Bethany Hammond

The meeting included continued public hearings for two Notices of Intent. The first hearing involved a project to construct a hot tub, deck, and sauna within the Buffer Zone to a Bordering Vegetated Wetland. Discussions centered on unauthorized tree removal and soil disturbance, resulting in the continuance of the hearing to allow for the drafting of a restoration plan. The second hearing concerned the re-grading of an existing public walking path to access Lambert's Cove Beach. Key discussion points included shorebird monitoring conditions, the placement of dune fencing, and the bylaw's restriction on coastal dune excavation. The commission ultimately voted to approve the path re-grading with conditions encouraging a feasibility study for alternatives and limiting the amount of sand moved. A third agenda item involved approving a Notice of Intent to remove state-listed invasive Grey Willow trees from the pond's edge using a hybrid approach of mechanical removal and targeted, local herbicide treatment, subject to specific follow-up management and reporting conditions. New business included a discussion on Traditional Ecological Knowledge and administrative matters such as the approval of the FY2027 Warrant Article Submission and a step increase recommendation for the Board Administrator.

Key discussions included the certification of an abutters list and the approval of Motor Vehicle Excise commitments for 2025 (Commitment 7) and 2026 (Commitment 1). The Board reviewed the Property Inspection Plan, emphasizing prioritization of new growth and setting a requirement for monthly reports. The revised Clause 18 Exemption Policy was finalized after clarifications regarding eligibility and the 25% minimum property value threshold. The Board also briefly discussed the market valuation of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Finally, the Board voted to enter an executive session to discuss litigation, property valuation, and confidential abatement and exemption applications.

The key discussion topics scheduled for this meeting include the review of the Approval of Minutes, discussion of the Strategic Planning draft, the Director's Report, New Business items, Topics Unanticipated by the Chair, and Old Business items.

The agenda for the meeting included two primary applications. The first was a Form A application from Schofield, Barbini and Hoehn on behalf of Cristofori, LLC, seeking a land division to create one lot with the minimal required acreage and one non-buildable undersized lot. The second item involved a Site Plan Review application from Perdomo's Construction on behalf of Donald Hendricks to convert a portion of an existing barn into an office, including adding a half bathroom, laundry facilities, internal stairs, and a work sink. The board also planned to discuss a letter of support to the MVC regarding the Ambulos Open Space referral.

The meeting included a public hearing concerning an application for a Special Permit from Michael Urias for the construction and installation of a 10'x25' in-ground saltwater pool at 35 Skiffs Ln. The applicant described the pool's intended personal use, heating method (propane), and property setback distances. Key discussions revolved around safety and compliance requirements, specifically concerning pool fencing adequacy (the existing 8-foot deer fencing), alarmed exits, and sound insulation for the pool equipment enclosure. The applicant agreed to install fencing around both the pool and the equipment to meet safety and sound mitigation needs and was advised to consult further with the Building Inspector. Following the hearing, the Board voted to grant the Special Permit, passing 4-0.