The stormwater management variance was a primary focus of the meeting. An engineer presented the proposal for the Elm Street project, which included a roof recharge system to handle runoff and a request for a variance to implement an open stormwater basin due to site constraints. The board deliberated the necessity of a fence around the basin and the implications of outdated regulations. Despite these concerns, the variance was ultimately approved. This decision will enable the Elm Street project to move forward, but it also highlights the board’s awareness of the need to update local regulations to better handle such environmental concerns.

In the realm of waste management, the board discussed the upcoming solid waste committee meeting, where potential recommendations for the town’s solid waste program are expected. The conversation included a suggestion to possibly arrange a joint meeting with the Board of Health and the Solid Waste committee to facilitate a discussion of the recommendations. Concerns were raised about the language in the current trash bag vendor agreement, particularly regarding outstanding invoices and the strength of the agreement’s terms. It was recommended to await the solid waste committee’s recommendations before approving any new agreement.

Moving to matters of public health, the board examined a complaint related to farm activities at a property on Pleasant Street. The issue centered on the potential for flooding to spread animal waste to neighboring properties and into the Taunton River, posing a serious environmental and health concern. The property in question has been operating as a farm for many years and was inspected by the ACL. Despite this, the board recognized the gravity of the complaint and expressed the need for a balanced and informed approach. They considered conducting a site visit to gain a better understanding of the situation and decided to send certified letters to both the complainant and the property owner.

The meeting also touched on other aspects of town governance, including the town clerk’s involvement in a vaccine clinic related to dog licenses, although these topics did not garner as much discussion or decision-making as the aforementioned issues.