Newbury Conservation Commission (NCC)
February 11, 2014
Approved April 8, 2014
Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Eric Unger, Vice-Chair; Chuck Crickman, Member; Bill Annable, Alternate.
Ms. Holmes called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Minutes
The NCC reviewed the minutes of January 21, 2014 and made corrections. Mr. Unger made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Mr. Annable seconded the motion. All in favor.
INTENTS TO CUT
Ms. Holmes reviewed the status of the Buffer Zone Cut application and Shoreland Cut application submitted by Henk & Mary Oolders for property located on South Road. Ms. Holmes said the applications have been submitted to the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) and are under review by him. She said the Oolders want to build a house on the lot that will have a view of Gillingham Pond.
Mr. Unger reported that the property goes down to Gillingham Pond and is heavily wooded with lots of saplings and contains a wetlands area. He added that the Intent to Cut application was denied because it was within a buffer zone. Additionally, Bob Stewart reviewed the property and the survey in his role as a wetland scientist. Mr. Unger noted that the CEO indicated that it was difficult to determine which trees are dead and which are alive due to the season and the amount of snow on the ground.
Ms. Holmes agreed, adding that the snow obscures what is actually on the property.
Mr. Unger added that the zoning ordinance regulating the buffer zone forbids the use of any kind of mechanical harvesting within 50-feet of the water line. He added there is concern regarding the presence of wetlands on the property.
Ms. Holmes reviewed the zoning ordinance and added that this application also needs to address the regulations covering stormwater management and erosion control plan.
Commissioners concurred that it must first be determined if wetlands are present. Secondly, they agreed that Mr. Stewart should be present to describe the property survey in detail. Third, the Commissioners agreed that the high water mark must be determined.
Ms. Holmes addressed the Commissioners concerns in her written comments regarding the Intent to Cut application.
BUFFER ZONE CUTS
There were no Buffer Zone Cut applications to review.
WETLANDS/SHORELANDS
Ms. Holmes reviewed the following communications from the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES):
- January 29, 2014, to Laurence Gagnon, 34 Bridge Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824, for property located on Summer Street, Newbury, Tax Map/Lot # 06/246-208, a request for more information regarding Subsurface Systems Bureau Individual Septic Disposal System Application, DES File Number 201400221.
COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Holmes shared with the NCC the newsletters titled “Conservation News”, “The Source”, and “Chatter”.
LETTERS
Ms. Holmes shared with the Commissioners a letter received from William Weiler requesting that the NCC consider assuming ownership of the old Mt. Sunapee Schoolhouse site. Ms. Holmes suggested that town counsel should advise on whether the NCC can legally do this. She added that she likes the idea of preserving historic sites in town but wants more information about the cost to the NCC, a map to show location of the site, site dimensions, and NCC responsibilities in the future.
Commissioners agreed that it was a worthy idea but would like more information as noted above.
OLD BUSINESS
Stoney Brook Project
Ms. Holmes suggested enlarging the maps of the Stoney Brook Project for display at the upcoming Town Meeting. Commissioners agreed.
Blodgetts Landing Boat Ramp
Commissioners reviewed the deed of the site as provided by the town tax assessor. Ms. Holmes noted that the deed indicates that the boat ramp is public and is designated as a small park at the same location.
Bradford Fishing Club
Ms. Holmes said she has spoken with Beth McQuinn at Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust regarding this and Ms. McQuinn has agreed to look at the property. Further discussion was tabled until another meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
There was general discussion regarding the Trails to Rails project as outlined by Tim Blagden of Warner. It was agreed that the NCC will continue to monitor this project and remain abreast of its progress in the upcoming months.
Mr. Unger made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Crickman seconded the motion. All in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meg Whittemore
Recording Secretary
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