The stormwater bylaw review was a prominent agenda item, with the interim town planner presenting key changes. The planning board took over primary responsibility from the select board for stormwater management applications. This change meant that if a project required site plan or subdivision approval, the stormwater management application would be handled concurrently. However, if only a conservation commission application was needed, the stormwater application would fall under their jurisdiction. This restructuring aimed to streamline the permitting process and avoid duplicative fees. The board deliberated on fee structures, considering feedback from regional organizations like Serpent, and leaned toward a model that would charge a stormwater fee only when no other applications were submitted, thus preventing financial burdens on applicants already involved in site plan reviews.

The board also assessed stormwater fee structures from neighboring towns, ultimately proposing a minimum fee of $100 per acre and up to $500 for larger projects. They recognized that commercial or industrial developments required more extensive stormwater management than individual homes. The idea of a tiered fee structure for residential subdivisions was also considered.

In another significant part of the meeting, the board reviewed plans for a new fire station on Precinct Street. The proposal included a 17,040 square foot facility with six bays, addressing previous concerns about vehicle access and turning movements. A presentation outlined that the fire apparatus could safely enter and exit the site, using a conservative design approach to accommodate future needs.

Public safety concerns were central to the fire station discussion. The board considered the station’s grading, which featured a rise from Bedford Street ensuring that fire trucks could access the station safely, even in adverse weather conditions. The design complied with ADA standards, emphasizing a pitch that avoided clearance issues for fire trucks. The proposal had undergone peer reviews addressing stormwater and erosion controls, highlighting its sensitive environmental context.

Traffic safety was another major focus, particularly concerning the fire station’s location on Bedford Street. Studies demonstrated adequate sight distances exceeding standard requirements. Recommendations included trimming tree limbs and adding warning signage for drivers. The fire chief shared concerns about traffic lights at fire stations, which sometimes cause more accidents, advocating for alternative safety measures.

Discussions also touched on the fire station’s proximity to the road, with participants noting a safer location compared to the current site. The board considered the potential impact on traffic flow and emphasized the need for clear communication with MassDOT to implement appropriate safety measures, such as relocating speed limit signs.

The meeting further explored other infrastructure projects, including modifications at Golfer’s Way and Clear Pond Road. The board reviewed proposals for drainage improvements and roadway modifications. Concerns about drainage and utility pole placements were addressed to mitigate potential blockages and ensure effective runoff management.

For a proposed mixed-use development on Main Street, the board scrutinized groundwater separation and stormwater management plans. Discrepancies in groundwater calculations were debated, highlighting the need for accurate modeling given Lakeville’s flood history. The board requested revisions to ensure compliance with environmental best practices and site-specific conditions.

The meeting also involved reviewing residential proposals for Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) comment. Projects included structural modifications at Clark Shores and Lakeside Avenue, with the board deciding not to provide comments unless pressing planning concerns arose. Similarly, proposals at Staple Shores and County Street were deemed non-contentious, though incomplete applications prompted discussions about ensuring thorough documentation in future submissions.