The Scarborough Conservation Commission is set to take a softer approach to its conservation goals in an effort to defuse a bruising dispute with the Town Council.

Regrouping at a meeting Monday, some members discussed the possibility of resigning before deciding there was still work to be done on cataloging vernal pools and building nature trails.

Against a backdrop of a heated exchange earlier this year between Town Council Chairman Jeffrey Messer and Commission Chairman Paul Austin, including Messer’s call for Austin’s resignation, the commission’s more pragmatic approach was perhaps a recognition that with election changes in the wind this fall, including the term-limited changes that will mean Messer and fellow councilor Sylvia Most will step down, that now was a time for the Commission to draw breath, commission member Jeannine Uzzi said.

Instead, Uzzi and Austin said they would address their grievances through local newspapers and, as Uzzi said, to exercise her right as a private citizen to write letters to elected officials and to the news media.

The recent controversy stems from the Conservation Commission’s challenges to the 154-unit Eastern Village housing development, which was granted Planning Board approval in February 2008. Austin and fellow commissioners charged that easements were improperly granted to the developer and storm water plans were flawed. Austin also charged that town staff failed to pass on some of the commission’s written comments to the Planning Board. The Town Council has banned the commission from weighing in on projects before the Planning Board.

Austin told his fellow commissioners Monday that he has “lost respect for the Town Council.”

An action plan for the commission included a workshop later in September, focusing on vernal pools and other conservation projects. Austin also said letters need to be written thanking local landowners for their support.

Present at Monday’s meeting were Austin, Uzzi, Bob Jordan and Patrick Kelly. Other members are John Cole, Kelley Pendleton and Silla von Faulk Trueworthy. Commission members are appointed by the Town Council and serve at its discretion.