HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-08 Conservation Commission Minutes(,~J
Reading Conservation Commission
RECEIVED
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Minutes of Saturday, February 8, 1997 Public Library ~on&rence
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Present: Chair Nancy Eaton, Vice-Chair Stephen Chapman, David Danis, Mark Gillis,
John Kilborn, M. Clifton Proctor, Consultant Leo Kenney; and Conservation
Administrator Donald Nadeau.
ABSENT: Harold "Lucky" Hulse, Recording Secretary Kathy Morgan
10:14 AM The meeting was called to order.
N. Eaton asked that the minutes reflect that she will be leaving the room if executive
session is called. S. Chapman stated that the meeting is to develop policy regarding
litigation in light of the Fafard case. He summarized the 51 Mill Street process and Cory
Lane Estates process to-date and said that the courts have asked through Town Counsel
that both cases be mediated. Regarding policy, the Commission could agree to mediate
only issues under appeal, for example at 51 Mill Street the three commission BVW points
and not the whole project - items such as the size of the ZNV.
J. Kilborn asked that Town Counsel Cohen's opinion be sought about mediating items
without public input, and C. Proctor requested more information about mediation and
case-by-case obligations. N. Eaton related Town Counsel Blaine's recommendation that
the whole board either agree and be bound by its decisions in mediation or that it "walk
away.
J. Kilborn moved that the Commission establish a policy that it will enter into non-binding
mediation on specific issues under appeal, and that such mediation shall be binding only
upon majority vote of the Commission and only to the extent that such mediation does not
contravene General Laws Chapter 39 Section 23A through C - the Open Meeting Law -
and other laws. C. Proctor seconded the motion. VOTED 5-0-1(N. Eaton abstained)
11:04 AM J. Kilborn moved to go into executive session to discuss litigation regarding
51 Mill Street and not to return to public session. C. Proctor seconded the motion.
VOTED 5-0-1 (roll call; N. Eaton abstained and left the room)
Prepared by,
Donald Nadeau
Conservation Administrator
Recording