HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - OS - 09/10/2019 Minutes—OSRC Meeting of 9/10/19
In attendance: Peter Pescatore,Tom Callahan, Eric Eisenhauer, Deirdre Riley, Sue Cunningham.
Mtg. began approx. 6:40 pm.
1. Approval of Minutes of Meeting of 5/14/19—Eric moved, Deirdre second; approved 5-0.
2. Presentation by Nathan Charron and Sarah Charron re: Nathan's Eagle Scout trail project within
Barnes Wildlife Sanctuary.
Nathan to create .14 mi. of improvement to existing and new trail from old BSA cabin site looping
along southern portion of Barnes towards radio tower(to be called Old Cabins Trail in our trail plan),
and a .09 mi. spur into the new abutting CCT land with a bench at an overlook at the end of that
spur. (CCT land is now named Boot Preserve and so spur to be named Boot Preserve Trail).Trail to
be 5 ft. wide, with work done with other student/BSA volunteers and hand tools. No large live trees
to be cut down. Bench at overlook to be of the same style as other benches within Wheelwright
Park. Nathan has obtained BOS, ConComm and CCT approval, and has walked site with the
Conservation Agent to verify no wetlands impacts. Also working with others in Town Hall and the
high school to add this to the planned digital map.
The Committee had a number of questions, all satisfactorily answered. Motion to approve this plan,
Deirdre moved,Tom second; approved 5-0.
3. Discussion of proposed tree protection bylaw with Brian Joyce, Dir. of DPW.
Peter explained goal of this bylaw and the process.Target is for 2020 Annual Town Meeting. End
goal is to have Cohasset designated a Tree City USA. Eric mentioned the benefit given the lack of a
clear legal basis for ConComm's present decisions when trying to regulate tree removal.As we are
now working from the text of Wellesley's bylaw,there was consensus it was too long and detailed.
Those present all pledged to work on editing of text (and looking for other town's similar bylaws),
and it was agreed entire committee needs to get involved in this drafting.
Tom asked Brian a related question about the Scenic Road Bylaw and whether it was applied to the
tree removal this summer on South Main. It was not, due to new DPW personnel being unfamiliar
with the bylaw and an inadvertent slip thru the cracks. But Brian confirmed all trees were diseased
and had to go, and they will be replaced. That led to a discussion of the requirements for a
replacement tree within the Scenic Roads Bylaw being unrealistic, even if the text came from
Norwell's bylaw (as they likely cannot and do not replace as defined either).There was then
discussion on appropriate text to replace that section,which would be found in the new tree
protection bylaw as well. Brian advised against using mathematical size criteria, but applying other
reasonable standards, while Peter warned about being too vague.
All hands pledged to work on crafting the bylaw for presentation and distribution by Jan.-Feb.
4. Needed revisions to Open Space Plan. Peter discussed the state's letter seeking tweaks to the Open
Space Plan and Beals &Thomas' bid to do same for$4500 (and also including$4800 worth of pro
bono work). A combination of their work and Peter gathering more data will address the issues
raised by the state. Eric moved, Peter second to approve Beals' proposal; approved 5-0.
5. Peter discussed that planning and fundraising for Earth Day 2020 will begin in January. More people
to assist with fundraising is desired.Target date in 4/25/20.
6. Peter brought up how we did not get a column in the fall Rec. Dept. flyer sent to all residents.
Discussion was had concerning getting regular info out on the town website.
7. Peter reported the possible land swap between CCT and the Town involving the new Town purchase
of land at 3A near Pond is still ongoing.
8. Eric noted the ConComm has designated Maryanne Wetherald as its new designee to OSRC, but that
he will still participate. Peter to handle the administrative requirements.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm by 5-0 vote.