Newbury Conservation Commission (NCC)
January 13, 2015
Approved February 10, 2015
Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Eric Unger, Vice-Chair; Chuck Crickman, Member; Dick Wright, Ex-Officio; Bill Annable, Sue Russell Alternates.
Ms. Holmes called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
Ms. Holmes noted that the NCC meeting scheduled for December 10, 2014 was cancelled due to weather.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Minutes
The NCC reviewed the minutes of November 11, 2014 and made corrections. Mr. Wright made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Mr. Unger seconded the motion. All in favor.
Warrant Article
Mr. Wright informed the NCC that there will be a warrant article at Town Meeting to allocate funds to build a fireproof room in the basement of the Town office for paper record storage.
INTENT TO CUT
Mr. Unger reviewed the following Intent to Cut application:
- Marion B. DeRoche, South Road, Newbury, Tax Map/Lot # 035/251-252, Scott Hill, logger.
BUFFER ZONE CUT
There were no Buffer Zone Cut applications to review.
WETLANDS/SHORELANDS
Ms. Holmes reviewed the following communication from the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES):
Shoreland Impact Permit
- Erica Broman, 224 Route 103A, Newbury, Tax Map/Lot # 019/158-408, Permit # 2014-03423.
- Thomas A. Cole, Tax Map/Lot # 16A/384, Permit # 2014-01124.
Wetlands and Non-Site Specific Permit
- James/Meredith Whitcomb, 18 Great Island, Newbury, Permit # 2014-02933.
COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Holmes shared with the NCC the following:
- Information on the January 30, 2015 annual conference of the NH Association of Natural Resources Scientists.
- Information on the Emerald Ash Borer infestation in NH.
Mr. Wright discussed the upcoming four-day workshop in February on permaculture and sustainability offered by the Merrimack Cooperative Extension. He said he Plans to attend.
OLD BUSINESS
Trail Maps
Mr. Crickman reviewed the format of the trail map and distributed the latest draft of the narrative content. Ms. Holmes suggested that Commissioners review the narrative draft and be prepared to discuss any suggestions at the next NCC meeting. Ms. Holmes thanked Mr. Crickman for all his hard work on this project.
Malia Terrace Violation Update
Ms. Holmes informed Commissioners that she made a site visit and review at the invitation of the property owner. She said she noted a number of trees had been topped and lolly-popped. She notified the Board of Selectmen (BOS) that this was in violation of Article VII, Section 7.7 of the Newbury Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Wright said the problem is enforcement of the regulation and added that enforcement would cost the town thousands of dollars in legal fees. He added that the first line of defense should be the town Code Enforcement Officer (CEO). He said the BOS may require all documents pertaining to a violation and restoration be in writing so an effective paper trail can be established.
Discussion followed regarding the regulations governing the monetary fines for property owners in violation and how to hold accountable the contractors who do the work. Discussion also followed regarding how to educate the property owners on the importance of good stewardship of the lake. Also, Commissioners discussed how to increase interest among lakefront property owners and the subcontractors who service the lakefront properties.
Wild Goose Boat Launch Project Update
Ms. Holmes told Commissioners that Judge Smuckler ruled in favor of NH Fish and Game. Mr. Wright noted that the issue of safety is still viable since the plans include grossly inadequate ingress and egress for large trailed boats. He said the traffic study done by the town indicated that the average speed at that location is 57 mph, not the posted 50 mph limit.
NEW BUSINESS
Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust Legislative Listing
Ms. Holmes reviewed the list with Commissioners and encouraged them to use the listing as a guide for ongoing legislative activity.
Mr. Unger made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Wright seconded the motion. All in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meg Whittemore
Recording Secretary
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