Conservation Commission
Meeting
Sharon Community Center
January 6, 2011
Peg Arguimbau Chairman, Hank Langstroth, Elizabeth McGrath, and Stephen Cremer were the members present. The Conservation Administrator, Greg Meister, was also present.
7:45 p.m., Discuss the Commission’s projects for inclusion in the 2010 Annual Town Report:
The Commission reviewed highlights of the Cedar Swamp on-going project and other following projects that were completed this past year for inclusion in the 2010 Annual Town Report:
- Open Space and Recreation Master Plan
- The Massapoag Sportsmen’s Club Land Swap with the Commission
- Eagle Scout Project - Revitalization of the Car Shop Pond Trail & the installation of a trailhead
- An informational brochure commemorating the Commission’s 50th Anniversary
Continued interest/action from the State concerning the restoration of the Cedar Swamp
Project as well as support from the Finance Committee and the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration
8: 05 p.m., Review the Commission’s Budget:
The Conservation Administrator explained to the Commission that the Finance Committee has requested Level Funding and Level Funding plus contractual obligations concerning the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget. The guidelines for Fiscal Year 2012 do not include salary increases for employees.
The Conservation Administrator explained that the Commission’s Conservation Land Expense Account is dwindling and recommended that the Commission request CPC funds to replenish that account.
The Commission agreed to file a CPC Application for possible action at the May 2, 2011 Annual Town Meeting to secure $24,000 in CPC Funds to replenish the Conservation Land Account.
8:15 p.m., Approve Past Meeting Minutes:
Peg called for a motion to approve the December 16, 2010 Meeting Minutes as presented.
Stephen Cremer moved. Elizabeth McGrath seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 4-0-0.
8:20 p.m., Signatures:
The Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding by and between the Mass Audubon Society and the Conservation Commission regarding land off Belcher Street associated with the Massapoag Sportsmen’s Club Land Swap. The Commission also signed bills.
8:25 p.m., Old/New Business:
-Composting Project
Peg explained to the Commission that she and the Sharon Friends of Conservation received an e-mail from a Boy Scout that previously worked on the Car Shop Pond Trail Eagle Scout Project. The Boy Scout expressed an interest in organizing a community service project that would encourage residents to start a composting system in their own backyards.
Peg contacted the Boy Scout in support of the proposed composting project and suggested that he meet with the Commission to present his project.
Peg explained to the Commission that Rita Corey, a member of the Sharon Friends of Conservation, also contacted the Boy Scout and offered to refer him to someone that would be willing to perform a demonstration for the members of the community about worm composting.
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-Massapoag Trail
Peg mentioned that the Boy Scouts previously contacted Kurt Buermann, President of the Sharon Friends of Conservation, concerning a restoration project for the Massapoag Trail.
The Commission discussed organizing a potential project between the Sharon Friends of Conservation and the Boy Scouts to re-establish the access trail from the Massapoag Sportsmen’s Club to Hixson Farm and to install signage for the trail.
-Devil’s Rock
Peg explained to the Commission that Devil’s Rock is now on Conservation Land as a result of the Massapoag Sportsmen’s Club Land Swap and that the trail leading to the rock needs to be re-designed.
Stephen Cremer voiced his concern that the Commission should not be identified as a group of people that just says “no” about things. He feels that the Commission is always willing to assist the residents and the community at large. He said that people should consult with the Commission before considering certain projects so that plans can be made that are beneficial and within the framework of the law.
-Former Sacred Heart Property
Stephen Cremer inquired if a proposal for a non-resident school on the former Sacred Heart site would be an allowable project under the law.
The Conservation Administrator explained that only building construction proposals for a Police, Fire, Library, Town Office Building, or Senior Center/Indoor Recreation Center would currently be allowed on the former Sacred Heart site.
The Conservation Administrator explained it is Town Counsel’s opinion that municipalities seeking to dispose of Article 97 land must obtain a unanimous vote of the municipal Conservation Commission stating that the Article 97 land is surplus to municipal, conservation, and open space needs.
8:50 p.m., Adjournment:
Peg called for a motion to adjourn.
Stephen Cremer moved. Hank Langstroth seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 4-0-0.
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