The endorsement of the Mylar plans and covenant for Strawberry Farms emerged as a key agenda item. The board reviewed and approved the plans, with the town clerk having already endorsed them. A motion was made to endorse the Mylar and covenant, which was unanimously supported by the present members. This approval paved the way for further development activities in Strawberry Farms, including construction inspections proposed by Green International. The board also confirmed that there were no holds on tree removal associated with the project, allowing the necessary approvals to proceed.

Affordable housing was another issue discussed. A board member provided updates on a project with Habitat for Humanity on Tah Hadin Road. Trustees planned to review the proposal and make recommendations to facilitate negotiations. Public input led to a conversation about the Hager Homestead 120% Area Median Income (AMI) unit household qualification appeal. It was resolved administratively, with the lottery agent now accepting the income qualifications for the unit. However, concerns were raised about the documentation regarding income qualifications, particularly related to retirement accounts. A member expressed that clear guidelines were difficult to locate, and the board felt an obligation to ensure transparency and consistency in qualification processes.

It was suggested that the lottery agents provide their guidelines and processes for public record. The board agreed on the necessity of having a clear, consistent qualification process, especially for senior applicants with different financial circumstances than first-time homebuyers. They also emphasized the importance of keeping clear records of the processes involved in determining qualifications for affordable housing units.

The meeting also included a discussion on zoning bylaw amendments related to registered marijuana dispensaries and adult-use marijuana establishments. The proposed amendment aimed to limit the number of marijuana cultivation facilities in town. The board planned to update the local cannabis zoning bylaws to allow only one medicinal, one recreational facility, one micro-business, and one cooperative. The amendment would be discussed further at a public hearing on August 1, 2024. If existing cultivation entities relinquished their licenses, those licenses would not be grandfathered to new operators.

Members acknowledged the intent to tighten the bylaw to limit cultivation effectively. The prohibition would not affect existing licenses but would apply to new applicants. Technical revisions were reviewed, focusing on definitions and limitations within the bylaws. The changes aimed to allow the minimum cultivation numbers required while adhering to state regulations. Members expressed concern about leaving the door open for future cultivation and stressed the importance of an Odor Control plan to prevent marijuana smells from exiting the facility.

The board noted that odors could not be completely eliminated but aimed to reduce their intensity. They acknowledged the challenges in defining “normal sense” for odor detection and considered the variability of odor detection. The board suggested consulting the newly appointed health agent for a better understanding of effective regulations. They also discussed the importance of reasonable conditions in special permits to address air quality, including the adoption of odor control technologies.

The meeting transitioned to an application review for a proposed subdivision on Tadhon Road. The plan involved subdividing a 43-acre parcel into seven lots, with four meeting conventional frontage requirements and three classified as reduced frontage lots. Concerns were raised about the viability of Lot S, which was designated for conservation due to its wetland characteristics. A member questioned whether the lot could offer usable frontage and noted the significant terrain drop towards the south of the wetland area.

Public access and connectivity were concerns, with members noting the loss of potential trails and public access that were part of prior development discussions. While the ANR process limited the board’s ability to negotiate certain aspects of the development, the preservation of public access remained a key issue. The board ultimately approved the plan for seven lots on Tadhon Road, despite concerns about the loss of the previous open space plan and the potential impacts on public access.