2024-01-29-ConCom-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Conservation Commission Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia ___________________________________________________________________________ AGENDA Monday, January 29, 2024, 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: Kevin Beuttell, Duke Bitsko, Alex Dohan, Philip Hamilton (Chair), Ruth Ladd (Vice-Chair) and Tom Whelan; Not present: Jason Hnatko Staff Present: Amber Carr, Conservation Coordinator 6:30 PM Tree Committee to present proposed amendments to the Tree Bylaw. Nancy Sofen Ms. Nancy Sofen, member of the Tree Committee, presented an overview of the current tree bylaw and the proposed amendments under Articles 34, 35 and 36 to be presented at the upcoming 2024 Annual Town Meeting. Ms. Sofen stated that the Tree Management Manual contains a list of replacement species, however, it is out of date. Ms. Sofen also stated that the protection and enforcement under the Tree Bylaw does not apply to trees on town-owned property, and the Tree Warden makes a determination on the health of such trees. Mr. Bitsko commented that it would be beneficial for tree protection to remain in place until after final landscaping is complete for a project because heavy equipment could damage the tree roots and understory. Ms. Sofen stated that the stop order recommendation is still under discussion with the Tree Committee and that the Town Manager and Town Council are reviewing another topic. Ms. Sofen will return to a future meeting with a final version of the amendments prior to Town Meeting. Approval and Renewal of Bee Permit at Cotton Farm and Idylwilde Conservation Areas Ms. Carr and the Commission reviewed the proposed updates made to the annual apiary permit for Ms. Alexandra Bartsch, 205 Follen Road. Mr. Hamilton stated that he had a phone conversation with Ms. Bartsch earlier in the day, during which she stated she cannot predict how many times she has to drive a vehicle onto the site throughout the year. Members of the Commission agreed with updating the wording of the permit to allow Ms. Bartsch to drive her vehicle onto the site a minimal number of times during the year. On a motion by Mr. Whelan and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to approve the renewal of the permit for apiaries at Cotton Farm and Idylwilde Garden for the 2024 calendar year. Record of Vote as Follows: