One focus of the meeting was the approval of a proposal by the Roman Catholic Bishop of St. Francis School to reconstruct an athletic field into a turf surface on Main Street. The project, situated within a bordering vegetated wetland’s buffer zone, involved converting the existing grass field to turf with associated drainage improvements. Bob Field, representing the applicant, assured the commission that the project would not increase the impervious area and that siltation controls would be implemented. The proposal included cleaning up existing debris, such as grass clippings and trash, from the wetland area.

Concerns were raised about the management of grass clippings, with a recommendation that the school use the town dump for disposal. The commission also discussed the necessity of a perimeter fence to prevent debris accumulation in the wetland. Field agreed to include the fence in the plans.

The commission set conditions for the project, requiring notification within five days of silt fence installation before work commencement. This timeline aims to ensure a smooth process, allowing work to begin on the 11th day post-inspection of the silt fence. The commission unanimously approved the Order of Conditions for the project, closing the public hearing with no objections.

Another agenda item was the approval of a stormwater permit for Frank and Karen Knox, who proposed constructing four residential house lots and a common driveway on Mendel Road and Terry Hill Road. Dave Hick, representing the Knox family, presented updated plans reflecting new assessor lot numbers. Julia, a commission member, suggested the applicant provide a construction general permit and a stormwater pollution prevention plan before construction. The commission, focusing solely on stormwater issues, unanimously approved the revised plans and granted the stormwater permit.

The commission also deliberated on tree removal on Porter Street, where Manuel Costa from MRC contracting represented Morgan and Ruben Rodriguez. Despite concerns over removing a specific maple tree, the commission approved the removal of necessary trees and stumps to facilitate construction.

Additionally, the commission addressed a shed on Main Street, determining whether it constituted an exempt activity under the Wetlands Protection Act. The shed, intended for a well pump, was classified as an exempt activity, though the decision faced one dissenting vote.

The meeting covered updates on ongoing projects, including a Notice of Intent for a property on Hathway Road and a cease and desist order for a property on Hunter Street, with a peer review underway. Discussions on Matapo Road focused on project timelines and communication with residents, with efforts to finalize site work before property sale highlighted.

Procedural matters were addressed, including amendments to a memorandum of agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency and stormwater management improvements. The commission supported including a specific statement on stormwater permits for easier recording at the registry of deeds.