2023-05-15-Concom-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Conservation Commission ___________________________________________________________________________ AGENDA Monday,May 15,2023,6:30 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 (Chairman),Jason Hnatko and Ruth Ladd Staff Present:Karen Mullins,Conservation Director,Amber Carr,Conservation Coordinator, and Meghan McNamara,Conservation Department Assistant 6:30 PM New Business/Pending Matters Update on Parker Meadow storyboard working group Mr.Beuttell,a member of the story board working group,presented the proposed revisions made to the story walk plan.The revisions include a reduction in the number of panels from 24 to 20, relocation of panels to reduce the density in certain areas,and removal of all panels on the meadow (northwesterly)side of the pond.Town Counsel informed staff that the revisions could be reviewed through a plan change process,however given the concerns raised from residents and neighbors of Parker Meadow,staff and the Commission agreed that an Amendment request process would be more appropriate.Staff will prepare and submit a request for Amended Order of Conditions as soon as possible,and the story boards will remain in place until a decision is made. Mr.Wayne Harvey,property owner of 34 Revere Street,asked for clarification on the amendment process.Mr.Hamilton and staff responded that the hearing for the Order of Conditions will be reopened to discuss only the changes,all abutters within 100-feet will be notified,and a notice will be posted in the newspaper.Staff will also provide notification to an email list that has been circulating with comments. Mr.Jonathan Himmel,property owner of 66 Hancock Street,shared his concern that the Commission is setting a precedent for story boards to be installed at other Conservation areas in town,such as Willard’s Woods and that the story boards were not mentioned during the Town Meeting approval process.Mr.Himmel also raised concern regarding proper abutter notification. Mr.Tad Dickenson,property owner of 48 Hancock Street,asked how this plan change is deemed insignificant.Mr.Hamilton responded that insignificant is a term of the regulation,and it related to the impact made on resource areas.The Conservation Commission made a judgment,which