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Commission discusses nature-trail entrance, dead plantings and a 5% retainage; staff to follow up with DPW
Summary
Members raised concerns about the nature-trail entrance width, dead trees planted along the lakeside, and a 5% retainage held from the contractor; commissioners asked staff to coordinate with DPW and economic-development staff to resolve access and landscaping issues.
Gardner Conservation Commission members discussed problems at the nature-trail entrance, including a wide opening that could allow vehicles to drive around a single bollard, several dead or failing trees planted along the lakeside, and a 5% contract retainage being held from the trail contractor.
Commissioners said the entrance appears wide enough that one bollard would be insufficient to prevent vehicle access and suggested installing two bollards to close the gap. One commissioner noted that if heavy rock is used to block the entrance it could prevent emergency access. The commission also discussed that several of the newly planted trees near the lakeside appear to have died and that the contractor's retainage might be used to replace dead plantings.
Chair directed staff to contact Jason (economic development) and the city engineer to determine the process for releasing retainage and to confirm responsibility for replacing dead trees. One commissioner suggested selecting more water-tolerant replacement species if the current plantings are unsuitable; staff said they would inventory tree species on site and follow up with the contractor and National Grid if necessary.
The commission did not vote on release of retainage at the meeting; members agreed to send follow-up emails and requested a site check and documentation of tree species and condition before making a final decision.
