Silas St. James

The meeting covered the Year End Financial Report, including a review of conservation funds and Land Use Change Tax (LUC) revenue. The commission discussed a letter from Bill Gallagher regarding a local food hub and its potential to maintain the rural character of the community. Updates were provided on the Cole and Humpal properties, as well as the Town Water Protection Plan. The Education Plan was discussed, including upcoming articles and education boxes. Land monitoring logistics and the NRI Plan were also addressed. Additionally, there was an update on the NHACC (11/22) and discussions on the new town website and CCC meeting format. The commission also discussed a proposed amendment to the CCC Bylaws and reviewed all funds.

This document is the 259th Annual Report for Cornish, covering the year ending December 31, 2025, and the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025, for the School District. Key sections include the Table of Contents for Town Boards, Departments, Commissions, and Committees, Town Officers, the 2026 Town Warrant, and the Minutes of the 2025 Town Meeting. The School Section details the Warrant Articles for the 2026 School District Meeting, the Minutes of the 2025 School Meeting, and various reports from the Superintendent, Principal, Facilities Director, CCPTO, School Nurse, and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. Discussions from the 2025 School Meeting included approval of the Main Operating Budget (totaling $5,476,294), approval of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with an estimated first-year cost increase of $117,716, and appropriations to the Special Education and Tuition Expendable Trust Fund and the School Facilities Expendable Trust Fund. The Superintendent's Report detailed progress on strategic plans, including a collaborative study paused while prioritizing a bond vote for school renovations, and the move towards tuitioning grades 6-8 to Plainfield Middle School. The report also mentions the finalization of the "Belonging Blueprint" and facility assessment work.

The meeting included discussions on monitoring remaining properties, a plan to plant a tree in the spring with a dedication ceremony, the NHACC Annual Meeting, and the CCC Award. An application was submitted for the Antioch Grad Student Collaborative Service Initiative, focusing on Invasive Species mapping and mitigation planning. Updates were given on the Town Forest Project, including a logging project, condition of water bards and the road, the need for a new roof for the lean-to, and increased biking and hiking traffic. Trail maintenance at CREA was organized, and a scenic road display was planned for the Town Meeting. The town crew dredged the firepond, and a series of Connect Cornish posts were planned to cover topics from the NRI. Ideas for which property might be best to next conserve were discussed.

The meeting included discussions on a proposed roundtable of Sullivan County conservation commissions, concerns about water quality related to manure spreading, and a recommendation to the Select Board for a new alternate member. The commission addressed concerns about a new walkway built by the Cornish Fair Association, reviewed progress on the Conservation Plan, and discussed a potential collaborative event on invasives with Saint Gaudens. Additionally, the commission received an update from the BOS representative on addressing the beaver population and town infrastructure.

The meeting covered several topics including a Conservation Plan update with a Community Forum planned, field visits to surveyed properties, and a discussion about a Young People's Session. There was also a Beaver Update presented to the Select Board. The commission discussed annual land monitoring of conservation properties and a letter to B. Meyette regarding property monitoring. Other business included a BOS Representative Update on green burials, a presentation on Wildlife Corridor Findings, consideration of a new CCC member candidate, and easements where Cornish is a Primary Easement Holder.