss the preparation of a watershed plan and environmental assessment of Condaman
Lake and the Great Brookhed in Southwest Camden County, Massachusetts. There will be two opportunities during the public during which the public is encouraged to engage with the technical review themes. The first meeting will be a hybrid in-person and virtual meeting at the
South Town Hall 454 Southport or College Highway on January 14th, 2026 at 6 p.m. Assistance will be provided to anyone having difficulty determining how to participate. This meeting will present the purpose and scope of the planning
effort. Public input is encouraged to support evaluation of formulated alternatives. Comments or questions may be submitted until February 14th of 2026 by mail to Cong Lake Great Watershed Plan EA Care
of Pair Corporation 10 Lincoln Road Street 210 Foxboro, Mass. Also online at email congamorp.com. Representatives from local sponsors and NRCS along with technical consultants team will provide information on the
scope of the planning activities various alternatives being considered for as part of the assessment answer questions and concerns about the planned activities with and seek public input. Federal funding has been received to assist the local sponsors in developing
the plan but has not yet been secured the fund for the design of construction of these projects. NRCS provides reasonable accommodations to enable persons with disabilities to participate in agency programs and activities
from Devon Davis. I will be attending. Are you attending? I think so. >> Okay. >> Anything else on that one? >> No. >> We'll switch to old business. Discussion
of a fall planting plan for North Pond Conservation Area. >> Chav and I will touch base um maybe later this month if not in February. Probably later this month actually >> if you have time. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. Discussion of open space committee. Do we have anything new to
report on that? Um I I don't think there's anything new um other than I they're doing a great job. >> Can we approve that letter to those >> Oh, you guys have that you guys have that. It looks very good.
>> Um and if and if you guys like it, uh Norm can sign it and then I'll I'll send it over to the select board's office. >> I get all the highlights from their sign. I'll sign it right now. All right. Good.
>> I'll make a motion to accept the letter. All in >> favor, Chris. I nor I >> Andy. >> Um, can we go a little out of order just because we're talking about letters?
>> Um, you have to make a go out of order. No, >> the the I I wrote up a letter for the lake management committee on um regarding 159 Bergkshire Avenue basically saying that we reviewed the
plans and um have made the decision that none of this is in our jurisdiction and we're not going to do anything further with the matter. Um so that >> what we decided >> and then I can I can site that that way
and then >> unfortunately it's it has to be proved. >> Well the only other thing is there's nothing in the plans that said that it's been moved from the south to the north end of the property. >> Should I Dick was saying that he was
concerned that they're they're working a different plan than what's on paper. Well, no. Well, only thing we can look at is what paper. >> Yes, >> I I'm okay with I brought that up because that
>> we can add it unless it changes the south and to the north. I mean, so isn't it east to west as far as the way the brook run ran? I mean, I can re I can add something to the letter saying um unless unless
the plan changes, we will take no further action in this matter. >> More than happy to revisit it if >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Significant change in location maybe or something. Yeah. >> Any change in location. >> Any change in location. >> Happy to review
any future changes. >> Make a motion accept the letter as amended. >> I'll second it. >> Roll call vote. >> My I Dennis >> I norm. >> Unanimous vote to approve the letter as
amended. Next item is tabled 721 meeting from the proposed south equipment bylaw. We're going to keep that on the table. Discussion of 485 Lake View Drive, Connecticut is the next one. That is the retaining wall. There's nothing new to
report there. Next item is the Dead Tree North Pond Conservation Property. Any update there? >> Dead tree is gone. >> Thanks. >> Great job. So, this is the last time to be on the
>> I'm taking it all. >> You got to flame this one. Very true. >> I'm gonna miss it. Don't >> There might be another dead tree in the future. Who knows? There might >> How long was that? Three years. >> I would say at least two.
>> No, she mentioned it to me in 2024. >> She said in 2023, >> they got struck by lightning in 2023. >> Okay. >> And then the needle started to turn black. >> Yeah. I was waiting for an appearance by that Dr. Seuss character. It's the trees.
>> Okay. >> Next item report on the Southfield Conservation Commission meeting. Their last meeting there was nothing on the agenda about the lake so I did not attend. The next meeting is next Tuesday and I'm planning on attending I haven't
seen the agenda yet. >> Okay. Now we have the minutes we need to approve. >> We do have the minutes. Oh, you guys forgot >> sign. I thought they were very nice. >> Very nice. You guys forgot to sign the
December 1st meeting. >> Or maybe I forgot to give it to you to sign. Regardless, they need to be signed. >> The ones you had to be there, >> Norm, there are some mail things in there, too. Yeah. >> So, I don't want people just to get up
because I'm doing the minutes right now. every there's something on the 11th too was another meeting that you were asking or is that changed to this day the one tomorrow >> with the calendar up there
>> 14 that's that congam 6 >> 6 p.m. >> Okay, got it. >> That's also in hybrid though. >> Got it. Yeah, >> I believe we're going to probably be there, Michelle and I. >> We could. >> Which meeting are you talking about? >> Yeah, it's the was the >> Lakes. >> Yeah, 14 NRCS.
>> Yeah, for lakes. Six meeting six o'clock meeting town hall room for lakes. >> Yep. That was the public notice that Norley >> one tomorrow is at 12. I have >> 12 o'clock. The more the marrier. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Back on the minutes. Anybody see
anything they want to make any changes there? Hearing none, I'll take a motion. >> Make a motion. Dr. >> Chris made the motion. Kevin made the second. >> I Dennis.
>> I Kevin. >> Unanimous vote on the minutes. Other items in the mail for that we have a letter sign that I think Phil Chasing of conservation commissioners which I'll
only read some of the highlights. This is uh has to do with as we head into the window senior writing to you about M for next year going to get for next year will be $330.
What does this include? You get a reduced member pricing at MAC training. You get you get the handbook protecting wetlands and open space and environmental handbook for Massachusetts conservation commissioners.
You also get conservation connections, an online forum where commissioners ask questions and share knowledge. There's a helpline which you can call for assistance. There's an electronic resource library,
free job postings, professional advocacy of MAC for strong science-based environmental laws, regulations, and policies at the local, state, and federal levels. And they like to vote for MAC board of
directors. What is not included in your commission duties? MAC memberships for associate commissioners, agents, and staff are not included in the MAC due. >> These individuals will require an additional $60 per person per year. Once
your associated members and staff are MAC members, they will be eligible for all member benefits listed above. From Dorothy Mlenny, executive director, >> those are new views. Think I think the
commission dues went down for by $5 and the um No, I think it's cheaper this year. Oh, >> I thought anything cheaper.
>> I must have made a mistake. >> Do it now. >> Yeah, we got this forest cutting plan. Did you want to discuss that? >> Um, you guys each have a copy of the forest cutting plan. This is a long-term forest cutting plan. I just got this today and I sent it out to you guys. Um
I'm not sure if you want to >> this golf call. >> Um >> it looks like a golf course. >> Yeah. >> I don't know. >> It's a family. >> Yeah. >> So are you are you familiar with
>> family fairways? No. That explains all the excluded areas and how it kind of looks like a golf course. >> It says they're not going to go through any weapons. >> Yep. >> When they plan on doing it. Yeah.
>> So, it hasn't been I don't believe it's been approved by the state. >> Um, this has just been >> Yeah. So we can get input if we needed to, but >> and it might say when they plan on starting. >> Start date is December 22nd, 2025.
>> Where does it say that? >> It says John Mason 12225. >> Is that the middle date or is that the start date? >> I don't I'm not familiar with this form. So I thank you Andy. Yes. >> Okay. >> So the start date is up like a couple
weeks ago. >> Hold on. Okay. >> The proposed just for our information only. Correct. >> Right. >> Yes. I mean, if we had if we had some issues, we could, you know, contact them and >> they give you only like a week or two.
Yeah. >> Comment on, >> but any other coordinator activities you'd like to bring up? >> Do we go through all the mail? I >> believe so.
um coordinator activities that I want to bring up. No, I've basically been out of work out of out of work for like two weeks. So, I got I got nothing. >> Well, >> oh, I did get a part-time job for the town of Blandford as their coordinator.
>> Oh, good for you. >> Congratulations. >> That's the first one. >> I'll make a motion. Take a motion to adjurnn. >> What? >> You made the motion. I'll second the motion. >> Excellent. >> Made the motion. >> Andy made the second.
>> Roll call vote. >> I miss Mr. Chris. I Dennis. I norm. Andy. Very good. Closing the meeting here at 804. >> 805. 805.