HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-04-ConCom-min.pdf
Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Conservation Commission
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AGENDA Thursday, June 4th, 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, Ruth Ladd (Chair), and Thomas
Whelan; Not Present: Philip Hamilton and Jason Hnatko
Associate Commissioner not present: Tom Olivier
Staff Present: Megan Guardado, Department Assistant; Not Present: Karen Mullins,
Conservation Director, and Evan Paige, Assistant Conservation Director
6:30 PM New Business/Pending Matters
Discuss and vote to issue Order of Conditions: 475 Bedford St, DEP #201-1383, OpenGov
CNOI-25-35
Ms. Guardado presented the draft version of the Order of Conditions, and the Commission
discussed their suggested edits to the Order of Conditions prior to issuance.
Mr. Beuttell stated that the Order of Conditions is clear overall that there are issues of non-
compliance but that the Commission agrees that there is a net positive for the wetlands onsite
with the proposed conditions. Mr. Beuttell noted page six of the order has an edit to be made
regarding an addition which is not part of the proposal. Ms. Guardado noted that the draft
presented during the meeting was a rough draft with errors to be fixed prior to issuance. The
Commission agreed to send written edits to staff for changes to be made prior to the issuance of
the Order, along with changes that were made during the meeting.
Ms. Ladd stated that many of the conditions listed under Section C. SPECIAL CONDITIONS –
M.G.L. c.131, s.40 are standard conditions the Commission includes in most Orders of
Conditions. Ms. Ladd noted that Special Condition 26 was added at the peer reviewer’s
recommendation for additional test pits to be done after demolition. The Commission asked for
this condition to be verified to meet the suggestions of the peer reviewer.
Mr. Beuttell stated that proof of the 2-foot separation must be provided by the applicant and
verified by Conservation staff.
Ms. Ladd suggested including in the conditions that photos of the plant tags should be submitted
to the record to ensure straight natives are planted, rather than only submitting the plant purchase
receipts. Ms. Ladd also suggested specifying in the conditions regarding plant monitoring that
there be nine monitoring inspections total and the two reports to be submitted by November 30th
each year, one report being the combined spring and summer inspections report and the other
being the fall monitoring inspection., Spring, Summer, and Fall, should be submitted each year
of monitoring by November 30th. The Commission made overall corrections to the monitoring
conditions to include specific timelines for monitoring and reports to be submitted. The
Commission also agreed to add a condition that four shrubs be installed per every one tree
removed.
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Whelan, the Commission voted 4-0 by roll call
vote to issue the Order of Conditions with the discussed special conditions.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 4-0 by roll call
vote to adjourn the meeting.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Alex Dohan – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Respectfully Submitted,
Megan Guardado
LUHD Department Assistant
Approved: 7/28/2026
Archived: 7/29/2026