Hampden conservation commission names interim chair and accepts new associate member

The Town of Hampden Conservation Commission named Tom interim chair until November and accepted Joe as an associate member during the public meeting.

A commission member moved that Tom serve as interim chair; the motion was seconded and the commission approved the appointment for the interim period while another member is away. The member noted the appointment is “only until November.”

The commission introduced Joe, who identified himself as a recent University of Maine graduate with a degree in plant science and environmental ecology and as a Hampden resident. A motion to accept Joe as an associate member carried; the commission invited him to join the site inspection at Southridge Estates later in the week.

Commissioners discussed the process for converting associates to full members: the commission chair said she had sent a letter to the select board supporting Eric and Joe for full membership effective Aug. 1 and said she would follow up with select board staff so those items can be scheduled early in August. The meeting record notes the select board must appoint full members.

Commission members said the change from four to five full members should make quorum issues easier, describing past challenges when a regularly traveling member reduced available voting members. The commission also reviewed scheduling and contact procedures for upcoming site visits and membership paperwork.

The appointments were approved on motions and seconds recorded at the meeting; no select-board action was required to accept associate members, though full membership is subject to select-board appointment.