Conservation Commission

Leominster Conservation Commission​ Meeting Minutes​ July 8, 2025 Location: Leominster City Hall, Room 10​ Call to Order: 6:00 PM Members Present: Chuck Raymond (Chair), Richard Gullick (Vice Chair), Mike Cichy, Nick Venti, Robert Sicard​ Members Absent: Stephanie Quinlan Staff Present: Jesse Averka, Conservation Agent Public Comment There were no public comments. New Hearings Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA)​ Applicant: Segundo Morocho​ Project: Placement of a chicken coop at 76 Weathervane Drive Agent Averka and Commissioners discussed the applicant’s proposal to relocate the chicken coop further from the wetland on the property while remaining within the 100-foot buffer zone. Discussion focused on concerns regarding flooding potential, elevation changes, and ensuring the fencing and coop location would not impact the wetland. It was determined that the project requires a Notice of Intent (NOI) due to the continued proximity to the wetland. Motion to Close the Public Hearing: ●​ Motion: Nick Venti ●​ Second: Mike Cichy ●​ Motion passed 5-0 Motion to Issue a Positive Determination #1: ●​ Motion: Richard Gullick  ●​ Second: Mike Cichy ●​ Motion passed 5-0 Agent Averka will work with the applicant to assist with the NOI application. Continued Hearings None. Regular Meeting Enforcement​ None. Meeting Minutes Approval Minutes: June 24, 2025 Minor edits were suggested to reflect the meeting start time and note Commissioner Quinlan’s arrival time for accurate record-keeping. Motion to Approve Minutes as Amended: ●​ Motion: Robert Sicard ●​ Second: Richard Gullick ●​ Motion passed 5-0 Commissioner Comments 16 Wildflower Road Agent Averka provided photos from a site visit, noting no major concerns but was unable to locate the drywell indicated on the approved plans. The Commission requested Agent Averka to follow up with the developer to confirm the presence and location of the drywell and the rain garden, which were conditions of approval. Poison Ivy Maintenance Commissioner Gullick provided updates on poison ivy control efforts at trail entrances and conservation areas. Additional planning is ongoing to improve regular maintenance, and the Commission discussed the need for clear guidance on herbicide use in wetland areas. Boutelle Conservation Area Commissioners discussed clearing vegetation from mounds at the Boutelle entrance. Commissioner Cichy offered the use of equipment to assist in managing the mounds in collaboration with trail stewards, with eventual plans to re-seed the area. Pierce Street Signage The Commission discussed the pending replacement of the Pierce Street entrance sign, requesting adjustments to location placement and ensuring the sign includes Conservation Commission acknowledgment. Trail Signage and Mapping Commissioner Gullick reported progress on trail signage and mapping updates in collaboration with the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission, the Recreation Department, and Agent Averka, with the goal of improving maps for the city wide trail/ park systems. CVS Central Street Project Agent Averka will follow up with the engineering firm to ensure pre-construction meeting arrangements for planned work during low-flow periods are proceeding as previously approved. Request for Certificate of Compliance 1771 Lock Drive Agent Averka and Chairman Raymond reported on a site visit with the property management, noting some improvements were made; however, concerns remain regarding the temporary concrete pipe barriers used to create the boundary between the driveway and the riparian zone. The Commission agreed not to issue a Certificate of Compliance until a permanent, durable barrier is installed to prevent vehicle encroachment into the protected area. This has been a consistent request by the Commission of the property owner. Agent Averka will follow up with the property owner to discuss alternatives for a compliant, permanent boundary solution. Adjournment Motion to Adjourn: ●​ Motion: Mike Cichy ●​ Second: Nick Venti ●​ Motion passed 5-0 Adjourned: 6:51 PM