Conservation Commission Minutes 2/28/18
Stratham Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
Public Session
February 28, 2018
Conservation Commission Members Present: Bill McCarthy, Bob Keating, Ana Egana, Bill Kenney, Dan McAuliffe, Brad Jones
Others: Paul Deschaine
Meeting Called to order @ 7:04 PM
CC minutes:
Public and Non-Public Minutes from January 10, 2018
Dan McAuliffe moved to accept the Public and Non-Public minutes as written
Bob Keating second – motion passed unanimously
Public and Non-Public Minutes from February 14, 2018
Bob Keating moved to accept the Public and Non-Public minutes as written
Brad Jones second – motion passed unanimously
Eversource:
John Greene from Eversource requested access to cross Scullers property to support a maintenance project in the right of way. By using the Scullers property about 2000 feet of wetlands impacts can be avoided. The project will require the use of an excavator that can cross the gravel road without additional cutting needed.
Paul Deschaine noted that the first 250 feet of the road is a right of way access with the abutters and that there is a narrow portion with a small stream crossing with a culvert.
John Greene stated that Eversource would put an agreement in place stating that Eversource would return everything to its original condition after completion of the project.
Dan McAuliffe moved to recommend to that the BOS support right of access to Scullers property for this project only.
Bob Keating second – motion passed unanimously
Offshore Wind:
Stephanie Marshall, who is a resident of Exeter, described a citizens petition to present a warrant article at Town Meeting supporting a feasibility study of Offshore Wind off the coast of New Hampshire.
The goal is to have Governor Sununu form a task force that already has the support of Portsmouth, Dover, Durham, and Rye. The task force would not cost the state any money.
Dan McAuliffe recommended that the group add some explanation regarding reliability as well as the need for power resources.
Rain Barrels and Compost Bins:
Bill Kenney reviewed details of Rain Barrel and Compost Bin program indicating that there is a deadline of 15-Mar to put the order in.
A pallet of 15 Rain Barrels cost $975, and a pallet of 20 Compost Bins costs $1100. Bill recommended that the CC purchase 1 pallet of each to sell. Paul Deschaine recommended that Bill email Karen with a request to put the information of the availability for sale on the town website.
Ana Egana moved to purchase 1 pallet of each
Bill Kenney second – motion passed unanimously
Town Update:
Paul Deschaine provided a reminder that Town Meeting will be on Friday, March 16th with the voting occurring on Tuesday, March 13th.
Paul also stated that on Feb 8th the committee reviewing the details of the Smyk property met. There is a ~$300,000 endowment for the property where the town can only spend the interest on the property (~$15,000), as well as a significant number of restrictions on the uses of the property reflecting the Smyk’s vision of creating a park. The property is ~10 acres that has cost ~$40,000 per year in annual maintenance costs.
8:21 PM
Ana Egana moved to adjourn meeting, Brad Jones second – motion passed unanimously; Meeting adjourned
Next regular meeting scheduled for 7 PM on Wednesday, March 14th at the Municipal Center.
Respectfully Submitted:
Bill McCarthy
Serving as temporary Secretary