The most notable topic was the public hearing regarding the installation of a new tight tank on Shore Avenue, proposed by Mark and Sandra Bruce. The property, located within a 100-foot buffer zone to Long Pond and a flood zone, requires specific considerations due to its environmental sensitivity. The proposal involves decommissioning an existing cesspool and installing a 2,500-gallon monolithic tight tank. The discussion focused on the tank’s compliance with regulations, particularly concerning its proximity to the existing cesspool. Members raised questions about erosion control measures, emphasizing the importance of silt socks until site stabilization.

The Commission acknowledged that the Board of Health had approved the proposal in 2019. However, concerns about the expiration of this approval were discussed, given that permits typically last five years. The agent confirmed that the work had not commenced as initially planned, leading to questions about the implications for the project’s timeline. A letter from Natural Heritage was still outstanding, which could impose additional conditions on the project. The Commission decided to close the hearing and issue an order of conditions, contingent upon Board of Health approval and any conditions from Natural Heritage. To address the area’s high water table, it was proposed to have an emergency number for a dewatering truck on-site.

In addition to the tight tank discussion, the commission addressed compliance issues at a local construction site managed by builder Greg Mahoney. A site visit conducted earlier revealed several deficiencies, including the absence of required signage and a necessary 50-foot pad at the site entrance for heavy equipment. Although the installation was deemed satisfactory overall, concerns about sedimentation ponds and barrier placement remained unresolved. Mahoney expressed frustration over resident complaints, attributing delays to frozen ground conditions, which reportedly hindered the installation of a tracking pad.

The conservation officer emphasized the need for strict adherence to compliance standards to mitigate neighborhood tensions. Further site visits were anticipated to ensure ongoing compliance and address any new complaints. The commission reiterated the importance of the conservation officer’s role in maintaining permit standards and responding to community concerns.

In a more collaborative segment of the meeting, William Wen, a longtime Lakeville resident with experience on the Herring Fishery Commission, expressed his interest in joining the Conservation Commission. Wen’s potential appointment was warmly received, with members highlighting the value of his experience and the importance of common sense and a willingness to learn. They informed him about available training through the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the commission’s work and the need to understand the Wetlands Protection Act.

The commission also recognized overlapping interests between the Conservation Commission and the Herring Fishery Commission, particularly in managing local water resources and environmental health. Discussions included strategies for weed removal in local water bodies, stressing the importance of joint efforts between the two commissions to address shared concerns. Wen expressed gratitude for the guidance and seemed eager to contribute to the commission’s efforts.

Another noteworthy topic was the Long Pond Association’s request for a three-year extension to their existing order of conditions. The commission unanimously approved the extension, commending the association’s diligent work in advancing their project. This extension ensures that the association can continue its efforts without facing potential project lapses, with the new order of conditions valid until July 27, 2028.

The meeting also tackled procedural matters, such as the approval of the meeting minutes from November 26, 2024, which passed without dissent. Additionally, the commission reviewed a deed restriction for nine Cross Street. Town Council had reviewed the restriction, and two lots no longer belonging to the original owner were removed, leading to a corrective order of conditions. The commission agreed to approve Town Council’s forthcoming recommendations, streamlining the matter’s resolution.

An agent’s update concluded the meeting, detailing ongoing activities and site visits, including addressing complaints from residents about work at Pine Crest Village. These updates underscore the commission’s role in addressing community concerns and ensuring environmental compliance.