Town of Newton
Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 378
Committee Members:
Peter Mears, Chairperson (603) 548-4417
Nancy Slombo, Vice Chairperson
Trisha McCarthy, Selectmen’s Representative
Kimberly Lowther, Secretary
Shelia Bergeron
Sandy Estabrook
Pat Wonson
Conservation Commission Minutes for December 4, 2008
Attendance: Peter, Nancy, Trisha, Sandy, Pat, Shelia
Peter called the meeting to order at 7:40pm.
Minutes Review-
Peter made a motion to accept the minutes of October 16, 2008 as presented. Shelia Seconded. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Peter made a motion to accept the minutes of October 23, 2008 as presented. Pat Seconded. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Pat made a motion to accept the minutes of November 6, 2008 as presented.
Nancy Seconded. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Peter made a motion to accept the minutes of November 20, 2008 as presented. Seconded by Sandy. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Correspondence:
1. Town Hall Christmas Party- December 18, 2008 @ 11:00am.
2. Merrimac Savings Bank- June 30, 2008 is $125,690.08.
3. Newton Recreation thanking the Conservation Commission for their participation in the Newton Fall Fair.
4. Rockingham Planning Commission, Glen Greenwood. Re: Availability of Planning Assistance Grant Funds through the RPC.
5. DES- Notice of Administrative Completeness Standard Dredge and Fill Application to James O’Boyle, 8 Wilders Grove, Newton NH. Tax Map 2, Block 4, Lot 24. A memo will be sent to Planning Board AA, Lisa Babcock requesting a copy of the application.
Peter made a motion to send the Town Clerk and Planning Board a memo requesting that all copies of Dredge and Fill applications be sent to the Conservation Commission.
6. M&N Operating Company, LLC Re: Vegetation Maintenance in right of way.
- Conservation does not see any issues with the Vegetation Maintenance plans.
7. Newton Planning Board Minutes- November 17, 2008.
8. Newton Planning Board Minutes- November 25, 2008.
9. Hayford “Democrat” Horse Carriage Sale/ Transfer of Ownership.
10. Kimberly Hughes, Bookkeeper- Vender Bill Manifest.
11. Newton Planning Board- Notice of Decision. Conditional Approval for 3 additional elderly housing units for the Jacob’s Village Elderly Housing Development.
12. 2008 Encumbered Funds.
13. Year End Schedules.
14. Complete copy of the Hayford Carriage Sale.
15. Donahue Tucker & Ciandella. Invoice to pay Attorney Ratigan for his services regarding the Foy Easement. Nancy made a motion to pay Attorney Ratigan $1140.00 from our Conservation Fund using the $3000.00 appropriated for this purchase. Peter Seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
16. Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, PLLC. Regarding the Foy/ Northland Conservation Easement.
Reviewed. Trisha and Pat will contact Mary Marshall to discuss our concerns.
Other Business:
1. Digitized Map. Reviewed map of Newton adding in Conservation Land and Easements.
Attorney Ratigan Invoice. Peter made a motion to pay Attorney Ratigan $105.00 for his services regarding the Foy Easement. Nancy Seconded. All in Favor.
2. Review 2009 Scheduled Meetings.
3. Discussion on the importance of having anyone that works on town property must carry an insurance policy.
4. Peter motioned to purchase a copy of the Conservation Easement Handbook for $49.95 + shipping and handling. Seconded by Pat. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Pat motioned to appropriate up to $100.00 for IT Consultant, Sylvania to purchase a wireless internet connection that will be used on Secretary Kimberly Lowther's Conservation Laptop. Sandy Seconded. All in Favor.
6. Discussed a parcel of land that abuts the Peanut Trail that we could possibly buy in the future.
7. Trisha made a motion for Shelia and Sandy to attend an educated Conservation Course and be reimbursed for their expenses. Sandy attended the NH Natural Resource Volunteer Class. Shelia attended the Local Government Center Annual Conference.
Busch Farm: Received a complaint from a Newton Resident, abutter of the Busch Farm. Certain areas of the farm are being used as party areas or personal dumping ground of yard waste. Peter called the resident on December 3, 2008, and walked the areas of concern. He did notice piles of leaves as well as areas that were once used as a place to gather and party. Peter will like to take another walk out there, since the sun was setting during his visit. Trisha suggested contacting Paul Taylor to see if the Boy Scouts would be willing to clean up the Busch Farm.
Peter mentioned that he may ask the resident whom submitted the complaint to see if he would be interested in joining the Conservation Commission.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:20pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kimberly Lowther
Secretary
Newton Conservation Commission
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