Linda Y. Newcomb

The discussion focused on warrant articles for the March 10, 2015, Town and School elections, specifically detailing the town-related items. Key topics included the election of Town officers, an amendment to the zoning ordinance clarifying who receives impact fee refunds, and review of the proposed Town budget of $13,773,308, including the provision for a default budget if the main budget fails. Further articles covered accepting and spending the Highway Grant for road maintenance, funding a capital reserve fund for the Senior Center bus replacement, and proposed five-year and four-year collective bargaining agreements with the Professional Firefighters Union and the Public Works and Municipal Employees Union, respectively, both involving a 2% annual increase and language updates. Additionally, there was a proposal to allocate $30,000 to the compensated absence trust fund to cover an unfunded liability, and creating a civilian Communications Center Supervisor position for the Police Department to manage technical duties and relieve sworn officers. The final discussed article concerned raising $36,000 for the forest maintenance fund.

This Forest Stewardship Plan for the Town of Pelham's Spaulding Hill Road Town Forest outlines a 10-year strategy for sustainable management. The plan focuses on four core objectives: wood production, water quality protection, wildlife habitat enhancement, and recreational opportunities. It details strategies for generating timber revenue, maintaining biologically diverse forests, protecting sensitive wetlands, and establishing a trail system, while also addressing soil conservation, aesthetic values, and forest protection.

This chapter of the Town of Pelham's Master Plan Update focuses on natural resources, providing an inventory and analysis to guide future development and growth. Key areas of focus include topography, soils, water resources (surface water, groundwater, floodplains, wetlands), forests, wildlife, and existing and potential conservation lands. The plan aims to ensure a thorough understanding of the natural resource base to determine growth limits, protect environmental quality, and provide recommendations for sustainable land use and conservation efforts within the community.

The Board discussed and approved a $25,000 donation from the Pelham Council on Aging to create a trust fund for the purchase of a passenger bus for the Senior Center. They also discussed and adopted a warrant article authorizing additional uses of conservation funds, including the protection of natural resources and acquisition of land. The Board members shared information about upcoming events such as Sled Fest and the Plow Naming Contest. Additionally, the Agricultural Commission's recommendation to rename the community garden was mentioned. The meeting concluded with a non-public session regarding personnel matters.

This Forest Stewardship Plan for the Town of Pelham's Gumpas Pond Conservation Area outlines a 10-year management strategy focused on sustainable forest management. Key pillars include managing for wood production, water quality, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. The plan details strategies for timber harvesting, protecting and enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, soil and water quality preservation, wetland integrity, and maintaining aesthetic and cultural features. It also addresses specific restoration projects such as creating early successional forest habitats and open fields, alongside mitigating negative impacts from recreational vehicle use and littering, all aimed at ensuring the long-term health and biodiversity of the forestland.