Conservation Commission Minutes 12/13/17
Stratham Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
Public Session
December 13, 2017
Conservation Commission Members Present: Bill McCarthy, Bob Keating, Bill Kenny, Allison Knab, Ana Egana, Pat Elwell, Dan McAuliffe, Tim Copeland, Joe Lovejoy
Others: Tavis Austin, Don and Candy Graves, Jeremy Ricks, Lori Zamboni, Paul Deschaine
Meeting Called to order @ 7:01 PM
CC minutes:
Public and Non-Public Minutes from November 8, 2017
Tim Copeland moved to accept the Public and Non-Public minutes as written
Ana Egana second – motion passed unanimously
Mailbox:
“Supply Lines” Newsletter
“Happy Anniversary” letter from SELT commemorating 2 year anniversary of Zarnowski easement
CC Budget:
Allison submitted CC budget request for 2018
Sullivan Subdivision proposal:
Tavis provided an update on the subdivision plan that is currently before the Planning Board.
The Whitaker and Hillcrest road subdivisions were established in about 1986-1988 each having a dead end cul-de-sac and a right of way on the property owned by the Sullivan family. Planning Board mandate states that through roads and connectivity are the preferred option and that dead end roads may be considered if impractical to have through road.
Applicant had maintained that a through road was impossible, however it was later determined that a 22’ through road is possible. There is also an issue with the wetland and soil maps. Jones and Beach did the first assessment for the Applicant, and the Graves family (an abutter) hired their own wetland scientist who arrived at a different conclusion. The town has offered to hire a third wetland investigator at the towns expense to help resolve the conflict between the currently available wetland studies. The Applicant declined to allow a third wetland scientist on the property to perform an assessment.
Don Graves of 5 Hillcrest Drive presented maps, a 1985 soil survey of the property, and the current plot plan showing a 375’ discharge pipe that is 36’’ in diameter running roughly parallel to the property boundary. Don Graves indicated that he has extensive professional experience in the construction industry and is concerned about the possibility of salt contamination in wells on his property based on the design of the plot plan.
Jeremy Ricks of Doe Run Lane expressed concern with dead end streets that have only 1 ingress/egress that can become blocked and prevent access to emergency vehicles.
Lori Zamboni of 116 High Street indicated that the Sullivan Property is classified as highly important habitat.
In response to a question from Allison Knab, Tavis Austen suggested that the Conservation Commission could write a letter to the Planning Board supporting the third party assessment of the wetlands.
Pat Elwell moved to write the letter to the Planning Board in support of hiring the third wetland scientist to resolve the question of wetlands delineation.
Bill McCarthy second – motion passed unanimously
Light Pollution:
Jeremy Ricks of Doe Run Lane described his concerns about light pollution in town, in particular with respect to the re-lighting of the Route 108 Bridge. He would like to keep the lights off OR at least restrict where the light is directed.
The proposal to re-light the route 108 bridge was brought to the selectmen by a Newmarket resident with a plan that the cost would be shared by Stratham, Newfields and Newmarket. Also, it seems that the Selectmen in Newmarket are not interested in paying for the lights, and the Selectmen in Newfields have contacted the DOT for information.
Pat Elwell asked Joe Lovejoy if he could keep the Conservation Commission informed on the discussion at the Select Board. Joe agreed to do so.
“Caroline Robinson” Book Contribution:
Allison Knab asked for suggestions of an appropriate book to donate to the library in the name of Caroline Robinson. Pat Elwell will take a look at what she can find, and Dan McAuliffe suggested a children’s book.
Tim Copeland moved to spend up to $50 on the book
Joe Lovejoy second – motion passed unanimously
Conservation Commission Meeting December 27th:
Bob Keating moved to cancel the Conservation Commission meeting on December 27, 2017
Joe Lovejoy second – motion passed unanimously
Annual Dues:
Bill McCarthy moved to pay the $384 annual dues for NHACC membership; and $200 annual dues for ESRLAC membership
Pat Elwell second – motion passed unanimously
Town Update:
Paul Deschaine provided an update on the following:
- Parker house was demolished; the Heritage Commission is looking at the possibility of a preservation easement for the old town hall
- Smyk property: the town has been approached by the trust. The Selectmen are forming a committee to study the issues before the scheduling of a hearing to decide whether to accept the property
8:29 PM
Tim Copeland moved to adjourn meeting, Bill McCarthy second – motion passed unanimously; Meeting adjourned
Next regular meeting scheduled for 7 PM on Wednesday, January 10th at the Municipal Center.
Respectfully Submitted:
Bill McCarthy
Serving as temporary Secretary