The discussion on this land transfer included a review of the specific language of the warrant article, initially voted on in a prior meeting. Members expressed a desire to update the language to reflect the parcel’s designation accurately and to include an adjacent lot, 107B, which comprises 12.4 acres. The motion to adopt this designation received unanimous support from the commission members present.

Following this, the meeting moved on to address concerns related to turtle nesting sites, introduced by Matt Silverman from the water department. He provided an overview of the water supply connection project related to the Trumble well, which involves connecting to an existing treatment plant and extending water mains into Boxborough. The project is necessary to ensure a reliable water supply to Boxborough and involves significant alterations to wetland buffer areas. Matt presented data indicating an alteration of 2,394 square feet at the well station and a temporary impact of 13,547 square feet within the Riverfront area.

The commission discussed the replanting of trees at the Trumble well site, proposing the planting of twelve trees, including swamp white oaks, red maples, and hackberries. A considerable portion of the discussion focused on the conservation management permit issued by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, which outlines conditions to minimize impacts on the turtle population during pumping tests. These conditions include contractor education, construction monitoring, and turtle sweeps, along with the creation of nesting habitats phased based on the pumping volume.

A motion was made to close the public hearing and issue an order of conditions for the water supply connection project. This prompted a discussion about voting eligibility for one member who had recused themselves from previous meetings. After clarifying the situation, the motion to proceed was carried with six votes in favor and one member abstaining.

The meeting then addressed an enforcement order related to 15 Powers Road. A trustee representing the property, who also resides there, provided updates on the environmental concerns raised at the site, noting that “nothing has changed in months.” Observations from previous visits highlighted issues such as the expansion of the driveway area using road maintenance scrapings and construction materials, raising concerns about the stability of the driveway edge and the viability of plantings.

Commissioners emphasized the need for a restoration plan to remove objectionable materials and replace them with quality soil. A professional wetland scientist was suggested to delineate the wetland lines, given that much of the backyard appeared to be within critical buffer zones. The timeline for submitting a restoration plan was heavily debated, with some members suggesting a more realistic timeframe of six weeks, while a check-in meeting was proposed for October 8th to ensure progress.

The meeting also covered an enforcement order for a property on Warren Street, where Casey Calenberg provided updates on the mitigation plan developed by Foresight Engineering. The plan included managing water runoff from the roof using a two-foot by four-foot box filled with crushed stone to reduce water velocity and prevent erosion. Casey highlighted the importance of snow fencing to prevent equipment from exceeding designated areas. The commission expressed support for Casey’s plans and requested updates for the October 8 meeting.

Additionally, the commission discussed the tree policy, noting that the shade tree committee’s bylaw would be presented at a future town meeting. They also reviewed the Neog Hill Farm non-lease parcel, with a letter of support from the Littleton Conservation Trust regarding the transfer of custody and management of approximately seven acres. Concerns were raised about the status of the house on the parcel and future discussions about its potential use.

The meeting concluded with administrative discussions, including the scheduling of a turtle nesting site walk and the logistics surrounding it. The commissioners also touched upon goals, priorities, and budget considerations, proposing the formation of a subcommittee to address these topics more thoroughly outside regular meetings. An update was provided regarding an enforcement order at a location where trees had been taken down, emphasizing the need for a replanting plan.