Granting relief for a wetlands setback restriction was not an option Jamestown could afford, the Conservation Commission agreed at its Sep. 16 meeting.

The commission reviewed the memorandum sent to the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Review regarding a development plan in the Jamestown Shores Area. Commission members agreed to send another revised memo about the proposed development by John Hayes of Seaside Drive, reiterating their stand to uphold the ordinance.

Conservation Commissioner Carol Trocki explained that drainage had been addressed, but no changes to the wetland proximity were made. "All of the issues brought up in the memo about wetlands setback are still true," Trocki said. "You're asking for something that is not appropriate for the area."

The new letter, based on revised site plans submitted by Hayes, voiced the commission's continued concerns about the wetlands setback. Trocki suggested adding a sentence, "Isolated wetland is important to the area's hydrology."

In a discussion about formbased zoning, Commissioner Mark Baker made some suggestions about how to approach SmartCode, the technical planning document being adopted by the town. "I think there are considerations we should take seriously," he said.

Baker suggested getting advice from someone with a zoning background. He referred to the wetlands designation in the downtown area, and drew attention to places where increased density was proposed. "Now, it's still in the draft stage," he said of the planning template. "Our proactive opportunity is now."

In a review of the joint workshop with the Wind Energy Committee, Commissioner Cathy Roheim said she was pleased to see wind committee members address further information on bats in e-mails following the meeting. "There is additional information coming from the wind committee members themselves, so progress being made."

Roheim suggested sending a follow-up thank you letter to the committee, saying the work session was a constructive first step for the conservation community. "This is a community that pays to protect, as a declaration of its support of, open space and wildlife," she said.

In an update of the Round Marsh restoration project, Trocki said that the pre-project monitoring permit application was submitted to the Coastal Resources Management Council.

In a continued discussion about private dock installations on the island, Commissioner Jennifer Talancy reported CRMC's opinion that the growing number of docks has no cumulative effect.

Powell said propeller damage to eelgrass beds and erosion patterns near the docks were only two items in a list of possible dangers resulting from cumulative dock installations. The commission agreed to continue scrutiny of the sprouting problem.

In an update of the right-ofway path project at Hull Cove, Commissioner Patrick Driscoll has to submit an application to CRMC for an alteration of freshwater wetlands within a coastal buffer permit.

In a discussion about renewal plans for Fort Getty, Driscoll reported that the master plan committee seemed "very interested" in a proposal from two Jamestown residents of Fast Sailing Foundation, a competitive travel sailing team for kids. "There's no real barrier. They said whatever they do would be compatible with the master plan," Driscoll said of the sailors.

Driscoll suggested that Fort Getty's master plan should be revisited and modified, citing amendments that would include the sailing school and a possible wind turbine. The commission agreed to put the park on the agenda.

Coastal Resources Management Council notices included:

• a cease and desist order to Duana Hodges of East Shore Road for failure to establish a coastal buffer zone.

• a violation notice to Daniel and Michol O'Leary of East Shore Road for failure to establish a coastal buffer zone.