A central topic of the meeting was the ongoing investigation into potential wetland violations by utility company Eversource and local landowners. An agent reported observing disturbances at two Tilly Way locations and a trench on Hathaway Road. The disturbances included knocked-down reeds and unauthorized structures. During a site visit, dirt piles and covered leaves were observed, which Eversource representatives denied leaving. This denial led to a contentious exchange between commission members and Eversource’s representative, James Clancy, who asserted compliance with regulations. The agent insisted evidence of disturbance existed, while Clancy maintained otherwise. This back-and-forth raised questions about the validity of observations and the need for further assessment.

Further complicating the situation was the involvement of a local farmer who faced accusations of unlicensed activities within a wetland area. The farmer, defending his actions, stated his intentions were purely agricultural, having filed paperwork with the USDA to support his farming activities. He insisted he did not maliciously damage the wetland and had made efforts to mitigate any potential harm by placing hay on the access road. The commission debated whether to take further action or request the farmer to refrain from entering the area temporarily. The farmer was advised that compliance with the commission’s requests could prevent future disputes.

A proposal was made to hire a botanist to accurately delineate the wetland boundaries, as understanding these boundaries could clarify the land use implications. The farmer expressed concerns about how this might affect his property rights, and there was a recommendation for him to consider legal counsel to navigate the situation.

Another property on Tilly Way was discussed, where possible violations included a shed built too close to wetlands and unauthorized tree removal. Due to procedural issues, any further discussion or vote on this matter was postponed to a future meeting as requested by involved parties.

The commission also addressed scheduling issues, particularly for continued public hearings, now set for December 10, 2025. Challenges in notifying residents of meetings were acknowledged, with a commitment to improve communication. The commission accepted the 2026 filing deadlines for the Wetlands Protection Act and stormwater regulations.

An update on Matapo Road was discussed, with commissioners awaiting guidance from the town council due to ongoing litigation. The suggestion of a site visit to gain firsthand knowledge faced legal obstacles.

The dialogue underscored the ongoing challenge of managing land use in sensitive areas, with the commission emphasizing the need for review and investigation before proceeding with any regulatory actions.