Conservation Commission

Minutes

July 7, 2009

Official as of August 4, 2009

Chairman Steve Roy calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Present: Chairman Steve Roy, Vice Chairman Steve Hampl, Jim Ryan, Wini Young, Paul Lussier, Board Administrator Linda Smith, and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver. Mike Matson arrives at 7:16.

Absent: Loren O’Neil

Minutes
Steve Roy makes a motion, second by Jim Ryan, to approve the minutes as follows:
Page 1: Add: Ververidis, 188 First NH Turnpike. Map 231; Lot 35.
Page 1: Add: …flow…
Page 1: Add: …indicate…; Delete: support
Page 1: Delete: for the least minimal crossing; Add: …to minimize the…
Page 2: Add: …of Ibus Wildlife Consultant
Page 2: Delete: …Northwood…; Add: the NALMC region.
Page 2: Change to state: …specific location of the species will not be noted on the map.
Page 2: Change: …NALMC… to …NCC…
Page 2: Change to state: …books of the history of the park written by Ed Burtt;
Page 3: Delete: …due to the fact that a grant was received.
Page 4: Delete: …originally… Add: …an agreement…
Page 4: Add: …original… Delete: …originally…
Page 4: Add: …between two bodies of water…
Page 4: Add: …larger…
Page 4: Add: …owner…
Motion passes; 4/1. Steve Roy abstains as he was not at the meeting.

Mr. Roy states that for clarification purposes he would like to note that the minutes reflect him speaking to Ms. Young regarding the Anthony property. He explains that he did not speak to Ms. Young; however, received a summary email provided by Phil Auger of Bear Paw Regional Greenways (BPRG). He adds that he will bring the email to the next meeting. 

Appointments
Northwood Area Land Management Collaborative (NALMC)
Carl Wallman is present to meet with the commission and states that Northwood Meadows Discovery Day is scheduled for this Saturday July 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mr. Wallman provides an overview of the day’s events and explains the set up and layout of vendors with their tables and booths.

Mr. Wallman provides a list of items that have been purchased as well as donated and notes that there are some additional expenses. A discussion is held regarding the various maps that have been obtained and what still needs to be done. Mr. Wallman requests additional funding from the commission to cover maps. Mr. Roy states that he attended last month’s selectmen meeting and the selectmen support the event; however, they do not wish for town funds to be used to cover costs for portable toilets. Mr. Roy adds that the recreation department was planning to cover these costs; however, recreation is now not involved with Discovery Day. Mr. Wallman states that NALMC is planning to put out donation cans and hopes that these may cover additional expenses. He adds that the sale of books may also help defray costs. Mr. Roy to address additional funding issues at next month’s meeting and Mr. Wallman notes that it would be fine. 

Additional discussion is held regarding the commission’s table at Discovery Day and what the commission would like to have available. Mr. Roy offers to pick up the materials and maps as he and plans to attend the event.  

Mike Matson arrives at 7:49 p.m.

Financial Reports
A current expenditure is provided to members for their review. No discussion is held.

Consideration of Applications
Ververidis, 188 First NH Turnpike. Map 231; Lot 35.
Tom Varney of Varney Engineering is present to meet with the commission regarding the proposed restaurant (existing art studio), owned by Elias Ververidis. Mr. Varney provides revised plans per the request of the commission from the June meeting.

Mr. Varney explains that the owners are proposing to convert a portion of the art studio into a pizza restaurant. Mr. Varney states that they plan to submit an application for the wetland crossing to NHDES and meet with the zoning board of adjustment for a special exception. Mr. Varney states that once they receive their state wetland permit they will submit an application to the ZBA.

Mr. Varney explains that the proposal is to convert a portion of the art studio into a pizza restaurant, and add a well on the back of the property to allow for a water supply system. The well will not fit on the front of the lot and requires a 125’ radius. He adds that the total impact is 789’, which is for the access road and for a trench to be dug for the utility lines. Mr. Varney explains that the road would have a limited use but it would be substantial enough to fix any necessary repairs to the well.

Mr. Varney explains that as a result of last month’s meeting he has made a few revisions to the plans. He states that as requested he has added the direction of water flow as well as the components of the fill. Mr. Roy states that the soils are poorly drained in this area. Mr. Varney states that this is a forested wetland.

Mr. Varney states that the application is a standard application since it is commercial property, which requires a standard dredge and fill application. Mr. Roy requests that the citation be provided to the commission to explain the need relative to commercial property.

The commission reviews the special exception criteria as well as the plans. A site walk is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, at 9:00 a.m.

Standard Dredge & Fill: Coe Brown Northwood Academy (CBNA), 907 First NH Turnpike. Map 217; Lots 65 & 66 and Map 218; Lot 1. 
Wini Young recuses herself from discussions relative to CBNA.

Geoff Aleva, of Civil Consultants is present to meet with the board regarding CBNA. Mr. Aleva explains that Civil Consultants is the applicant representing  CBNA. Letters of authorization have been provided from CBNA as well as from the Davidsons, property owners of Map 218; Lot 1, the access road location.

Mr. Aleva explains that CBNA has hired Civil Consultants to help CBNA with master planning for space needs and future expansions. Aerial photography and topography have been done of the 700+ acres of land on both sides of Rte 4 as well as a complete wetland assessment between Rte 4 and near the ball fields. He refers to a wetland value and assessment, which has been completed by Highland Soil Services. Mr. Aleva states that as a part of the assessment they have an understanding of what the wetlands look like around the campus. He adds that he met with Dori Wiggins of NHDES last summer to obtain some guidelines relative to the proposed campus improvements. Mr. Roy asks if the wetlands assessment was driven by the fact that CBNA is going to have a Master Plan. Mr. Aleva replies yes and explains that he has met with CBNA trustees to see what they need for class room space, athletic fields, and try to gain a sense of the future, this will be based on the history of students, existing facilities for athletic fields, future endowments, future buildings, particularly an arts and music building, and looking at long range planning for the campus. He adds that Civil Consultants needed to assess what CBNA has for existing facilities, what the topography looks like, and if there are any environmental or wetland issues on site. He refers to the C1 plan which gives an indication of what exists and where the wetlands are located as well as what can be done.

Mr. Aleva states that they are trying to break the work down into multiple phases. One of the first goals is to look into relocating the existing athletic fields along Rte. 4 as this area is a potential future building location site. He explains that the lower area is a prime building area as this will keep buildings within one area and keeps classroom transition time short.

Mr. Aleva explains that access and egress from Rte. 4 during high traffic times is very difficult. He states that they have discussed optional traffic patterns with one option being a one way entrance off from Rte 4, behind Smith Hall. He adds that the Davidson property has become available to purchase (Map 218; Lot 1,) and a purchase and sales agreement has been executed. The purchase of this lot will provide access to the campus off of Rte 4, along Bow Lake Road. Analysis of the campus traffic patterns indicates that between 85-90% of the students and staff come from the southeastern part of Rte 4 and turns into the main entrance of CBNA. He adds that the majority of these students come down Bow Lake Rd., onto Rte. 4, and into the campus. This new access proposal will allow students and staff to avoid the intersection and enter the campus parking area. Further explanation of the traffic drop off plan is given and Mr. Aleva states that they also propose to add sidewalks and gates. He adds that this proposal will reduce traffic issues along Rte 4 as well as any issues on the campus, within the tunnel area, and the drop off site.

Mr. Aleva explains that knowing that there may be a building added to the campus within the next 6 months to 20 years, near Rte. 4, they plan to add and relocate a soccer and softball field to the upper portion of the property. This upper area has a minimum impact to the wetlands and will keep the fields in a close proximity to the main campus, near parking areas, and student access for physical education classes.

Mr. Aleva states that they have submitted a site plan review application to the planning board and the drainage analysis has been completed. A gravel wetland is proposed to be constructed as part of the drainage system, which will treat storm water that comes down the hill, off/under the athletic fields. Mr. Roy asks the size of the culvert for the storm event and Mr. Aleva replies that he believes that the system has been designed for a 25 year storm, which is a requirement for NHDES. Mr. Aleva explains that the new fields will be underdrained.

Additional discussion is held regarding the wetland impacts and storm water management. Mr. Aleva refers to sheet C4 and the overall scale of the project. Mr. Roy states that the existing parking area is very poorly constructed. Mr. Aleva agrees and explains that there are not many options without having to redo the entire area. He explains that there is no existing berm next to the parking area. The application for alteration of terrain includes a storm water maintenance plan. He adds that there are no plans to disrupt the parking area; however, they are looking to improve areas that can be improved.

Mr. Roy asks about the impacts to the access road. Mr. Aleva explains that the areas of impact, one being the fill of the roadway and the other two areas are impacts being created for maintenance. He explains the gravel wetland, sheet C6, which provides better details of the water flow. He states that storm water flows into the pond, seeps through the soil, captured by underdrain system, and discharges through the detention pond. Mr. Aleva states that this is a retention feature with quality control gained through the water percolating  through the subsoil media with a lifespan of 5-10 years depending on the loading. This is all included in the maintenance plan provided. He adds that there will be irrigation and it is a sandy soil area. He adds that he is unsure as to fertilization that CBNA does for the fields. Mr. Roy states that the fill aspects for this size wetland impact are modest. Mr. Aleva adds that once you reach the top of the campus, there are some pocket wetlands so this proposal is perfect in allowing the field locations to be close to the main campus and the least impact.

General plan review continues. Ms. Smith refers to the wetlands near the tennis courts as it appears there is a wetland impact. Mr. Aleva explains that there is not an impact and feels that finer line work could be provided. He states that a wetlands permit was filed and denied and unfortunately he does not have any additional information as to the reasons for the denial. Ms. Smith does not recall any permits being submitted for any work beyond Smith Hall. 

Mr. Aleva states that the property drains to the west into Sherburne Brook. He refers to the alteration of terrain permit and describes the topography of the site. He adds that no permit has been received to date. He explains that everything provided is 2 ft. contours and they have verified contours as part of the location of the wetlands and aerial photography. He states that the field checks are within 1/10’ of the aerial. Mr. Roy states that he sees a need to treat as much water through filtration as possible due to the most recent bacteria in Harvey Lake. He states that the eastern most underdrain below the proposed athletic field has a direct discharge to the wetland area without going through the storm water treatment system and asks why this is. Mr. Aleva states that storm water will be treated as it flows down the hill and into the field. It will percolate through the loam and sand layer so there will be filtration and treatment. He adds that this process treats some nutrients and keeps the temperature down. He adds that he will look further into the amount of flow and states that Sherburne Brook does not flow into Harvey Lake; it actually flows back to Bow Lake.   

Mr. Ryan states that this is a lot of information that has been presented in a short amount of time. Mr. Roy notes that there will be less impervious area with the proposal than what exists. He adds that he believes that this is the first large project in town that will have a storm water management plan associated with it and be revisited every 5 years. Mr. Aleva adds that as part of the site plan there is a storm water maintenance plan provided and an inspection log. Mr. Roy states that there is no future run off from the parking area. Mr. Aleva replies that this is correct and the storm water will not flow across the large parking lot area. Mr. Ryan asks about the seasonal impacts with the waterflow. He expresses concern with the magnitude of information provided. 

Mr. Matson asks about the amount of parking and an overflow area. Mr. Aleva replies that as far as usage of the parking area, CBNA does not feel that this will increase. He explains that the idea is to take the poor quality field and use it for physical education and practice fields. There is no additional parking proposed and they are trying to minimize the wetland impacts so if there are future parking issues, they will do as much pervious paving as possible and not fill any wetlands between Sherburne Brook and Rte. 4. There is enough upland to work with and fit things in. He adds that Civil Consultants understanding with CBNA, as the work progresses, is that they will be on site doing inspections to make sure that the plans are being followed as designed, erosion control measures are being completed and met. No sidewalks are proposed on the two lane access road.

The commission reviews the application checklist and determines that the application is not complete as the following items are not included:
• Certified Wetland Stamp - to be added to the plan and the wetlands report;
• Abutters list and notifications; and
• Copy of tax maps of properties.

Steve Roy makes a motion, second by Mike Matson, for staff to review and check for the completed submission of the following items:
• Certified Wetland Stamp - to be added to the plan and the wetlands report;
• Abutters list and notifications; and
• Copy of tax maps of properties.
and once received, forward along in the normal process to the town clerk. Motion passes unanimously.

Special Reports
Lalish Culvert
Jim Ryan states that he did meet with the Lalishs who stated that they do not have the funds to proceed with the work to replace the culvert. He states that the Lalishs are currently trying to get a grant for wetland preservation. The project is in the priority list; however, at this time they do not believe they will get an answer for 18 months. Mr. Ryan explains that this is the only house past the culvert and he believes that emergency vehicles could not make it over the culvert. Mr. Ryan states that the Lalishs will follow up with him and possibly address again next spring.

Further discussion is held regarding the status of the road and to what extent the town is required to make sure that the road is not ruined. Ms. Smith states that the town cannot expend funds on a Class VI road, which is what identifies the road to be a Class VI road and the town does not guarantee passage on a Class VI road.

Discussion is held regarding a site walk; however, nothing is scheduled at this time. Mr. Ryan asks if a letter of support should be sent to the wetlands preservation agency for the ecological assessment. Ms. Smith states that there is an agreement and release signed in their property file. She states that the Lalishs installed the culvert and there was an agreement for some repairs to be done to the road. She adds that there is also an easement granted to the town for fire fighting purposes.

Kelsey Mill Marker
A discussion is held regarding proceeding with the marker for the Kelsey Mill property. Funds were included in this year’s budget; however, these funds have been used for special day activities; Discovery Day. The board discusses the possibility of postponing the issue until next year. Mike Matson motions to postpone ordering the marker this year and Jim Ryan seconds. Motion passes; 6/0. Mr. Roy requests the item be added to the October agenda to be included in the 2010 budget with a new quote to be obtained.  

Stipends-Town Report
A discussion is held regarding the issuing of stipends. Mr. Ryan feels that 105 people are receiving stipends. Mr. Ryan states that he was trying to clarify any other committees or groups that are receiving stipends. Ms. Smith explains that fire department and police department personnel, as well as ballot clerks, receive stipends, or salary. She adds that she is very confident that no boards or committees receive any compensation. Mr. Ryan states that he would like to meet with Ms. Smith to go over this issue further. Mr. Ryan notes that the positions of each person were previously listed in the town report and now are not included. 

Mr. Ryan left at 10:10 p.m.

RFQ’s – Forester Interviews
Ms. Smith states that Selectman Dill has been appointed as the selectmen’s
representative to assist in the interview process. Dates for this work session are
are suggested to be July 21 and 22, 6:30 p.m. 

Anthony
The appraisal has been received regarding the Anthony property. Mr. Roy offers to draft a letter from the commission to Anthonys for the next meeting. Steve Hampl makes a motion, second by Paul Lussier, for Mr. Roy to draft a letter and bring it for discussion at the next meeting. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0. Mr. Hampl expresses concern with the fact that the funds were spent, nothing was done with the appraisal, and the cost was not shared with the property owner. 

Guptill
Mr. Roy offers to draft a letter to the Guptills and bring it to the next meeting for review and discussion.

Financial Reports
Conservation Fund
Ms. Young requested an updated figure of the conservation fund.

Correspondence
All correspondence is reviewed and no actions are required.

Adjournment
Mr. Matson motions to adjourn. Mr. Hampl seconds and the motion passes at 10:30 p.m. 5/0.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary