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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2013-07-09n city of rthaza., Natuxa,t Areas Go"t441"Iftow Minutes for Tuesday, Jul 09 2013 5 pm — 7:30 pm Third Floor Conference Room (behind CC Chambers) Members present: Joe McMahon, Anna Stalter (notetaker), Dan Hoffman, Aaron Donato Members absent: Ron Herring, Robert Wesley, Jon Meigs, Todd Bittner Guests: Chris Proulx (CC Liasion), Erik Whitney (Asst. Supt. DPW), Tom Whitlow, Roxy Johnston (Watershed Coordinator), Carol (Natural Areas Ranger), Doug Brewer (Natural Areas Ranger) There was no quorum so May and June minutes were not approved. Water Plant Updates: As follow -up to June's sparsely attended meeting, Erik Whitney returned to report on progress at the settling ponds on Giles St. A silt fence that crossed the trail was moved after the city signed off on the DEC permit. Jeanne Grace was consulted about plantings around the site; NAC could review her recommendations if there are concerns. Clearing for access to the 60' dam has begun. Grading and filling will be done this week. The construction activity there should wrap up in Sept -Oct. Joe asked if there was any concern about erosion or windfall in old plantation area, and if the Plan for Work in the Natural Area was in progress. Eric indicated that someone is working on that. NAC members are encouraged to attend the contractor meetings every other Thurs. Next meeting is Thursday, July 18 at 9:30 am at the water plant. Meetings last about 1 -1.5 hours. Dan H. asked if the informal trails around the settling ponds would be maintained through the construction period. Erik indicated that the new fence location does not encumber any trails. The trail past the fox den is now blocked by a "silt sausage ". Erik explained that this material will ultimately be used as fill. It is hoped that the trail will be re- established. The construction `ramp' area will be regraded and the site returned to its preconstruction configuration. Jo asked what the plan was for the old lagoon, which is now filled in. A conservation mix could be used for reseeding, allowing the vegetation to grow back over time, and not maintain a lawn. Tom Whitlow suggested that willow wattles such as used on the (Burns Rd. ?) restoration be used here. Erik will provide the site plan for the NAC to review. He also added that interested NAC members are welcome to join the conversation with regard to site plans and plantings. He will also provide the site plan for the meter building that will be built this summer. Carol remarked that people are walking through the access road construction site and may be endangered. Erik will have some cones set out. Ranger Reports Low activity at second dam since targeted enforcement. Over 20 parking tickets at Giles, and several citations for alcohol consumption for given out. Doug reported that many people are parking legally along 79 but entering illegally on the service road, mostly to access Potter's Falls. There have been occasions when there are more than 35 cars in the wildflower preserve parking area (could DPW post no parking signs along the entrance drive ?), and more bicycles have been seen on the upper access trail. Carol reported that the invasives vigilante is still actively girdling trees; she is concerned for visitor safety. Firepits are frequent. Straps have been affixed to the tree above the dam. More break -ins have been reported at the parking area. Carol passed around her incident log. Roxy commented on the use of the access road. Work crews are not actively discouraging it's use, but should be, as there will be chemicals on the site eventually. Could a new trail to Potter's Falls divert pedestrians from the new treatment facility? Another trail may not be desirable. Meeting minutes Anna proposed that in the interest of efficiency, the notetaker submit draft minutes to the whole group within a week of each meeting, with a one week deadline for comments and corrections. Approval of the final minutes could then occur at the subsequent meeting. Tree Inventory Anna proposed that a Citizen Science tree inentory of the second bowl be held in Fall 2013. Trees would need permanent tags for follow up in subseqent years. She also floated the idea of placing small deer exclosures there to demonstrate effects of deer browsing on tree generation and understory species diversity. She will write a proposal for submission to Chuck Baker. Miscellaneous Reports Joe reported that his tree walk went well and Anna reported that 32 kids participated in one or more of the Nature Journaling workshops. Laurie Rubin and all walk leaders are willing to continue the program in 2014. The City Comprehensive Plan cCommittee is discussing green space and is looking for input: What is a natural area? Next meeting will be August 6. Joe will send out agenda and Anna will chair.