HomeMy Public PortalAbout20211104 - Open Space Preservation Committee - Meeting MinutesTOWN OF HOPKINTON
OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
18 MAIN STREET
HOPKINTON, MA 01748
(508) 497-9755
Open Space Preservation Commission
4, November 2021
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DRAFT
Minutes of Meeting: 4, November 2021
Present: Nancy Peters, Steven Levandosky, Ed Harrow, Jane Moran
Guests: Jane and Kerry Leslaur, Morrie Gasser
Absent: Brendan Tedstone
7:02PM OSPC CALL TO ORDER:
Mr. Harrow called the meeting to order at 7:02PM
Survey of Cameron Woods/Town Forest Boundary
Mr. Harrow reported that he had reached out to the Marquedants about a quote for surveying
work at Cameron Woods/Town Forest and hasn’t received anything yet. Mr. Gasser explained
that the town forest area could use some additional pins. To which Mr. Harrow explained he had
only inquired about Cameron Woods presently. It was discussed that Mr. Levandosky would
provide more information about where in the town forest needed surveying work. Mr.
Levandosky reported that John Ritz reported flooding (due to beavers) in the town forest. He
explained that he had visited the location and noticed there was some activity. The water was not
completely blocking the trail but it was getting close; something would need to be done if the
trail was to remain open. Ms. Moran inquired if there could be a trail built above that would
bypass the area, to which Mr. Levandosky explained that he would need to take a look. Ms.
Peters explained that she was opposed to killing beavers. Mr. Gasser explained that the beavers
reach a natural capacity and their numbers level off. Mr. Levandosky reported that he was unsure
if the trail could be rerouted as the trail would need to be built down hill as heading further uphill
would be into water. Ms. Moran inquired if it was part of a connecting trail, and if a sign that
reports of beaver activity would help divert traffic. Mr. Levandosky explained that where the
beavers were located was at a spur trail near Phipps land and the Town Forest. He inquired about
requirements for removing the dam, to which Ms. Moran reported that the town can authorize
trappers through the Board of Health. Mr. Levandosky added that for the time being the situation
could be monitored as there might be a potential to create a new bridge. Ms. Moran inquired if
the site would benefit from a site walk. Ms. Peters commented that she would be in favor of
building a new bridge that could go around the location of the beavers.
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4, November 2021
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Incursion on Sylvan/Winter
Mr. Harrow explained that the events that took place at 4 Sylvan Way were before his time. He
presented a timeline of events from a move in date in 2007, to work that was started in 2009
which got the attention of the town. In 2013 there was a problem with diseased trees, which the
acting tree warden Paul Gleeson noted the problem was a consequence of land clearing from the
nearby subdivision. In 2020 Mr. Gasser walked the property and discovered the encroachment;
Letters were sent to the property owners. Mr. Harrow reported that he spoke with John Coolidge,
and indicated that the boundary lines Mr. Coolidge pointed out were different from the ones Mr.
Gasser believed them to be. Ms. Peters reported that she was at the previous meetings and to her
recollection it was the scrapping of the exposed roots that caused the issue with the diseased
trees. Ms. Peters believes the OSPC attempted to guide and help with suggestions for planting
mountain laurel, which was to be planted in the disturbed area. Ms. Lesslauer explained that the
mountain laurels were not planted, however they have allowed the area to grow naturally. Ms
Peters questioned if there was an irrigation system in the Open Space land; to which Ms.
Lesslauer explained that there was, however they were going off of the plan provided by Mr.
Coolidge that they believed to be theirs.
Ms. Lesslauer explained that the plantings didn’t happen because of the need for the tree
removal. She continued to explain that the company they used for lawn maintenance was
responsible for cutting the lawn. There was a sugar maple planted and the area they believed
shouldn’t be maintained was staked. Ms. Lesslauer explained that she was working with the town
and hadn’t realized they were encroaching. Ms. Lesslauer added additional information about
plantings and explained that they have paid to have the land maintained for the past twelve years.
Mr. Gasser explained the problem was Mr. Coolidge is not a licensed surveyor and was wrong.
Mr. Levandosky questioned if since receiving the survey everyone was in agreement about the
boundary line. Ms. Lesslauer believed it to be crooked, to which Mr. Gasser explained that the
surveyor Marquadant was able to find the pins to determine the boundary line. It was explained
that the land has a conservation restriction on it and the presence of the lawn is in violation of the
CR. Ms. Lesslauer inquired if the town would reimburse for the tree that was planted. Ms. Moran
agreed that the Lesslauers acted in good faith, to which Ms. Peters commented if the Lesslauers
were going on good faith they would have planted what was discussed. Ms. Lesslauer explained
that they planted a line of blueberry bushes, wild bushes, a birch and pine tree.
It was discussed that in 2013 the Lesslauers paid $4000 to have trees removed, that with the new
survey was town land. Ms. Moran mentioned that the town was having a problem with
bittersweet. It needs to be mowed, is there a way that we can have the owners mow the area since
it would keep the bittersweet/poison ivy under control. Mr. Gasser explained there is a difference
between mowing and maintaining as lawn. Ms. Lesslauer explained that there is bittersweet
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4, November 2021
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where the trees were removed. Ms. Moran questioned if we could request a weed management
document from the owners, the owners would agree to mow to keep the bittersweet at bay. It was
discussed that the area would require mowing 2-3 times a year, which Mr. Gasser explained
could be ammenicable. Ms. Lesslauer commented that if the Commission visited the property
they would in fact find bittersweet and poison ivy. Ms. Moran clarified that there would be no
additional grass plantings or fertilizer used.
Mr. Harrow expressed concern that if there wasn’t a clear line the company responsible for the
maintaining of the lawn it would get disturbed again. Mr. Levandosky inquired if there was a
way that Open Space could do some plantings to form a natural boundary. The Commission
spoke about what potential plantings would be a good fit for a natural boundary. Ms. Lesslauer
was adamant that she didn’t believe they should be responsible for the out of pocket expense for
additional plantings. Mr. Levandosky suggested that the Commission could pay for the plantings.
There was a discussion about removal of poison ivy and 2-3 times a year mowing. Mr. Doherty
suggested several shade species: periwinkle, pachysandra, myrtle vinca minor. The myrtle vinca
minor Mr. Gasser explained is viewed by many to be an invasive as it doesn’t allow anything
else to grow. Mr. Harrow was adamant that he wanted to work with the property owners to find
something they would find acceptable. He noted the fault inadvertently lies with the Open Space
Preservation Commission. Mr. Levandosky explained that at some point the Commission will
need to discuss the cost. There was a discussion about holding a site walk, Mr. Gasser explained
that if there was irrigation in the Open Space land it would be a violation of the CR and it would
need to be capped. The Commission thanked the Lesslauers for attending the meeting.
Suggestions were: Vinca Minor, Pachysandra, Shade Perennials: Monarda,Bee Balm, Bleeding
Heart, Hosta
61 Winter Street -
Mr. Harrow explained that he rewalked the property on the first of the month and the
encroachments that were pointed out have not been addressed. In fact there are additional
encroachments at the property. Mr. Harrow shared some images of the encroachments. It was
suggested that a second letter be written to the property owner, and that the Town Manager be
copied on the letter. The property owner was present at the site walk, and was informed of the
encroachments. Mr. Levandosky questioned if there was a request with a certain time to be
completed by; to which Mr. Gasser explained there had not, however he would have expected it
to have gotten better not worse. Ms. Moran inquired if there was a fine per day, where are the
teeth with the encroachment order. Mr. Harrow explained that the Building Inspectors had been
out to the site and seemed to make light of the encroachment. Mr. Harrow expressed the hope
that with an additional encroachment letter it would carry more weight on the Building
Department. Mr. Harrow explained that there was a dead tree within striking distance of the
Open Space Preservation Commission
4, November 2021
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house, John Westerling confirmed that the tree was dead. Mr Harrow got a quote from Joe Regan
to drop the tree in one piece and remove the tree.
Motion to accept the $800 bid to remove the tree was made by Ms. Moran and seconded by Mr.
Levandosky. The vote was unanimous.
Properties of interest -
Mr. Harrow reported he’s heard nothing directly from Town Manager Norman Khumalo. The
Mcdonough property located at 0 Spring Street is being promoted through CPC as it is actively
on the market. Mr. Harrow reported that it has been suggested that the OSPC make a list
prioritizing the list of property requests. Mr. Harrow explained in an email to Mr. Khumalo, he
suggested two properties: Bruce Issadore and the Creedan property which are severely behind in
taxes and might be easier to acquire. He explained that Christine Barry, Representative of DCR
showed support in both properties as they were near State land. Ms. Peters inquired if there were
grants available, to which Ms. Moran suggested CPC. Mr. Levandosky explained that the CPC
currently had roughly one million in Open Space Preservation and additional funds available in
undesignated funds. There are no updates on the Maspenock properties at this time. Mr. Harrow
explained that there has been no connections made for either the Conroy or the Spengler
property. Mr. Levandosky suggested talking to either the assessor’s office or the tax collector in
regards to properties that owe taxes. It was discussed that both the Creedan and Issadore property
were in collections currently. The Commission spoke about emailing tax collector Chris
Heymanns to let the town know that the properties were of interest to the Open Space
Preservation Commission. The Commission would be interested in acquiring the properties
either through back taxes or through a sale. Mr. Harrow explained that he believed that the
Isadore property might be negotiated as a sale. The Commission spoke about a time the property
was offered to HALT, however at the time either HALT was uninterested or didn’t have the
funds to purchase. Ms. Moran speaking to Mr. Gasser requested that any properties offered to
HALT as a purchase be passed along to the Open Space Preservation Commission if they are
unable to purchase. Ms. Peters inquired as to why HALT didn’t purchase the property at the
time, to which Mr. Gasser explained it wasn’t contiguous with existing HALT property and at
the time it didn’t occur to the group to pass along the information. Mr. Levandosky suggested it
might be better to approach the homeowner for the purchase of the Isadore property vs going
through a foreclosure process. Mr. Harrow would like it known to the Town that the Commission
was interested in that property as well as in the area.
Motion to write a letter to Chris Heymanns to discuss these two parcels of land, as well as other
parcels of interest was made by Ms. Moran and seconded by Ms. Peters.
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The Commission inquired if there was a process within the town that would notify the OSPC if
there was a piece of land being taken because of back taxes. Ms. Peters gave an example of
getting the Board of Health involved with building permits when septic was involved.
Whitehall Conservation Area - Mr. Harrow explained he was at Whitehall two weeks prior with
Chuck Dauchy, Michael Boelsen, Brian Morrison and Nancy Peters. He discussed the clean up
for an Arborviety that had fallen over
Sign Updates - Mr. Harrow presented additional quotes for signage, explaining that the previous
request of $500 wasn’t enough since the estimate is for $600. He explained $895 additional was
needed.
Motion to spend up to but not exceeding $1200 for signage was made by Ms. Moran, the motion
was seconded by Mr. Levandosky. The vote was unanimous.
The Commission spoke about reaching out to Paul Mastroianni about a trail head sign for the
property that would be turned over to the Town. There was a suggestion to reach out to Peter
LaGoy to see if he has been working with Mr. Mastroianni in regards to the trail head sign. It
was suggested by Mr. Gasser to have Mr. Mastroianni place corner pins, and to get involved with
the construction. Ms. Peters questioned if the property would be under the care of the Open
Space Preservation Commission, to which Ms. Moran explained that all the gifts of land needed
to be accepted by the Select Board. There was a discussion about the property in question not
being in the OSLPD overlay.
OSRP Advisory Committee - Mr. Harrow reports no updates, he explains that he met with Mr.
Gelcich and Ms. Soares. It was his understanding that Mr. Gelcich was going to send out a memo
to all the attendees as to when there would be a next meeting. Mr. Levandosky expressed his
interest in being a part of the advisory committee. He inquired what the meetings would look like
and a potential timeline of completion.
Meeting Minutes - Pg 1 last paragraph - pronoun she not he on paragraph OSPR sentence
doesn’t end… when we talk about CPC projects the Ospc budget motion to spend up to not
exceed
Remove Cameron Woods Bridges located on town owned open space - the bridges are anywhere
OSPC owned
Motion to approve the October 7, 2021 meeting minutes as amended was made by Mr.
Levandosky, seconded by Ms. Peters. The motion carries with Ms. Moran abstaining.
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Motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Peters and seconded by Ms. Moran. The vote was
unanimous.
Approved by Commission January 6, 2022
Document List
Documents Location
Open Space Preservation Commission Agenda November 4, 2021 Web Meeting Calendar
** All material listed posted on Web Calendar are also available in OSPC Files