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<br />TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS <br />CONSERVATION COMMISSION <br />MINUTES <br />Tuesday, January 29, 2013 <br />7:30 P.M. <br />Parker Room, Town Office Building <br />1625 Massachusetts Avenue <br /> <br /> <br />Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 7:40 pm in the Parker Room of the Town <br />Office Building. <br /> <br />Commissioners Present: Joyce Miller, Jane Warren, Stew Kennedy, Duke Bitsko, Phil <br />Hamilton (Arrived at 7:43), Dick Wolk (Arrived at 8:00), and David Langseth <br /> <br />Others Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Michelle Tassi, <br />Community Development Department Assistant <br /> <br />7:40 pm Informal – Beekeeping at Idylwilde <br /> Documentation: Beekeeping proposal 10/1/2012 <br />Present for the Applicant: Eugene Ivanov <br /> <br />Mr. Ivanov explained that honeybee populations are declining due to <br />pesticides, herbicides, deforestation, and parasites. Many people are <br />maintaining hives for pollination, which in turn helps control the wasp <br />population. Mr. Ivanov stated that Denver has Community Gardens in <br />which they allow beekeeping. There are no more than two hives per zone <br />lot, rules for placement are in place such as being located at least 5’ from <br />the property line, and signs are placed near and around the hives. There <br />has been a reduction of crops due to declining honeybee populations. He <br />stated that beekeeping is becoming more popular in Community Gardens. <br /> <br />Comments from the Commission as follows: <br />Mr. Langseth suggested that a staff member contact Denver to see what <br />their regulations are on beekeeping and inquire about how they are <br />working. Mr. Bitsko questioned if certification is necessary in <br />Massachusetts for beekeeping. Mr. Ivanov commented that certification is <br />not needed and he supplied copies of apiary inspection regulations from <br />the Department of Food and Agriculture. Mr. Kennedy suggested that Mr. <br />Ivanov use a map of the area and show where the bees will be kept. Mr. <br />Ivanov was instructed to meet with neighbors and stewards to create a plan <br />and draft of regulations for further discussion. <br /> <br />8:02 pm Hearing - NOI, Minuteman Commuter Bikeway <br /> DEP# 201-886, BL 845 <br /> <br />