Minutes
Conservation Commission · from the Town's website · 124 KB
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Meeting Minutes
Public Meeting Conducted VIA Zoom
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 7pm
Members present: Kim Dimes, Stephen Machcinski, Tracy Machcinski, Chuck Kubik, Al Reynolds, Jarid Siegel
Absent: Tim Wilson
Public Present: Drew Stock and Suanna Corona
7:02 PM With a quorum present Stephen Machcinski called the meeting to order.
GENERAL DISCUSSION:
The main topic was the distribution of letters regarding 60 Grandview Avenue, 163 Strand and 167 Strand which was deemed satisfactory by the commissioners. Kim also mentioned the upcoming meeting on January 8th, 2025, and the excellent work done on the town's website.
A guest, Drew Scott, from Winthrop Native Revival Conservation Local group, was present to discuss his plans for Fisherman's Bend. Drew shared his plans to restore the ecological value of the area, using manual methods and native plants. Kim advised Drew to check his list of plants against the Department of Environmental Protection's native plant list. Kim suggested that Drew reach out to the Audubon Society for assistance and mentioned the possibility of a controlled burn. Stephen Machcinski raised concerns about the need for an NOI (Notice of Intent) before any work could begin and the importance of coordinating with the town of Winthrop. Kim agreed and mentioned that the town would need to pull the NOI. The group also discussed the potential for volunteer days and the possibility of organizing a coastal cleanup event through the Coastal Zone Management. The conversation ended with the idea of setting up a more streamlined process for volunteers to get involved in various projects. Kim, Drew, and Susanna discussed the challenges of working with the Department of Public Works, particularly in relation to wildlife and invasive species. Susanna highlighted the importance of incremental work to allow animals to nest and maintain habitats. She also discussed the need for regrading and unclogging ditches to improve water flow and the impact of a washed-out wooden bridge on the marsh. The team also discussed the potential for dredging and mosquito control work, with Susanna expressing concerns about the timing of these projects. The conversation ended with an unresolved issue about a dam in the marsh that was taken out but later reappeared. The commission discussed issues related to the Winthrop Street Extension area, particularly the damming of the ditch and the need for a bridge or alternative solution. They considered the possibility of a grant to fund the project but acknowledged the challenges and potential costs involved. The team also discussed the issue of people accessing the area and the potential for a volunteer cleanup effort. The mosquito control project was mentioned as a priority, with the team waiting for Army Corps of Engineer approval. The town manager's stance on unauthorized work in the area was also discussed, with the consensus being that any work should be permitted and not undertaken until the mosquito control project is completed.
Kim expressed her desire to support Susanna's efforts and suggested monthly meetings to fine-tune potential dates and areas for cleanups. Susanna highlighted the challenges of prioritizing land management due to the town's priorities coming from the City Council and the town manager. The team agreed to continue their efforts despite the challenges. They also discussed the potential for a field trip in January.
The commission discussed the need for enhanced signage in Winthrop to identify plants, wildlife, and resource areas. They agreed that small grants could be used to fund this initiative, with local sign makers like Matt Honan being potential sources. The idea of posting signs at the entrances to the resource areas was also proposed to guide visitors and prevent unauthorized activities like filling in trenches. The team also considered the possibility of involving local high school students in community service projects related to the resource areas.
7:49 pm Meeting Adjourned motion made Tracy Machinski, 2nd by Steve Machcinski. Commission voted unanimously to adjourn.