06/13/09 - The Land Trust is considering adopting pesticides and herbicides rules that mirror a recent Town Council resolution banning their use on town-maintained property.

The council narrowly adopted the resolution a few weeks ago that bans the use of products containing the chemical 2,4-D on town-maintained land.

Land Trust Chairwoman Barbara MacMullan said at a meeting Monday that conservation groups should consider an island-wide ban on using similar products. She also suggested that private landscapers should not be allowed to use the products.

First Warden Kim Gaffett, who was present at meeting, called the council’s act a “very moderate first step.” She explained that stronger chemicals may still be allowed after consultation with the Conservation Commission.

Scott Comings of The Nature Conservancy agreed “sometimes you need the strong stuff,” but that overall there are plenty of organic products available that are safe.

The council’s raison d’etre for the changes is to protect the island’s drinking water, which comes from a sole-source aquifer, from toxic runoff that could leach into the groundwater.

Another lean month

Trust Treasurer Barby Michel reported that the trust took in $328.50 in transfer fees in May, and a total of approximately $76,000 since January.

As a comparison, she pointed out that the trust took in $800,000 in transfer fees in the entire 2008 calendar year, and $1.6 million in 2007.

With that in mind she said, “We have a way to go this year.”

Sprague decision

The trust announced its decision to deny a first-time homebuyer’s exemption to Lisa Sprague.

Last month Sprague asked the trust to grant her the exemption and return $12,000 of the $36,000 transfer fee she paid on a $1.2 million home purchase in December 2008.

The trust takes a 3-percent transfer fee on all property transfers. In the case of first-time homebuyers, the trust exempts the first $200,000 of a purchase, and 50 percent of the next $400,000.

Though Sprague testified last month that her new home was purchased as part of a divorce settlement, Land Trust attorney Joseph Priestley said Monday that at the time of the purchase she was technically still married to a homeowner, and therefore not eligible for the exemption.

Trustee Claire Costello added that while the trustee’s sympathies were with Sprague, they were nevertheless bound by the law as taxing authorities.