HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - OS - 01/15/2019 OSRC Meeting
Tuesday,January 15, 2019
Call to order at 6:31PM.
Members Present: Tom Callahan, Katie Holden, Dustyn Mascia,Jeff Hartwell, Eric Eisenhauer,
Richard Karoff, Peter Pescatore
Guests: Kevin Cronin, Parks and Trees Supervisor, Brian Joyce - Director of DPW, Merle Brown - 250
Common Sub Committee Chair
Approval of the OSRC Meeting Minutes of 12/11/18. Tom moved, Katie seconded -there were no
changes or discussion. Approved 7-0
The committee introduced the guest and set the discussion purpose of understanding how the towns
fields and parks are fertilized and treated for weeds. Brian Joyce distributed a sheet identifying all of the
parcels in town managed by DPW with columns showing treatment protocol.
The committee questioned the guests at length and determined that the DPW was following the IPM Plan
set each year with the State that designates what fertilizer and weed deterrent that is allowed to be used
on each type of field. Only the Town Common is maintained using organic treatment. Deirdre reported
that she has located an organization's web site that provides grants to fund the use of organic fertilizer.
The DPW pointed out that using organic cost more as well as some having a smell problem and weeds.
The committee will explore how to change the town field maintenance over to organic at future meetings.
The chair asked for nominations for its 3 officers and the committee took the following actions:
Peter Pescatore was nominated for Chairman. Richard moved, Eric 2nd . The approval vote was 8-0
Tom Callahan was nominated for Vice Chairman. Eric moved, Peter 2nd . The approval vote was 8-0
Jeff Hartwell was nominated for Secretary. Dustyn moved, Peter 2nd . The approval vote was 8-0
The Chair reported that Chuck Peterson had resigned from the board that day due to his continued
availability.
Deirdre of the Grant Sub Committee reported on locating a grant that would support converting to
organic lawn maintenance. Katie recommended that we should talk with other towns who have
successfully done this.
The Bylaw committee reported that they had not met.
The chair reported that all the planning committee's had tendered a letter of recommendation for the
2018 OSRP. Beals and Thomas are waiting for the final recommendation from the MAPC to file with the
state. As an offshoot of the committee recommendation process the chair reported that the various
boards were opposed to adding another step in the approval process for land transactions in Cohasset.
The chair had secured recommendations by assuring the committees that the OSRC didn't need to be the
review body but would work to find one of the other committees already in the approval loop to accept
the role of steward of our habitat. Eric reported that he had presented that proposal to the Conservation
Committee and they deferred due to a lack of resources. The committee will work to find a solution.
Both Jeff and Katie had to leave the meeting at this point.
The chair brought up the 250 Celebration coming in 2020 and Merle Brown presented his draft proposal
for traffic improvement and changes to the Common asking for advise and support. The committee gave
their input and Eric Eisenhower agreed to join Merle in the effort to improve the Common for the 250
Celebration.
The chair brought up having a table at the upcoming Rec Fair in March. After the discussion Deirdre
moved to participate, RICHARD 2ND . The committee approved the motion 6-0.
The Chair brought up the recent Esposito Property Acquisition asked if the committee should ask for a
Conservation Restriction. The committee decided that a Citizen's Petition should be undertaken to
achieve that end. Dustyn moved, Deirdre 2°d. The committee approved the motion 6-0.
In support of this effort Eric volunteered to research the conservation profile of the property in question
and report back at the next meeting.
A motion to adjourn was made by Eric, 2nd by Deirdre. The motion was approved 6-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 PM.
Respectfully submitted
Peter Pescatore