Chair Craig Hannafin opened the December 3 meeting of the Marshfield Conservation Commission with a moment of appreciation, sharing a thank-you card from a local resident. There are people who pay attention and appreciate what we do, Hannafin remarked before the board transitioned into a busy agenda of coastal and residential projects. The first hearing addressed 578 South River Street, where homeowners Connie and Gregory Arnold sought permission to remove three hazardous trees overgrown with invasive vines. Connie Arnold explained that the trees are getting gobbled up by the vines and they're beginning to fail, while Gregory Arnold added that during storms, we're always sitting in the house now thinking, hopefully one of those trees isn't going to come over. Hearing officer Jesse Platt asked, You'd be okay leaving the stumps then? to ensure minimal soil disturbance. Motion Made by Jesse Platt to close out the hearing and issue a determination of applicability with a positive five and a negative two along with Mike's conditions; Motion Passed 5-0.

The commission then tackled a complex septic system upgrade at 82 Bayberry Road. Paul Gun of Morris Engineering described the site as a very tight lot requiring several variances to replace a failing system. Vice Chair Sam Malafronte scrutinized the technical details, stating, I didn't see any buoyancy calcs for either tank, and requested those be submitted to ensure stability in the high groundwater area. John O'Donnell noted the neighborhood context, observing, But the house beside it, very similar system. When discussing the approximate wetland delineation on the plan, Elizabeth Lake confirmed, I do not, have any issues with using the current line for this specific betterment project. Motion Made by Sam Malafronte to close the public hearing and issue the order of conditions with Mike's special conditions; Motion Passed 5-0. Conservation Administrator Mike Seele reminded the applicants that a delineation by a professional wetland scientist will be needed for any further work on this property.

A more contentious proposal involved 13 Water Street, where Rick Servant of StanBeck and Taylor presented a plan to create a parking area by excavating a portion of a coastal dune. Servant noted that the owners face constant flooding, explaining, The road floods pretty regularly down there... they have a real desire to get to higher ground. However, the presence of a fire hydrant and ballards within the property lines raised safety concerns. Commissioner Corey Miles, acting as hearing officer, pointed out the sensitivity of the resource area, noting, Normally we don't like it when dune sediment is removed. Motion Made by Corey Miles to continue this hearing until such time as the fire department has commented on the hydrant and the ballards there; Motion Passed 5-0. Servant agreed to the delay, stating, I'll make a point to speak with the homeowner tomorrow and talk about those things.

The final hearing for 60 Winslow Cemetery Road was significantly more straightforward. Rick Servant returned to present a small addition on an existing lawn, which Bert O'Donnell noted was pretty straightforward after his site visit. Motion Made by Bert O'Donnell to close the hearing and issue the orders of condition; Motion Passed 5-0. The meeting concluded with a warm exchange as resident Todd Bruner requested a certificate of compliance for 1 Makomber's Ridge. Bruner praised the commission and staff, stating, Working with the town of Marshfield has been absolutely clear and easy... what you do is truly amazing. The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 PM.