HANSON CONSERVATION COMMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC MEETING OF JUNE 24, 2013
TOWN HALL, 542 LIBERTY STREET, HANSON, MA
Called to Order at 3:30 PM under M.G.L. c 131, §40 and the Hanson By-Law 3-13, §5 and Rules and Regulations by John Kemmett, Chairman, in Meeting Room A at the Town Hall.
Present: John Kemmett, Chairman
John Murray, Clerk
David Harris, Member
Phil Clemons, Associate Member
Absent: Frank Schellenger, Vice Chairman
Also Present: Laurie Muncy, Agent
Rebecca Nehiley, Administrative Assistant
Discussions
Review of bids received for appraisal of a property being endorsed by the Conservation Commission as Open Space
Mr. Clemons reported that a Request for Bids was mailed out on 6/13/13 to four different appraisal firms that were recommended by trusted sources. The deadline to submit was 6/24/13 (today) at 3 PM. The Commission reviewed the three proposals that were received. One of the bids was not considered because they could not perform the work within the specific time constraints necessary for a MA DCR grant application that the Commission will be applying for.
After considering the bids and all aspects of the submittals, they decided to go with the lowest bid and most comprehensive package.
Motion to hire Mark Truran of Realworth Appraising and Consulting: David Harris
Second: John Murray
Vote: 3-0-0
Mr. Harris commented that all three proposals were very good and no discrimination was used in making a determination. Mr. Clemons recommended that all of their qualifications be kept on file in the office for future reference.
Request for Proposals for phragmite removal at Smitty’s Bog and Camp Kiwanee
Ms. Muncy had prepared two separate RFP’s for Invasive Plant removal for both properties. Mr. Clemons had assisted her, giving feedback and making suggestions. He commented that in conjunction with sending out the RFP’s for procurement by the acting Town Administrator, the Recreation Committee should be copied on everything so as to keep them up to date with new information. Mr. Harris suggested that the Board of Selectmen should be kept informed as well. Mr. Clemons added that it’s very important in going forward that all the components of the restoration plan should be looked at as separate RFP’s will need to go out for different tasks.
Mr. Murray asked if we had a list of names of firms for the invasive species removal. Mr. Clemons answered that there are three or four firms that are in the business likely to be qualified and specifically suggested sending an RFP to Lycott Environmental, Inc. out of Southbridge, MA as they have experience in this.
Mr. Kemmett asked if there was language included in the requests that allows a contractor to suggest an alternative method that may in fact be cheaper. Mr. Clemons said that what’s written is basically common sense based on what other’s have already tried adding that frankly, he’d like to see some variety in the proposals. Also, he said, one of the key elements of the RFP is the pre-submittal site visit so that that the contractors can actually see what they’re bidding on. Mr. Kemmett said that the RFP’s for the phragmite removal are separate and wondered if there was some way to verbally connect the two. Mr. Harris suggested adding the same language to both documents so that it’s obvious that they are
linked and require simultaneous treatment. Mr. Kemmett thanked everyone for their hard work on the preparation of the proposals.
Mr. Clemons, on a related note, reported that he and Mr. Schellenger had conducted a site visit at Mr. Record’s property on Katydid Lane. Mr. Clemons will prepare a report of their findings. He also suggested that the property line be established between the house for sale on Indian Head Street and the Easement at “Smitty’s Bog.”
Enforcement
Ms. Muncy will inspect the property at 196 Main Street this afternoon to see if the erosion control has been installed as required and that the owners have come into compliance thus far. She will follow up her findings with an email and will also find out what the Selectmen’s agenda is to schedule an informational meeting with them.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn at 4:20 PM: David Harris
Second: John Murray
Vote: 3-0-0
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