New Volunteers Needed for Northborough's 30 Open Seats

NORTHBOROUGH, August 26, 2020 starts the beginning of filling openings and making appointments for The Historic District Commission and The Conservation Commission. There are currently 30 open seats for various volunteer positions in Town.

The Board of Selectman, Interview Subcommittee (Leslie Rutan and Timothy Kaelin) will interview six applicants tonight (by Zoom) starting at 6:00 PM. To view or listen go to “Northborough Remote Meetings” on YouTube or click on the link https://www.youtube.com/channe...

The Historic District Commission consists of seven voting members and up to seven alternate members appointed by the Board of Selectmen for three-year terms. Norman Corbin, Michael Duchesneau, Leslie Harrison, Brian Smith, Bruce Chute, and Alternates Brian Swanson and Millie Milton.

The Historic District Commission shall compile and maintain an inventory of the Town's historic assets; initiate and encourage activities to educate and to broaden community awareness of Northborough's historical heritage; work with individuals, public and private groups to promote preservation; encourage and support local historic districts; provide preservation information and guidance; maintain a close working relationship with the Northborough Historical Society; and solicit preservation funding from local, state and private agencies. Its mission is to identify, evaluate and preserve the historical heritage of the town of Northborough.

The two applicants for the two open seats on the Historic District Commission this year are: Brian Swanson and Millie Milton, who have been serving as Alternates. This leaves openings for additional Alternates, for those of interest.

The Conservation Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Board of Selectmen for three-year terms. Gregory Young, Todd Helwig, Diane Guldner, Kelly Marston, Justin Dufresne and Thomas Beals are the current members with one seat open.

The purpose of the Conservation Commission is to promote and develop the natural resources and to protect the watershed resources of the Town as provided for under MGL Ch. 40, Section 8C, as amended.

The Commission will conduct research into local land areas and develop a conservation and outdoor passive recreation plan to accomplish the purpose set forth. It will conduct broad educational programs, cooperate with elected and appointed boards and commissions of the Town, and with the State and Federal Department of Environmental Affairs with regard to natural resources regulations and other regulations imposed by law and shall perform other duties as may be imposed by law.

The Conservation Commission’s charge is to protect the wetlands, related water resources and adjoining land areas in Northborough as mandated by the Wetlands Protection Act and the Northborough Wetlands Bylaw. This is achieved through a permitting process designed to minimize the impact of activities on wetland values, including public or private water supply, groundwater, flood control, erosion and sedimentation control, storm damage prevention, water pollution prevention, fisheries, freshwater shellfish, wildlife habitat, recreation, aesthetics, agriculture and aquaculture values.

Activities proposed within 100 feet of any resource area are subject to review by the Commission. Resource areas include freshwater wetlands, bordering vegetated wetlands, marshes, wet meadows, bogs or swamps; any bank, beach, lake, river, pond, stream or any land under said waters; any land subject to flooding or inundation by groundwater, surface flowage. Any project in any riverfront area is also subject to review by the Commission. The Commission will also adhere to the existing regulations of MGL C. 131, Section 40, the Wetlands Protection Act.

The four applicants for the one open seat on the Commission this year are: Brian Belfer, Daniel Clark, Ashley Davies and John Wixted.

Brian Belfer is presently on the Trails Committee and Open Space Committee, Daniel Clark is also on the Open Space Committee, along with Ashley Davies who also served on the most recent Master Plan Committee. Dr. John Wixted is a new volunteer and does not sit on any other Northborough Boards or Committees.