Conservation Commission

CONSERVATION COMMISSION LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS March 14, 2025 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. This meeting was held both in person and virtually using Zoom. Members Present: Chair Brad Buitenhuys, Vice Chair Kevin Dillon, Commissioner Marie Burns, Commissioner Perry Downs, Commissioner Stephen Laput, Commissioner Roberto Ciccarelli Members Absent: Commissioner Paul Belley Others Present: Francesca Cigliano, Senior Planner CALL TO ORDER B. Buitenhuys called the meeting to order at 7:00pm with a quorum of members present. ORDER OF BUSINESS CONTINUED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Keolis Commuter Services 32 Cobble Hill Road Somerville, MA 02143 Project Location: Vegetation Management in the MBTA Right-of-Way A Request for Determination of Applicability has been filed by Keolis Commuter Services to renew the wetlands map along the right-of-way (ROW) in order to continue vegetation management activities as outlined in the proposed 2026-2030 Vegetation Management Plan. On Behalf: None Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: None Motion: M. Burns motioned and R. Ciccarelli seconded the motion to continue the petition to May 28, 2025. The motion passed unanimously, (6-0). Request for Determination of Applicability City of Lowell 375 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852 Project Location: 1650 Middlesex Street (Hadley Park) 01851 A Request for Determination of Applicability has been filed by the City of Lowell to install six (6) new LED athletic light poles and associated electrical conduits and wiring. The work is located in the 100-year floodplain and within 100-feet of a bordering vegetated wetland. On Behalf: Colleen Fowler, Gale Associates, Inc. Sarah Brown, City of Lowell Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: C. Fowler said this does not need to go to any other boards for permitting. M. Burns said that they should be cautious near the culvert. S. Brown noted that they had consulted with wastewater. Black Brook is contained within a culvert. There are plans to redevelop the culvert but that’s 5 or so years away. Trying to ensure work for project is far enough away from the culvert. Before we move forward and put it out to BID, will continue to communicate with Aaron Fox. B. Buitenhuys asked if the culvert is concrete. S. Brown said she is not sure, but it is older and needs work. P. Downs said he has no issues with the proposal. Motion: P. Downs motioned and S. Laput seconded the motion to issue a Negative III Determination. The motion passed unanimously, (6-0). Emergency Certificate City of Lowell 375 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852 Emergency Location: 45 Wellworth Street 01854 The Lowell Conservation Commission will vote to ratify an Emergency Certification issued to the City of Lowell Department of Public Works to breach an existing beaver dam to allow water to flow and abate a flooding emergency. The permit does not allow for whole dam removal. On Behalf: Paul St. Cyr, City of Lowell Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: P. St. Cyr said the vendor we have used for years came in and alleviated the issue, breached the dam. There have been rebuilding issues. Successful attempts to bring water levels down to where they are reasonable for neighboring residents. Motion: P. Downs motioned to ratify the Emergency Certification, seconded by M. Burns. The motion passed unanimously, (6-0). OTHER BUSINESS 4/23/2025 Meeting Minutes M. Burns motioned and S. Laput seconded the motion to approve the minutes. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). ADJOURNMENT P. Downs motioned and B. Buitenhuys seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The time was 7:25PM.