Monday, September 21, 2026

Vernon Farm parking management plan

Passed. The motion to accept the revised plan for 2026 passed with all in favor.

On September 21, 2026, the Commission reviewed an updated parking plan for Vernon Family Farm (VFF). The updated plan includes changes the Commission asked for in May 2026. VFF's attorney said VFF objects to two commissioners taking part in the talk and vote. Neither commissioner stepped aside. A majority of commissioners had asked for soil measurements in the plan, not only visual checks. The commissioners talked about types and costs of testing. An engineer from Waterstone Engineering, PLLC, described the pros and cons of soil testing. A commissioner moved to accept the revised plan for 2026. VFF must send a report to the Commission by January 15, 2027. The Commission will find outside expertise to help review the report and decide whether the plan protects the easement (land protection agreement) or whether more soil testing is needed.

Easement monitoring reports and invoices

Passed. The motion to approve all reports and pay the received invoices passed with all in favor.

The Commission reviewed site monitoring reports and invoices for three easements (land protection agreements): Cole, Piscassic Greenways and Anderson. The Cole and Piscassic Greenways reports came in August. The Anderson report was first shared in June, and no vote was taken in June or July. The Commission will write to SELT (Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire) about plastic on a property. A commissioner will take on that task. A commissioner moved to approve all reports as written and pay the invoices received.

Treasurer's report

The Commission's account balances were reported. The Conservation Account held $76,595.90. The Current Use Account held $22,041.92.

Grant for extreme heat or flooding projects

Two regional groups, the Piscataqua Regional Estuaries Partnership and the Exeter Squamscott River Local Advisory Committee, shared a $25,000 grant for community-led projects on extreme heat or flooding. The deadline to apply is October 30. The Commission could apply if it has a project to fund. No vote was recorded.

Safety Building Team proposed land use

The Safety Building Team proposes to use town land on Piscassic and Meadow. The land is not under an easement now. The team proposes to put the remaining land around the building under some kind of easement. No vote was recorded.

Land offered to the Town (Webb 201-3)

The Select Board discussed this offer in August 2026. The land, called Webb 201-3, is about 2.5 acres of wetlands. The Town must vote to accept the land. No Commission vote was recorded.