Town of Newton
Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 378
(603) 382-4405 ext.17
Committee Members:
Peter Mears, Chairperson (603) 548-4417
Nancy Slombo, Vice Chairperson
Trisha McCarthy, Selectmen’s Representative
Kimberly Lowther, Secretary
Shelia Bergeron
Sandy Estabrook
Mary Anne Lapierre
Brian Valimont
Pat Wonson
Conservation Commission Minutes for October 15, 2009
Attendance:
Peter, Trisha, Shelia, Pat, Mary Anne and Nancy.
Peter called the meeting to order at 7:40pm.
Kim recorded the minutes.
Correspondence:
- NH Association of Conservation Commissions 39th Annual Meeting held at Rundlett Middle School, South Street, Concord NH. November 7, 2009 from 8am to 3:30 pm.
- Trisha reviewed the workshops that will take place.
- Newton NH Board of Health. Press Release regarding EEE found in Newton NH.
- Discussion: Due to several cold nights hopefully the threat has subsided.
- Newton Planning Board memo regarding Sarah’s Way Subdivision- Revised Plan set.
- Discussion: Mary Anne attended the meeting and discussed briefly what took place.
- 2010 Proposed Budget Worksheet from Kim Hughes.
- Peter motioned to raise the Conservation Budget by $200.00 due to inflation. Pat Seconded. All in Favor. No discussion.
- Message via phone answering system. Resident seeking information from property just purchased on Wilder’s Grove Road.
-Peter Mears had received the message on 9-14-09 and returned his call.
-Peter discussed to the board that the homeowner would like to have a retaining wall installed and cut down three trees. Since he is in close proximity to the water, Peter suggested that he contact the State of New Hampshire. The homeowner may follow up with Conservation if any assistance is needed.
Other Business:
- Nancy updated the board on the most recent Newton Recreation meeting.
- Whispering Pines Camp Ground is appealing ZBA’s decision and is now being handled in court.
- Peter and Sandy visited Smith Corner Road/ Father and Son Reality Trust on Monday October 5th. They noted that the two culverts were put in place correctly. Peter said everything looked okay.
- Peter motioned to pay Trisha $93.13 for lunch purchased for all those who worked on Amnesty Day at the Transfer Station. Nancy Seconded. All in Favor.
- Nancy motioned to allow Peter permit to Trap on town land when necessary or required. Pat Seconded. All in Favor. Nancy signed the Permit to Trap.
Trails:
1. The board discussed the importance of clearly marking all town trails for public access. Currently, the corner of Maple Road and Currierville Road is posted. Pat would like the town owned land posted to inform the residents of land purchased by the Conservation Commission. Shelia requested posting boxes that would contain maps.
Signs are needed at the following locations:
Peanut Trail, Hadley Road, Pinkerton Trail and John Marden Land, Greenie Park, ,27 Acres off Amesbury Road, 10 Acres off Surrette Street and the Trolley Track. Pilgrim Home land 10 Acres off Bear Hill Road, and Guscora land.
- The board discussed that an RSA will restrict what we can do with Conservation Land.
- The board discussed the Trolley Track, located off Walnut Farm Road. It was decided among the board that a bridge is not needed. However, there should be a sign posted to inform the residents of the Trolley Track location.
Peter motioned to send a letter to Planning Board indicating that a bridge is not needed since there is no wetland being crossed on the Trolley Track. Nancy Seconded. All In Favor.
- A letter will be sent out to David Story, asking him to consider posting a sign in lieu of the bridge. We would like this sign posted on Walnut Farm Road indicating the Trolley Tracks location.
- Peter turned in a receipt for locks purchased for the Peanut Trail, Currierville, and the Busch Property. The Conservation Commission, Town Hall, Fire Department and Police Department will have a key to the locked gates.
Trisha motioned to pay Peter $53.13 for locks purchased for Conservation Property. Pat Seconded. All in Favor.
- Peter handed out a pamphlet to all the members called, Bureau of Trails, Landowner Partnership. He discussed the amount of trails in town and the importance to maintain them. This program will grant the town aid from the State to help maintain the trails. Other benefits this program also provides liability coverage. Peter explained that the trails would be groomed for snow mobiling, cross country skiing, walking and hiking. Shelia would like to contact other towns that have this trail system to see how their town likes it. She would also like to know if the residents would be in favor of this.
Nancy motioned to have Peter contact the Bureau of Trails to explore the possibilities and to devise a draft plan. Trisha Seconded. All in Favor.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:25 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kimberly Lowther
Secretary
Newton Conservation Commission
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