MARCUS PHELPS
SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen appointed Marcus Phelps to the Conservation Commission this week.
Phelps, retired town planner, will serve the remainder of a term vacated by Robert Baribeau. The appointment was surrounded by some confusion because the commission originally posted a vacancy due to the resignation of member James Parent.
“Originally we had what was thought to be a vacancy with the resignation of James Parent,” explained Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart. “We advertised the position and received no response, so we re-advertised.”
During that time, Parent asked to stay on the commission and Baribeau submitted his resignation.
In order to appoint Phelps to the proper seat, the board had to rescind the resignation of Parent and accept the resignation of Baribeau.
Duties include attendance at meetings and administering the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. Phelps will be eligible for reappointment in June 30, 2014.
Conservation Coordinator Dennis Clark said the group meets the first and third Wednesday of every month and conducts a few site visits, as well.
The Commission is comprised of seven members who are appointed by the Board of Selectmen for a three-year term to oversee the requirements of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, and other activities that potentially impact the environment.
Clark said there are no background requirements for the position, just a willingness to serve and learn.
“The credentials are not as important as an interest in nature and preservation,” said Clark.
Commissioners do need to know the Wetlands Protection Act and other laws pertaining to conservation, but the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissioners conducts regular training sessions available to all commissioners that are paid for by the local commission, not the individual.
“People can learn about wetland delineations and the laws,” said Clark.
The Southwick Conservation Commission’s mission is to serve as the conservation conscience of the town, providing leadership for natural resources planning. The Commission works to protect, and where possible enhance plant and wildlife habitat to maintain Southwick’s natural resources.
The Commission, together with the Mass DEP, reviews applications for work to be undertaken in or near a wetland. The Commission is entrusted with the application of the Wetland Protection Act, the Rivers Protection Act, CMR Wetlands Regulations, Storm Water Management Policy and Southwick Local Wetlands Bylaws.
There are two application types for work in a wetland area – a request for determination and a notice of intent.
