Conservation commission approves $15,000 boundary survey payment for Pine Hill parcel

At its April 15 meeting, the Halas Conservation Commission approved payment for a boundary survey of the Pine Hill parcel to support an anticipated acquisition. Chair Joe moved to pay a not-to-exceed $15,000 invoice to an SNH surveying firm for a firm-fixed-price boundary survey; the motion was seconded and commissioners agreed with seven members present.

Treasurer Tom Davies described current balances and said the commission had already shifted funds from a 30‑day CD into checking to cover expected outlays. Chair Joe explained the survey crew expects to finish by the end of the month and that paying the invoice upon receipt would avoid waiting until the next regular meeting (May 20). Commissioners noted an appraisal by Donna (the commission’s usual appraiser) is expected by the end of April and that the appraisal invoice will be paid after submission.

There were no recorded objections in the meeting to processing the survey payment when the invoice arrives. Members also discussed scheduling and logistics for the Pine Hill site walk and the boundary-survey work; Craig Birch will lead the walk and commission staff will take minutes.

The commission expects to receive the survey invoice by the end of the month and authorized the chair (or designee) to sign reimbursement and invoice paperwork to expedite the acquisition process.