Michael Buckley

The meeting included a hearing for a Request for Determination of Applicability concerning a proposed two-story garage addition and driveway extension at 209 Birch Street. Discussions focused on avoiding a flagged wet area on the property, the extension of the existing driveway, and the installation of conservation markers to denote resource area boundaries. The public hearing was closed, and the Commission voted unanimously to issue a negative-3 determination following the submitted plans. Additionally, the Commission entered into an Executive Session to discuss litigation strategy pertaining to Spath v. Pembroke Conservation Commission, as well as to comply with laws regarding the voting of executive session minutes.

Key discussions included updates from the Friends of the Library regarding their 2026 membership drive and upcoming fundraisers such as a spring basket raffle and the Spring Book Sale. The Foundation reported that cost estimates for the library expansion remain around $1.8 million, with tentative bidding scheduled for February 2026. Reports were given on ongoing programming and collection maintenance for both Youth Services and Adult/Reference Services. The Director presented the 2025 Library Infographic, detailing usage metrics. The financial report noted ongoing reconciliation issues being addressed. Building updates confirmed the roof replacement scheduled for March 2026 and continued discussions regarding custodial staffing. New business involved a proposal to install a secured book donation bin, which received conditional support. The Board also reviewed and approved an amendment to the Volunteer policy, and reviewed, but did not vote on, a draft Collection Development and Management Policy.

This document presents an updated Water System Master Plan (WSMP) and Hydraulic Model for the Town of Pembroke. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the water system's infrastructure, supply and demand, and storage. Key focus areas include updating and calibrating the hydraulic model, assessing system hydraulics for pressures and fire flows, and identifying recommended system improvements such as pipe upgrades and tank rehabilitations. The plan culminates in a Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) that prioritizes projects based on need, available budget, and risk, aiming to ensure the effective and efficient management of the water system, address deficiencies, meet future demands, and maintain compliance through scheduled upgrades and ongoing maintenance activities extending through fiscal year 2033.

The meeting primarily focused on the continued public hearing for Subdivision #2501-A, concerning the Weathervane at Pembroke Country Club project, which involves updating a previously approved project to add residential units on individual lots, totaling 175 age-restricted single-family homes, with changes primarily related to shifting from a unitary wastewater treatment plant to individual septic systems. The board approved necessary waivers and the subdivision plan, incorporating new conditions such as requiring a lotting plan and a cut and fill analysis. Additionally, there was an informal discussion regarding a conceptual proposal for mixed-use development at 300 Center Street under a potential 40B filing, addressing zoning considerations and desired commercial uses. The board also addressed the automatic two-year extension of SP6-19 (345 Oak Street) due to recent legislation, rescinding a previous denial of an extension request for that permit. Finally, the board approved a checklist of items and rules/regulations governing site plan approval applications for residential multifamily housing developments under 3A guidelines.

The primary discussion focused on the Noise Restriction Bylaw, specifically concerning the responsibility for policing noise restrictions, which falls under the Board of Health (BOH). Due to the BOH not being prepared to assume this policing role without further deliberation, a motion was passed to remove the potential bylaw from the Fall town meeting warrant, pending further input before the Spring town meeting. Additionally, the committee decided to table the discussion on Battery Storage until the next meeting.