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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-26-ConCom-min.pdf Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Conservation Commission ___________________________________________________________________________ AGENDA Tuesday, May 26th, 2026, 6:30 p.m. This Conservation Commission meeting was held remotely via Zoom, an online meeting platform. Public participation via calling in or using a computer was encouraged. Commissioners Present: Kevin Beuttell, Alexandra Dohan, Jason Hnatko, Ruth Ladd (Chair), and Thomas Whelan; Not Present: Philip Hamilton Associate Commissioner not present: Tom Olivier Staff Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Director, Megan Guardado, Department Assistant, and Evan Paige, Assistant Conservation Director; 6:30 PM New Business/Pending Matters Discuss and vote to issue Amended Order of Conditions: 166 Spring St, DEP #201-1367, OpenGov AOOC-26-4 Ms. Ladd stated that the Commission recommended removal of invasive species and the installation of curbing which is beyond the 100-foot buffer zone. On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to issue the Amended Order of Conditions. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Jason Hnatko– Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Tom Whelan – Aye Discuss and vote to issue Order of Conditions: 131 Hartwell Ave, DEP #201-1386, OpenGov CNOI-26-3 Ms. Ladd stated that the proposal includes a sidewalk and bus shelter proposed within 25 feet of a wetland and that the Commission agreed in their previous hearing to not verify this wetland line through this Order of Conditions. Ms. Mullins suggested the Commission add a condition that staff are permitted to approve minor changes to the sidewalk based on the Town Engineer’s recommendations at the time of construction, so long as it does not move closer to the wetlands. The Commission agreed. On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Whelan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to issue the Order of Conditions. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Jason Hnatko– Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Tom Whelan – Aye Discuss and vote to issue Order of Conditions: 475 Bedford St, DEP #201-1383, OpenGov CNOI-25-35 Ms. Ladd stated that alternative three is the applicant’s preferred alternative but without underground parking and that alternative five includes a reduced size of building two and includes underground parking. Ms. Ladd stated that the meadow proposed as mitigation for losing the buffer zone on the west side of the project is not appropriate compensation for that loss. Ms. Ladd noted that there is a narrow interpretation of project purpose included in the proposal. Mr. Beuttell stated concern with the chance of appeal of this project and that the state would then take over issuance of an Order which would lead to a less extensive oversight than the Commission is able to provide. Mr. Beuttell stated that the scale of the project is larger than they typically see, but that the Commission typically receives similar projects on smaller scales on residential lots. Ms. Dohan stated that the proposed conditions of the site would be a significant improvement to the existing conditions and that the applicant has made efforts to mitigate and meet the Commission’s regulations. Mr. Hnatko stated his agreement with Ms. Dohan and that the no build alternative would be leaving the existing buildings which would have the worst impact to the wetlands of all the alternatives. Mr. Whelan stated he agrees with Ms. Dohan on the applicant's efforts to mitigate and meet regulations and with Mr. Beuttell on the implications of an appeal. Mr. Whelan stated that the Commission could suggest specific conditions of approval to meet the satisfaction of all Commissioners. Mr. Whelan suggested a special condition to reduce the footprint of building two away from the Bordering Vegetated Wetland. Ms. Ladd stated that the Commission cannot require reduction of the building size within the conditions. Ms. Mullins stated that the Commission has the authority to grant special conditions to support their performance standards and add value to the project in regard to wetland protection. Ms. Ladd stated that lawn is proposed to extend up to the wetland in some areas of the site and suggested that a condition be included to require Feno bounds between wetlands two and three, or a condition of no lawn within 25-feet of the wetlands. Mr. Beuttell stated that he supports a condition for a more robust planting plan to be provided prior to installation. Mr. Beuttell also supports the condition of Feno markers along the 25-foot buffer zone. Ms. Ladd expressed concern about the 25-foot buffer zone vegetation being mowed often for maintenance purposes. Ms. Mullins suggested a condition that the area within 25 feet of the path at the rear of building three must remain vegetated. Mr. Beuttell stated that if the applicant wishes to create a path in the rear of building three, the applicant will need to return to the Commission with a plan change for approval of this. The Commission reviewed the tree planting and removal plans provided by the applicant. Ms. Ladd noted that all trees within wetlands jurisdiction should be straight natives. The applicant should provide justification as to why non-natives and/or cultivars are proposed and receive approval from the Commission or staff prior to installing any non-native species or cultivars. Due to the Eversource easement onsite, any vegetation within this easement could be cut by Eversource. Ms. Ladd suggested low-growing woody vegetation be required for planting in the easement for better chances of regrowth. Mr. Beuttell suggested a condition of multiple shrubs to be planted per tree removed. Mr. Beuttell stated that a planting plan for the easterly side of the path’s plantings should be submitted to the Commission for review. The Commission agreed on a ratio of four shrubs to be planted for every one tree removed under existing conditions. Ms. Ladd suggested that Feno bounds or a fence be installed north and west of the path between buildings two and three to provide a buffer to the wetland. Ms. Mullins also suggested stating in the condition to remove proposed hardscape and lawn within this area. Mr. Beuttell suggested that Feno bounds be installed along the edge of the loam and seed maintenance strip around building three. The Commission will meet on Thursday June 4th to review a draft version of the Order of Conditions and vote to issue the order. On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to adjourn the meeting. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Jason Hnatko– Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Tom Whelan – Aye 7:30pm Respectfully Submitted, Megan Guardado LUHD Department Assistant Approved: 7/28/2026 Archived: 7/29/2026