Rowley Conservation Commission Advances Wetlands Bylaw Fee Overhaul to Town Meeting

ROWLEY -- February 21, 2019, Rowley's Conservation Commission voted to advance a proposed overhaul of its wetlands bylaw fee structure toward a town meeting warrant article, with a submission deadline around March 6. Conservation Agent Brent French presented language that would delete the existing fixed fee matrix and replace it with authority for the commission to set fees through regulations, based on "a reasonable estimate of the actual cost" of processing each type of submittal. The vote was 4-0 with one abstention; member Sam Strife raised concerns about how "reasonable estimate" might be interpreted by future commissions or in litigation, while French argued the language's flexibility is deliberate and consistent with guidance from town counsel Judy Pickett and Tom Mullen. The amendment would also prohibit accepting land donations in lieu of fees, a provision French tied to prior selectmen objections. If approved at town meeting and by the Attorney General's office, the change would apply to all wetlands bylaw submittals, from Notices of Intent to certificates of compliance.