Conservation Commission — June 10, 2026
The meeting atmosphere became spirited when the board addressed procedural concerns regarding an applicant presenting unreviewed plans during a public hearing.
Decisions logged
Topics discussed
▶ 00:00 Administrative Procedures and Executive Session
The commission managed technical issues with meeting links and formally moved into executive session.
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The meeting began with discussion regarding technical difficulties with shared links and meeting access. The board then formally moved to enter an executive session.
The commission successfully entered executive session and subsequently returned to open session.
▶ 46:57 Request for Continuance: 38 Squibnocket Drive
The applicant requested more time regarding a Notice of Intent for piling replacement and retaining wall construction.
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David and Marcy Barnes requested a continuance for their project involving piling replacement, retaining walls, and patio construction.
The motion to continue the hearing until July 1st passed.
Hearing rescheduled for July 1st.
▶ 47:59 Request for Continuance: Mass DEP Violation
A matter regarding a violation of an order of conditions was continued.
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The commission addressed a violation of an order of conditions (Mass DEP number 25-4519). The resident requested a continuance.
The motion to continue the hearing until July 1st passed.
Hearing rescheduled for July 1st.
▶ 49:03 RDA: Town of Falmouth Engineering Department
The commission reviewed drainage improvements for Turner Road and Thomas B Landers Road.
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Staff recommended a negative determination under both state and bylaw because, while the work is in a protected area, it will not involve removing, filling, or altering the resource area.
The commission issued a negative determination.
▶ 50:58 RDA: Massachusetts Coastal Railroad
The commission reviewed a request for vegetation management in the railroad right of way.
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Staff recommended a negative determination, noting that the work meets specific exemptions under the WPA for vegetation management.
The commission issued a negative determination.
▶ 52:26 RDA: 56 Field Street
Review of a request to install a new Title V sewage disposal system.
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Staff recommended a negative determination as the project takes place in an AE flood zone but does not involve altering the resource area.
The commission issued a negative determination.
▶ 53:23 RDA: 178 Edgewood Drive East
The applicant requested a continuance for a pier repair project.
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Laura Nungesser requested more time regarding permission to repair an existing pier.
The motion to continue the RDA until July 15th passed.
Hearing rescheduled for July 15th.
▶ 55:00 Notice of Intent: 86 Edgewater Drive East
Discussion of house renovations, including a second-story addition and porch.
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Mike Borselli (engineer) presented plans for renovations. A key point was that replacing crushed shells with bark mulch would negate the need for mitigation regarding increased impervious surfaces. The board discussed the replacement of deceased mitigation plants.
The hearing was closed and the matter was taken under advisement.
▶ 1:15:30 Notice of Intent: 65 Walker Street
A proposal to demolish an existing structure and build a new three-bedroom home.
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The applicant (Zach Pasinski) presented a revised plan during the hearing. The commission expressed concern that the board had not reviewed the revised plan prior to the meeting, violating open meeting principles. Furthermore, the proposed increase to a three-bedroom system conflicts with local regulations regarding design flow increases within 100 feet of a wetland.
The hearing was continued to June 24th to allow for staff review of the new plan and for the applicant to file with the Board of Health.
Hearing rescheduled for June 24th.
▶ 1:28:30 Notice of Intent: 39 Pinebank Road
A proposal to rebuild a single-family home and install a new septic system.
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The project involves rebuilding a home and installing a new denitrification septic system. Discussion centered on the reduction of impervious area via a smaller driveway and the replanting of vegetation around the new septic area.
The hearing was closed and the matter was taken under advisement.
▶ 1:34:13 Order of Conditions: 380 Wild Harbor Road
The commission reviewed an order of conditions for a project involving a driveway.
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The commission reviewed plans from Tim. They determined that a revised plan including additional mitigation for the dirt driveway is required.
The commission voted to issue an order of conditions, contingent upon a revised plan including additional mitigation.
▶ 1:35:43 Order of Conditions: 29 Miami Ave
Review of a project to raise and rebuild a house with a pool.
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The project includes a house rebuild, invasive species removal, and restoration. Staff confirmed the revised plan satisfied previous concerns.
The commission voted to issue an order of conditions as discussed.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
65 Walker Street Revised Plan Submission
Community vs. board tension
Action items
Notable statements
We specifically asked Bracken Engineering not to submit a revised plan the night of a hearing to the Commission without the board reviewing it first. — Speaker K (Jen) · Addressing the applicant presenting a new plan during the hearing without prior staff review. ▶ 1:19:00
Whether or not the Board of Health agrees with that, our local wetland regulations say that... an increase in design flow just can't happen within a hundred feet of that wetland. — Speaker K (Jen) · Clarifying that CONCOM regulations regarding design flow are independent of Board of Health decisions. ▶ 1:21:01
Public comment
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gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4-fast · analyzed 2026-06-13.