The most notable topic at the meeting was the ongoing review of a stormwater management plan for a 40×40 pavilion and merchandise shack. The Conservation Commission emphasized the necessity of conditioning the stormwater review pending final peer approval. The planning board is concurrently reviewing the pavilion, which has already received Zoning Board of Appeals approval. During the meeting, visual aids were presented to clarify concerns about pavement issues that arose during construction. The alteration of the pavement due to a relocated gas station inadvertently led to a thin overlay, creating an unintended lip at the pavement edge. To counter this, a proposed solution involved creating an 18-inch trench filled with stone to facilitate water drainage back to a rain garden, addressing previous concerns about inadequate water flow.

Coordination with the planning board was a key point, as the board is responsible for reviewing stormwater impacts related to the pavilion. One commission member raised procedural concerns about closing the hearing without having received new information necessary for evaluation, expressing discomfort with closing based on pending reviews. The commission agreed to prepare an order that could be ratified at the next meeting, contingent on the receipt of a peer review report. This highlighted the complex relationship between the Conservation Commission and the planning board in managing stormwater approvals while ensuring compliance with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection standards.

The commission also addressed enforcement orders on several properties. At 30 Riverview, an enforcement order required no immediate action as owners awaited the arrival of shrubs. For 62 Middle Road, the developer plans to resolve outstanding issues and will contact the conservation agent for a final inspection. A new enforcement order was introduced for unpermitted work on S 5 Southern Boulevard, involving a mini excavator used for maintenance on two retaining walls. The owner was advised to submit a Request for Determination of Applicability for further review. Recommendations were made to preserve the dune and consider vegetation instead of stone for the walls, emphasizing the importance of maintaining existing structures without significant alteration.

Continuing with project reviews, the commission deliberated on a notice of intent for 120 Northern Boulevard where two structures were to be removed and replaced with an elevated single-family home. The proposal aimed to restore dune volume while maintaining vegetation, with plans for relocating a large plum bush and planting additional native shrubs. The commission expressed satisfaction with the thoroughness of the proposal and site visit, unanimously closing the public hearing and issuing an order of conditions.

Another notice of intent for a property on Hanover Street involved a request for a peer review of the resource area delineation on the property. The site presented complexities due to vegetation and past agricultural activities. A third-party review was proposed to ensure accuracy, with commission members agreeing on the necessity of the applicant’s wetland consultant addressing certain areas before the peer review.

The meeting also touched on open space matters, specifically the Great Meadows property, with discussions on the need for regular inspections to ensure compliance with conservation restrictions. The commission noted their responsibility for several conservation restrictions in the town and the possibility of collaborating with the open space committee to track these properties’ maintenance needs. A local contractor expressed willingness to donate efforts to refresh the old causeway next to the Plum Island Bridge, pending jurisdiction clarification and potential approval through a request for determination.