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Townsend board to meet with Conservation Committee on Edward Road cleanup; appoints representative
Summary
The board voted to hold a joint work session with the Conservation Committee to press compliance at 61 Edward Road after staff reported incomplete certified-mail service and ongoing property issues; the board appointed a representative to participate and discussed possible court action if voluntary compliance fails.
At its July 13 meeting, the Townsend Board of Health voted to hold a joint work session with the Conservation Committee to coordinate enforcement on properties at 45 and 61 Edward Road and to pursue next steps if owners do not comply.
Town agent Rick Maccalf told the board the order required a cleanup plan and that the certified mailing that triggers the 30‑day enforcement window had been refused and returned, so the 30‑day window on the order “really hasn't started quite yet.” He also reported his site visit showed the property had “significantly better” conditions than earlier inspections but said formal service is required to begin enforcement timelines.
The board agreed to continue enforcement and the chair proposed a joint work session with Conservation. After a motion and second, the board voted in favor and the chair appointed Mr. Arsenault (board member) to represent the Board of Health at that session. Staff was asked to contact Conservation leadership to schedule a date and to consider next steps, including filing in court if voluntary compliance is not achieved.
Board members discussed logistics for a work session (representatives only, not a full quorum) and reiterated that court action would likely require town counsel and selectboard authorization. The board noted the importance of making a reasonable effort to obtain compliance before seeking judicial remedies.
