During the meeting, the commission reviewed a notice of intent from Tim Cussins of Parallel Product Solar Energy for constructing two solar canopies at an auto salvage yard on Lewis Street. Scott Daggett, representing the applicant, detailed the project’s scope, which involves installing the solar canopies over areas where salvaged automobiles are stored. This design aims to allow the ongoing operation of the salvage yard while harnessing solar energy. However, the project’s location near wetlands and residential areas prompted the commission to call for a peer review by Weston and Samson, focusing on wetland protection and stormwater management. The review will cost $1,942, and the commission decided to set up a 53G account to fund this effort.

Barbara Fontaine, a resident of 2199 Lewis Street, voiced her concerns during the public comment period. She highlighted the project’s potential impact on local wetlands and questioned the risk of toxic chemical leaching, given the area’s proximity to the Somerset water supply. Fontaine underscored the urgency of these concerns by referencing an alarming cancer incidence rate in her neighborhood, citing personal and community experiences. The commission assured her that the peer review would thoroughly examine these safety concerns. Furthermore, there was a commitment to ensuring that abutters would receive a copy of the peer review findings before the next meeting, scheduled for March 20.

The community’s concerns about environmental safety and health implications were clear, with the commission acknowledging these issues and committing to a review of the project. The continuation of the hearing to the next meeting emphasizes the importance of addressing these environmental and community concerns.

Another topic at the meeting was the proposal to increase the working hours of the conservation agent, Lisa, due to the growing workload. Currently working 25 hours per week, the proposal suggested an additional five hours to better align her compensation with her responsibilities. The commission discussed the proposal, emphasizing the necessity of adequate staffing to serve the community effectively. The decision to request the additional hours from the Board of Selectmen and the finance committee received unanimous support. The commission also considered potential funding sources for Lisa’s additional hours, including a filing fee account with over $30,000 and the possibility of using Wetland Protection Act funds, although legal stipulations regarding fund usage would need clarification.

Lisa’s workload and compensation were not the only financial discussions during the meeting. The commission also addressed the need to establish a revolving fund to retain and utilize necessary funds for operational purposes, as conservation fees had previously reverted to the town’s general fund. The importance of a revolving fund was stressed to ensure financial resources are available for the commission’s needs.

Further discussions involved the repair of a septic system on William Street, submitted by David Butler. The project required careful consideration due to its location within a jurisdictional wetland. The commission approved the notice of intent contingent upon modifications, including clear labeling of isolated vegetated wetlands and access points. The approval process aimed to ensure minimal environmental impact while addressing the septic system’s failure.

The meeting also touched upon a new single-family home construction project by Long Built Homes at zero Clubhouse Drive. The commission discussed the project’s compliance with existing orders of conditions and the scheduled clean water test for the new sewer treatment plant, which is necessary before connecting homes to the system. The plant is expected to become operational in early April, with the current shared septic system set to be abandoned.

Discussions included a wetland violation on Oak Street and a resident’s confusion over regulations concerning a shed permit. The commission emphasized the importance of adhering to conservation guidelines while supporting residents in complying with local environmental laws.