The ER update, a document for the town’s environmental planning, was discussed with intentions to include recent environmental work and ensure future projects take environmental considerations into account. The commission is seeking input from various committees to enhance the ER, including adding sections on endangered species management. A debate ensued about making the report’s maps interactive on the town’s website, with discussions on the formats and the potential hiring of an expert for the update, estimated at $25,000.

Stormwater management was another priority, with the commission exploring methods to educate residents about low-cost solutions for stormwater issues on private properties. Plans for a “Rain Garden Day” event and involving schools and the Garden Club in building rain gardens were discussed. The commission noted the need for more comprehensive stormwater efforts and suggested involving students in planting trees and using native plants to mitigate stormwater effects.

The commission also underscored the necessity to revamp its website to include the latest reports, green team projects, and information on stormwater management. They considered collaborating with the school board to assess the impact of walking and biking to school on the carbon footprint.

Budget discussions reflected constraints, affecting events like “Love Where You Live Day.” The commission cogitated over using previous year’s budget surpluses for current requisitions and debated the funding for deer mitigation and the Rain Garden project. The need for prioritizing budget items for the next meeting and focusing on stormwater management and policy for the Planning and Zoning Board was emphasized.

The commission expressed disappointment over the council’s rejection of their tree planting budget request and the challenges with the administration regarding the Natural Area restoration project. The commission planned volunteer events to combat invasive species and discussed the necessity for formal support from both the commission and the council for environmental initiatives.

The commission also debated the potential for a more united approach among environmental committees, the practicality of implementing more rain gardens, and the cost and responsibilities of various projects, including Mcarter Pond. The Third Street Trail funding and collaboration between the Environmental Commission and the grant committee were discussed, with a resolution passed to request information on available grants.

Public comments included concerns over the DPW’s workload and suggestions for Earth Day rain garden planting. A resident’s issue with flooding led to discussions on the town’s responsibility for maintenance and the need for volunteer involvement.

The commission wrapped up by discussing the importance of visually documenting stormwater management issues and inviting the town engineer to address the commission. Concerns over the effectiveness of current stormwater projects were raised, with a suggestion to create a catalog of flooding issues to advocate for stricter policies.