08/28/2025 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 The discussion moved on to March and April, during which the Commission conducted a detailed evaluation of Regulation 25 in preparation for promulgation. The chair noted that no vote was taken on February 27, 2025, to appoint Mr. Kent to the subcommittee. In further conversations with the Town Manager, it was clarified that town hall staff do not create policy; any staff member serving on a subcommittee acts in an ex officio, non-voting capacity. Consequently, only two conservation commissioners on the subcommittee have the authority to vote on bringing regulatory changes to the full Commission for approval or rejection. The Mr. Colombo, as former chair of the Conservation Committee, expressed strong support for having Mr. Kent participate, noting his expertise, but emphasized that three conservation commissioners should serve on the subcommittee to maximize decision-making capacity without violating the Open Meeting Law. This ensures sufficient voting members to avoid deadlocks, as only commissioners can make the ultimate decision to advance regulatory changes. He highlighted that with only two commissioners, disagreements could lead to stalemates, whereas including three commissioners allows consensus-building and prevents tie votes. Mr. McManus acknowledged that, historically, the subcommittee sometimes advanced recommendations by consensus rather than formal vote. He requested time to review the concept with the Town Manager to confirm that three commissioners should serve, ensuring effective operation of the advisory subcommittee while preserving proper authority and avoiding tie votes. All agreed that further discussion with the Town Manager on this approach would be appropriate. MOTION: To table further discussion on the Bylaw Review Subcommittee until after the Commissioners can meet with the Town Manager. Discussion: Commissioners agreed that this was the prudent course of action, ensuring that any decisions about membership were consistent with both policy and legal guidance. There was also a brief question about whether associate Commissioners could serve on the subcommittee. The response was that,because the subcommittee was informal, associate members could participate. Commissioners then asked informally if anyone would be interested in joining should the structure shift to three Commissioners and one staff member. One Commissioner expressed continued interest in serving. Motion by: Paul Colombo Seconded by: Sarah Thornbrugh Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. (Steven Cook, Sarah Thornbrugh, Sandi Godfrey,Paul Colombo, Richard Said) CPC (Community Preservation Committee) (Seana Pitt) Sandi Godfrey offered her resignation as the Conservation Commission representative on the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), citing workload from regular Commission duties, Bylaw work, and personal commitments. Seana Pitt expressed interest in taking over the role. The Commission discussed whether a vote was required, noting that CPC members may need Select Board confirmation, and decided to hold a vote to be safe. MOTION: To accept Sandi Godfrey's resignation as the Conservation Commission representative on the CPC (Community Preservation Committee) and Seana Pitt to take her place. Motion by: Paul Colombo Seconded by: Sarah Thornbrugh Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. (Steven Cook, Sarah Thornbrugh, Sandi Godfrey,Paul Colombo,Richard Sahl)