Conservation Commission

Waltham Conservation Commission January 9, 2025 Meeting Minutes Meeting took place via public Zoom call with participation information posted at City Hall, Government Center, and on the Commission’s page of the city web site. Zoom information was circulated directly to all applicants and others on the public agenda. Meeting called to order at 7:01 PM. Attendees: Chair Alexander Sbordone, Gerard Dufromont, Michael Donovan Philip Moser, Louis Andrews. Conservation Agent Meghan Sullivan. Vice Chair Bill Doyle joined the meeting approximately 7:03. Absent: none Mr. Sbordone opened the meeting by taking a moment to honor commission member Gloria Champion, who passed away on January 1. Ms. Champion was a valuable member of the commission, and also served in the commission office from 1987 to 2010. Gloria was instrumental in many programs that have preserved Waltham’s parks and natural resources and her contributions will be felt for decades to come. She was a true advocate and the commission will immediately feel her loss. Mr. Dufromont noted that he had known her for about 14 years and appreciated the knowledge and professionalism she brought to the commission first in the office and later as a commissioner; he is grateful for her teaching him most of what he knows as a commissioner. The commission was stronger for having her and much of the city benefited from her presence. He asked for a moment of silence or prayer on her behalf, which the commission observed. Mr. Donovan noted that Ms. Champion will be sorely missed by the commission and the city and that her family should be proud of her contributions. Mr. Moser reflected on the fact that much of the procedural and organizational foundation the commission now relies on was originally developed from scratch by Gloria. Public Hearing Notice of Intent (DEP File # 316-0832) (Continued from 12-19-2024 meeting.) Applicant: James Shaw Property Location: 31 Warwick Ave Project Description: Construction of an addition and deck extension to an existing single-family house. Proposed work is within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands. The commission did not require the applicant to appear. The hearing had been continued only because DEP had not yet assigned a file number. This has been assigned. Mr. Dufromont moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Doyle. In favor: Sbordone, Doyle, Moser, Donovan, Andrews, Dufromont. Motion passed. Approved 01-23-2025 Motion to issue an order of conditions, with the special conditions previously documented, by Mr. Doyle, seconded by Mr. Donovan. In favor: Sbordone, Doyle, Moser, Donovan, Andrews, Dufromont. Motion passed. Commission Business • Approval of meeting minutes from 12-19-2024. Motion to approve by Mr. Donovan, seconded by Mr. Andrews. All present in favor, motion passed. Committee Reports • CPC: Next meeting scheduled for February 11, 2025. No report. New Business • Discussion of previous and potential invasive species management in the Hardy Pond Conservation Area (HPCA). Mr. Moser asked to discuss this, with input from Ms. Sullivan. Mr. Moser provided background. He noted that under the WPA the Conservation Commission has jurisdiction over the area (formerly also known as Mokema Woods or Seminole Woods). ConCom has also become the default city oversight body for it. ConCom used previously allocated but unused funds to replace signage recently. Some restoration work was done by the city in recent years to clear urban fill and replant, related to flood compensation from the Graverson Playground renovation [DEP 316-0769]. He highlighted 3 initiatives. (1) Using herbicide for herbaceous invasive management. A contractor has been hired for multiple seasons. Successful in the past, perhaps less so recently. (2) The commission also purchased native wildflower seed, which Ms. Sullivan planted in early 2024, which seems to have had a successful first year. (3) Mr. Moser, Mr. Dufromont, and Mr. Donovan cut down invasive Black Locust trees several years ago. Mr. Moser notes 16 Norway Maples, average about 6” DBH, which he would like to selectively remove in the coming year. They are interspersed with native species such as Red Maple and Elm. If no action is taken, they will crowd out natives and dominate. He would like the commission to give permission. Discussion. The Norway Maples were confirmed to be on city property, and far enough from abutters that they will have no impact when felled. Participation of other volunteers might be arranged. The path would be closed during work, for safety. He has tagged these trees. Mr. Doyle made a motion to approve the cutting of these trees. In favor: Sbordone, Doyle, Moser, Donovan, Andrews, Dufromont. Motion passed. Mr. Daly from the ConCom office informed the commission of a recent issue of an incorrect property boundary on city maps, showing a privately-owned lot as part of the HPCA. Mr. Moser confirmed that the planned work will not be in this area, nor will it approach the new fence at that location. Ms. Sullivan reported in more detail on the invasive management work by Parterre in 2024, the second year of treatment. There have been some difficulties, but it was effective overall. She feels a third year of treatment is a good idea to continue progress. Instead of using an outside contractor she has reached out to Adam Green, the city’s park ranger, who is licensed to apply treatments and already does this for some other city parcels. He is willing to add this to his site list, and she will work with him to confirm and schedule. Mr. Donovan asked that the commission have a site plan showing the specific areas to be targeted. Ms. Sullivan will make sure this is done. Tangential discussion of proposal last year to use Conservation Trust Fund monies to undertake similar work at the Paine Estate by Parterre. Council referred that request to the Law Department and no resolution was received by ConCom. The chair recognized Brad Baker, a Waltham resident and former member of the commission, Approved 01-23-2025  who recommended that Ms. Sullivan or another experienced person accompany Mr. Green, to ensure that all invasives can be identified. Ms. Sullivan noted that removal of invasives should be followed by planting of native species, and described 2024’s wildflower seeding efforts. Some established and bloomed in the first year, despite the drought. The goal is to achieve complete native ground cover and improve biodiversity. She believes this has been successful, but at least one more year of seeding should be done. She asked the commission to approve this. It will not be perpetual, once the plants are established. She will draft a new seed order, if approved. The cost was just under $1,000 for 2024. Discussion of timing of treatment and planting, and if previously discussed tree cutting would interfere. Timing will be attended to, and the areas have little or no overlap. Volunteer assistance might be solicited for some activities. • Mr. Sbordone asked if the posting for the full-time conservation agent assistant has been made by the city. As of this date, it has not. The office staff will follow up with HR on Monday. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Doyle, seconded by Mr. Dufromont. All present in favor. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM. Approved 01-23-2025