Conservation Commission
Meeting
March 16, 2006
Peg Arguimbau Chairman, Stephan Glicken and Hank Langstroth were the members present. Katherine Roth arrived at 8:30 p.m.
No Quorum at this point
7:45 p.m. The Commission discussed the leaks in the dam at Mann’s Pond:
Greg explained to the members of the Commission that the discharge pipes are leaking at Mann’s Pond but do not represent a public safety issue at this time. There is no water flowing on the left side of the spillway and there is only a half-inch flowing on the right side. A minimum discharge rate of 1.5 cfs is necessary to maintain the wetland resources down stream of Lake Massapoag. A discharge rate was set at 1.5 cfs in accordance to the Order of Conditions previously issued by the Conservation Commission for the operation of the Lake. Greg expressed his concern to the Commission that when the seasonal streams that feed the lower watershed and Mann’s Pond diminish in a few months, it may not be possible to maintain a 1.5 cfs discharge rate for Lake Massapoag. Greg said that the DPW has agreed to temporarily
repair the dam by installing half-filled sandbags to slow down the leaks at the front left side of the sluiceway.
The members of the Commission expressed their approval for the proposed repair work.
Quorum - Katherine Roth arrived at this time
8:30 p.m. Discuss the proposed Well Exploration sites:
The Commission discussed drafting a letter to the Superintendent of Public Works stating their concerns regarding future well testing at the Islamic Center site. The Commission agreed to reference the information received from the EIR report that was performed by a consultant previously hired by the Commission. The consultant stated in his report that the operation of a proposed well at the Islamic Center site would cause adverse environmental impacts to the wetlands of the Cedar Swamp area and reduce the amount of groundwater discharge to Lake Massapoag. To date, the review comments included in the consultant's EIR Report has not been addressed.
The Commission recommended, based on the information contained in the consultant’s report, not to allocate funds for additional well testing at the Islamic Center site and to proceed with future explorations at the three remaining potential well sites.
8:45 p.m. Old/New Business:
Cedar Swamp project
Greg explained to the Commission that he proposes to contact the Army Corps of Engineers to pursue grant money to help restore portions of Cedar Swamp.
Camp Gannett
Peg informed the Commission of a meeting she attended with Greg and a group of people from the Elizabeth Peabody House relating to Camp Gannett. There was a preliminary discussion regarding land preservation and Conservation Restrictions. The association from the Elizabeth Peabody House expressed their desire to keep the land undisturbed and will continue their dialogue with the Commission.
9:00 p.m. Budget Review:
Greg said that the Finance Committee approved the Commission's Reserved Fund Transfer request to secure additional funding for the Conservation Secretary’s increased compensation. The Finance Committee also approved the Commission’s proposed FY’07 Budget.
Page 2 SCC 3/16/06 Meeting Minutes
9:05 p.m. Signatures:
The Commission signed bills. Letters to the Board of Assessors to abate the taxes on the following parcels:
29-8, 7R Holly Lane. 60-42, 146 E. Foxboro Street. 28-2, 0000 Unknown. 76-14, 17 Commercial St.
66-47, 247 S. Walpole St. 29-59, 12 Mink Trap Lane. 131- 1-6, 149 Edge Hill Rd.
31-23, 409 E. Foxboro St. 49-9 000 S. Main St.
9:10 p.m. Approved Past Meeting Minutes:
Peg called for a motion to accept the March 2, 2006 Meeting Minutes as amended.
Stephan Glicken moved. Hank Langstroth seconded. Voted. Unanimous.
9:15 p.m. Adjournment:
Hank Langstroth moved to adjourn. Stephan Glicken seconded. Voted. Unanimous.
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