Present: S. Heinrich, C. Morrison, W. Morrison, M. Morrison, T. Koenig (arrived late), School Board liaison P. McGrath, School Superintendent M. Chiafery, Business Administrator M. Shevenell and guests Chip Keller and Bill Davidson.
Excused: K. Powell

The meeting was called together at 7:00 P.M. by W. Morrison who introduced the guests present.

C. Keller and B. Davidson presented copies of the recently completed full survey of the Buker site. The location of the proposed school was part of the plans presented. They noted the various issues with the site which include a 60 foot right of way which crosses a wetland on the adjoining town parcel where the NW fire station will be proposed. They also explained the procedures for wetlands "cross and fill". They propose a water retention area with an outlet.

C. Morrison asked if the area has changed much since the 1988 survey. C. Keller noted that criteria for wetland designation has changed and as a result, the amount of land on Buker can would be considered as a wetland is reduced. Further, much of the wetland on Buker is actually a forested wetland which is easier to mitigate than other types.

S. Heinrich asked whether dredging and filling would still be necessary. C. Keller noted that some wetland areas would need this treatment.

Other issues raised included the need for a minimum of 100 parking spaces at the new school, the possibility of a three story building and the sun orientation of the ball fields.

B. Davidson reported that they have arranged a meeting with representatives of the NH Wetlands Board on September 26th for preliminary discussions regarding the school plans. He noted that permitting is possible but could be a challenge and could take at least seven months. He also noted that site engineering has not been done as yet.

M. Morrrison asked about locating the middle school farther back on the Buker site. It was suggested that doing this would allow space for an elementary school with a field nearer the front of the site. C. Keller noted that Wetlands Boards seem to look favorably on sites with multiple projected uses even if there would be need for wetland mitigation.

C. Morrison noted that educating people about the correct definition of a wetland will be vital. She stated that just having standing water does not mean that land is considered wetlands. The basic criteria include poorly drained soil, with water less than 19" from the surface and specific vegetation and hydrology. She further agreed that talking to the Wetlands Board as soon as possible was necessary. (T. Koenig arrived during this discussion.)

There was discussion about the cost of sewer and water, the size of the sewer line and the cost of extending the road further into the site. There were questions about how long a wetlands permit is good for and if it was possible to present a plan with two schools on the site and have both approved at one time.

P. McGrath stated it would be interesting to see a cost comparison for the original proposal with wetlands mitigation and a second proposal with school moved back on the site. (T. Koenig left during this discussion.)

M. Chiafery asked what was the fastest way to proceed at the moment. C. Keller stated that the project could be fast-tracked as it was a municipal/school project. B. Davidson stated that there are several steps to the permitting process. However, a preliminary meeting will enable them to know what needs to be done and what issues might be raised. Once the application check-list is completed, the plan goes to a reviewer.

It was decided that the PBC will present the survey and any resulting changes to the proposed building plan to the School Board on October 29th. It was also decided that M. Shevenell, C. Keller and B. Davidson would present two plans to the Wetlands Board on September 26th: the original plan and a plan with the middle school moved farther back and an elementary school toward the front of the site. They will be asking which plan would be approved and which is a better plan.

M. Morrison noted that the original plan is still a good plan. However the second plan, which may cost more, may have less impact on the wetlands. C. Morrison noted that it would be important to inform the public that the site has not changed.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 26th in the High School Conference Room at 7 P.M.

On a motion from S. Heinrich, seconded by W. Morrison, the committee voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:45 P.M.

Last Updated: March 26, 2003 by Wayne Morrison