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
Mary Anne Lapierre
Sandy Estabrook
Brian Valimont
Pat Wonson
Conservation Commission Minutes for June 3, 2010
Attendance:
Peter, Trisha, Nancy, Sandy, Shelia, Pat, Mary Anne, and Brian.
Guest: Joshua Manning of Lewis Builders Development Inc.
Peter called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.
Kim recorded the minutes.
Sargent Woods- Joshua Manning attended tonight’s meeting, along with another Conservation meeting a few weeks ago to discuss the Application of the Wetlands Permit that Lewis builders is seeking from DES. He asked if the Conservation Commission would write a letter of approval to DES to help the application process. He informed the board that 4900 square feet of land is on the application for re-approval by DES. Peter wanted to be assured that there would not be any changes to the plans. Josh emphasized that there would not be any changes to the plans. Trisha questioned her observations of the site back when Conservation had done a site walk on April 8, 2010. She had noticed disruption near the wetlands, recent tree cutting, tire tracks and silt fences that were damaged. Joshua knew the
area that Trisha was questioning; a street that will be called Sand Hill Road. He informed the board that the vegetation is growing in and the silt fences have since been repaired.
Trisha expressed her concerns about the parcel located on an aquifer. She told Josh that Conservation will be monitoring the aquifer. She also requested not to cut anymore trees since a single tree holds 400 gallons of water per day. Josh replied by saying that Sergeant Woods would like to have a wooded character and they do not plan on cutting anymore tree. The tree lines are on the approved plans. Trisha asked Josh if there would be access to the Trolley Track that cuts through their property. Josh said that an access trail is something to consider. Peter added, any trees or vegetation tying into the Trolley Track we would like to see remain.
Brian asked about an Archeological Survey and that Conservation would like a copy. Josh told Brian that Lewis Builders is in the process of hiring a company at this time to perform a survey. Trisha asked about the previous owners’ Storm water Management Plan. Conservation was told that there was a plan from the previous owner and they have since updated it. Josh discussed the rip rap and grass that is shown on the plans.
Peter does not want to see variations in the plans, or last minute changes. Josh told the board that there would absolutely be no changes to the plans.
Josh updated the board on the Status of Sergeant Woods. Currently the units are unoccupied. However four units are ready, and with the Community Center is complete.
Trisha motioned to write a letter to DES approving Lewis Builders Wetlands application. Conservations letter will include a requests of an access trail to the trolley track, and Conservation does not want any additional changes to the application. Nancy Seconded. All in Favor. No further discussion.
Josh departed the meeting at 8:40 pm.
Trails- The first Trails Committee meeting will be Tuesday June 8, 2010. Trisha would like to invite Alicia Raddatz, Soil Scientist to attend a meeting. The Trails committee is a sub committee of the Conservation Commission. Brian would like all regulations followed before creating new trails. Peter and Trisha discussed trail clean up and chainsaw safety courses taught by the Local Government Center. Peter discussed contacting the Forest Co-op to meet with Conservation members. New Hampshire has a bureau of Trails that can help with this process.
Stewardship Land- An annual walk was done on Forest Reynolds property. Nancy reported to the Commission that the access to town land is completely blocked, with several fallen trees. Nancy will contact Forest Reynolds nephew and than report back to Conservation Commission.
Correspondence:
- NH DES Alteration of Terrain Permit regarding 125 NH
Development Corp. Puzzle Lane.
Peter motioned to contact DES informing them that the Conservation Commission has not received information for the Puzzle Lane Alteration of Terrain Application. Trisha Second. All in Favor.
- Rockingham Planning Commission- Annual Meeting for June 9th, 2010.
- Ben Meadows flyer.
Busch Farm- Peter motioned to reimburse Pat Wonson $ 22. 06 for the purchase of paint for the Conservation gates. Brian Second. All in Favor.
Peter motioned to close the meeting and go into a non public meeting at 8:30 pm. All in Favor. No Further Discussion.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kimberly Lowther
Secretary
Newton Conservation Commission
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