One of the primary topics was the resolution of a violation on East Main Street. An enforcement order had previously been issued due to the placement of asphalt millings. Brad Holmes represented the property owner and reported that restoration work was completed with spot reseeding, resulting in the area being stabilized with loam and seed. The ongoing maintenance of Japanese knotweed was noted, with the hope that the Commission would close the matter. A suggestion to evaluate the growth in the spring before making a final decision was considered reasonable, and a motion to release the enforcement order passed unanimously.

The meeting then addressed another violation on West Main Street. A consultant detailed a site visit that delineated resource areas, including a perennial stream and bordering vegetated wetlands affecting the riverfront area and buffer zones. The Commission reviewed a checklist for mitigation and restoration, which included quantifying impacts and developing a regulatory analysis for approval. There was some discussion about combining the violation resolution with a septic system upgrade, but it was decided these would remain distinct filings. A timeline for the next steps was requested, with an expectation for updates at the December 8th meeting.

A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing drainage system responsibilities affecting properties at 63 and Hill Street. Concerns were raised about potential obstructions at the outlet where the drainage crosses under the roadway, highlighting the need for joint ownership of the drainage system. The Commission discussed the dimensions of the drainage easement and the ownership of the pipe, noting that the town would be responsible for the section within the street right-of-way, while homeowners would share responsibility from the property line to the outlet. It was suggested that an attorney draft the legal framework for joint ownership to clarify homeowners’ responsibilities.

There was a strong emphasis on using explicit language in the order conditions to ensure homeowners understand their obligations. A proposal to amend the wording from “provide the deed language” to “provide the recorded easement” was made to reflect more precise legal terminology. The importance of contractors adhering to site stabilization conditions, particularly concerning clean fill free from debris and invasive plant parts, was reiterated, although skepticism about the effectiveness of such assurances was expressed.

Public hearings were held for several projects, including a proposal for an inground pool installation on Downing Drive, represented by Craig Sigowski of Room Engineering on behalf of the Freeman family. The project, situated near vegetated wetlands, raised concerns about groundwater impacts and the storage of pool chemicals. Although a public hearing number was not yet assigned, it was agreed to continue the hearing at the next meeting.

Another public hearing involved a septic system repair on Old Colony Road. Mark Mariano from Oakill Engineering discussed the existing non-compliant cesspool within a jurisdictional area surrounded by wetlands. The proposal included installing a septic tank with a pump chamber and a leaching field. Members awaited a letter from the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program due to the site’s location within an endangered species zone.

Administrative matters, such as authorizing web ink signatures for members, were also addressed, with Dan Pearson identified as the primary signer and Lisa Carrozza as the backup. A motion to reauthorize signatures passed unanimously.