Hooksett Conservation Commission Meeting - October 5, 2026

The Hooksett Conservation Commission met on October 5, 2026, at 4:34 PM. Three of five voting members (Joe Carroll Woodburn, co-chair; Alan Stein, co-chair; Philip Fitonitas, member) constituted a quorum, with one guest (Diane Hennessy) and later-arriving member Bob Marker. The meeting covered routine approvals, several informational updates, and key decisions on property acquisitions, invoices, and commission finances.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of September 14, 2026: Approved with two corrections – changing "council" to "counsel" (line 210) and adding text about Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation and Trails (line 129). Voice vote passed unanimously.
• Invoice – Stantec ($976.50): For an already-approved contract; paid from the Conservation Land Improvement Fund. Motion carried 3–0.
• Invoice – Bear Paw Regional Greenways ($1,912.50): For Quimby Mountain conservation planning work; paid from the Conservation Land Improvement Fund. Motion carried 2–0 (Phil Fitonitas abstained citing his Bear Paw board membership).

Public Comments & Testimony

No formal public comments were taken. An email from a resident about trail issues (bikes, trash, downed trees, a handrail suggestion) was noted as informational.

Discussion Items

• Clay Pond Stewardship Plan: Moosewood Ecologic is conducting fieldwork; a draft report is expected in November.
• Clay Pond Easement Monitoring: Bear Paw performed monitoring; no new findings. ATV evidence persists but is hard to attribute. The class six road (North Candia Road) allows motorized vehicles.
• Hooks at Riverwalk Trail – Invasive Treatment: Paul completed first treatment on Field 3; mowing of Field 1 planned for mid-October (after pollinating season). The contractor is a licensed forester following DES regulations.
• Boardwalk Maintenance: Emergency repairs on a sun-damaged boardwalk; decking failure attributed to UV exposure. Engineering specs needed; possible future replacement. KNA Civil Engineering was identified as a town contractor.
• Access for All Guardrail Options: Three quotes received – chain‑link ($2,900+), wrought‑iron ($7,400), and custom welded pipe ($19,000–$21,000). Code enforcement confirmed no building code requirement. Commission leaning toward a wood post-and-board solution; will pursue a supplier contact.
• Access for All Project Review: Kawanis Club donated $20,000. Commission discussed recognition (proclamation, plaque). Wheelchair testing with Jim Sullivan confirmed grade is manageable but surface is slightly bumpy; surface may compact over time.
• Bench Donation: Estelle Smith donated $2,000 (pending Town Council approval). Members compared concrete/ironwood benches ($1,200–$1,400) and synthetic composite benches (~$1,049 for 8 ft). Quotes will be gathered for a decision at next meeting.
• Heads Pond Kiosk: Volunteer‑led rehab planned; few hundred dollars in supplies needed. Bear Paw is helping with a trail map.
• Quimby Mountain: Cost estimate for entire project is delayed (contact on vacation). Easement monitoring found no major issues; minor rock wall repairs will be handled by volunteers.
• Pinnacle Park Monitoring: Responded to abutter Tringali’s complaint about dead trees on slope – volunteer cleanup completed. Graffiti at summit remains; no new encroachments.
• Natural Resources Inventory (NRI): Preliminary discussions with UNH Cooperative Extension and Moosewood Ecological. Scope and cost still under consideration; commission expressed strong interest in pursuing a town-wide NRI.
• Heaney Property (27 acres, abutting Cauley School): Owner asking $75,000; easement establishment costs estimated at $60,000–$80,000. After discussion, commission voted to notify owner they are not interested in purchasing.
• Casey Drive Site Walk: Scheduled for October 24 at 9:30 AM; informational.
• Beavers at Riverwalk: Beavers have returned, building a dam that floods an abutter’s yard. DPW is handling; commission will monitor trail flooding and consider mitigation if needed.
• Field Four (Riverwalk) – Farmer Non‑compliance: Certified letter to farmer has not been delivered (possible mail service issue). Commission will explore alternative service options; may cancel the 10‑year agreement.
• NHACC Conference: Saturday, November 7, at Pembroke Academy. Commission approved reimbursement for up to three members at $70 each (if registered by October 23; $85 after).
• Invoice Process Streamlining: A new form was introduced to streamline invoice approvals.
• Prospective Member: Mr. Lacas expressed interest but is not yet a Hooksett resident; commission noted he may apply once he moves in.
• Old Home Day & Kowanis 5K Run: Successful events; approximately 80 participants in the run; no incidents on the access trail.
• Land Swap Request: Mr. Griazzo (map 4, lot 17) requested a partial land swap. Commission voted to invite him to the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes and Invoices approved as described above.
• Heaney Property: Motion to notify owner that conservation commission is not interested in purchasing carried (2 ayes, no opposed, no abstentions).
• NHACC Conference Attendance: Motion to authorize up to three members at a cost of $70 each passed unanimously.
• Land Swap Discussion: Motion to invite Mr. Griazzo to the next meeting passed unanimously.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned by unanimous consent.