Conservation commission business: tree pruning pick, budget review, CPC playground priorities and dam inspection
Summary
The commission approved an arborist contract for tree pruning at Applied Plastics property, reviewed quarterly budget and peer-review funds, discussed CPC playground requests and prioritization, and authorized a Phase I inspection for Ellis Pond Dam.
At the end of its agenda, the Town of Norwood Conservation Commission covered administrative business including tree pruning, budget reviews, CPC application prioritization and agency updates.
The commission approved moving forward with an arborist (prevailing wage required) to trim oak limbs that overhang a conservation-commission-owned strip running through Applied Plastics’ parking lot at 25 Endicott. Commissioners directed the work to be paid from the conservation operating budget.
Staff reviewed the quarterly expense report and fund balances, noting a CPA account balance, a Wetlands Protection Act account and a peer-review force account that is funded by applicants and drawn down as needed; commissioners discussed how donations are held and returned if unused. The commission also reviewed four CPC applications (two school playgrounds and two town-controlled playgrounds) and asked staff to coordinate with the town manager, schools and recreation to prioritize projects because combined requests approach $1 million.
Agent updates included plans to hire a firm to do a Phase I inspection of Ellis Pond Dam and for the engineering department to update the emergency action plan. The commission approved prior meeting minutes and adjourned.
