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■ Discussed the need for a clear, shared understanding of the `flow neutral' <br /> bylaw, which applies to all properties with on-site sewage disposal or <br /> sewer connections in town <br /> ■ Read the bylaw's applicability section aloud, confirming it covers the <br /> entire town, including individual septic tanks <br /> ■ Expressed concern that some departments seek variances or exceptions, <br /> potentially undermining environmental protections and affordable housing <br /> capacity <br /> o Environmental Protection & Development Balance <br /> ■ Emphasized the importance of using bylaws to protect the environment <br /> rather than facilitate more development <br /> ■ Noted that every variance granted for additional bedrooms reduces the <br /> capacity for affordable housing and impacts water quality <br /> ■ Highlighted the slow process of sewer implementation and the need for <br /> judicious decision-making, giving the town's watershed status <br /> ➢ Student Coastal Research Program Update <br /> o Item tabled <br /> ➢ Strategic Plan Follow-Up <br /> o Added `climate change and coastal resiliency initiatives' as a new strategic plan <br /> goal, emphasizing collaboration with regional groups (e.g., Cape Cod <br /> Commission, Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Mashpee <br /> Wampanoag Natural Resources Department, Gulf of Maine Research Institute) <br /> o Highlighted the importance of integrating climate action and resiliency into the <br /> committee's mission and strategic plan <br /> o Regulation 25 Rewrite Process <br /> ■ Bylaw review Subcommittee completed draft 8 of Regulation 25, <br /> addressing outdated coastal and climate-related regulations <br /> ■ Plan to hold a public hearing on Draft 8, likely at the Conservation <br /> Commission's quarterly meeting on May 291h at 6:30 PM, to gather public <br /> input and determine next steps for adoption and promulgation <br /> ■ Emphasized the need for public comment and transparency in the <br /> regulatory updated process <br /> o Role of EOC as Advisory vs. Regulatory Body <br /> ■ Discussed the procedural importance of the EOC acting as an advisory <br /> committee to the Select Board, rather than regulatory boards, to avoid <br /> conflicts of interest and maintain impartiality <br /> ■ Highlighted risks of regulatory boards appointing resolutions stricter than <br /> their regulations, which could create legal and procedural complications <br /> o Alignment of Town Regulations & Bylaws <br /> ■ Identified inconsistencies between different town boards; regulations (e.g., <br /> buffer zones for wetlands), emphasizing the need for a comprehensive <br /> review and alignment of bylaws across departments <br /> 3 <br />