Conservation Commission

Minutes

January 6, 2009

Official as of May 12, 2009

Chairman Steve Roy calls the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

Present: Chairman Steve Roy, Vice Chairman Steve Hampl, Jim Ryan, Wini Young, Mike Matson, and Board Administrator Linda Smith. Paul Lussier arrives at 7:15 p.m.

Absent: Loren O’Neil, and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver.

Steve Roy makes a motion to alter the agenda, Jim Ryan seconds, to address the minimum impact expedited application for Gleason property.

Considerations of Applications
Minimum Impact Expedited Application, Gleason, Range Rd. Map 218;
Lot 36.

Tim Bernier of TF Bernier is present representing Edward Gleason, Range Rd. He explains that the proposal is to subdivide a 22 acre existing lot into two lots; 8.9 acre lot and 13 acre lot.

Mr. Bernier, a wetlands scientist and land surveyor, states that he did plans and the lot is an odd shaped lot due to the lot conditions. He states that Mr. Gleason was hoping to get a few more lots; however, this is a tough lot due to wetlands, the area has been logged heavily, there are some steep slopes, as well as ledge. Due to these factors, much of the area is undevelopable; however, there are two acres of contiguous soils. Driveways are proposed to be about 500’. He explains that they have chosen the narrowest spot for the crossing and the total wetlands impacts are proposed to be 425 sq. ft.

Paul Lussier arrives at 7:15 p.m.

Ms. Smith explains that the planning board has proposed new ordinances, which predates the application. The regulations are set in motion at the time of posting through the voting time. Therefore, this application is subject to the new ordinance, which is that wetland setbacks be 50’. Mr. Bernier asks about any conditional uses and Ms. Smith replies that there are no conditional uses set forth at this time. Mr. Roy states that the plans can be amended and the permitting process can continue. He notes that if there is no permit for driveways, there is always the special exception that can be applied for and that process is explained. Mr. Bernier requests that the commission review the application and provide comments and feedback.

Further discussion is held regarding the 50’ proposed ordinance and the development ordinances are reviewed relative to permitted uses within setbacks and wetlands. Mr. Bernier replies that he could accommodate the change as the proposal is for single family use. He adds that other ordinance requirements have been met relative to setbacks, lot size, and frontage requirements. Mr. Roy states that plan modifications are necessary; however, it does not look like a special exception will be necessary for the crossing providing the homes remain as single family residential. Mr. Bernier states that the plan revisions that will be necessary will be to change the 20’ setback to 50’ and on the 8 acre lot nothing would need to be changed.

A completed application is provided and is reviewed by the commission. Mr. Bernier notes that this is a small watershed. Mr. Lussier asks about the outcome should there be heavy rains. Mr. Bernier replies that the smaller pipe allows for more cover and he feels that the 12” pipe proposed would be effective and handle the runoff adequately. Mr. Roy asks about the existing pond on the property and if it dries out in the summer. Mr. Bernier states that they have been working on the property all summer. The pond did reduce in size; however, did not dry out. He notes that there is a very prominent outlet for this pond and feels that the area would be a nice habitat.

After review, Jim Ryan makes a motion, second by Steve Hampl, to allow the chair to review and sign the application when updated plans are finalized and provided. Motion passes unanimously; 6/0.

Correspondence
All correspondence is reviewed and discussed. No additional action is required.

Special Reports
Land Inquiries
A master list has been received from Assessor Rod Wood noting parcels in Northwood exceeding 40 acres. Mr. Roy requests maps of these areas and also the list to be provided electronically.

Lucas Pond/Woodman Park Study Committee
A discussion is held regarding a letter received regarding funding for Lucas Pond and possible impacts to the fishery there due to impacts from the erosion. Mr. Matson notes that there are impacts to the smelt population; however, this is due to the inlet, not to erosion. Mr. Roy states that an aquatics biologist would need to come in and assess the fisheries in the pond to see if there are impacts due to the erosion. If determined that there are impacts, then work could be completed based on the fisheries habitat fund.

Mr. Roy states that refurbishment work would only be funded through Fish and Game, if the town would be agree to sell a portion of the land or enter into a long term lease. Mr. Matson states that the normal time for a lease would be around 30 years. Mr. Roy adds that the project would be put into a queue for funds and he asks if the project is then cost shared. Mr. Matson states that he would be willing to address the item further with Fish and Game. 

Mr. Roy requests that a memo be sent to the Woodman Park Study Committee notifying the committee of cost sharing.

Mr. Matson provides a letter written by study committee member Jim Hadley regarding the sale of the Lucas Pond leased lots and requesting the funds of the sales be used to restore the Lucas Pond area. Mr. Matson notes that 15% of the residents in Northwood fish.

Underwood recommendations and figures are reviewed and discussed. Mr. Matson explains the proposal of work to be done. Ms. Young states that the benches are being replaced by CBNA student Steve Moore as his senior project. Mr. Matson states that the benches should not be affected by the erosion repair work. Ms. Young states that the recreation director has sent her an email stating the recreation commission would be willing to reimburse Mr. Moore for the supplies. Ms. Smith states that all necessary funds have been encumbered.

Northwood Lake Invasive Species 
Mr. Ryan states that he received a call from Pete Jones regarding the treatment of invasive species in Northwood Lake and why the NH Fish and Game Department would be getting involved. Mr. Ryan explains that NH Fish and Game has a role regarding the application of chemicals into the state’s lakes and to ensure that the companies are applying the chemicals correctly so that there is no affect on other areas of the lake.

NALMC
Ms. Young states that NALMC received a grant in the amount of $20,000. to be used for assessments. Bear Paws will be the fiscal agents for the grant.

Low Property
Ms. Smith states that the only thing left to do with the Low property is to set a date for closing. A discussion is held regarding the title and costs involved. Ms. Smith states that she has had discussions with town counsel regarding the title and costs involved. Ms. Smith will email members when the closing will occur.

Guptill Property
A site walk was held of the Guptill property. In attendance was Jim Ryan, Wini Young, Steve Roy, with Bob Bailey as the guide. Ms. Young states that she walked the entire parcel and noted many different habitats. She states that there is much potential for recreation use for the town. She adds that there is an existing path and the area has been logged.

Additional discussion is held regarding whether the commission should pursue the parcel and offer a price since the parcel has been on the market in the past and no action was taken. Mr. Ryan feels that the commission should proceed and offer a price. Mr. Hampl agrees and if the property owners are not interested, then the commission should move on to other areas.

Mr. Roy notes that the school board has completed an assessment of potential lots for the school. Four lots were identified for a middle school, this being one of those lots. Lengthy discussion ensues regarding pursuing other entities to share the purchase of lots that have some potential to benefit the town in the future. Ms. Smith notes that within the next few years the town will need a public safety building of some type. She adds that the police department will be creating a capital reserve fund this year for the future purchase of building expansion as they have outgrown their facility.

Mr. Roy states that he will prepare a draft document regarding the Guptill property and bring it into the next meeting for the commission to review. Mr. Lussier makes a motion, second by Mr. Ryan, to send out the letter and contact the school board. Motion passes; 6/0.

Ms. Smith will email Dan Kern and let him know that the commission anticipates paying the annual dues in the amount of $200. in March. 

The December meeting minutes are postponed to the next meeting.

Adjournment
Steve Hampl motions to adjourn. Jim Ryan seconds. Motion passes unanimously.
 
Respectfully submitted
Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary