HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-12-15-CONCOM-min.pdf TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES of Commission meeting December 15, 1970.
The meeting was called to order at 8 00 p.m. by the Chairman,
Mr. Brown, with Mrs. Frick, Dr. Kessler and Messrs. Mazerall
and Smith present (Mr. Smith ex-officio, as his resignation
had been accepted by the Town Manager last week) . Mrs. Josette
Carter of the League of Women Voters was also present.
Great Meadow Report was delivered December 8. The Arlington
and Lexington Committees (plus Dr. Shrock, Mr. McSweeney and
the Planning Board) have one month to read it and comment.
Dr. Kessler recommended and will set up a joint meeting with
the two Town Committees to prepare comments. Among statements
and recommendation in the draft report discussed by the Commissbn
were the following
"Because of its size and location (the Great Meadow) could be
developed in any way from the most intense land use to open
space. . . " Mr. Smith thought that tnis sentence could be taken
out of context and misinterpreted. (Page 5) .
Legislation or zoning to conserve the area recommended.
The report recommended that the Commission should see that
the Board of Health inspect and enforce existing regulations kdrlt
to see that the Sickletdoes not continue to be polluted by
the Wilson Farm (organic pollution from fertilizers stored
nearby)
Mr. Daily, the lawyer representing Cataldo Farms , who have pro-
posed a multi-dwelling development on part of Ralph Cataldots
Bow Street farm, has asked to find out what is in the Great
Meadowk report of his concern. Mrs. Frick replied that the
report has not yet been released, but that she would be in
touch with him, when the information is available. (The hous-
ing development plan shows land near the Sickle Brook left open. )
Vine Brook Pollution. The source of severe oilollu n e
do reported
orted
P
near John Poulter Road has been traced by Mr. Cashin of the State
Water Pollution Control Division to Appolonio' s Kendall Rd. farm.
Digging in the vicipity of Mr. Appolonic ' s greenhouses showed
evidence of search-Far leaking oil pipe. the ground nearby was
saturated with oil and an old oil truck nearby was also dripping.
The inspector said he would return the following week to see if
the situation was remedied. If not , the owner could be threatened
and possibly taken to court. Who would sue him? Mr. Brown pointed
out that the spilled oil is continuing to seep into the brook.
Steeves restoration. Mrs. Frick reported that Mr. Olson of Sasaki
and the Design Advisory Committee is continuing search for informa.
tion on suitable plantings for the sand & gravel soil.
DEC 23 68th
' ` Conservation Commission minutes 12/15/70 Page 2
Meagherville & Clematis. It is anticipated that the Planning
Board will request postponement of articles on these areas un.-
' til March Town Meeting. Recommended Commission meet with the
Planning Board about these and the overall plan.
Hatch Act Hearing on the Parker land on Woburn Street will take
place at S 15 p.m. December 21 in the Bird Room. Dr. Kessler
said he will welk the land this week.
Roads. Treatment of roads with sand only discussed briefly and
later with Mr. O'Connell in executive session.
Charles River Watershed Association . The Commission has been
invited to join ($5 individual, $10 group) . Mr. Brown will join.
Flood problems along Lexington brooks. Because of HUD recommen-
dations and possibility that the Commission will be asked to com-
ment upon proposed developments along the Clematis and Sickle
Brooks, it was recommended the Commission should make official
inquiry of the Army Corps of Engineers for information on flood
dangers originating in Lexington in general and specifically
along the Clematis Brook.
Camp Dresser and McKee bill for $2,098.97 has been received.
Approval ofayment voted. When this bill is paid, there will
remain over $4,000 in the article for the Great Meadow Study.
Signs (most of this discussion was with Mr. O' Connell) In order
to fulfill the HUD contract requirement, a red, white and blue
sign must be placed upon each ,p arcel for which Federal reimburse-
ment has been or will be received. Counting one sign for all the
Hayden woods parcels and Whipple Hill, seven signs are needed.
About $150 remains in the land maintenance fund and this should
be spent this year. Wood or metal would do. Redwood recommended.
Use of the tree design from the Commission letterhead suggested.
Dr. Kessler will be in charge of this project and will speak
with Mr. McSweeney.
Pertinent deadlines
December 29 - report due on funds to be released or carried for
ward on funds appropriated by separate articles.
December ')1 , 1970 - All checks to be credited in 1970 to be
turned in to Mr. Perry.
Noons Friday, January 8 - All invoices to be paid out of 1970
funds due in Comptroller' s office (Article 4) .
Noon= Monday, January 4 - deadline for articles to be submitted
for March, 1971 Town Meeting.
Following an executive session with Mr. O'Connell, the meeting
adjourned at 11 35 p.m. / Q �
Respectfully submitted, ( 4 ,�/ eJ�Rn2 Secretary to the Commission