At its four-hour meeting Tuesday, the Conservation Commission voted 4-0 to continue the hearing on the town’s request for determination of applicability for improvement to Loop Road that would provide better access to the schools.

Located within the schools complex just west of Hayden Rowe Street, Loop Road, created in 1996, has fallen into disrepair. The project managers on Nov. 25 sought the input of Conservation Commission members on a “first pass” before proceeding with this more formal plan. Work would be performed at a portion of 90 Hayden Rowe Street and 104 Hayden Rowe Street.

Claire Hoogeboom, a wetlands scientist at LEC Environmental Consultants, told the commission that work involves “essentially maintenance” using mill and overlay materials. There would be a couple of locations where full-depth asphalt would be installed.

She noted that a site evaluation this summer showed bordering vegetated wetlands, “a series of buffer zones,” riverfront area and a perennial stream beneath two segments of Loop Road. There also is a potential vernal pool.

One improvement Hoogeboom pointed out was a small opening at the northwest portion of Loop Road. A sloped berm would be installed to allow bikers to have easy access to the multi-use path there.

Wetlands consultant Joe Orzel pointed out that there is one point on the plans where the road is about 2 feet from the wetland line. He wanted to ensure that work remains at least 4 feet from the wetland boundary. An erosion control barrier should be installed there as well.

One concern pointed out by Orzel and chair Melissa Recos was that the plan showed alternate parking area work that was not discussed previously.

Project consultant Steve Powers explained that this was put on the plan as something that would be pursued if funds remained for the project after the road improvements were completed. It is located across from the ball fields there.

“The intent was just a mill overlay or full-depth replacement,” he explained, noting that it is within the lot’s existing footprint.

Once the plans are revised, Recos said the plan likely would be approved at the next meeting on Feb. 10.

Chamberlain Street-Loop Road trail approved

The commission in a 4-0 vote approved an exemption request that would allow a trail to be constructed from Berry Acres to the Chamberlain Street cul-de-sac. The plan presented greater detail as to the relocation of the existing nearby trail and a replacement of a decrepit boardwalk over a stream crossing that the commission requested in December.

The trail would provide better access for Windsor Apartments residents, according to Trails Committee member Sean Kimball.

Conservation administrator Judy Day added that the permit would allow the existing trail that runs along the wetland to be relocated to the south. It would lead to the boardwalk, which she described as being “sort of a plank there.”

The plan now included a narrative describing the extent of the project, she added. It articulated the current plans as well as the future goal of connecting the Center Trail to the toe of the Loop Road sidewalk slope. It also showed where the current trail would be discontinued.

The narrative and plans made distinct the present and future project goals. It also specified the length and width of the new trail. The proposed clearing for this project would be 6 feet wide to prevent the removal of a tree but would extend to 8 feet where there are no obstructions.

Said Recos: “I think this is the level of detail we’re looking for.”

North Mill Street hearing continued

The commission voted 4-0 to continue the hearings for a single-family home planned for 12 North Mill Street and associated soil testing until Feb. 10 because of outstanding questions about a proposed drinking water well.

Developer Lou Petrozzi of Wall Street Development Corporation explained that the Board of Health on Jan. 12 rejected the plan for the proposed well. Members expressed concerns over future well access should repair work need to be performed.

“They’re not going to act on anything unless they get a final plan [Conservation Commission] approval,” said Petrozzi. He said he was in a “catch-22 situation” because the well installation is the first step necessary for the construction process to begin.

Added Petrozzi: “Some of their concerns are legitimate in the sense that they’re concerned about the failure of the well and getting something of equipment back there in the future.”

Recos agreed that access to the well is a valid concern, both for the installation and in the future.

If the well is not approved, Petrozzi said he would have to go back to the plan he initially proposed for this project. He noted that it would cause much more disturbance to the wetlands, including a driveway that would cut across them.

Ed Harrow suggested that the well driller provide a letter to include with the plans stating that there is enough access for the initial installation and future well maintenance.

“I’m not really concerned about whether the Board of Health grants a waiver or not, to be honest,” added Petrozzi. “I don’t think the regulation holds water, no pun intended.”

Day noted that the plan still did not show any permanent immovable barriers. Petrozzi suggested that he install a hedge, but Recos proposed a fence. Petrozzi said that would be a preferable alternative.

Recos told Petrozzi that the commission could not vote on the plan until it shows the details the commission requested, including the “means and methods” the well contractor will use. Petrozzi had hoped for a conditional approval.

Recos said that if this plan is not approved, he could submit another notice of intent with the required plan details.

Said Petrozzi: “I’m not going to do it that way because that’s kind of backwards.”

He agreed to present more information at the next meeting before going back to the Board of Health.

Shaw joins commission

Peggy Shaw attended her first commission meeting. She was appointed at a Select Board meeting earlier this month. Shaw said she has lived in Hopkinton for 25 years. Her career has focused on the scientific and legal aspects of environmental protection.

“We moved here because Hopkinton seems to have an appreciation for green space,” she said. “We appreciate all the trails and the conservation land in addition to the state parks.”

The addition of Shaw increases the commission to a full complement of seven members.