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Newbury Conservation Commission (NCC)
March 10, 2015
Approved April 8, 2015
Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Eric Unger, Vice-Chair; Chuck Crickman, Bob Stewart, Members; Bill Annable, Sue Russell Alternates.
Ms. Holmes called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Minutes
There were no minutes available for review.
Shoreland Regulations Discussion
Ms. Holmes discussed the Newbury Shoreland regulations and the NH Water Quality Act and the differences between the two. She noted that Newbury’s regulations were more stringent than the state regulations and that Newbury’s regulations took precedence over the state regulations.
There was discussion regarding the shoreland buffer zone, tree cutting, communications with DES regarding permitting when there is snow on the ground, citing violations and applying fines for same, the role of the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO), and how to ensure compliance.
Development Committee
Ms. Holmes discussed a proposal made by John Greenwood, Code Enforcement Officer (CEO), to form a Development Committee in Newbury composed of volunteer members. The committee would include one member from each division of town government and serve to listen and review all conceptual plans/ideas, offer guidance, direction and establish expectations on procedures to all applicants and agents. The committee would meet once a month. Ms. Holmes emphasized that the committee would act in an advisory capacity only. There was consensus among the Commissioners regarding the value of having a Development Committee.
Application Review
Mike Seraikas, Beaver Brook Environmental Consultants, Concord, NH, and Matthew Sullivan, Landscape Architecture, Sudbury Design Group, Sudbury, MA, presented to Commissioners a proposed project located at 285 Bay Point Road, Newbury. The project involves a residential building plan that involves septic issues, proximity to the lake, drainage issues, a potential re-routing of an existing stream, potential wetland creation, and steep slope considerations.
Mr. Seraikas and Mr. Sullivan reviewed the proposed plan including the proposed retaining wall current wetlands and drainage, new location of house, re-landscaping the 3-plus acre parcel, the topography of the lot, intention to retain the existing woodland, and the plan to not have any lawns.
Ms. Holmes suggested that the applicant read Article VIII Wetlands Conservation Overlay District and Article IX Steep Slopes Conservation Overlay District in the Newbury Zoning Ordinance. She also suggested that the applicants speak with the Land Use Coordinator for further guidance on compliance.
Mr. Seraikas and Mr. Sullivan noted that the issues include re-routing the drainage and creating a new water direction. There was discussion regarding the impact of same to the abutters. Mr. Seraikas noted that all the culverts should accommodate a 50-year flood.
Mr. Crickman and Mr. Annable had no further questions regarding the application.
Mr. Stewart noted that the improved drainage may provide better protection for the lake. However, he questioned the loading for a 4-bedroom septic regarding the existing steep slope and ledge, and the driveway location that crosses the abutter’s property. He said he liked the applicant’s plans regarding addressing the wetland issues, the stormwater runoff mitigation and treatment, and the establishment of rain gardens. He suggested that the amount of pervious and impervious surface be more fully examined.
There was further discussion regarding the new septic system, particularly the Clean Solutions septic system, the location of the new septic, erosion control plans, the necessity of maintaining all pervious surface materials, culvert size and replacement, and runoff infiltration systems.
INTENT TO CUT
There were no Intent to Cut applications to review.
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
- Robert & Rebecca Vail, 83 Malia Place, Newbury, Tax Map/Lot # 018/260-208, Permit # 2015-00263, to permit the following: Impact 14,835 square feet in order to rebuild existing carriage road and retaining wall along the carriage road. Rebuild steps with proper tread dimensions. Install engineered drainage for stormwater management. Rebuild existing upper retaining wall near house. Re-grade upper lawn by house. Install new stone walkway and patio.
Division of Forests and Land
- Notification of the new Community Forester, Scott K. Rolfe.
COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Holmes shared with the NCC the following:
- Information on training to become a Conservation Center Emerald Ash Borer Naturalist, March 27, 2015. Mr. Wright suggested that he make a presentation on the Emerald Ash Borer and include the Highway Administrator and the Recreation Director.
- Information on the Saving Special Places conference on April 11, 2015. Mr. Crickman and Ms. Russell expressed interest in attending.
- The annual meeting of the SRK Greenway on March 15, 2015.
- Discussion regarding any trail projects for potential funding from SRK Greenway. The NCC concluded that there were none.
- Discussion regarding SB 83 regarding Land & Community Heritage Investment program (LCHIP); and upcoming community meeting to discuss HB 1 and HB 2 (NH House Finance Committee).
- Discussion on inviting Scott Rolfe, the new Community Forester, to give a presentation to the NCC. Ms. Holmes agreed to issue an invitation to Mr. Rolfe to meet with the NCC.
- The new e-bulletin from NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) titled The Municipal EcoLink.
- A suggestion to hold a special meeting to discuss the town’s Shoreland regulations and the NH Water Quality Act regulations to determine the differences and where Newbury’s regs take precedence.
- The Office of Energy & Planning (OEP) conference on May 2, 2015.
OLD BUSINESS
Trail Maps
Mr. Crickman said the updated trail map and narrative is close to being finished. He mentioned that the printer has been unable to find the existing trail map on file. Ms. Holmes said she will research her files for the map file. Mr. Crickman said the cost estimate for printing is $1,500 for 1,500 copies and $1,560 for 2,000 copies. He said the map needs to be revised before the print order can be placed.
Mr. Stewart made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Unger seconded the motion. All in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meg Whittemore
Recording Secretary
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