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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20210902 - Open Space Preservation Committee - Meeting MinutesTOWN OF HOPKINTON OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION COMMISSION 18 MAIN STREET HOPKINTON, MA 01748 (508) 497-9755 Minutes of Meeting: 2, September 2021 The Hopkinton Open Space Preservation Commission (OSPC)met both at 18 Main Street lower level and remotely by Zoom Present: Ed Harrow, Steven Levandosky, Jane Moran (Zoom), Nancy Peters Guests:Dave Goldman 7:03 PM: OSPC CALL TO ORDER: Open Public Forum Mr. Harrow explained that he had sent in money to secure a table at the Poly Arts event that would take place September 18, 2021. Encroachment 4 Sylvan Way - There was a disagreement as to where the li ne that John Coolidge and Morrie Gasser pointed out. The Commission spoke about how the property was pinned. Motion to hire a legally licensed surveyor to do the back line in question and mark the data points to help with restoration. motion was made by Ms. Peters, seconded by Mr. Levandosky. Roll call vote: Nancy Peters - Yes, Steve Levandosky - Yes, Ed Harrow - Yes, Jane Moran - No Vote. 61 Winter - Mr. Harrow explained that he and Ms. Soares have gone back to the building department to set up a site walk with the owner. He explained that there “was stuff” on the open space land. There was a question about where the property lines are as the property owner may have moved some of the markers Mr. Gasser put up. Ms. Peters noted that there have been issues at that property in the past with excessive markers. She suggested getting a survey done at the property to ensure placement is correct, and scaling back on the markers. The Commission spoke about how there was a trail proposed on the town property which was very close to 61 Winter Street, they inquired if there were rules on set back on how close trails could be to a residence. Mr. Goldman noted that he was not aware of any set back rules for trails. Lake Maspenock Open Space Preservation Commission 2, September 2021 Page 1 of 4 DRAFT Mr. Harrow reported that through the Conservation Commission he toured the area by boat and was able to speak to some of the Lake Maspenock Preservation Association members. He explained that the members were in support of the Open Space Preservation Commission purchasing the lake lots. Ms. Peters inquired about the parcels of interest sheet asking if it only included certain properties, noticing that certain parcels were left off. Mr. Levandosky agreed that it was only a partial list. The Commission spoke about other properties of interest including J.B Sawmill, and property connected to Arenas. Whitehall Conservation Area Mr. Harrow explained that he was still attempting to connect with DCR in regards to the telephone pole. He met with John Westerling to see if the DPW would be able to remove it. The Japanese Knotweed he explained was almost impossible to get through, the Bittersweet in that area was not visible . Mr. Levandosky explained that he had received an email from a high school student looking to do some volunteer work, and there was a possibility that he could assist with some of the removal of the invasives. Mr. Levandosky explained that he would have Chuck Dauchy assist with the marking, or explaining to the volunteer. Ms. Moran suggested the use of goats, Mr. Harrow explained that he had looked into goats however they required fencing and it was a significant cost. Parcels of Interest 43 East Main Street - Mr. Levandosky showed a map of the area explaining that the parcel was located near Legacy Farms and abuts two parcels owned by the Town and one owned by HALT. The Commission spoke about how the front of the parcel has a house on it, while the back of the parcel is wooded. Spengler was the previous owner. Ms. Peters noted that Open Space had attempted purchase the property in the past however the owners were persuaded not to sell. Ms. Peters recommended that Mr. Harrow call Mr. Doherty about the parcel. The Commission proposed to send the additional parcel to Mr. Khumalo; but there was also a discussion on the amount of properties that had recently been sent to him. The Commission spoke about what parcels had already been sent to Mr. Khumalo. The list included: Issadore, Conroy, McDonough, Lake Lots on Maspenock Woods. Mr. Levandosky explained that there was a need to widen the search on potential parcels. The Commission spoke about the state regulations that created the Open Space Preservation Commission. Mr. Goldman added that when the Open Space Preservation Commission was created there was a separate funding source that allowed for the politics of land purchasing out of buying the land. Mr. Levandosky explained that if what Ms. Moran said was true, Mr. Khumalo prefers when a board/organization approaches the land owner to gage their level of interest. Mr. Harrow suggested that he would start reaching out to the land owners. Legacy Farms Open Space - There is a requirement that the area be kept in a natural state. Mowing takes place 4 times a year by the Dartmouth Group. Mr. Levandosky explained that two Open Space Preservation Commission 2, September 2021 Page 2 of 4 weeks ago the grass was knee high, however when called the management group was very responsive. Mr. Levandosky believes it would be in the best interest if the property was managed by a local group; ideally he would like to have an agreement that would allow for the creation of new trails and for the permission to clear any overgrowth. Ms. Moran noted that she didn’t believe owner Mr. McDowell would give up the property, however he probably would be open to working with the town on adding new trails. Mr. Harrow explained that there were no conservation restrictions on the parcel, however the land is restricted with a management plan which was very similar to a conservation restriction. Mr. Levandosky spoke about how he’d like the town to get some type of agreement that allowed for trail creation, and management of the meadow. Ms. Moran explained that it was possible to set up a meeting with the land owner, however she didn’t believe unrestricted access would be given. Ms. Peters doesn’t believe that Open Space should be involved in trail maintenance, as the town does have a trail club. The Commission spoke about sending a memo to the TCMC to send a letter to Roy McDowell. Ms. Peters and Ms. Moran both spoke about how the property is privately owned. Mr. Harrow asked Ms. Moran if she would be willing to reach out to Mr. McDowell. Ms. Moran also recommended talking to Ms. Lazarus; she believes the Open Space Preservation Commission would never get an official letter of agreement. Ms. Peters suggested getting volunteers vs. Open Space Funds to maintain the meadow. Mr. Levandosky noted that he is not saying the Dartmouth group is delinquent in their management of the property, however he believes that there were improvements that can be made. Town Owned Open Space - Management The Commission spoke about how when land is purchased, if it is not specifically listed to go to the Open Space Preservation Commission it is put into the Select Board’s name. They inquired how they would go about getting the land managed by the Select Board into the Commissions name. They spoke about how land owned by the town that is deemed to be Open Space should be managed by the Commission. Mr. Harrow explained that any change would potentially need a town meeting vote. Mr. Levandosky believes that the Commission should be responsible for management of the Town’s larger open space parcels with trails; other Commission members disagree. The Commission spoke about asking for management control over Berry Acres. Mr. Harrow will talk to Conservation Commission chair Jeff Barnes to gauge his opinion. Sign Mr. Harrow reported that Mark Pillsbury would not be able to make the sign. He reported that Peter LaGoy had recommended a sign company and he was going to be getting a quote. Website Mr. Harrow reported that there were no updates, Ms. Moran questioned if there was a designer. Ms. Peters recommended that the Commission hire someone to design the website, she suggested reaching out the Mr. Gasser on who helped design their website. TCMC was also looking to create a website, so there is a possibility the same company could help design a website. Open Space Preservation Commission 2, September 2021 Page 3 of 4 CPC Applications The Commission spoke about how there was money for Open Space use and they would love to see the purchase of land. Mr. Levandosky explained that Mr. LaGoy applied for a grant and if it didn’t happen there was a potential that the Open Space Preservation Commission could cosponsor the bridges. Berry Acres is another area that is in need of bridges. Ms. Peters commented it would be wonderful to have a community garden. Whitehall Conservation Area Mr. Harrow spoke about how the Conservation Restriction holders were prohibited from using herbicides however the area is outside of the Conservation Commission jurisdiction. Mr. Levandosky would like to see a mechanical approach for removal and herbicides as a last resort. Minutes Check the header and footers from June/July Motion to accept the July 23, 2021 Meeting minutes as presented was made by Ms. Peters. the motion was seconded by Mr. Levandosky. Roll call vote Steven Levandosky - Yes, Nancy Peters - Yes, Jane Moran - Yes, Ed Harrow - Yes Motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Peters and seconded by Mr. Levandosky. Roll call vote Steven Levandosky - Yes, Nancy Peters - Yes, Jane Moran - Yes, Ed Harrow - Yes Minutes approved October 7, 2021 Documents Location Open Space Preservation Commission Agenda September 2, 2021 Web Meeting Calendar Meeting Minutes July 23, 2021 ** All material listed posted on Web Calendar are also available in OSPC Files Open Space Preservation Commission 2, September 2021 Page 4 of 4