Approved April 5, 2010
TOWN OF WELLESLEY
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
March 23, 2010, 7:30 PM
NRC Office, Lower Level, Town Hall
Attending: Neal Seaborn, Chair, Paul Cramer, Vice Chair, Ursula King, Joan Gaughan,
Janet Hartke Bowser, NRC Director.
Absent: Heidi Gross, Secretary.
Guests: Irene Weimer, Perrin Park Neighbor, Pace Wilson, Wellesley Dog Group.
Public Voice
No one attending the meeting spoke at Public Voice.
Discussion/Vote Re: Spring Off-Leash Dog Regulations/Hours at Perrin Park
Mr. Seaborn stated that the Winter Off-Leash Dog Hours expire on March 31, 2010 and the NRC needs to set the new hours for the spring. Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC the Spring Off-Leash Dog Hours from last year and Mr. Seaborn asked for comments from the public.
Ms. Irene Weimer, a neighbor directly abutting Perrin Park, asked the NRC how they have measured the success of the NRC Pilot Program over the last year. She stated that she still hears a large number of complaints from her neighbors that go unreported and that these individuals feel that their concerns are not heard and so they are no longer calling the NRC or the Town Dog Officer. She cautioned that the NRC should not assume that everything is fine at the park if there is an absence of feedback. She said that there is still an excessive amount of barking that negatively impacts the Perrin neighborhood, and that she repeats her previous request that a sign be posted that dogs should not be barking excessively. Ms. Weimer circulated information regarding Brookline’s Green Dog Program and the
signs that they have posted. Ms. Gaughan inquired as to whether or not other dogs in the neighborhood and not just dogs in Perrin Park pose a barking problem. Ms. Weimer stated that there are dogs in the Perrin neighborhood that bark, but it is not incessant, and that once they do bark, they are brought into the owner’s house and the barking ends. Ms. Weimer requested that two signs be placed that ask dog owners to control their dogs from barking. Ms. King indicated that the NRC had already voted to post two signs but that no specific language or placement of the signs was discussed.
Ms. Weimer stated she’d like to request that the NRC explore allowing off-leash dog hours at other parks, such as at Upham or Warren, to take the pressure off Perrin. Mr. Seaborn stated that currently Perrin is the only park with a dog problem, and that most of the parks under the NRC allow dogs off-leash at any time. He stated that only Warren has a no off-leash dog requirement, and that no dogs are allowed on any school land, which includes Upham and Sprague, and that dogs are not allowed on the Hunnewell Field Park playing fields. Ms. Gaughan noted that she has seen many more dogs at Centennial, but that they are not with dog walkers, but with individual owners. Ms. King indicated that Perrin is the only park that now requires only Wellesley licensed dogs. Mr. Seaborn stated that the
majority of Wellesley’s parks are multi-use parks that include playing fields, and the parks they are open to off-leash dogs during all hours that they are open. Ms. Bowser noted that she contacted the lacrosse and soccer youth organizations to confirm their field-use hours at Perrin Park and that the spring off-leash dog hours approved last year will not conflict with the sports field use hours. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4 – 0 to approve the same spring off-leash dogs hours at Perrin Park as last year as outlined below and to add the specific language “Please be Considerate - Control Your Dog from Barking” on each sign:
2010 Spring Off-leash Dog Hours at Perrin Park
EFFECTIVE APRIL 1 - JUNE 15, 2010
1. Only Wellesley-licensed dogs are allowed in the park.
2.~~~~~~~~ Off-leash dogs shall not exceed 8 at any one time and must be under control.
3.~~~~~~~~ The number of dogs under the control of one owner is limited to 2 dogs or 3 dogs with a NRC Permit.
4.~~~~~~~~ Dog owners must remove all feces and trash.
5.~~~~~~~~ All dogs, on and off-leash, are excluded from the tot-lot.
6.~~~~~~~~ Fines for non-compliance may be levied up to $200.00.
7.~~~~~~~~ Park is closed to all users after dusk.
8.~~~~~~~~ No dogs are allowed off-leash when athletic games are being played.
9.~~~~~~~~ Daily off-leash hours are limited to:
Morning Off-Leash Hours:
7:00 AM - 9:30 AM Monday - Friday, and Sunday ~
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM Saturday
Evening Off-Leash Hours (all days including Weekends) :
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM or dusk, whichever is earlier.
REGULATIONS ISSUED PURSUANT TO NRC AUTHORITY UNDER MGL Ch. 45
Please be Considerate – Control Your Dog from Barking
Ms. Bowser will forward this information to the DPW for posting at Perrin Park and to the Playing Fields Task Force and to the Town Dog Control Officer. Ms. Weimer indicated that while there are still some concerns about the off-leash hours at Perrin Park, she and her neighbors appreciate all that the NRC does for the Town to protect its natural resources.
Executive Session to Discuss Unauthorized Boulder Brook Reservation Tree Removals and Potential Litigation
After a motion was made and seconded, each NRC Member was individually polled and voted in favor of entering into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing unauthorized tree removals at the Boulder Brook Reservation and potential litigation, and the NRC will exit Executive Session and return to Public Session to complete the NRC Meeting Agenda.
Update on Fuller Brook Park Master Plan, Coordinating Committee, CPC Application
Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Bowser updated the NRC on the status of the Fuller Brook Park Phase I Project and the CPC Application that will be presented for funding at the Annual Town Meeting in April. Mr. Seaborn noted that he is coordinating the Town Meeting Funding Request presentation with the Chair of the CPC. Mr. Seaborn and Ms. Bowser stated that a formal meeting with all immediate abutters of Fuller Brook Park is scheduled for April 8th at 7 PM at the Police Station and all NRC Members are encouraged to attend. Ms. Bowser stated that she has sent letters to all immediate abutters, approximately 120 residents, and that the meeting will focus on educating and updating the abutters with regard to the utility, topo, and wetlands survey currently being completed by the DPW. Ms. Bowser stated
that there may be questions regarding encroachments and what the NRC will be doing to correct encroachments and she reviewed with the Board the NRC’s current Encroachment Policy approved in February 2006. Ms. Bowser stated that the current policy states that in general the NRC seeks to correct all encroachments on land under its jurisdiction and require that the encroaching party restore the land to its original condition. Ms. Bowser recommended that if the question of encroachments comes up at the Public Meeting that the NRC’s policy be referenced and that a statement be made that encroachment corrections take place on a case-by-case basis and it is too premature at this point to make any specific references to encroachment corrections along Fuller Brook. Ms. Bowser reminded the NRC that currently no encroachments on NRC land are being corrected due to lack of staff resources. Mr. Seaborn stated that Gig Babson of the Board of Selectmen made a presentation to the Board
of Selectmen on the current status of the Fuller Brook Park Phase I Project and Ms. Babson reported that it was the sense of the Board of Selectmen to support the project.
Director’s Report
Update on Morses Pond 2008-2009 Management Summary
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a 2008-2009 Morses Pond Management Summary prepared by the NRC’s Morses Pond Manager, Dr. Ken Wagner. Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC this progress update of the implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Morses Pond Management Plan through 2009. The update included progress made on the Phosphorus Inactivation Program, Plant Harvesting Program,
Low Impact Development Demonstration Project, Watershed Education Program, and the Northern Basin Dredging Project. There was extensive discussion regarding all of these programs. Ms. Bowser stated that substantial progress is being made in most of these programs and significant improvements are being seen in phosphorus reduction through the Phosphorus Inactivation Program and there is some reduction in invasive plants as a result of the plant harvesting program. Ms. Bowser voiced concern that the Low Impact Development Demonstration Project and Watershed Education Project are not making significant progress due to the lack of staff resources to oversee these projects. She stated that she would like to discuss the lack of sufficient staff resources with the NRC once Town Meeting is completed and the NRC
discusses its priorities for the next fiscal year.
Update on Central Park Sculpture Installation and Dedication Schedule.
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a memorandum from Ms. Renee Curtain of the Wellesley House and Garden Club updating them on the status of the Central Park Sculpture Project. The memo stated that the sculpture for Central Park is almost completed and will soon be ready for installation. The Garden Club anticipates a late May delivery and is planning a dedication ceremony during the first week of June.
Ms. Bowser stated that the Garden Club inquired as to whether or not they have to meet with the NRC one more time before the dedication, and it was the general sense of the NRC that no further additional meeting or update is needed from the Garden Club. Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC the schedule for the delivery date and installation and stated that she will keep the NRC updated on the status of this project and the dedication ceremony schedule.
Update on Brookside Community Garden Regulations
Ms. Bowser stated that she has forwarded a memo to the Board of Public Works regarding the NRC recommendation from their meeting on March 9 regarding a minor change in the Garden Regulations, limiting each gardener to only one plot per family. Ms. Bowser stated that the Board of Public Works meets next on April 5th and they will take up the NRC’s request at that time.
Update on Status of Open Space and Recreation Master Plan
Ms. Bowser stated that due to competing priorities, mainly the Fuller Brook Project, the Morses Pond Project, and the Boulder Brook Tree Removal Enforcement, that no additional progress has been made on the Open Space and Recreation Master Plan, which unfortunately will be put on the back burner at this point. Ms. Bowser stated that she hopes to find some time to complete the Master Plan and hopes to complete it by the end of June, 2010.
Preparation for NRC’s 11th Annual Earth Day Clean-up on April 24th
Ms. Bowser stated that she is once again organizing this annual Earth Day Charles River Clean-up, which is scheduled for April 24th at 9:30 AM at the River Street Municipal Parking Lot adjacent to the Charles River and she encouraged all NRC Members to help with the Clean-up.
Resident’s Request for the Expansion of the Centennial Reservation Parking Lot
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a recent resident’s request that the NRC consider expanding the existing Centennial Reservation Parking Lot by 4-6 spaces since it has become difficult to park and hazardous to animals loading and unloading there. The resident said that he believes that Centennial Reservation is principally used by dog owners and professional dog walkers and the parking area should be expanded for safety reasons. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4 – 0 against expanding the Centennial Reservation Parking area in order to limit its impact on the sensitive ecological area surrounding the parking lot. It was the sense of the NRC that the parking lot does not need to be expanded and that it currently adequately serves visitors to the
Reservation.
Proposal of a Free Replacement Gate at Centennial Reservation
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a proposal from Mr. Les Fraser, owner of Fraser Engineering Company, who installed the original metal gate, which is currently in disrepair. Mr. Fraser indicated that the Fraser Engineering Company offered to replace the gate at no cost to the Town. Ms. Bowser cautioned that because the Fraser Engineering Company does work with the Town, that there may be a conflict with accepting this gift. After further discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the NRC voted 4 – 0 to accept the offer of a gift of a replacement gate at Centennial Reservation pending approval of such gift by Town Counsel.
NRC Motion under ATM Article 7 to Transfer NRC FY10 Expense Funds to Personal Services Funds
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a motion under Article 7 for the Annual Town Meeting, which requests Town Meeting approval to transfer $2,000 from the NRC’s Operating Budget Consulting Expense FY10 Account to its Personal Services FY10 Account in order to complete payment to the NRC’s Open Space and Recreation Master Plan Consultant, Julia Bowker, to complete the Plan. Ms. Bowser stated that this was the procedure recommended by Town Accountant Sheryl Strother and it has been approved by Advisory Committee by a favorable vote of 13-0. Ms. Bowser stated that she has been in communications with the Advisory Committee Chair regarding the presentation of this motion at the upcoming Town Meeting.
Liaison Reports/ New Business/ Continuing Business
Update on Lower Falls Charles River Park Project
Mr. Seaborn updated the NRC on the status of this project and indicated that the Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is in the process of choosing a contractor to begin the bridge work, and that construction is anticipated to begin in early May. Mr. Seaborn stated that Barbara Searle, Chair of the Board of Selectmen, has indicated that the Selectmen will be meeting with National Development Corporation in the near future and will pursue a possible contribution from them towards funding the park and path improvement project on the Wellesley side of the bridge connection to Washington Street. Mr. Seaborn will keep the NRC updated on the status of this project
Update on Playing Fields Task Force Issues
Mr. Seaborn stated that he attended the last Playing Fields Task Force Meeting and that one of the projects discussed was the Perrin Park Playing Field Improvement Project scheduled for FY12. Mr. Seaborn communicated to the Task Force that since the park is under the NRC’s jurisdiction that they will take the lead on any public meeting or input process regarding the park’s improvements. Mr. Seaborn stated that he reinforced that concept that since Perrin Park is a multi-use park that the NRC intends to keep it this way to ensure that all current users have adequate access to the park.
Trails Budget Issues Related to Pooper Scooper Bags
Ms. Gaughan, the NRC’s liaison to the Trails Committee, indicated at their last meeting that they indicated that they prefer not to pay for the pooper scooper bags at Perrin Park, since Perrin is not part of the Town’s Trail System. The NRC briefly discussed this matter and concluded that because the Trails Committee’s budget comes from the NRC, it does not make sense to split who pays for the Pooper Scooper Bags between conservation land with trails and parklands. The NRC members noted that Perrin has a pathway system that one could call a trail, and that from an administrative sense, it does not make sense to cherry-pick these expenses. The NRC voiced concern that in the past the Trails Committee has not expended its full operating budget, and so it does not make sense to have this
item removed from their budget, since they have plenty of funds. There was a consensus among the NRC that the Pooper Scooper Bags for all locations will continue to come from the Trails Budget.
Review and Approval of the NRC February 9th Executive Meeting Minutes
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 3-0 (Ms. King could not vote as she was not a member of the NRC at this meeting) to approve the Executive Meeting Minutes of
February 9, 2010 as written.
Next Scheduled NRC Meeting
The next NRC meeting, which will focus on enforcement strategy and potential litigation related to the Boulder Brook unauthorized tree removals, was scheduled for March 25, 2010 at 9 AM in Town Counsel’s Office at 40 Grove Street. The next NRC Meeting was scheduled for April 5 at 7 PM, directly preceding the beginning of the Annual Town Meeting at the Wellesley Middle School.
Adjournment
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 4-0 to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Janet Hartke Bowser
NRC Director
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