The proposed acquisition of the Webster property was a central topic at the meeting. The commission reviewed a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) application for funding the purchase. One commission member voiced strong support for the acquisition, pointing out the advantages of owning the property and favoring direct funding over bonding. Concerns were raised about potential future decisions related to the property, with reference to past experiences, such as the Marsden Orchard case. Despite these concerns, the commission reached a consensus, endorsing the article for the upcoming town meeting. Moreover, they considered amending the article to allow for grant fund applications to support the purchase.

Attention then turned to the issue on Ivy Road, where an enforcement order had been issued concerning a septic system project. The engineer associated with the project outlined a dewatering plan to address high groundwater levels encountered during the installation of a septic tank. This plan was critical to continuing the project while ensuring compliance with the enforcement order. The commission engaged in a discussion about the technical details of the plan, especially the challenges presented by differing drafting programs used in the plan’s presentation.

The debate also touched on environmental concerns, including the potential risks of erosion and sedimentation in a nearby catch basin. The necessity of coordinating with the Board of Health and the Department of Public Works was highlighted to assess the impact of high groundwater on the septic design and to address the sedimentation issue.

A roll call vote confirmed the decision to post a meeting for that purpose.