Newbury Conservation Commission (NCC)
May 12, 2015
Approved August 11, 2015
Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Bob Stewart, Chuck Crickman, Member; Richard Wright, Ex-officio Member; Bill Annabel, Sue Russell Alternates.
Ms. Holmes called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Minutes
The NCC reviewed the minutes of April 8, 2015 and decided to table them for review at the next meeting pending clarification regarding DES permits/applications submitted by Robert Vail, 83 Malian Place, Newbury, NH, and Tax Map/Lot # 018-260-208.
Mr. Stewart made a motion to continue the review of the minutes of April 8, 2015 until the next meeting. Mr. Wright seconded the motion. All in favor.
83 Malia Place Update
Ms. Holmes expressed concern regarding the scope and timing of the NH DES permits pertaining to this property. There was general discussion about the permits applied for and the permit(s) approved. Mr. Stewart recommended contacting Collis Adams, director of NH DES Wetland Bureau, regarding the multiple permits and where each is within the approval process within DES.
Ms. Holmes stated that the DES does not have an overview of the impact of the project on this property. Mr. Stewart suggested that Ms. Holmes speak with Mr. Adams and ask if DES has pieced together the total impact of the project. Ms. Holmes agreed.
INTENT TO CUT
Ms. Holmes reviewed the following Intent to Cut application:
- For Dickerman at 106/116 South Road, Newbury, Tax Map/Lot # 44-569-46 and # 44-71-502.
BUFFER ZONE CUT
Ms. Holmes reviewed the following Buffer Zone cut application:
- For Robert Vail, 83 Malia Place, Newbury, Tax Map/Lot # 18-260-208.
Ms. Holmes noted that she and Mr. Wright visited the site. She added that the Code Enforcement Officer reviewed the application and suggested that all Buffer Zone Cut applications include a certified tree count – stamped by a surveyor.
Ms. Holmes said she intends to meet with the Board of Selectmen and discuss the following concerns regarding the above Buffer Zone Cut application:
- The modification of the existing stone wall, and
- The mechanical harvesting and stump removal in a buffer zone, both of which are prohibited.
- The tree cutting on the property has far exceeded the original application for two trees.
General discussion followed regarding the state regulations covering tree trimming.
Mr. Wright noted that legislative changes are needed so municipal towns have the power to enforce the state-mandated regulations.
WETLANDS/SHORELANDS
Ms. Holmes reviewed the following communication from the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES):
Wetlands Permit Application
- For The Santullo Property, 1161 Route 103, Newbury, File # 2015-003331.
Groundwater Management Permit
- For Edward Albro, a Renewal of Groundwater Management permit.
COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Holmes shared with the NCC the following:
- Great Island – A court order from the NH Superior Court has ruled that the Great Island footpath must be re-opened.
- Great Island Septic System – A letter from Lindsay Holmes to the NCC regarding the septic system on Great Island. The letter has been forwarded to Town counsel for review.
- Vernal Pool Workshop – Mr. Stewart will be attending the NHANRS Vernal Pool Documentation Workshop on May 22, 2015.
OLD BUSINESS
Trail Maps
Commissioners reviewed the full-sized mock-up of the Newbury Trail Map and made no changes. There being no further discussion by the Commissioners, Ms. Holmes called for a Motion to Vote.
Mr. Wright made a motion to approve the final mock-up of the Newbury Conservation Commission Trail Map as presented. Mr. Stewart seconded the motion. All in favor.
Mr. Crickman expressed his appreciation of the support and assistance offered by Gerry Gold, Kearsarge Greenway. Mr. Stewart asked Mr. Crickman to express the NCC’s collective thanks for all his assistance on this project. Mr. Crickman agreed.
Total cost for 2,000 copies was $1,864.
“Saving Special Places” Conference
Mr. Crickman attended the meeting and expressed a desire for more takeaway materials. He said the keynote speaker addressed climate change, and among the breakout sessions was one on the monitoring of easements.
Emerald Ash Borer
Mr. Wright presented to the Commission, describing the Emerald Ash Borer, its habitats, behaviors, and destructive habits. Leaflets were distributed and a general discussion ensued regarding the peril of ash trees in the state, the current and predicted infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer, and how to detect the insects’ presences in ash trees.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Holmes discussed the following topics with the Commissioners:
- Inviting area landscapers and landscape architects to a NCC-sponsored event presented by Kathy Neal from the UNH Cooperative Extension on Best Practices for landscaping next to the lake.
- Developing an Agricultural Commission in Newbury. She encouraged Commissioners to read an article in Town and City magazine (March/April 2015) regarding same.
Conducting an in-depth review/discussion of the current tree cutting regulations, specific Article VII and Article VIII of the Newbury Zoning Ordinance, with an eye towards any discrepancies that may exist. Discussion will take place at a future NCC meeting.
Mr. Stewart made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Wright seconded the motion. All in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meg Whitmore
Recording Secretary
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