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 October 7, 2010
Attendance:
Peter, Trisha, Nancy, Shelia, Pat, Mary Anne.
Peter called the meeting to order at 7:35pm.
Kim recorded the minutes.
Guests: Robert Johnson and Rob Peterson of Wenmark's Road, Newton NH.
Mr. Johnson and Mr. Peterson attended the Conservation Commission meeting to discuss a retaining wall shared by both properties that is need of repair. Both Residents have been in contact with DES and directed by them to complete a Minimum Impact Expedited Application, which includes a signature of the Conservation Commissions approval. The newly built wall would be of same shape and size as the original wall. Mr. Johnson circulated photographs of the existing wall so members could visualize the repairs needed. Pat suggested a Site Walk before she could vote to approve signing the Application. Peter agreed.
Peter motioned to have a Site Walk on Sunday October 10, 2010 at 9:00am meeting at 19 and 21 Wenmark’s Road, Newton NH. Pat Second. All in Favor.
Discussion: Mr. Johnson and Mr. Peterson explained that the Contractor hired, Billy Bartlett, would like to begin in November. He is often contacted by NHDES to work for them, and is an experienced builder of shoreline walls.
The residents also brought to the board’s attention that there is an exisiting oak tree that is in poor condition located in close proximity to the wall. An Arborists has been out to look at the tree and deems it unsafe. The homeowners would like to remove the tree during the reconstruction of the retaining wall. Peter told the residents that the Commission will examine the tree while they are on there site walk.
* Trisha arrived at 7:50pm
Rob Peterson lastly wanted to thank the Conservation Commission with their support to halt the expansion of the Whispering Pines Campground.
He then discussed a group that is in the process of being assembled. The Organization, which currently does not have a title, will consist of residents of the Pond Community that will monitor the quality of the pond along with boating safety. So far Rob said there is approximately 10-15 Residents interested in joining the Association.
The discussion led to maintaining the quality of the pond. Pulling the dams in the winter, allowing the water level to become low enough that the cold air will kill off the invasive plant growth, will help maintain the purity of the water. The conservation commission would like to work with the newly formed group.
Robert Johnson and Rob Peterson departed the meeting at 8:00 pm.
Correspondence:
- UNH Cooperative Extension – Forest Laws Workshops for Municipal Officials.
- Woodward & Curran Fall 2010 Issue.
- 82 Wilders Grove Road-Standard Dredge and Fill Application Form. A letter will be sent to the homeowner. The Conservation would like to conduct a Site Walk on the premise and would like to schedule the meeting at a convenient time for the homeowners.
- Puzzle Lane- NH Development Corp. Alteration of Terrain Permit. The Silt Fences and hay bales are in poor condition. Trisha will contact DES to discuss our wetlands concern.
Peter motioned to have a Site Walk Sunday October 10, 2010 at 9:30 am. Pat Second. All in Favor. No further discussion.
- Wenmark’s Road Lot 5/1 . NHDES notice of Administrative Completeness. Members could not locate the parcel NHDES was referring to. An email will be sent to DES requesting more information.
Other Business:
- Greenie Park Family Fall Fair- Trisha reported there were approximately 290 people in attendance. Trisha, Mary Anne, Shelia and Sandy participated at the fair, playing Conservation games.
- Conservation Gates at Currierville Road- Peter will try to get there with in the next few weeks to move some of the dead pine trees closer to the entrance, blocking access to unauthorized vehicles.
- Peanut Trail- Peter will look into a sign for the Whittier Street entrance of the Peanut Trail.
- Sarah’s Way Extension- A memo will be sent to Planning Board asking why they determined a 25 foot buffer zone was more reasonable than the 40 foot buffer zone that Conservation originally requested.
- 40 Pond Street, Newton NH. Members reviewed the Site Walk held on September 20, 2010 at 3:45 pm. The meeting was held in regards to a complaint that wetlands had been filled in for a driveway. The builder, David Story was not present for the meeting. A letter will be sent to David Story. Conservation is requesting a response. The letter will also be sent to the Newton Code Enforcement and the Building Departments.
Trisha informed the Commission of a resident in town, whom is an Eagle Scout and is looking for a project. He is a woodworker. Members agreed on having the Eagle Scout make signs to mark Conservation Land and Trails. Peter would like to have the Eagle Scout meet with the Conservation Commission.
The Conservation Commission did a yearly Evaluation of Secretary, Kimberly Lowther.
- Peter motioned to accept the Minutes of September 16, 2010 as presented. Pat Second. All in Favor. No further Discussion.
New Business: Members discussed possibly purchasing land that would connect other Town owned land near the Busch property, Maple Ave and Currierville Road. Peter said that he could approach the land owner on a possible purchase. Shelia mentioned looking into an easement. This land would connect other parcels that the town owns.
- Shelia tentatively plans on attending the Administrative Planning and Zoning Workshop held in Derry on October 13, 2010 from 7-9pm. Peter asked her to bring in a receipt for reimbursement.
Announcements: The Conservation Commission will have there next meeting on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 7:30 pm.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:40 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kimberly Lowther
Secretary
Newton Conservation Commission
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