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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCanoe River Comm Minutes 3/1/2012Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Commix eeY, I F!VED Meeting Minutes f '' ) OFFICE March 1, 2012 2011 ttPR -3 A c; 24 Minutes of the meeting held by the Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee on a Thursday March 1, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Foxborough Town Hall, 40 South Street, Foxborough, MA 02035. Members Present: Wayne P. Southworth, Easton; Jan Fowler, Easton; John Fresh, Jr., Easton; Robert Boette, Foxborough; Kevin O'Donnell, Mansfield; Jenn Carlino, Norton; Jon Rowe, Norton; Frances Shirley, Norton Others Present: Arthur Reynolds, Foxborough Water Department 1. Call to Order Wayne Southworth called the meeting to order at 1:00. 2. Review Minutes of February 2, 2012 John Fresh motioned to accept the minutes of February 2, 2012. Jon Rowe seconded the motion. The motion passed by a 7:0:1 vote. Jenn Carlino abstained, as she was not at the February meeting. 3. Open Space Map and Greenbelt Update J. Carlino said that work is still being done to preserve a portion of land on the Mansfield /Norton line. W. Southworth said that he has been approached about a possible donation of a portion of the Daggett - Crandall piece in Norton abutting the Easton town line. It might be beneficial to the owners to make a donation if they are a for - profit company. Members will look into their tax status. Frances Shirley noted that the land has often been used by dirt bikers in the past and it has been difficult to monitor the area. It is an odd - shaped piece that is probably not buildable. She noted that they do own more land that might be more useful. The Land Preservation Society bought over 500 acres from them. Jon Rowe added that there is a parcel of land being considered for donation. It contains approximately 22 acres of land on the south side of Route 123 near 495. More information might be available at the next meeting. 4. Annual Canoe River Aquifer Awareness Day -April 28, 2012 at the Easton Water Division Open House The event will be held in conjunction with Easton's Open House from 10:00 -12:00 on Saturday April 28, 2012. The event is usually well- attended. This event will also commemorate Easton Water Division's 125th Anniversary, so lunch and refreshments will be served. W. Southworth brought up the issue of dogs being walked in the Open Space areas. in Easton. Depending upon how responsible the owners are, this can be a problem.in areas designated for passive recreation. J. Fowler said that a dog park has been proposed for Wheaton Farm. This could perhaps work if an earthen berm is placed around the area, and the owners pick up after their dogs. 7. Review CRAAC Legislation At the anniversary celebration, the Legislation will be read. Wayne Southworth would like to review the timeline of accomplishments with Ed Tartufo and Joan Sozio, both members since its inception. The updated timeline could be sent out with the invitations. W. Southworth noted that in a recent review of the Act, it stated that members were to be appointed on July 1 st of each year, for three year terms. It also stated that the CRAAC shall advise local boards on developments relative to conservation and zoning within the Canoe River Aquifer. It said that any land submitted for development within the Canoe River Aquifer should be submitted to the CRAAC . This amount of review was overwhelming for a committee that only meets once a month, so the Committee got away from this level of review. However, it has still stayed well- informed on matters that have an impact on the aquifer. J. Fowler said that it might be a good idea to send a letter to the local Planning Boards and Conservation Commissions, reminding them about this, while informing them that the Committee is about to celebrate its 25th Anniversary. Members on local boards change often, and this would help to keep them aware. They could incorporate review by the CRAAC as part of their standard checklist. W. Southworth agreed, and said it would be a good idea to send a copy of the Legislation to all of the member community Planning Boards and Conservation Commissions. The frequency for meeting is not in the Legislation, so this Committee could consider changing its meeting frequency to every other month, particularly since a lot of land preservation goals have been achieved. Needs can be monitored and the meeting schedule can be adjusted accordingly. The next meeting will be held in Norton. W. Southworth asked J. Carlino if the Norton Town Clerk would be interested in presenting relevant information to the Committee concerning the Open Meeting Law. J. Carlino will also check on the availability of the Selectmen's Meeting Room for the next meeting. K. O'Donnell motioned that the CRAAC send Leo Potter a letter of thanks for his . years of service on the Committee, as well as send a letter of thanks to the Plymouth County Water Works Association for their generous donation. J. Fowler seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 8. Adjourn Bob Beetle motioned to adjourn the meeting. J. Fowler seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 2:10.