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March 11, 2013
Present: Larry Siebert, Pam Smillie, Hank Dresch, Jess Wilson, Mike Dufilho, Brian Byrne, Dave Matesky
Also Present: Susan May, Joan Aubrey, Bob Kent, Joyce Allan, Sarah Duffy, Warren Schomaker, Roger Aubrey, Barb Theriault.
The meeting was opened at 5:35pm
Discussion with Library Trustees, Old Library Committee, Cemetery Trustees, Historical Society, East Side Walk Foundation on the future of Memorial Benches and Memorials around Jackson: Representatives from these groups gathered with the conservation commission to discuss options beyond benches, including cost of maintenance for various options. In advance of the meeting, Larry Siebert spoke with Larry Baima (East Side Walk Foundation) who proposed the town has an online application that includes a questionnaire (sample fields: what is the connection to Jackson, was the memorialized a Jackson resident, memorial or gift, what memorial option do you prefer, designate a flat fee for specific types of memorials) Barb Theriault (Cemetery Trustee) stated that the cemeteries have very few if any available
bench spots in village, only a few spots in Dundee, but those aren’t desirable. Trees would be preferred for the cemeteries. Also, the committee will be replacing the fence around the town lots with granite posts and iron rung, the posts could be a memorial option. Warren Schomaker (Historical Society) said he’s heard of the need for a utilitarian bench halfway around the loop. Larry said that other potential bench options included along the Wentworth walkway, overlooks in Prospect Farm, overlook on the new trail behind the library. Also, the conservation commission will eventually need long-term signs along the new trail which could be given in memorial. Sarah Duffy (Library Trustee) pointed out that there are donation policies in place for the library, and the trustees are currently working on a policy for landscaping donations. She suggested that the form refers the applicant to the library trustees if applicant has interest in a library
memorial, for their existing policy. She suggested the conservation commission survey and document available places and ideas for memorials moving forward. Dave Matesky suggested memorials be made toward the town’s trust funds: Wentworth Trust Fund, Prospect Farm Trust, or the potential to set up a new trust fund. Bob Kent (East Side Walk Foundation) said that a trust fund could be set up to maintain the benches or trees around town. Susan May (Old Library Committee) suggested setting memorial stones around town where hardening was needed; it would be nice for the memorials to have a practical purpose. Barb Theriault (Cemetery Trustee) suggested that we set up a page on the town website that includes the history/purchasing/location of the memorials; much like has been done for the town’s Cemetery Files. Warren Schomaker (Historical Society) suggested making sure we only have memorials and don’t take gifts that honor
individuals who aren’t yet deceased. Susan May said the town need to figure out how to accept money that people want to give. On the application form, the donor could stipulate whether a memorial or not. Roger Aubrey (Library Trustee) asked how the town could value a donation? The memorial/tree/etc may not reach the value of the donation. Barb Theriault (Cemetery Trustee) suggested that the town steers interest toward ongoing monetary needs, like a fund, the library, large initiatives, etc versus a memorial object. Dave Matesky suggested the one-room schoolhouse on Dundee as large initiative. Warren Schomaker (Historical Society) suggested portraits done by a local artist. Susan May (Old Library Committee) suggested putting a dollar value on some items to help guide donor’s dollar. Some donors would affiliate with a particular option because the cost matches what they have available to give. She also suggested
birdhouses next to Washington Boulder, and Prospect Farm. Roger Aubrey (Library Trustees) suggested that the library seems to be the most apparent place in the short term because the site plan is currently being developed. The interior of the library is maxed out. Dave Matesky suggested the ongoing efforts of the conservation commission’s Wetlands restoration projects & maintenance as an option. Larry Siebert suggested the Jackson Falls restoration project. Susan May (Old Library Committee) suggested that all names could be put on one plaque (like the Eastside Walk Foundation) rather than having many individual smaller plaques. The Old Library Committee is currently developing a list and it will be shared after completed. Bob Kent (East Side Walk Foundation) asked that to help with existing inventory, all the commissions/groups should be polled. Joyce Allan (Library Trustee) said that library has estimated various tree
prices which can be shared to develop the application. Roger Aubrey (Library Trustees) reinforced the importance of defining the plaque, type & size. The maintenance cost needs to be accounted for in the donation.
A motion was made to accept the minutes from January 14, 2013; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Review of Expedited Wetlands Permit: Landowner, Arthur Couture, Green Hill Road. The permit includes 2 culverts over wet areas & a bridge over a stream along a proposed 5200’ driveway. A portion of the proposed driveway was used as a logging access to pull the timber from the top of the ridge. The landowner now intends to build a single-family house on the site of the cut. Brian has interest in walking the land before signing the permit, Pam is not sure we can walk on the private land without notice. Larry will call Burr Phillips, Town Engineer, who has expertise in this area, to arrange a time to meet at the property with commission representatives. Larry will let Greg Howard, North Country Soil Services, who worked on the permit application with the land
owner, know that the commission wants to review the site before signing. Larry will set up a date to review the site within the next few weeks.
Trail Brochure: The Chamber currently produces a “Walks and Hikes Around Jackson” brochure. Larry asked to include a trail description for the Mystery House Loop in brochure. Larry wrote a short description that will be included.
Grist Stone: A Motion was made authorizing an expenditure of up to $200 for JC Signs to work on layout for the grist stone sign that includes text and two pictures; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
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Outstanding SPNF easement monitoring reports: Burgess/Highland easements still need to be reviewed.
A motion was made to pay a $577.50 invoice from Greg Howard, North Country Soil Services, for meeting with Larry & Pam at the Jackson Falls site, his research, and for the generation of a draft Action Plan for the Jackson Falls; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Greg Howard’s proposed estimate for the completion of the project, which includes a complete draft, and meeting with the conservation commission and a selectman is an additional $595.00. Greg would like to meet with the commission and a selectman during the Conservation Commission’s April 8th meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 7:10pm.
The entire Conservation Commission thanks Hank Dresch for his contributions while sitting on the commission.
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