The meeting, presided over by Vice Chairman Chris Aran due to the absence of the regular chairman, began with a discussion regarding a request from Daryl McCrensky of Hancock Building Associates. McCrensky sought guidance on the appropriate filing process for a proposed addition and deck on East Shepherd Lane. The project includes a 15 by 16-foot addition with a full basement and a deck on sonotubes, with part of the deck encroaching into the 50-foot buffer zone from the wetlands.

Aran explained the distinction between Requests for Determination of Applicability (RDA) and Notices of Intent (NOI), noting that RDAs are generally reserved for smaller projects with minimal risk to resource areas. McCrensky emphasized that the addition is outside the 50-foot buffer, although the deck partially encroaches into it. The project had started in August but faced delays despite preliminary steps like flagging the wetlands and preparing a certified plot plan.

David, presumably a commission member or staff, contributed by stating that the deck alone would qualify as an RDA, referencing his experience with similar projects. He noted that the terrain is flat, and much of the wetlands are maintained as lawn, making the project suitable for an RDA based on the commission’s historical policies. Several commission members echoed David’s sentiment, with one stating, “I walked down there yesterday and it’s flat; it’s well-developed; I don’t see any problem with an RDA down there.”

The commission generally supported the recommendation to process the project as an RDA. Aran added that the commission has consistently requested some management of roof runoff. McCrensky acknowledged this suggestion and confirmed they could include it in their plans. The hearing for this project was then scheduled for October 8th.

The meeting also included a report from the planning board liaison, who outlined the packed agenda for the upcoming planning board meeting. Topics to be discussed included overlays, administrative reviews for specific properties, and updates on various local bylaws. The commission was also informed about a request for a continuance regarding the property on Hilder Street, as they awaited a letter from natural heritage, preventing any immediate decisions. The motion to continue the discussion to the next meeting on October 8th passed unanimously.

In the Land Management section, David provided an update on the Coolest Land conservation restrictions. He reported a recent meeting with representatives from the Sudbury Valley Trustees, who expressed interest in holding the conservation restriction required under the Community Preservation Act (CPA). David explained that the process would not be immediate, as the trustees’ land protection committee must vote on accepting the restriction based on staff recommendations. Funding considerations were also mentioned, though David believed the town could manage the associated costs.

Regarding the Warren Pole project, it was noted that the conservation restriction draft had been sent to the Town Council for review before state approval. The commission was awaiting feedback from the council, with no major changes expected. The parking area plan from the Department of Public Works (DPW) appeared satisfactory, but the commission decided to wait for the installation of a boulder bearing a plaque before giving the DPW the green light. The boulder had already been prepared, with the bronze plaque expected to be affixed soon.

Additionally, a member suggested including a recently certified Vernal pool on the plan. The agent reported on tree removal estimates for two separate issues: one involving a tree on conservation land on Meadow Brook Road that had fallen and damaged a fence, and another concerning dead ash and maple trees near 144 Parker Road. Estimates from Arbor East were presented, and motions to approve the expenditures for tree removal passed unanimously.

Certificates of compliance were also discussed, with approvals given for a property on Grand View Road and Birchwood Drive after site visits revealed no issues. The next meeting was announced for October 8th, with an agenda including an RDA and a notice of intent for the expansion of residential parking on Plate Drive. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which received unanimous approval.