Conservation Commission

Leominster Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes July 22, 2025 Location: Leominster City Hall, Room 10 Call to Order: 6:00 PM by Chairman Chuck Raymond Members Present: Chuck Raymond (Chair), Richard Gullick (Vice Chair), Mike Cichy, Nick Venti, Stephanie Quinlan, Jordan Vachon, Robert Sicard Staff Present: Jesse Averka, Conservation Agent Public Comment No public comments were received. New Hearings Notice of Intent (NOI) Applicant: Maria Amaral Representative: Julian Votruba, New England Environmental Design Project: Construction of a single-family home and associated grading at 1018 Lancaster Street The representative introduced the project, noting that a portion of the project is within the riverfront area of an adjacent perennial stream. The proposal includes construction of a new single-family dwelling, grading, well, and septic installation Commission Discussion: • Commissioners requested clarification on erosion controls, particularly the placement of silt fence and straw wattles downslope of the disturbance. • Discussion included potential impacts from grading near the wetland edge, stormwater management during construction, and long-term drainage considerations. • The Commission emphasized the need for a limit of work line to be clearly established and enforced throughout construction. Public Comment: An abutter expressed concern regarding material being brought onto the site in the past and work being completed without the approval of the Conservation Commission or any city official. The Conservation Commission recommended requiring a revised plan showing: 1. A clear erosion control line. 2. A limit of work demarcated with construction fencing. The Commission agreed to continue the hearing and complete a site visit on July 29th. They also told the abutter that they would visit him after they completed their site visit at 1018 Lancaster St. Motion to Continue Hearing to August 12, 2025: • Motion: Mike Cichy • Second: Stephanie Quinlan • Roll Call Vote: 5-0 Continued Hearings None. Enforcement 16 Wildflower Road Agent Averka reported on follow-up with the developer and MassDEP. The Commission is awaiting confirmation of downspout and rain garden installation per approved plans. As- built documentation will be required. Meeting Minutes Approval Minutes: July 8, 2025 Minutes were approved with minor edits. Motion to Approve Minutes as Amended: • Motion: Richard Gullick  • Second: Nick Venti • Roll Call Vote: 5-0 Commissioner Comments • Open Space Management Updates: Commissioners discussed ongoing maintenance needs in several conservation areas and coordination with other City Departments to ensure adequate maintenance in the future. • Barrett Park Footbridge: The Conservation Commission agreed that the footbridge provided by Rich Gullick could be installed as is at Barrett Park. • Conservation Restrictions: Jesse Averka stated that he was still gathering information on the Conservation Restriction in Leominster. • 11 Stonehedge Drive: Jesse Averka stated that a resident had called wondering if the work taking place on her property would fall under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission. He stated that in his opinion there was an isolated vegetated wetland on the property which would not warrant jurisdiction. Rich Gullick and Jesse Averka planned to review the site in question together. • Mass Ready Act: Commissioners briefly discussed potential implications of pending state legislation on wetlands management. Agent Averka will track updates and provide any comments from members of the Conservation Commission to the state legislators. Request for Certificate of Compliance 1771 Lock Drive Jesse Averka and Chair Raymond reported conditions have improved, but temporary concrete barriers are still being used to separate the riparian zone form the parking lot area. The Commission reiterated the requirement for a permanent boundary solution prior to issuance of a Certificate of Compliance. The request remains pending. Next Meetings • August 12, 2025 (Filing Deadline: July 25, 2025) • August 26, 2025 (Filing Deadline: August 8, 2025) Adjournment Motion to Adjourn: • Motion: Robert Sicard • Second: Mike Cichy • Roll Call Vote: 5-0 Adjourned: 7:41 PM