HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-23-ConCom-minMeeting broadcasted by LexMedia
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Conservation Commission
___________________________________________________________________________
Joint Meeting: Lexington Conservation Commission and Lexington Conservation Stewards
AGENDA Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 7:00 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.
Staff Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Director, and Amber Carr, Conservation
Coordinator
Out of Order from the posted Agenda
Stewardship Report: 2023 Year in Review
Ms. Carr presented the 2023 stewardship report, including challenges faced by the stewards and
the many accomplishments throughout the year. Completed Eagle Scout projects were also
acknowledged, and included the installation of bike racks at Parker Meadow and a kiosk and
signage installed at Shaker Glen.
Capital Projects Update
Ms. Carr stated that there were no fiscal year 2025 projects identified because staff need to focus
on completing previously funded projects. Ms. Carr provided status updates on previously
approved projects that utilized Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. Capital Improvements
Projects outlined for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 include meadow preservation, Parker Meadow
accessible trails project, Willard’s Woods Ecological Land Management Plan (ELMP) &
Universally Accessible trail design, Wright Farm (on hold), Open Space and Recreation Plan,
and Whipple Hill trail repair and fire access design.
2024 Project Planning (FY24/25)
Non-capital project planning was presented for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. This included
Conservation Restriction and baseline field work, native plant nursery support, East Lexington
habitat enrichment project, Cotton Farm/Orchard management, Greenway Corridors Committee
(GCC) Concord Avenue land survey for the management plan, finalizing stewardship plan and
management and Dunback Meadow. Other ongoing projects include the community garden
program, invasive plant management, trail maintenance, boardwalk maintenance and possible
extensions, meadow maintenance, Joyce Miller’s Meadow wildflower project, new scout
projects, and education/outreach programming.
Looking Ahead: Goal Setting FY26-30 (7/1/25-6/30/30)
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
if there is an alternate location for the apiaries that would require less driving. Mr. Bartsch
responded that she does not want to have hives right next to Marrett Road and that the current
location is the safest for everyone. She added that the gate mechanism at Cotton Farm is difficult
to open. Ms. Mullins stated that the area at Cotton Farm being driven on is a bioretention area
and that it would be better to use the gate access for a stable driving surface. Staff will look into
fixing the gate that Mrs. Bartsch said she has trouble opening and closing. Ms. Carr will update
the wording of the permit for the Commission to vote on at the next meeting.
Mr. Ohmart provided an update on the proposed routes at the Concord Avenue property that
would connect to ACROSS Lexington trails. He stated that funding has been received on behalf
of GCC to do the land management portion of what will be required to permit a trail at the site.
He added that additional funding will need to be sourced for boundary surveying of the property
because the estimates for costs are about four-times more money that what the land management
plan requires. Ms. Carr communicated to the GCC that she assumed the Commission would want
boundary markers installed before any trails were constructed through the property.
Respectfully Submitted via Video Recording
Meghan McNamara, Planner
Approved: 2/12/2024
Archived: 2/22/2024