Joe Ballou

The board discussed the Annual Town Report for 2025, which was tabled for further edits, and addressed a septic repair at 238 Brookfield Road, for which no variance or vote was required.

The board approved the amended Annual Town Report and discussed the trash collection contract, ultimately voting to extend the contract for a three-year option covering fiscal years 2028 and 2029. Additionally, the board reviewed trash and recycling tonnage reports and approved a 10.7% budget increase for the trash contract for fiscal year 2027, raising the line item to $385,000.00. New applications for sewage disposal system abandonment and demolition were reviewed, with the board establishing a $100 fee and deciding to coordinate further with the building department before final approval. Two septic system applications were also noted with no further action required.

The board reviewed several administrative and operational items. Discussion included the processing of a collection of historical donated items from the Hitchcock family, as well as status updates on old business matters involving the Tabitha Moffatt Brown Stamp project, land surveys, and reports of gazebo vandalism. The board received a progress report on the records digitization project involving marriage records. Additionally, the commission deliberated on drafting sections for the annual report, reviewed the current status of the commission's budget account, and coordinated the distribution of a prepared newsletter via the town website and social media channels.

The meeting included the signing of the Order of Conditions for 241 East Hill Road and the Determination of Applicability for 29 East Hill Road. The Commission approved payroll for staff, issued a Certificate of Compliance for 105 Little Alum Road, and signed the FY 2027 Conservation Budget. Additionally, members discussed site visit challenges due to weather conditions regarding pending Certificates of Compliance requests.

The Commission reviewed the Forest Cutting Plan for Devils Lane, the Sherman Lake year-end report, and a Permanent Solution Statement regarding a fuel spill. During public hearings, the Commission addressed the proposed construction of a single-family home at 241 East Hill Road, specifically discussing culvert installation, site drainage, and erosion control protocols before issuing an Order of Conditions. Additionally, the Commission reviewed a Request for Applicability for the construction of a barn at 29 East Hill Road, discussing site disturbance, structural specifications, and erosion control measures, resulting in the issuance of an Applicability of Determination.