Approved 11/10/2009
TOWN OF WELLESLEY
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
October 27, 2009, 7:30 PM
NRC Office, Lower Level, Town Hall
Attending: Neal Seaborn, Chair, Heidi Gross, Sec., Rick Bashian (arriving at 7:50 pm, departing at 9:45 pm), Joan Gaughan, Janet Hartke Bowser, NRC Director.
Absent: Paul Cramer, Vice Chair.
Guests: Mike Quinn, DPW Assistant Superintendent for Parks, Kent Warren, Town Arborist, DPW, Stephen Rabin, 28 Valley Road, George Karayiannis, 153 Weston Road, Michael Robert Cave, 144 Weston Road, Ms. Elaine Putnam, 200 Grove Street.
NRC Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing Pursuant to MGL c. 87
Ms. Bowser stated that in accordance with State Law, this Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing has been advertised and that all trees proposed for removal were identified and posted in accordance with the law. She stated that it is the NRC and DPW policy to plant replacement trees wherever a tree has been removed if the site conditions are appropriate. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross, the NRC’s Tree Subcommittee, stated that they had inspected all trees proposed for removal.
26” Norway Maple at 144 Weston Road
Mr. Quinn indicated that this 26” Norway maple has major trunk defects including cracks and rot. He stated that due to upcoming construction work on Weston Road, there is a high probability that this tree will suffer extensive root damage and should be removed. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren and Greg Carr, Massachusetts Certified Arborist (MCA). Mr. Quinn stated that the NRC denied removal of this tree on 05/12/09, and the tree was placed on the Watch List. Mr. Michael Cave, the owner of 144 Weston Road voiced his opposition to the removal of this tree. Mr. Quinn indicated that there will be no construction work on Weston Road near this tree until next spring, due to a postponement of the construction project. Given this information, the NRC concluded that this tree
should stay up and be placed on the Watch List for further evaluation. Mr. Cave, the owner at 144 Weston Road, asked whether or not the DPW believes that the three trees on Weston Road will inevitably be harmed by the construction. Mr. Quinn stated “yes” that there is no way that the street construction work can occur in harmony with the trees and that the road work itself, because of the proximity to the trees, will irreparably harm the trees. Mr. Quinn stated that he will double check with the DPW Engineering Engineering Department to see if there is any mitigation available to further protect the trees. However, he said that because the trees are already in decline, mitigation may not be enough to save them. He stated that it may be possible to bypass the tree root areas and not install the granite curbing that is being proposed for this project. Mr. Quinn will follow-up on this mitigation measure. After further discussion, a motion was
made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to deny the removal of this tree and to place it on the Watch List for further evaluation until next spring.
35” Sugar Maple at 153 Weston Road
Mr. Quinn indicated that this 35”sugar maple has major rot in the 20’ leader leaning toward the residence at this property. He stated that the limb over the street has major deadwood in it and there will be root and trunk damage occurring due to the Weston Road Construction project and it is recommended that the tree be removed. He stated that the NRC denied its removal on 05/12/09, and the tree was placed on the Watch List. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren and Greg Carr, (MCA). The NRC discussed this tree and indicated that they would like to place it on the Watch List, since construction will not take place on Weston Road until next spring and Mr. Quinn will place it on the Watch List. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to
deny the removal of this tree and to place it on the Watch List for further evaluation in the spring.
43” Sugar Maple at 28 Valley Road
Mr. Quinn indicated that this 43” sugar maple has some dead wood in the canopy and some signs of rot in the trunk. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren, and the DPW recommends removal of the dead wood and reduction of the canopy and continued monitoring of this tree. The request for removal was made by the owner of the property, Stephen Rabin, and he thanked the DPW for the pruning work that they have done on this tree. Mr. Rabin requested that this tree be removed, but after further discussion the NRC concluded that they would like to keep the tree up and place it on the Watch List, due to its general good health. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to deny the removal of this tree and to place it on the Watch List.
35” Sugar Maple at 11 Seaver Street
Mr. Quinn stated that this 35” sugar maple, which is to the right of the house on this property, has some trunk rot and the entire right side over the parkland is dead. There is a cable in the tree but it is slack. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren and Greg Carr, MCA. He stated that the NRC had denied its removal on 05/12/09 and the tree was placed on the Watch List, and the DPW subsequently pruned the deadwood from this tree. It is recommended that this tree now be removed. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to remove the tree and to plant a replacement tree, if the site is appropriate.
31” Sugar Maple at Weston Road opposite Curve Street
Mr. Quinn stated that this 31” sugar maple has a large section of rot in the trunk and poor structure due to cut backs from the electrical wires. He stated that the root zone will be damaged in the upcoming Weston Road project. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren and Greg Carr, MCA. The NRC denied removal of this tree on 05/12/09 and the tree was placed on the Watch List and the DPW subsequently pruned this tree. It is recommended that this tree now be removed. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to deny the removal of this tree and to place it on the Watch List.
16” Norway Maple at 16 Heckle Street
Mr. Quinn indicated that this 16” Norway maple has severe die-back and should be considered for removal. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren. This owner of the property, Erik Pearson, requested that the tree be removed. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to remove the tree and to plant a replacement tree, if the site is appropriate.
30” Ailanthus at Warren Triangle
Mr. Quinn stated that this Ailanthus, which is located on parkland adjacent to Walnut Street, is a twin 30” leader tree that has a very weak trunk union and is overpowering the adjacent desirable trees, as well as the sidewalk and roadway. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren, and it is recommended that this tree be removed, as this is an invasive tree which is not allowing the desirable surrounding trees to mature. Mr. Warren stated that this tree is back of the sidewalk and on Town parkland, and so technically is not a public shade tree. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Gross indicated that this tree is in good health and is very attractive although it is considered somewhat of an invasive and they recommend that this tree not be removed and that it be placed on the Watch List. Mr. Warren indicated that it was
his opinion and also DPW Landscape Planner Ms. Vlass’s opinion that this tree is crowding out the adjacent desirable trees and that if it continues to be allowed to grow, that it will have a substantial negative impact on the desirable trees in this area. There was further discussion by the NRC and they concluded that they would like to conduct a site visit with Ms. Vlass and Mr. Warren to further evaluate this tree. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to deny the removal of this tree and to place it on the Watch List for further evaluation and to conduct a site visit to further evaluate this tree.
21” Sugar Maple at 6 Francis Road
Mr. Quinn stated that this 21”sugar maple has severe dieback throughout the entire canopy, which is most likely due to its poor location and previous trunk injuries. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren, and it is recommended that this tree be removed. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to remove the tree and to plant a replacement tree, if the site is appropriate.
19” Norway Maple at 78 Prospect Street
Mr. Quinn indicated that this 19” norway maple has very poor root structure, as well as a large crack in the main trunk. This tree also has a severe lean out over the roadway, and as there are desirable locations for new trees in the area, it is recommended that this tree be removed. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to remove the tree and to plant a replacement tree, if the site is appropriate.
16” Norway Maple at 80 Prospect Street
Mr. Quinn indicated that this 16” norway maple has very poor root structure, as well as a severe lean toward the residence. There is also a major cavity in the trunk at the point of lean. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren, and it is recommended that this tree be removed. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to remove the tree and to plant a replacement tree, if the site is appropriate.
24” Norway Maple at 85 Prospect Street
Mr. Quinn indicated that this 24” Norway maple is starting to decline in the canopy, but the major concern is the long vertical cracks in the trunk that extend down into the root flare. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren, and it is recommended that this tree be removed. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to remove the tree and to plant a replacement tree, if the site is appropriate.
22” Horse Chestnut at 402 Linden Street
Mr. Quinn indicated that this 22” horse chestnut has a major wound at the base on the street side. There is a danger of this tree failing and falling across Linden St and into the power lines. This tree was inspected by Greg Carr, MCA, and it is recommended that this tree be removed. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to remove the tree and to plant a replacement tree, if the site is appropriate.
21” Norway Maple at 8 Juniper Road
Mr. Quinn indicated that this 21” norway maple has a large, mostly healthy canopy, but there are two cavities in the main trunk This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren, and the DPW recommends that a crown reduction be done at this time and that the tree should be monitored. The tree removal was requested by the property owner at 8 Juniper Road, Mr. Matthew Keator. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to remove the tree and to plant a replacement tree, if the site is appropriate.
Red Oak at 114 Wellesley Avenue
Mr. Quinn recommended that the remainder of the large twin-leader red oak at this location be removed. He indicated that the front half of the tree was removed by the DPW in the fall of 2008, with the knowledge that the tree would most likely continue to fail, and Mr. Quinn stated that its rate of decline of this tree indicates that the remainder of this tree should be taken down soon. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren. Mr. Quinn noted that it appears that a gas leak at this location has led to the decline and has had a significant impact on this tree and that he will be sending a claim and a notification to National Grid for the removal and replacement costs of this tree. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of this tree and
to support the DPW’s claim to National Grid for the removal and replacement costs of this tree due to its decline from an on-going gas leak.
35” White Oak at 200 Grove Street
Mr. Quinn indicated that this 35” white oak was inspected in the fall of 2009, and the DPW tree crew pruned out all of the deadwood. He stated that the tree continues to decline and the majority of the growth now is just water sprouts, which are of no significance to the future health of the tree. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren, and it is recommended that this tree be removed. Mr. Quinn discussed with the NRC that it is highly likely that a gas leak at this location caused the decline and death of this tree. Ms. Elaine Putnam, a resident of this area, stated that she has smelled gas at this location for a long time, and that she has called National Grid on numerous occasions and has received a nominal response. Mr. Quinn stated that he will submit a claim for the death of
this public shade tree to National Grid and will bill them for the cost of removal and for tree replacement costs. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to approve the removal of this tree and to support the DPW’s claim to National Grid for the removal and replacement costs of this tree due from an on-going gas leak.
17” Norway Maple at 76 Prospect Street
Mr. Quinn indicated that this 17” norway maple has a poor root structure and a rotted cavity in the main trunk, and there is not much area for this tree to thrive, and it has developed a very poor growth structure. Mr. Quinn also stated that there are desirable locations for new trees in the area and he recommended that this tree be removed. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren. This owner of the property, Francis Campion, requested that the tree be removed. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to remove the tree and to plant a replacement tree, if the site is appropriate.
27” Sugar Maple at 21 Fairbanks Road
Mr. Quinn stated that this 27” sugar maple has a large volume of decay in the trunk at the base as well as a large canopy that is leaning out toward the residence. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren, and it is recommended that this tree be removed. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to remove the tree and to plant a replacement tree, if the site is appropriate.
18” Sugar Maple at 5 Croton Street
Mr. Quinn stated that this 18-inch sugar maple has been in decline for several years, and do to its poor health and location, its removal is requested with a plan for a replacement tree. He stated that the NRC had denied its removal on 6/10/08, 11/18/08, and 05/12/09. He stated that the tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4-0 to deny the removal of this tree and to place it on the Watch List for further evaluation.
2 Red Oaks at 2 Old Town Road
Mr. Quinn stated that a 16” red oak and a 18” red oak at this location are almost completely dead, which is most likely due to the recent removal and rebuild of the house at this location, and it is recommended that both of these trees be removed. He stated that the trees were inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to remove both of the trees and to plant replacement trees, if the site is appropriate.
43” Sugar Maple at 11 Seaver St.
Mr. Quinn stated that this 43-inch sugar maple, which is located on Town land directly beside the garage at this location, has a major leader with a very large crack going out over the garage and the rear portion of the house. He stated that there are also signs of stress and cracking in the main trunk, and it is recommended that this tree be removed. This tree was inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren. It was noted that it appears that this tree is in a wetland resource area and Ms. Bowser will follow-up to determine if any additional wetlands review or permitting is needed. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to remove the tree and to plant a replacement tree, if the site is appropriate.
24” White Pine and 21” Sugar Maple at Town Hall near the Duck Pond
Mr. Quinn indicated that the 24” white pine is split just above the ground and is hung-up in one of the trees on the island in the middle of the Duck Pond. The 21” sugar maple, which is located on the edge of the pond beside the walkway and only 30’ from the broken pine tree, has severe rot in the trunk in a vertical cavity from the ground up to a minimum of 12’, which appears to be the result of an old injury. These trees were inspected by DPW Arborist Kent Warren, and it is recommended that both of these trees should be removed. After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to remove the tree and to plant a replacement tree, if the site is appropriate.
Discussion Re: Claim for Death of Public Shade Tree at 29 Boulder Road Due to an On-Going Gas Leak
Mr. Quinn reviewed with the NRC a claim made to National Grid that was filed and dated October 19, 2009, for the death, removal, and replacement costs for a tree at 29 Boulder Road as a result of an on-going gas leak. A copy of the DPW’s claim was submitted to the NRC. Mr. Quinn said that the total claim is $5,136.98 and that this is the first such claim made by the Town to National Grid due to the death of a public shade tree from a gas leak. Mr. Quinn said that he will keep the NRC updated on the status of this claim, and hopefully, National Grid will be cooperative and no additional efforts will need to be taken to recover the submitted claim.
Director’s Report
Update on Integrated Pest Management (IPM)/Natural Turf Management Plan Report
Ms. Bowser stated that this Management Plan has been completed by the NRC consultant on this project, Mr. Chip Osborne of Osborne Organics, and that she has just received a copy and that she has given a copy to Mike Quinn of the DPW to review as well. Ms. Bowser will work with Mr. Quinn to review the plan’s recommendations prior to submittal to the NRC for their review and approval. Ms. Bowser will keep the NRC updated on the status of this plan.
Update on Status of 27 Washington Street Wetlands Protection Permit Appeal
Ms. Bowser stated that this Wetlands Permit Appeal is nearing completion, and that final confirmation from the DEP that this appeal has been dismissed is pending. Ms. Bowser stated that she will keep the NRC updated on the status of this appeal.
Update on Status of Open Space & Recreation Plan
Ms. Bowser stated that she continues to work with the NRC’s Consultant on completing the Open Space Plan and depending upon the requirements of the Fuller Brook Park Master Plan Project, that the Open Space & Recreation Plan will hopefully be completed over the course of the winter and she also stated that a new public hearing must be scheduled. Ms. Bowser will keep the NRC updated on the status of the plan.
Update on Status of Fuller Brook Park Preservation Master Plan
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC the upcoming schedule for completion of the Fuller Brook Park Plan, as well as the presentation of the plan to the CPC, Advisory, and the Historical Commission. There was extensive discussion regarding the plan, as well as how to present it to Advisory and CPC, as well as budget issues related to the plan. Ms. Bowser will be scheduling a site walk of the Park for all stakeholders shortly. Ms. Bowser will keep the NRC updated on the status of the plan.
Update on Preparations for Upcoming NRC Budget Presentations to Advisory and CPC
Ms. Bowser stated that the NRC is scheduled to present its Capital Budget Request to Advisory on December 2nd at 7:30 PM at Town Hall and that she is working to include the CPC and the Historical Commission in this meeting, since the Fuller Brook Park Preservation Master Plan presentation will be part of the NRC’s presentation to the Advisory Committee.
Report on Wellesley’s International Day of Climate Action on October 24th
Ms. Bowser and Mr. Seaborn summarized the Climate Action Day Events and indicated that there was good participation from Town residents and Mr. Seaborn stated that on October 25th four churches also participated in this climate action and education effort and church bells rang 350 times in recognition of the 350 parts-per-million carbon dioxide limit that is being recommended of for the health of the planet.
Liaison Report/Continuing Business/New Business
Update on Lower Falls Charles River Park Project
Mr. Seaborn updated the NRC on the status of this project and stated that he is working with Board of Selectmen Chair Barbara Searle to submit a CPC Project Application for the project’s design and permitting costs, as well as for the installation of a temporary path totaling approximately $60,000. He also indicated that the DCR work on the bridge, itself, which is approximately a $600,000 project is currently undergoing wetlands permitting in both Wellesley and Newton and is scheduled to start in January.
Review and Approval of the NRC Meeting Minutes of October 13, 2009
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 3-0 to approve the October 13, 2009 Meeting Minutes as amended.
Next Scheduled NRC Meeting
The next NRC meeting was scheduled for November 10, 2009 at 7:30 PM in the NRC Office.
Adjournment
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 3– 0 to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Janet Hartke Bowser
NRC Director
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