2024-01-23-ConCom-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Carr presented the goals of the Conservation Division that were previously voted on by members of the Conservation Commission. Funding priorities for fiscal year 2026 through fiscal year 2029 were presented. There are no funding priorities set for fiscal year 2030. A quorum of Commission members was now present at the meeting and Mr. Hamilton called the meeting to order. Commissioners Present: Kevin Beuttell, Duke Bitsko, Alex Dohan, Philip Hamilton (Chair), Ruth Ladd (Vice-Chair); Not present: Jason Hnatko; Ms. Ladd stated that a boardwalk at Wright Farm Conservation area and Cataldo would be appropriate because these sites are very wet. Members of the Commission discussed the possibility of a DCR trails grant for Cotton Farm. Ms. Mullins stated that the Conservation Division has received numerous recreational trail grants in the past, including Hayden Woods. Ms. Carr stated that she has starting drafting a grant application for Willard’s Woods, however she is unsure if there are enough details on the project design to apply for the grant during the current year. Mr. Keith Ohmart, steward and Chair of the Greenways Corridor Committee (GCC), stated that in the past, help has been provided by the Lexington Track and Field team to carry heavy material to project sites, and could look into this type of volunteer service again. Renewal of Goat Permit at Chiesa Farm Ms. Halé Sofia Schatz, 8 Goodwin Road, and Ms. Laurene and Mr. Eric Beaudette, 10 Grove Street, presented an overview of the previous successful year of goat grazing at Chiesa Farm. Ms. Schatz stated that the mowing schedule was excellent this year and the provided visibility and accessibility due to the mowing was beneficial to the goats and visitors of the property. She added that problems with dogs were at a minimum this past year and no signs were ripped down from the kiosk as they were in previous years. Mr. and Ms. Beaudette added that the public goat walks have been enjoyable and have great turnouts. On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Ladd, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to issue the one-year permit for goat grazing at Chiesa Farm. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Philip Hamilton – Aye Renewal of Bee Permit at Cotton Farm and Idylwilde Conservation Areas Ms. Alexandra Bartsch, 205 Follen Road, stated that she needs to drive her vehicle on the Cotton Farm property about 5-6 times a year for heavy equipment. Mr. Beuttell stated that he does not have an issue with Mr. Bartsch driving her vehicle onto Cotton Farm that many times, but asked