HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-09 Trails Committee MinutesReading Trails Committee
September 9, 2008 Minutes
Present: Joan Hoyt, Tom Gardiner, Alan Rosh, Charles Donnelly Moran, Sttswr
oiaedone
Absent: Dave Williams
Visitor: Joel Bottesini, Frank Fink, Kim Honetschlager, Will Finch, Mike
deBrigard
Joel Bottesini, who coordinates outreach for the Reading and Framingham REI stores
reported that REI has processed the donation to Friends of Reading Recreation and the
Town for various projects including the viewing platform at Bare Meadow. He also
presented the water bottles, journals and whistles requested in the grant application.
Kim and Alan reported conducting a weekend site visit with Dave at Bare Meadow to
view the proposed location of the viewing platform. It was suggested that approximately
10' from the end of the accessible trail was a good location for the platform since it
would be unobtrusive looking in this location.
One evergreen would need to be removed at the proposed location. The Conservation
Commission will need to review this tree.
Vertical cabling was suggested if handrails are required by code.
Gravel under the deck was suggested in order to keep down erosion.
An increase in erosion has been observed in the meadow. The sandy soil and lack of
shade contribute to the erosion. It was suggested that it may be appropriate to plant
members of the vetch and clover family in this area, or some terracing with low blueberry
or other plants. Planting winter rye was suggested as a temporary measure to help
stabilize the soil. There is a need to fill in the gully that has developed.
Committee members were asked to see if they had any contacts who could recommend
appropriate plants that grow in dry, sandy soil with full sun exposure.
October 18 has been proposed as the work date for the construction of the viewing
platform.
The concrete should be poured a week before the platform is built. Six to eight footings
are estimated currently.
If we request DPW assistance with digging the footings, we ought to request it two weeks
in advance
Mark Wetzel and his son are working on the design of the platform. Fran will invite him
to our next meeting.
Mike suggested that due to the heat and direct sun that the joists should be placed closer
than 16" OC to prevent the composite boards from deforming.
If Moynihan Lumber cannot handle supplying cables we would need to find another
supplier.
Kim will look into finding someone to pour the concrete.
It was proposed to have a small work party construct the platform. Other volunteers
might be employed to remove buckthorn. A portable generator and/or compressor would
be needed. Allan will contact Reading Youth Baseball to see if they have a generator that
could be borrowed and Tom will contact the fire department.
Fran will test the location with a soil auger. If ledge is present at a shallow depth maybe
piers would be required by the building code instead of pilings. A contingency plan will
be needed if the soil is too shallow.
Allan will distribute the revised Adopt-a-Trail handbook for review.
It was discussed that adopters should call the DPW directly to report leaning trees or
other hazards. Also discussed was the desire at this time for adopters to report poison ivy
or other invasive plants
Respectfully submitted,
Charles Donnelly Moran