Meeting Minutes

Newbury Conservation Commission (NCC)

May 7, 2019

Approved July 9, 2019

Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Eric Unger, Vice-chair, Bob Stewart, Member.

Ms. Holmes called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m.

INTENT TO CUT

There were no Intent to Cut applications to review.

BUFFER ZONE CUT

Ms. Holmes reviewed the following Buffer Zone Cut application:

Sunapee Hills Association, Phyllis McDonough, president, 7 Gerald Drive, Newbury, NH, Tax Map/Lot # 028-183-025, two dead trees at corner of Gerald Drive and Chalk Pond Road. Tops of trees were broken off during winter storms.

NH DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES (NHDES)

Ms. Holmes reviewed the following items from NH DES:

Thomas Sullivan, 10 Old Mill Road, Newbury, PBN File #2019-01198. Proposed project: Rebuilding of retaining wall. Status: under technical review.

Cynthia/David Lapp, 103 Bay Point Road, Newbury, Shoreland PBN File #2019-01223. Proposed project: Impact 1,490 square feet of protected shoreland in order to demolish an existing garage and build a new garage with an art studio on the second floor. Status: Shoreland PBN Accepted.

Kristen Schultz, Shore Drive, Newbury, Shoreland Application # 2019-01043. Proposed project: Impact 2,310 square feet of protected shoreland to construct a new garage with pervious grass pavers. Status: Permit approved.

COMMUNICATIONS

Ms. Holmes shared with the NCC the following:

NH Lakes Association Annual Lakes Congress, May 30 & 31, 2019. All are invited to attend. Ms. Holmes noted that the meeting offers information on the impact of tree cutting on lake water quality, particularly on cyanobacteria blooms.

NH Association of Conservation Commissions (NHACC) - Source Water Protection Grants information is available.

NH DES – Restoration of statewide Conservation Commission reviews of PBNs & Expedited Permits. There was discussion regarding whether this decision applies to Shoreland PBNs. Ms. Holmes and Mr. Stewart agreed to research this question and report back to the NCC.

NHACC- Discussion of the NHACC Spring Conservation Training Series.

OLD BUSINESS

Ms. Holmes reviewed the following items:

236 Bowles Road, Newbury tree cut. Mr. Stewart agreed to review the plans with the cells delineated. He indicated that he will borrow the Code Enforcement Officer’s plans to do this.

NCC Conservation Connections newsletter. Ms. Whittemore reported that the newsletter and content is being developed for the summer issue.

Chalk Pond Challenge – Ms. Holmes noted that further activity regarding this project is currently on hold.

Warner River Local Advisory Committee – Mr. Unger noted that he is following up with the committee regarding joining the committee as a member representing the Town of Newbury.

NCC Memberships

Ms. Holmes called for a motion to renew NCC’s annual memberships in LSPA, Ausbon Sargent, SPNHF, and NH Association of Natural Scientists.

Mr. Unger made a motion to renew NCC’s annual memberships in the aforementioned organizations. Mr. Stewart seconded the motion. All in favor.

Mountain Road Update

Mr. Unger stated that the two hills with ledge pack have held up well. He added that he spoke with the Highway Administrator and the latter indicated that the ledge pack will be put on a significant part of Mountain Road.

NEW BUSINESS

NCC Workshops

Ms. Holmes discussed possible dates and topics for upcoming summer/fall NCC-sponsored workshops. Discussed was a workshop in that fall on easements. Also discussed was having Ausbon Sargent participate in a workshop on what is involved in turning Fishersfield into a Town Forest.

Mt. Sunapee Update

Commissioners discussed the issues surrounding sand going into Beck Brook and Johnson Brook and possible mitigation strategies.

ADMINISTRATIVE

Minutes

The Commissioners reviewed the minutes of April 9, 2019 and made a correction. Mr. Stewart made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Mr. Unger seconded the motion. All in favor. 

New Members

There was general discussion regarding efforts to attract potential members to the NCC. Mr. Stewart noted that he has heard from one or two individuals who have expressed interest in conservation matters and will follow up with them to see if they might be interested in joining the Commission.

There being no further business to discuss, Ms. Holmes called for a Motion to Adjourn.

Mr. Unger made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Stewart seconded the motion. All in favor.

The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Meg Whittemore

Recording Secretary