OF BRITO TOWN OF BRISTOL CONSERVATION COMMISSION Department ofCommunity, Development 235. High Street, Bristol, Rhode Island ODE BLES Tuesday, February 4, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m. FEBRUARY. 2025 MEETING MINUTES Members Present: Staff Present: Tony Morettini, Chairman Ed Tanner Ray Payson, Vice Chairman Lindsay Green Craig Fisher Glenn Donovan Lee Ann Freitas Jay Maciel, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order by Chairman Morettini at 5:32 p.m. 1. Minutes: A motion to approve the January minutes was made by Mr. Fisher and seconded by Mr. Payson. Vote: 7-0. 2. Tree Program Update: Mr. Morettini said that DPW Director Chris Parella is interested in the Davey Tree Keeper tree inventory system. Mr. Morettini also said he is looking for a date to meet for a software demonstration. Mr. Tanner mentioned that the spring tree planting cycle is currently in the planning stage. 3. Town Council Petition Regarding Lawn Treatment: Mr. Morettini provided an update on the petition submitted by resident George Voutes regarding an ordinance to regulate synthetic pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers. Mr. Morettini reported that the petition was heard by the Town Council in its January 15 meeting, where they voted to receive and file the petition. Mr. Morettini said the Council agreed with the Commission's approach that focuses on education, and that they also liked our Healthy Yards / Healthy Waters brochure. Discussion followed regarding ways to effectively promote responsible and sustainable lawn care. 4. Landscaping Plan for New BWRSD High School Review: Mr. Morettini said that the Conservation Commission has been tasked with reviewing the landscaping plan for the proposed high school on Chestnut Street. Mr. Tanner guided Commissioners through the plans. One point of concern was the removal of young, healthy trees and our desire to save them and be transplanted elsewhere in Town. Mr. Morettini asked members to forward their comments to him by the end oft the week sO that he could draft a response to the Planning Board for their February 13 meeting. continued TOWN OF BRISTOL CONSERVATION COMMISSION Department ofCommunity Development 235 High. Street, Bristol, Rhode Island ODET BLENS Tuesday, February 4, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m. FEBRUARY. 2025 MEETING MINUTES, continued 5. Around the Room: Mr. Morettini said that a plaque for the Land Acknowledgement is being planned. Mr. Maciel announced that the 36th annual Keep Bristol Clean town-wide cleanup day will take place on Saturday, April 19. Mr. Payson shared a recent Providence Journal article entitled Fight Fire with Fire. Mr. Payson conveyed his concern for potential fires at open space parcels in Bristol and questioned any preventative measures we could take in the event of wildfires. 6. The next Conservation Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. 7. The meeting ended at 7:15 p.m. Respectfully. Submitted, L Ma - Cub Jay Maciel