Conservation Commission

The City of Lowell • Dept. of Planning and Development • Division of Development Services Lowell City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4144 • F: 978.446.7103 www.LowellMA.gov Kara Keefe Mullin Assistant City Manager/Acting DPD Director R. Eric Slagle Director of Development Services CONSERVATION COMMISSION LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS March 24, 2021 Note: These minutes are not completed verbatim. For further detail, video recordings are available at the Pollard Library, second floor reference desk or online at www.LTC.org. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting was held virtually using Zoom. Members Present: Chairwoman Varnum, Commissioner Dillon, Commissioner Downs, and Commissioner Standish Members Absent: Commissioner Buitenhuys, Commissioner Lovely Others Present: Jess Wilson, Associate Planner; Dylan Ricker, Assistant Planner CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order 7:01pm. ORDER OF BUSINESS CONTINUED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Request for Determination of Applicability Jamie Walker Massachusetts Electric Co (MEC) 40 Sylvan Road Waltham, MA 02451 Project Location: 33-1 Princeton Boulevard A Request for Determination of Applicability has been filed by Massachusetts Electric Company to install a new utility pole (Utility Pole 33-1) on Princeton Boulevard in the 100-year flood plain. On Behalf: Jim Bolduc, Professional Wetland Scientist/Owner’s Agent Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: L. Varnum asked if it is unusual to replace just one pole? J. Bolduc explained that Verizon wants to install an additional pole with electronic gear on top. It will be installed in between two existing poles. L. Varnum asked if the pole will be of standard size. J. Bolduc confirmed it will be. L. Varnum asked if the pole is intended for wireless communication. J. Bolduc said he believes so, but is not aware of the full scope. He is only working on the replacement of the pole, and Verizon will be responsible for installing the equipment. L. Varnum asked if the pole will be affect by flood. J. Bolduc said that it will not. P. Downs asked if the project will be completed in one day. J. Bolduc confirmed that it will be. K. Dillon asked what equipment will be used for the installation and where it will be staged. J. Bolduc explained that the only needed equipment is an auger truck towing the pole on the trailer. It will be parked on the side of the road and coned off. K. Dillon noted that the majority of the wetland is located across the street. W. Standish asked if there is an unnecessary storage issue at this site? J. Bolduc said that they typically don’t do compensatory reports for a utility pole. If it was a substation that would be a different situation, but this proposal will only occupy about 3 square feet. L. Varnum asked when the work will be completed. J. Bolduc said that National Grid is funny with their schedule, but he guesses May-June. Motion: K. Dillon motioned to approve a Negative III Determination, the motion was seconded by W. Standish. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). OTHER BUSINESS Minutes March 10, 2021 Discussion: Motion: The minutes were approved unanimously, (5-0). Saturday Cleanup K. Dillon acknowledged that Commissioner Buitenhuys will be hosting another cleanup this Saturday at 9:00am. Interested volunteers should meet at 75 Manufacturing Street. The group will be cleaning along the Lowell Connector. L. Varnum asked if there is a rain date. K. Dillon said that they would only reschedule in the event of severe weather. L. Varnum asked what time the cleanup will occur. K. Dillon clarified that the cleanup will be from 9:00am to noon. ADJOURNMENT W. Standish motioned to adjourn, the motion was seconded by K. Dillon. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). The time was 7:09pm.