During the discussion, it was noted that some COCs have been pending for as long as 25 years, often only being sought under the pressure of real estate transactions. The commission intends to impose a $250 fine on individuals who do not secure a COC within 18 months of receiving an occupancy permit. However, the commission expressed willingness to waive fines for those who proactively communicate their situations.

This initiative responds to a historical pattern where individuals delay compliance, despite receiving multiple reminder letters from the commission. The proposed system seeks to encourage timely compliance and improve the relationship between residents and the commission. Emphasizing the importance of inter-departmental communication, the commission suggested that the building department notify them when an occupancy permit is issued, triggering the timeline for compliance.

In addition to the compliance discussion, the meeting addressed two significant ongoing solar energy projects. One involved Copper Park Drive LLC’s request for an amended order of conditions for a solar photovoltaic array and battery storage installation within a 100-foot wetland buffer zone. Represented by Weston and Sampson engineers, the applicant requested a hearing continuance to September 10, 2025, which the commission approved unanimously.

Similarly, Cleanseway Solar LLC’s proposal for ground-mounted solar arrays on Main Street was discussed. This project impacts several environmental zones, and a motion to continue the hearing was also unanimously passed. Both projects underscore the commission’s role in balancing development with environmental protection.

Another item of business was the approval of several requests for determination of applicability submitted by Joe Castello for properties on Deep Brook Drive. Each proposal involved constructing single-family dwellings without impacting the 100-foot buffer zones. Bob Forbes from Zenith Consulting Engineers represented the applicant, and motions for negative determinations were made and unanimously approved for each lot.

The meeting also included the approval of a Certificate of Compliance for Robert Lazaro’s property on Anthony Street. The project required removing 10,557 square feet of unpermitted wet landfill to allow natural rehabilitation. The commission stipulated that a barrier must be installed to prevent unauthorized access to the area, with a deadline set for September 10, 2025. Failure to comply would result in a daily fine of $100.

Towards the end of the meeting, the commission discussed the vacant agent position. Despite progress in hiring for the building department, there has been no communication regarding the conservation commission’s agent role. The commission plans to contact the selectmen and relevant personnel to ascertain the status of the hiring process, emphasizing the importance of having a dedicated agent to manage the commission’s responsibilities effectively.