The discussion revealed collaborative efforts between the town and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), although DCR’s involvement remains limited due to budget constraints. The DPW representative detailed that a specialized company, Wildlife Nuisance, would handle the dam removal using hand tools and kayaks. However, the approach drew skepticism from some commission members who questioned its effectiveness, noting the persistent nature of beavers to rebuild their structures quickly.

Public sentiment varied, with representatives from the Boston Golf Club advocating for complete dam removal due to flooding impacts on their property. Conversely, some commissioners proposed a more conservative strategy focused on partial removal to reduce wetland disruption, emphasizing the need to balance ecological preservation with flood mitigation. The conversation underscored the challenges of managing wildlife under environmental regulations, as well as the need for a long-term strategy to address recurring beaver activity.

In a related discussion, the Milton Conservation Commission engaged in a review of a compliance certificate request for Wallis Golf Course. The project, which has a lengthy and intricate history involving multiple amendments and an appeal, focuses on landscaping modifications, including tree planting and cart path adjustments. A payment of $22,000 was proposed in lieu of planting 44 trees, with the as-built plan showing variances from the original design, such as different cart path specifications and mitigation plantings with Atlantic cedars.

Challenges such as the survival rate of plantings and the effects of beaver activity on vegetation were examined, with a consensus that a site visit was necessary to assess conditions firsthand. The commission remains committed to ensuring compliance with both local bylaws and state regulations, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship and community standards.

Another topic was the Granite Avenue Pump Station Resiliency Project, a resiliency initiative funded by a grant aimed at enhancing the town’s sewer infrastructure within a flood zone. Concerns were raised about parking and potential future development demands, stressing the need for strategic planning to accommodate growth while maintaining operational efficiency.

Concurrently, the meeting addressed a request for a minor modification to an existing order of conditions for a property on Blue Hill Avenue. The proposed addition of a permeable patio prompted discussions on maintaining regulatory compliance, particularly concerning the 25-foot non-disturbance zone.

In health-related matters, resident Margie Skeer raised concerns during the citizen speak portion about the town’s alcohol bylaw, advocating for stricter controls to protect youth. Her insights, backed by her public health expertise, highlighted the importance of safeguarding the community against potential alcohol-related risks. The board also deliberated on the ongoing issues surrounding the property at 5-9 Thatcher Street, grappling with whether to condemn it due to persistent health and safety violations or to allow redevelopment plans to proceed.

The Select Board further addressed updates from the health director regarding various health initiatives, including an opioid abatement grant and upcoming community events focused on overdose awareness and flu vaccinations. The board’s efforts to support public health initiatives demonstrate their dedication to addressing community health challenges.