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Select Board approves memorandum to allow Pollard Middle School geothermal work at Warner Field
Summary
The Needham Select Board unanimously voted Aug. 3 to execute a memorandum of agreement clearing the way for subsurface geothermal work at Warner Field tied to the Pollard Middle School project; town counsel said Conservation Commission wetland authority remains intact.
The Needham Select Board voted unanimously Aug. 3 to execute a memorandum of agreement among the Select Board, School Committee, Park and Recreation Commission, Permanent Public Building Committee and School Building Committee to allow subsurface geothermal work at Warner Field as part of the Pollard Middle School project.
"I also hope that the MOA will assure the community that Warner Field will be returned to the community in good shape as quickly as possible," Chair Heidi said in opening remarks as the board considered the agreement. The town manager summarized recent coordination, saying the Conservation Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission had both given approvals in late July and that several boards had signed the MOA before the Select Board's action.
Select Board member Josh asked whether the Conservation Commission's Article 97 vote applied to surface or subsurface work and whether that vote limited the commission's ability to protect groundwater. Town counsel Chris (counsel) responded that the ConCom vote addressed the use of land under Article 97 and "whatever authority they have under the Wetlands Protection Act and our local Wetlands Protection Bylaw is fully preserved and untouched by the vote."
Kevin moved to execute the MOA and the board took a roll-call vote; Kathy, Bill, Josh, Kevin and Chair Heidi all voted in favor and the motion passed. The MOA formalizes coordination among town boards and sets expectations for restoration of Warner Field after subsurface work is completed.
