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Committee approves $13,940 for guard rail and split-rail fence at Koulas Farm
Summary
Chelmsford’s Community Preservation Committee voted unanimously on Jan. 21, 2026 to fund $13,940 for guard rail and split-rail fencing at Koulas Farm Reservation to protect a vernal pool buffer and restrict vehicle access, using the Open Space Capital Improvement Account.
The Town of Chelmsford Community Preservation Committee voted on Jan. 21, 2026 to approve $13,940 from the Open Space Capital Improvement Account to install a 61-foot guard rail by the Koulas Farm parking area and 586 feet of split-rail fence around a vernal pool buffer.
Bill Vines, a member of the Conservation Commission and liaison for Koulas Farm Reservation, presented the funding request and a vendor quote from RD Fence. Vines said the town purchased the property in 2023 and that volunteers maintain the site. He described a pedestrian pass-through at one end of the guard rail and an equipment-access opening at the other, and said the fencing is intended to delineate the vernal pool buffer and stop cars from entering the field.
Committee members asked about procurement and past vendor performance. Evan Belansky noted the Department of Public Works recommended RD Fence for a project of this scale, and Karl Bischoff said the company had done satisfactory work at the Warren-Pohl Reservation. Karl Bischoff moved to approve the request; Maura Snow seconded. The roll-call vote was 6-0 in favor.
The motion authorizes funds for RD Fence to install the guard rail and split-rail fence; the committee recorded that adequate funding is available in the Open Space Capital Improvement Account. Implementation and scheduling were not detailed in the minutes; follow-up will be through the Community Development Office and the Conservation Commission.
