Minutes

Macallen Dam Study Committee

Worksession Meeting

Newmarket Town Hall Auditorium

Monday, May 19, 2014

6:30 – 9:00 pm

Present:               Committee members: Rick Malasky, John Deziel, Diane Hardy, Peter Wallenberger

                                Mark Wamser and Gary Lemay, Gomez and Sullivan Engineers

                                Deb Loiselle, NHDES, Chuck Corliss, NHDES, Kevin Lucey, NH DES, and Cheri Patterson,                                   NHF&G

                                Members of the public

Town Administrator Steve Fournier gave opening remarks explaining to those present that this is a work session of the committee to finalize the draft report and ask questions of the Town’s consultant. The public is welcome to observe, but not participate in the meeting this evening. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions and present comments at the June Public Information Hearing.

The consultants gave a powerpoint presentation of the Draft Feasibility Study Results, which will be put on the Town’s website. They also provided a draft of the Project Review Form that will be submitted to the NH Division of Historic Resources to initiate the Section 106 Process to review historic and cultural and archeological resources. Comments are due May 30.

The following Project Schedule was reviewed and finalized

                May 30 – Gomez and Sullivan to finalize draft report for public review and comment

                June 3 – Town to post draft report to website with paper copies made available at the Town      Hall and Library, send out notices to abutters, and place public notice in Foster’s and        Portsmouth Herald.

                Monday, June 23 - Public Information Meeting at 7:00 pm at Newmarket Town Hall auditorium

                Monday, July 7 – Deadline for public to submit written comments on Draft report

                July 21 - Gomez and Sullivan issues Final Report

Overall, the committee felt the report was well done given the scope of work that was assigned, acknowledged that in-depth study of property values, historic and cultural resources, environmental and recreational resources would be needed if the dam removal option were to be advanced.  The committee talked about the venue for the public meeting. The consultant will give the entire presentation holding questions. Then, everyone will be given a reasonable amount of time to present their concerns and questions.  The public will be afforded the opportunity to provide written comments following the public hearing.  The meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.