Conservation Commission

Minutes

July 20, 2009

Official as of August 4, 2009

Chairman Steve Roy called the work session to order at 6:30 p.m.

Present: Chairman Steve Roy, Vice Chairman Steve Hampl, Jim Ryan, Paul Lussier, Mike Matson, and Selectmen Representative Alden Dill. 

Absent: Loren O’Neil, and Wini Young

Mr. Roy explained that the purpose of the work session is for the commission members to review the RFQ’s received for the town forester position and then to conduct interviews beginning at 7 p.m. for approximately 45 minutes each. General discussions were held and interview questions for the candidates were drafted.

At 7:00 p.m. the commission met with Robert Graves, representative of Bean Hill Forest Services, LLC. Mr. Roy provided a brief overview of past practices with the town and foresters. Mr. Graves explained Bean Hill’s qualifications and what the company is proposing to do for the town. He mentioned various types of timber products and stated that the values of timber are down at this time and pulp markets will be the way of the future. General discussion ensued regarding the assessed fees and potential revenue for the town. Mr. Roy thanked Mr. Graves for coming in and meeting with the commission.

Also interviewed was consulting forester Charles Moreno. Mr. Moreno provided background of his history and experience throughout the area. In addition, he stated that he has had experience specific with Northwood for about 8 years. Mr. Moreno stated that he feels that the town’s focus should be with wood lot improvement and management. The condition of the forester is aged and doing well at this time and will be a good resource with cuttings and thinnings.  

General discussion ensued as the interview continued. Mr. Roy thanked Mr. Moreno for his time to meet with the commission.

The commission continued to discuss the town’s general forest management plan, and the interviews of the perspective candidates. General consensus was that the applicants were both adequate and qualified. Some concern was mentioned relative to experiences. After lengthy discussion, a vote was taken by a show of hands; 4 in favor for Bean Hill and 2 in favor for Mr. Moreno, shown as follows:
Bean Hill:                                                    Charles Moreno:
Alden Dill       Steve Roy
Jim Ryan       Mike Matson
Steve Hampl
Paul Lussier

Adjournment
Mr. Ryan motioned to adjourn. Mr. Lussier seconded the motion at 9:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. 

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver Board Secretary