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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-31-ConCom-min Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Conservation Commission ___________________________________________________________________________ Joint Meeting: Lexington Conservation Commission and Lexington Conservation Stewards AGENDA Monday, January 31, 2022, 6:30 p.m. This Conservation Commission meeting was held remotely via Zoom, an online meeting platform. Public Participation via calling in or using your computer was encouraged. Commissioners Present: Duke Bitsko (arrived late), Philip Hamilton, Ruth Ladd, Holly Samuels, Kevin Beuttell, Alex Dohan, David Langseth Associate Members Present: Vinita Bose (not present: Jason Hnatko) Staff Present: Amber Carr, Conservation Coordinator 6:30 PM Vote to submit letter of support for Invasive Species Bill H.999/S.563 On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to support the Invasive Species Bill H.999/S.563 and to submit a letter of support for the Bill. Record of vote as follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye David Langseth – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye Stewardship Report: 2021 Year in Review Ms. Carr presented the challenges and accomplishments of the Conservation Commission and Conservation Stewards during 2021. Mr. Keith Ohmart, Conservation Steward, presented an overview of the Bird survey performed at the Woodland Bird Sanctuary (Ada Govan ). Capital Project Updates Ms. Carr presented an update on the currently identified Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) funding requests, including the West Farm Meadow Preservation and the Wright Farm Barn environmental testing and development of complete design and bid document by an architect for shell stabilization. 2022 Project Planning (FY22/23) Ms. Carr provided an update on priority capital projects that were backlogged due to Covid and staff turnover including: Daisy Wilson Meadow Preservation, Parker Meadow Construction, Willard's Woods ADA design and engineering, Willard's Woods Meadow Preservation, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2022 Update, Wright Farm Site Access and Parking Conceptual Planning, and Conservation Restriction Enforcement. Annual and ongoing work in 2022-2023 includes Conservation Restriction and baseline field work, support to the Native Plant Nursery, East Lexington Habitat Enrichment Project, Cotton Farm Orchard Management. Additional continuing work includes: invasive plant management, trail maintenance, boardwalk maintenance and extensions, meadow maintenance, meadow wildflower project at Joyce Miller’s Meadow, new scout projects, and educational/outreach programming. Ms. Carr provided updates on the Idylwilde Community Garden Program and Lexington’s proposed sidewalk on Lincoln Street, and updates to the community garden parking area. The Commission discussed current fencing and structure guidelines at the community garden. Ms. Carr stated that, due to management feedback and concerns from the public, staff were asked by the Conservation Commission to coordinate a field management plan for Chiesa Farm. Depending on available funds, the potential timeline is Spring 2022 to Fall 2022. Vote to approve an expenditure of up to $6,000 from the Lexington Nature Trust for the Chiesa Farm Field Management Plan On a motion by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Ms. Samuels, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call vote to approve the expenditure of up to $6,000 from the Lexington Nature Trust Fund for the Chiesa Farm Field Management Plan. Record of vote as follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Duke Bitsko – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye David Langseth – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye Looking Ahead: Goal Setting FY24-28 (7/1/23 to 6/30/28) The Conservation Commission discussed the goals of the Conservation Division, including: Land Management Planning, Invasive Plant Management and Native Habitat Restoration, Conservation Meadow Preservation, Trail access and infrastructure, trail connections, education and outreach, land acquisition, and historic landscape preservation. Funding Priorities for Fiscal Year 2024 were discussed, including the Willard’s Woods Universal Access trail improvement & construction and short-term projects at Wright Farm. Fiscal Year 2025 funding priorities discussed were: Cotton Farm/Community Center Connecter eastern universal accessible trail segment design and engineering, and the Idylwilde Meadow Preservation. Fiscal Year 2026 projects discussed were the Phase 2 Wright Farm barn stabilization and renovations. The Commission discussed their thoughts on the pond water levels at Parker Meadow. Other Fiscal Year 2024-2028 projects discussed were: Dunback Meadow garden restoration, proposed trail boardwalk improvements, and a habitat improvement project at the Ada Govan Bird Sanctuary. Mr. Ohmart informed the Commission that he is following up on the rogue trail that was developed around Brookhaven and is finding a solution for a land management plan on the conservation parcel off of Concord Avenue. Mr. Ohmart added that he is hoping to have this request added to the Fiscal Year 2024 project list. Mr. Jeff Howry, property owner of 5 Bennett Avenue, informed the Commission that he will be presenting a capital funding project for the Cotton Farm Orchard at the May 2022 joint meeting. On a motion by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Ms. Samuels, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to adjourn the meeting. Record of vote as follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Duke Bitsko – left meeting early Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye David Langseth – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Phil Hamilton – Aye Respectfully Submitted, Meghan McNamara Department Assistant – Conservation Minutes taken via video recording Approved: 7/11/2022 Archived: 7/12/2022