Approved 6/25/10
TOWN OF WELLESLEY
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
May 17, 2010, 7:30 PM
NRC Office, Lower Level, Town Hall
Attending: Neal Seaborn, Chair, Paul Cramer, Vice Chair, Heidi Gross, Secretary, Ursula King, Joan Gaughan, Janet Hartke Bowser, NRC Director.
Guests: Bob Campana, Property Manager for Steve Belkin at 8 Rocky Ledges Road, Weston, Al Robinson, Town Counsel, David Evans, 110 Suffolk Road, Guy DeFeis, 10 Hillcroft Road, Carleen Baer, 16 Livermore Road, Teddy Applebaum, Wellesley Townsman Reporter.
Public Voice
Carleen Baer, 16 Livermore Road, attended the meeting and stated that several years ago, she planted several maple trees on her own property abutting the Town way and that they have grown tremendously and she would like to remove them and replace them with smaller trees. She stated that she has spoken to Mike Quinn and there was a concern that the trees might have grown onto Town land. She stated that in the past, the trees have been pruned by the MLP for utility safety purposes. Mr. Cramer and Ms. Gaughan stated that they viewed the trees and they were concerned that the trees had not been pruned properly by the MLP. Ms. Bowser indicated that Mr. Mike Quinn is aware of the situation, and he has requested that the Engineering Department survey the Town property line to determine whether or not the trees
are on Town property. Ms. Bowser indicated that she will follow-up with Ms. Baer once the Town has determined ownership of the trees.
Discussion Regarding Boulder Brook Reservation Unauthorized Tree Removals
Mr. Seaborn stated that the goal of this meeting is to gather data and input from relevant parties regarding the unauthorized tree removals. He stated that extensive data and research has been done regarding this situation, primarily on assessing the damages and cataloguing the number of trees damaged or cut down at Boulder Brook Reservation. He stated that at the meeting tonight, the NRC will be interviewing and hearing from Bob Campana, Property Manager for the Belkin family at 8 Rocky Ledges Road, Weston, adjacent to Boulder Brook Reservation and from Guy DeFeis, an eyewitness to the tree cutting.
Mr. Seaborn introduced Mr. Bob Campana, who currently serves as the property manager at 8 Rocky Ledges Road. Mr. Seaborn asked Mr. Campana to summarize the series of events that resulted in the unauthorized cutting of trees at Boulder Brook Reservation. Mr. Campana stated that on Monday, January 18, 2010 there was a windstorm. He stated that from the Belkin property, he noticed that a couple of trees had fallen down and their branches were hanging over the trail at Boulder Brook Reservation. He stated that he believed that the trees were on Belkin property and he was concerned that they posed a dangerous situation, since people use that trail on a regular basis. He stated that instead of calling the Belkin’s regular tree company, which is Davy Tree Company, that on Tuesday he saw 2
individuals at the Fells Café and noticed that they had workers with chain saws and gear in their truck and he asked them if they would come that day and remove the trees. He stated that neither the truck nor the workers had any identification on them. He decided to have them to do the work, since they could do it quickly and relatively inexpensively. He stated that he asked them if they would take down 2 trees, and they agreed to do that it for $400. He stated that they came back to the Belkin property that morning to do the tree removal work. Mr. Campana stated that at lunchtime the group of men came up from the area where they were working and appeared frightened and ran to their truck and left. He stated that he saw someone in the Reservation, which later turned out to be Guy DeFeis, an
eyewitness to the tree cutting, and Mr. DeFeis showed Mr. Campana what the tree workers had done. Mr. Campana stated that he was unaware that the tree workers had removed so many trees, and he said that there was no logical reason for them doing what they had done. Ms. Gaughan asked approximately how many hours the tree workers were at the property. Mr. Campana stated that they came at 9 AM and that they worked for approximately 3 hours. Ms. Gaughan asked if Mr. Campana had an explanation for what happened and why he did not check over the 3 hours as to what the workers were doing. Mr. Campana stated that he had no explanation for what the tree workers did, but guessed that the 2 trees that had to come down got caught in other trees and that the workers decided on their own to start removing
the other trees to facilitate the removal of the 2 trees that he had identified. Mr. Campana stated that he had been a firefighter in Wayland for over 35 years, but that he is now retired and that he is extremely safety conscious and that was his motivation for having the 2 trees that had fallen over the trail area removed. He stated that this event happened over four months ago and that he is sick about it and that he takes full responsibility for what happened. He stated that the owners of the property, the Belkins, had no idea of the situation, since they were out of the country at the time and only learned of the tree removals when they returned from vacation.
Ms. Gaughan asked why Mr. Campana did not call the Belkin’s regular tree company. Mr. Campana replied that he wanted to have this work done quickly, easily, and cheaply, so he approached these tree workers. Ms. Gaughan asked why he wanted to have this work done quickly and cheaply, since based on Mr. Belkin’s property, money appears to not be an issue. Mr. Campana stated that he was concerned about safety and that he wanted to have the work done quickly, and he stated that it bothers him that a label is placed on the Belkins because they are wealthy that the Belkins should be able to afford anything. Mr. Gaughan inquired as to why Mr. Campana did not call a licensed tree company. Mr. Campana replied that he was only thinking about the safety of people using the Reservation and that he wanted
the work done quickly. Mr. Campana voiced concern that 2 DPW workers on the site after the tree cutting took place, implied that the Belkins could write a big check for any amount of damages. Mr. Campana stated that he knew that he did the wrong thing and that he should have called a licensed tree company and he knows that he cannot defend his actions and he takes full responsibility for the incident. Ms. King inquired as to the timing and the number of people involved in the tree removal incident and asked Mr. Campana whether or not it occurred to him that such a small job of removing 2 trees was taking such a long time, approximately 3 hours, as Mr. Campana had indicated. Mr. Campana stated “no”, that he was working inside the house on the heating, air conditioning and ventilation system and that he lost track of time and did not supervise the tree workers. He stated that he takes full responsibility for not supervising the tree workers
and for this lack of oversight and wishes that he had been more careful in overseeing the tree workers work, but he thought that he had been clear in terms of identifying the 2 trees that had to be removed, and thought that the workers were just taking plenty of time removing the trees carefully. Ms. King inquired whether Mr. Campana had tagged the trees or identified them clearly for the tree workers. Mr. Campana stated that “no” he did not. Ms. King asked whether Mr. Campana went down to the area to show the workers the trees to be removed. Mr. Campana stated that he thought it was obvious that the 2 trees to be removed were the only trees that had been damaged and broken and were hanging over the trail. Ms. King inquired as to whether or not at any point Mr. Campana had walked down into the Reservation area and explicitly pointed out the 2 trees to be removed. Mr. Campana stated that “no” he was not as diligent as he
should have been, but that it was his understanding that all of the land that the 2 trees were on was Belkin property and not on Town land. Mr. Seaborn inquired as to whether or not Mr. Campana believed that all trees uphill of the trail were on Belkin property. Mr. Campana replied “yes” based on past discussions with the former property manager. Ms. King asked how long Mr. Campana had spent with the workers outlining the job and showing him the trees. Mr. Campana replied that he had spent approximately 5 minutes with the workers identifying the 2 trees to be removed. Ms. King asked whether the workers appeared to understand Mr. Campana’s instructions and whether they spoke English. Mr. Campana replied “yes” that all of the workers appeared to speak English
and appeared to understand his instructions. Mr. Cramer asked how 2 trees to be removed could become almost 100 trees that were removed or damaged. Mr. Campana stated that he was unaware that it was this many trees, and that when he went on the site after the cutting, that he counted 35 trees that had actually been cut down. Ms. King stated that the 100 tree number includes both those trees cut as well as trees damaged from the cut trees. Ms. Gaughan inquired as to what direction the slope with these trees face. Mr. Campana stated that this particular slope faces south. Ms. King inquired as to whether or not Mr. Campana felt that he was clear in his identification of the 2 trees to be removed. Mr. Campana replied “yes.” Ms. Gaughan inquired whether or not he directed
the workers to take down the entire 2 trees, or just trim the limbs. Mr. Campana replied that he instructed the workers to remove the entire tree, since the trees were leaning toward the trail and he felt that it was a safety hazard. Mr. Al Robinson, Wellesley Town Counsel, stated that when he and Ms. Bowser met Mr. Campana on site, that Mr. Campana indicated where he thought the property line was between the Belkin property and Town land. Mr. Campana stated that it was his understanding that the Belkin property led all of the way down the southern slope to the edge of the trail in Boulder Brook. He stated that this looked like the delineation of the Belkin land. Mr. Seaborn stated that there are a number of concrete markers indicating where the property line is, and he asked if Mr. Campana had seen these concrete markers. Mr. Campana replied “no” that he had never seen the markers and he guessed that they had been covered with leaves
or vegetation. Mr. Cramer asked if Mr. Campana has insurance coverage for this type of situation. Mr. Campana replied that his insurance agent, the Larusso Insurance Agency of Medway, indicated that as long as the claim is for damages only, and not for fines, that he should have sufficient coverage. Mr. Cramer asked if Mr. Campana knows the insurance company that provides his coverage. Mr. Campana replied “no” that he does not know the actual carrier that provides his insurance.
David Evans of 110 Suffolk Road asked through Mr. Seaborn if Mr. Campana knew who the workers were and if he could identify them at this point. Mr. Campana stated that he never received any information from the workers and he was not aware of their identities. Mr. Evans asked about the employment relationship between Mr. Campana and the Belkins. Mr. Campana stated that he was hired as the Belkins’ property manager in June of 2009 and that he does all inside and outside management work for the Belkins. Mr. Cramer asked whether or not Mr. Campana works on a contract basis with the Belkins. Mr. Campana stated that he has no written contract with the Belkins and that his company is entitled “R.L. Campana Home Repair.” Ms. Gross inquired as to how Mr. Campana is paid. Mr. Campana
indicated that he is an employee at will and that he is paid on a weekly basis through a paycheck based on his hours. Mr. Evans inquired as to whether or not Mr. Campana’s company is considered a private company, and whether taxes are taken out of his paycheck. Mr. Campana said that the Belkins do take taxes out of his paycheck. Mr. Cramer asked for a clarification as to whether Mr. Campana considers himself an hourly employee or is he on a salary. Mr. Campana did not reply. Mr. Evans asked whether the NRC could require copies of Mr. Campana’s paycheck or taxes. Mr. Cramer replied that there is a range of possibilities of additional information that the NRC may be able to request. Mr. Robinson stated that at this point, the NRC does not need this type of information. Mr. Evans stated that it may be helpful to the Town to identify additional sources for potential recovery and that could depend upon the delineation of responsibilities
for Mr. Campana and that the Town should explore all avenues for recovery so that they know what their options are. Mr. Cramer stated that his primary concern is whether or not insurance will cover the damages. Ms. Gaughan inquired of Mr. Campana if during the time that the Belkins were away; the Belkins gave any instruction as to what to do if there was a problem like this. Mr. Campana replied that he is responsible for hiring whomever he needs in order to manage the Belkin property. Mr. Cramer asked if there was any instruction from the Belkins to remove trees in this area. Mr. Campana stated that the Belkins gave no instruction for any tree removal in this area and all management at the property inside and out is at his sole discretion. Mr. Cramer asked who the previous property manager at the Belkins was. Mr. Campana replied that the previous property manager’s name was Jim Zinzski.
Mr. Evans inquired as to whether or not the NRC has any insurance information from the Belkins. Mr. Seaborn stated “no” they did not inquire as to any insurance information from the Belkins, but that this could be pursued if needed. Mr. Evans inquired as to whether or not the independent arborist report was a public document and if it was available at this point. Mr. Seaborn replied that it is not yet available to the public as it was just received by the NRC and must be reviewed by them. Mr. Seaborn stated that Dave Hawkins was the independent arborist chosen to review the DPW’s reports and to confirm the value of the trees and assess damages. Mr. Campana inquired as to whether or not the smaller trees that may have been damaged by the larger trees were counted as damaged trees.
Mr. Seaborn stated that the DPW did their best to determine which trees were damaged by the removal of the larger trees and it was his understanding that a number of the smaller trees were included in the damage assessment. Ms. Gross stated that it is her understanding that only a certain caliper of tree was counted and that much smaller trees were not counted in the total damage. Mr. Seaborn stated that the NRC will likely go into Executive Session later this evening to further discuss the situation, but that there will be follow-up discussions in an NRC public meeting and that a final decision will be made as to the damage assessment. Mr. Campana indicated that he wanted to restate that Mr. Belkin had nothing to do with these tree removals and that Mr. Belkin had no knowledge of Mr. Campana’s request to have the trees removed. Mr. Campana stated that this was his error and that he takes full responsibility. He stated that he would like to
apologize to the NRC, all Wellesley residents, and anyone who enjoys the Reservation and that he is very sorry for what happened.
Mr. Seaborn asked the eyewitness to the Boulder Brook tree removals, Mr. Guy DeFeis of 10 Hillcroft Road, to summarize his observations of the tree cuttings on January 19, 2010. Mr. DeFeis stated that January 19th, he was walking his dogs at approximately noon in the Boulder Brook Reservation and that he heard chain saws which got louder as he approached the Belkin property. He stated that he saw a number of workers cutting down trees and he approached the first worker that he came upon and asked him if he knew what he was doing and asked him if he knew that he was on Town land and if he had permission to cut the trees. He stated that the worker just shook his head and looked puzzled. Mr. DeFeis stated that he indicated to the workers that they were on Town conservation land and he asked again
who had hired the workers and one worker pointed up to the Belkin property. Mr. DeFeis stated that he saw several other workers and he told them that they had to stop, which they did. He stated that he observed 5 workers in total and that as soon as he told them that they were on Town conservation land that they stopped their work, picked up their chain saws and hurriedly ran up the hill, as if they knew they had done something wrong. Mr. DeFeis asked them again who they were working for and one replied “the caretaker at the Belkin house.” Mr. DeFeis stated that he walked up to the Belkin house and knocked on the door and Mr. Campana came out in slippers and Mr. DeFeis asked him if he knew what had happened. Mr. DeFeis stated that Mr. Campana seemed surprised and that he got on his shoes and walked with Mr. DeFeis back to the area of the tree cuttings. Mr. DeFeis stated that when they got to the area of the tree cuttings that Mr. Campana seemed
surprised and Mr. DeFeis informed him that he was going to report this to the NRC and he took some photos and said that this was completely unacceptable. Mr. DeFeis asked for Mr. Campana’s name, which he gave freely, and Mr. Campana expressed surprise and disappointment and stated that he did not supervise the tree workers as he was inside the Belkin’s house doing other maintenance work. Mr. DeFeis stated that he then called the NRC Office and spoke to Ms. Bowser the Director, who indicated that she would follow-up immediately with regard to the situation.
Ms. Gaughan asked Mr. DeFeis if he walks his dogs there every day. Mr. DeFeis stated “no” but he does walk them there on a regular basis. Ms. Gross inquired whether or not there was snow on the ground at the time and what entrance Mr. DeFeis used to enter the Reservation. Mr. DeFeis stated that there was no snow on the ground at the time and that he entered the Reservation from the south end at Northgate Road. Mr.
Cramer asked if Mr. DeFeis saw any kind of company logo or marking on any of the workers’ shirts and if they spoke English. Mr. DeFeis replied that the workers appeared to be American and that they spoke English and he indicated that one worker looked familiar and that he may have done some work on a neighbor’s house, but Mr. DeFeis has not followed up on this. Mr. DeFeis indicated that the workers seemed to understand that what they had done was wrong. Ms. King inquired as to whether or not Mr. DeFeis would recognize the workers if he saw them again. Mr. DeFeis stated that since it has been awhile, it would be hard to say if he would recognize them. He stated that he did not see their truck, but that the workers all seemed to have tree cutting equipment with them. Mr. DeFeis stated that it was his
observation that the tree workers seemed to know that they should not be on the land cutting trees and that they appeared to be surprised at being caught red-handed. It was his impression that they knew that they should not be cutting down the trees. Mr. Cramer inquired as to whether or not Mr. DeFeis thought the workers knew that they were on conservation land. Mr. DeFeis stated that one worker stated that he believed that he was just doing his job and that he did not know that he was on Town land.
Mr. David Evans asked a question through Mr. Seaborn and inquired as to what was the normal cost of a good size tree removal. Ms. Gross replied that it could be up to $1,000 a tree, depending upon the size of the tree and the site where the tree was to be removed. Mr. Evans asked whether or not it was believable that the tree workers were asking $400 for the removal of 2 good size trees. Mr. DeFeis stated that based on his general experience, the going rate was much higher. Mr. Teddy Applebaum, a Wellesley Townsman Reporter, asked how long it generally takes to remove 2 trees. Ms. Gross stated that there are many variables involved, including the size of the trees and the site conditions, and that it would be hard to predict how long it would take to remove these 2 trees. Mr. Applebaum
inquired as to whether or not it is feasible that the removal of 2 trees could take up to 3 hours. Mr. Seaborn said that based on variables, a 20-25” tree could take several hours to remove. Mr. Campana stated that he had requested that the workers cut and make neat the trees, but leave them on the land, in order to make the area look natural. Mr. Applebaum inquired as to whether or not Mr. Campana lives on the Belkin property. Mr. Campana stated “no” that he currently resides in Medway. Ms. Gaughan inquired as to whether or not Mr. Campana gave any instruction as to how to cut the trees. Mr. Campana replied “no’ that he just assumed that the workers knew how to do it right. Mr. Campana again apologized to the NRC and the Town’s residents and said that he feels terrible and will work with the Town to do what is required and he offered his sincere apologies.
Mr. DeFeis inquired as to whether or not the NRC has any plans for the disposition of the fallen trees. Mr. Seaborn stated that the NRC will have to discuss this with the independent arborist they have hired and the DPW in order to evaluate options and recommendations for any site remediation including safety considerations. Mr. Cramer asked if anyone in attendance had any input or recommendations with regard to any site remediation, since they are familiar with the conservation land. Mr. Evans responded that he knows the area well and that it is a beautiful natural area and that he recommends that the NRC try to recreate the existing conditions before the tree removals and keep it a wooded sanctuary. Ms. King indicated that the NRC will need to review the information from the independent arborist’s
report and make decisions regarding recommendations. Mr. Evans asked what the process is going forward. Mr. Robinson stated that a number of options are available and will need to be further discussed by the NRC. He stated that he has discussed the situation at length with Detective Bill Brooks of the Wellesley Police Department and there was agreement that it is a bizarre situation, which at this point cannot be explained, but that the Police have tried to follow up and observe the Weston Road and the Fells Café area in hopes of seeing the truck or the workers without any success. He stated that the process going forward will require that the DPW and the NRC will have to quantify the damages based on the different formulas available and reach a conclusion as to the damages to be assessed. Mr. Robinson stated that Mr. Campana has been very forthcoming regarding the situation and the status of his insurance. He stated that because the
situation could lead to litigation that
the NRC needs to digest the independent arborist report and to further discuss this matter in Executive Session. Mr. Robinson stated that he has been very involved in this situation and that he will continue to give advice and counsel to the NRC.
Mr. Campana stated that he had searched the Town web site to see if the Boulder Brook Reservation was identified as conservation land. He stated that Mr. Belkin offered to provide the Town with funding to update the Town web site. Ms. Bowser stated that the Boulder Brook Reservation is identified on the NRC’s web page under the heading Park and Conservation Land and that it is identified as conservation land. Mr. Campana stated that during a recent site walk with the NRC at the Belkin property that he and Ms. Bowser walked over to a rock at the high point of the Boulder Brook Reservation, an area that had been pruned by the Town, and that Ms. Bowser confirmed that the NRC had approved the DPW’s request of approximately 1½ years ago to prune an area from this vantage point.
Ms. Bowser stated that the area pruned has traditionally provided a vista and that the pruning was very limited. Mr. Campana stated that he is not trying to avoid responsibility for what happened, but he inquired as to what was the difference between vista pruning and the trees that were cut down near the Belkins. He did not want to be blamed for the removal of the trees near the rock area, and Ms. Bowser confirmed that it was a Town initiative.
Executive Session to Discuss Unauthorized Tree Removals at the Boulder Brook Reservation and Potential Litigation
After a motion was made and seconded, each NRC Member was individually polled and voted 5-0 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 at the end of the Executive Session.
Review and Approval of FY2010 Town Tree Planting Plan
Ms. Bowser reviewed with the NRC a memorandum from Mike Quinn, Assistant Superintendent for Parks and Trees at the DPW regarding the proposed FY10 Tree Planting Program. The FY10 Tree Planting Program is currently underway and the DPW is currently planning to plant a total of 75 trees under the program this year. A total of 35 trees and 29 shrubs will be planted on Town property, and Cricket Vlass, the DPW Landscape Planner, has selected the various sites, as shown on the attachment to Mr. Quinn’s memo. The attachment showed the FY10 Tree Planting maps and lists for specific details on all locations. Mr. Quinn’s memo indicated that the remaining 40 trees will be planted as street trees on private property under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 87, Sec. 7. Mr. Quinn indicated that the DPW has
mailed out over 45 tree planting letters in response to Back of Sidewalk Tree Planting Requests and that the majority of the site inspections have been completed. The implementation of the gator-watering bags has worked well and the DPW plans to reuse most of the previous bags for this year’s planting.
Mr. Quinn requested that the remaining balance of $1,682 from the NRC’s Wellesley Square Tree Maintenance Fund be used this fiscal year for pruning and tree repairs in Wellesley Square. In addition, Mr. Quinn noted that additional trees to be planted this year include 3 trees funded from the DPW Insurance Recovery and Gift Fund, 3 trees funded from the Weston Road Project and 8 trees funded from the Selectmen’s Parking Lot Capital Budget to be planted on municipal land for a total of 89 trees for the FY10 Tree Planting Program. Ms. Bowser noted that the FY10 Capital Budget for the Tree Planting Program will also pay for the independent arborist, Mr. Dave Hawkins, who has completed his report regarding the Boulder Brook tree removals. After further discussion, a motion was made and
seconded, and the NRC voted 5 – 0 to approve the FY10 Capital Tree Planting Program as outlined by the DPW in a memorandum from Mike Quinn.
Directors Report
Update on Aquatic Invasive Vegetation Removal Program at NRC Ponds
Ms. Bowser updated the NRC on the status of its Aquatic Invasive Vegetation Removal Program run by the DPW on NRC land and water bodies. Ms. Bowser stated that the weed harvesting has been underway for several weeks at Morses Pond, and this year it will be a more aggressive and longer term program, due to the fact that the crew has been trained and that the machine is fully operational. Ms. Bowser stated that the DPW will be using the older small harvester to harvest at Longfellow Pond and at Rockridge Pond and that this has been an effective program over the past 2 years in controlling aquatic invasive vegetation.
Update on Morses Pond Dredging Project and Phosphorus Inactivation Program
Ms. Bowser updated the NRC on the status of the Morses Pond Dredging Project and stated that she had attended a MEPA Permit Site visit last week and that the project is currently being reviewed by the Wetlands Protection Committee and the schedule is to begin the project in late fall. She indicated that there is some likelihood that the dewatering site may be located at the St. James Church parking lot. She stated that Dr. Ken Wagner, the NRC’s Morses Pond Manager, has been implementing the Phosphorus Inactivation Program, which will operate primarily this spring and early summer, and she will keep the NRC updated on the status of these two programs.
Update on Fuller Brook Park Phase 1 Project
Ms. Bowser updated the NRC on the status of this project and indicated that a total of 53 firms requested the Design Services Phase 1 RFP, and a total of 9 have submitted proposals. She is overseeing the project and will keep the NRC updated as the Fuller Brook Coordinating Committee interviews the design service firms. Ms. Bowser stated that she also is working on drafting the job description for the Town Project Manager for the Fuller Brook Phase 1 Project and she will keep the NRC updated on the status of that position.
Update on Winter Moth Control 2010 Spring Spraying Program
Ms. Bowser stated that the DPW has completed the 2010 Winter Moth Control Spring Spraying Program and that the crew indicated that there was greater leaf damage than in past years. She stated that there were no calls of concerns from Town residents regarding the Town Spaying Program and that many calls were received regarding what residents could do on their own property and that an education effort has been developed I response to residents’ concerns.
Update on Upcoming Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing Issues
Ms. Bowser stated that she has reviewed the current Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing list from the DPW and that one tree on Wellesley Avenue could be of concern to the residents of that neighborhood and that she will meet with neighborhood residents prior to the Tree Hearing to address their concerns.
Update on Playing Fields Task Force Issues
Ms. Bowser stated that she attended the last meeting of the Playing Fields Task Force on behalf of the NRC on Friday, May 14, 2010. Ms. Bowser updated the NRC on issues related to the FY11 Design Services for improving Perrin Park’s playing fields, as well as an update on the St. James property and potential acquisition of the property for recreation.
Approval of Halvorson Design Partnership Contract Extension for Fuller Brook Project Phase 1
Ms. Bowser stated that the current contract with Halvorson Design Partnership expires soon and the new contract will extend it through the next 6 months in case additional services are needed. After a motion was
made and seconded, the NRC voted 5-0 to approve the Halvorson Design Partnership Contract Extension for the next six months.
Update on Status of Open Space and Recreation Master Plan
Ms. Bowser stated that a number of small revisions and formatting is needed, but essentially the plan is complete.
Discussion Re: Director’s Extensive Workload Concerns
Mr. Seaborn voiced concerns about the Director’s extensive workload and stated that Ms. Bowser is currently handling an overwhelming amount of work and that the NRC must be cognizant of this and assist Ms. Bowser whenever possible. Mr. Seaborn stated that the NRC is committed to reducing the Director’s workload and looking for additional staff resources to assist Ms. Bowser. Ms. Bowser’s responsibilities have more than tripled since she took the position, including oversight of large-scale NRC projects including the Morses Pond Management Project, Fuller Brook Park Preservation Project, the NRC’s Playgrounds and Playing Field Improvements, among many others. Mr. Seaborn stated that the NRC’s Capital Budget under Ms. Bowser’s leadership has increased over 100% and that
her responsibilities and oversight work have now reached a point where no additional responsibilities can be taken on Ms. Bowser, and the NRC needs to work with her to find ways to delegate some of her work load. The NRC will continue to discuss this matter at future meetings.
Update on Lake Cochituate Watershed Program
Ms. Bowser stated that she and Mr. Seaborn attended a Lake Cochituate Watershed Management Program on Saturday, May 8th, which provided an opportunity to discuss regional watershed issues related to Morses Pond as well as Lake Cochituate.
Liaison Reports/Continued Business/New Business
Update on Lower Falls Charles River Park Project
Mr. Seaborn stated that based on the Town’s recent discussions with National Development that National Development will be including in their current site construction plans the pathway on the Town right-of-way to the DCR bridge. Mr. Seaborn stated that Board of Selectmen Chair Barbara Searle indicated that it is her understanding that they will provide most, if not all, of the funding for the rehabilitation of the Town right-of-way, including the path and the creation of a park setting with landscaping. Mr. Seaborn will keep the NRC updated on the status of this project.
Review and Approval of the NRC Meeting Minutes of April 5, 2010 and April 8, 2010
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 5-0 to approve the April 5, 2010 and April 8, 2010 Meeting Minutes as written.
Adjournment
After a motion was made and seconded, the NRC voted 5– 0 to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Janet Hartke Bowser
NRC Director
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