Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes

DRAFT

Newbury Conservation Commission (NCC)

February 13, 2020

Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Eric Unger, Vice-chair; Steve Russell; Sue Russell, Bob Stewart; Members; Russell Smith, Ex-officio

Public: Greg Grigsby – Pelletieri Associates

Ms. Holmes called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

Ms. Holmes reported that Vice Chair Eric Unger will be unavailable to make property visits for approximately six weeks due to an upcoming foot surgery. She mentioned that the commissioners will need to help out during his absence. Mr. Unger stated that he is currently writing some guidelines and maps to refer to so others can look at them while reviewing properties. He also explained that he normally just does a drive-by to look at these properties. If something looks suspicious, he then tells the Code Enforcement Officer. 

It was decided that the commissioners will take turns looking at applications and properties while Mr. Unger is away. 

Minutes

It was decided that the Conservation would review the January 14, 2020 meeting minutes at the March meeting, since there were no print out copies of the minutes available.

Recording Secretary Meg Whittemore will have the transcribed minutes of the December 10, 2019 meeting by the March meeting.

INTENT TO CUT:

- Nicolas Argey – 83 Bowles Road - Tax/Map # 017-404-247 – Acreage of Lot = 12.97. Acreage of cut = 2. Approved and signed.

- Beverly Wolf – NH Route 103A- Tax/Map #017-044-532 – Acreage of Lot = 52.3. Acreage of cut = 20. Approved and signed.

- Daniel Wolf – NH Route 103- Acreage of Lot = 16.4. Acreage of cut = 3. Approved and signed.

BUFFER ZONE CUT:

- Country Road Revocable Trust of 2016 – 236 Bowles Road – Tax/Map# 016-519-106  Greg Grigsby of Pelletieri Associates was present to discuss the project and show maps of the property and the proposed cut. He explained what trees would be taken down and that the property owner would like to take down as few trees as possible. The trees that are to be taken down are to make room for a new chambered septic system that will be put in and a tennis court that will lay over the new system. Mr. Grigsby said they are limited to where the septic system and tennis court can go due to much of the land being in current use. He showed the outline of the two acres that are currently outside of the current use area. 

Discussion ensued about the pump lines, proposed septic system, location of tennis court and the trees to be cut.

Ms. Holmes asked the commissioners if they wanted to take a look at the property. Mr. Grigsby said they would be able to see the area from doing a drive-by.

Ms. Holmes thanked Mr. Grigsby for coming in and that a decision will be made by the March 2 Selectboard meeting.

- Stephen St. Mary – 285 Bay Point Road – Ms. Holmes said there was no Tax/Map # given on the application. It also does not show the inventory of total trees on the property, just shows what would be cut. Mr. Stewart said the property owner needs to show a grid and current inventory of existing trees and trees to be cut as well as verification of each 25 ft. segment. Mr. Smith said they should invite him to a future meeting. Ms. Holmes will give him the option to attend a future meeting or read the regulations and re-submit his application.

DES:

Ms. Holmes reported that the DES website for permits and applications has been down for a month. She will share more information as it becomes available. 

COMMUNICATIONS

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Planning Board: Ms. Holmes said the land use coordinator put a Departmental Review Sign off sheet for the Cilley Tavern Realty, LLC Site Plan Review in her box, but never let her know the sign off sheet was in her box, so it was not looked at yet. Ms. Holmes plans to go to the Planning Board meeting on February 18 to discuss. She feels that they should allow Cilley Tavern Realty permission to sell boats on the property. Mr. Smith agreed. Mr. Stewart said it needs to be reviewed because it was not part of their original site plan review and is now considered a change of use. 

Ms. Holmes mentioned that there will be a special recognition ceremony at the February 18 Board of Selectmen meeting for Ken McWilliams who will be retiring after serving 25 years on the Planning Board. 

OLD BUSINESS

Avery Property Update and Review – Mr. Unger reported they are still waiting on an appraisal, but thinks there has been some activity on the property and is hopeful they may hear something soon.

Bubbler Letters – Ms. Holmes said 19 people received letters from the town regarding registering their bubblers. She said that another 30 people could receive information about bubblers.

NEW BUSINESS

Restoration Article – Ms. Holmes said she thinks there should be a newspaper article published promoting the upcoming restoration article. Mr. Smith does not think this is necessary. It was decided to not follow up with this idea.

Planning Board – February 18, 2020 – NH State Parks (Johanna Lyons) – 

Ms. Holmes said the NH State Parks will be presenting at the next Planning Board meeting to discuss putting in more boat trailers at the state beach parking lot.

OTHER 

Buffer Zone Cuts – Discussion took place regarding the current protocol for alerting the public that a buffer zone cut has been approved. The commissioners agreed that something should be posted on a tree announcing that a buffer zone cut has been approved. 

Friends of Mount Sunapee Update – Mr. Russell gave an update and mentioned there are two presentations planned titled “The Mount Sunapee Story.” The first will take place on Wednesday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m. in Claremont and the second will be on Wednesday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Goshen. Mr. Russell distributed literature on these events.

Earth Day – Ms. Holmes reminded everyone that Earth Day is April 22, 2020.

Mr. Stewart made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Ungerseconded the motion. All in favor.

The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Long

Recording Secretary