The Marshfield Conservation Commission signaled strong support for increased security measures on town-owned lands following reports of significant vandalism and illegal dumping. Ned Bangs, chair of the Recreation Trails Committee, presented a proposal to utilize donated trail cameras at sites like Couch Beach and Carolina Hill, citing incidents where heavy pallets were dumped and public facilities were damaged. What we're looking for is to investigate trail cameras on town-owned properties and to develop a policy with the whatever other boards that need to be part of it, Bangs told the commission. Chair Craig Hannafin expressed her long-standing backing for the initiative, stating, I have been an advocate for cameras in areas with high vandalism for some time. Member Corey Miles raised technical questions regarding the hardware, asking, Who's going to review or get alerts or or monitor the film the recording? while John O'Donnell clarified the equipment's functionality, questioning, is that like a game cam? Do you have to go retrieve it to get the pictures? Motion Made by Craig Hannafin that we approve the concept of cameras in problem areas. Vote Passed 6-0.

In addition to security, the commission focused on trail safety and environmental preservation at Carolina Hill. Jeff Wilson of the trails committee described a hazardous blind corner on a popular mountain biking and hiking path that has suffered from erosion. It's washed out, too, from the rain. It goes basically straight down with those blind corners, Wilson noted, proposing a new switchback to slow down traffic and stabilize the soil. Conservation Administrator Mike Seele confirmed the work is over 100 feet from any wetlands, allowing it to proceed as trail maintenance. Motion Made by Craig Hannafin to approve the switchback addition as trail maintenance on conservation land and alleviating the erosion issues. Vote Passed 6-0.

The commission also addressed several property-specific requests, including a significant upgrade to the patio and ADA accessibility at 278 Ocean Street. Representative Richard Vaughn explained that the project removed broken asphalt to install granite pavers for a continuous, accessible route. We've indicated a 4T0 ADA accessible route from the ADA parking area to the poster station, Vaughn said, noting that previous concerns about landscaping heights were also resolved. Hearing Officer Jesse Platt oversaw the review, asking, Is there anyone on Zoom or in the public that has any comments or questions on this? Hearing no objections, the board moved to permit the upgrades. Motion Made by Jesse Platt to close the hearing and issue a determination of applicability with a positive 5 and a negative 2 including Mike's conditions. Vote Passed 6-0.

The meeting concluded with a reorganization of the board's leadership as Bert O'Donnell stepped down from his role as Vice Chair after five years. I felt like it was originally designed that the vice chair would follow the chair, O'Donnell reflected, adding that he felt the commission was in good hands with the current membership. Sam Malafronte was nominated and accepted the position of Vice Chair, stating simply, Yeah, I will do that. Elizabeth Lake and other members shared their appreciation for the current board's chemistry. Earlier in the session, Lake led a hearing for 110 Damon’s Point Road, where engineer Rob Carlazison described a septic repair, ensuring that all the work contemplated under the plan is going to be it's going to occur in all pre-disturbed areas. Motion Made by Craig Hannafin that we accept Bert's resignation as vice chair and accept Sam's acceptance of the vice chair seat. Vote Passed 6-0.