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Commission discusses gates, barriers and surveillance at Sklar property; cameras and kiosk repair flagged for follow-up
Summary
The commission debated installing seasonal gates and vehicle barriers at Sklar and Greater Woods, confirmed temporary rock barriers are in place, and weighed surveillance-camera options; staff were directed to check road classification and consult DPW, Community Development and the town manager before any gating action.
Commissioners discussed several safety and access-control options for the Sklar conservation property, including a possible seasonal gate to limit vehicle access, temporary physical barriers, replacement plexiglass for a kiosk, and surveillance cameras to document illegal activity.
Commissioner Welch raised the gate proposal and said the commission needed to determine whether closing the access road seasonally would be legally permissible. Members agreed staff should confirm the road’s classification and the town’s authority to limit vehicle access. The commission identified staff and departments to consult — the Department of Public Works (DPW), Community Development (ComDev) and the town manager — and deferred a final decision pending that review.
The commission reported that physical barriers have been placed at the Sklar access point; one speaker said they had received photos showing large boulders at the site. Commissioners noted that Jersey-style concrete barriers are not available from DPW and that any construction or earthwork is likely to wait until spring.
On the kiosk at Sklar, commissioners agreed the clear protective plastic covering the display had become fused to the underlying Lexan and needs replacement. Volunteers will obtain measurements and present replacement options at the next meeting.
Commissioners also revisited surveillance-camera options for Sklar. Police told the commission they could deploy cameras temporarily and rotate them through properties, but could not provide consistent surveillance. Commissioners noted management and storage of camera data would require a plan, and that cameras placed on trees or unsecured posts risk theft or vandalism. The commission agreed staff should follow up with police, the town manager and ComDev to explore short-term patrols, temporary camera loans and potential procurement options.
No final policy or purchase decisions were made; commissioners deferred gating and purchasing decisions pending legal and departmental guidance and quotes on kiosks and cameras.
