Conservation Commission

Minutes

May 7, 2006

Official as of June 6, 2006

Chairman Stephen Roy calls the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

PRESENT: Chairman Stephen Roy, Steve Hampl, Alternate Wini Young, and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver. Board Administrator Linda Smith arrives at 8:00 p.m.

VOTING DESIGNATION: Chairman Stephen Roy, Steve Hampl, and Wini Young.

ABSENT: Vice-Chairman James Ryan, Loren O’Neil and Alternate Pauline Lemelin.

MINUTES:

3/24/06: Steve Roy makes a motion, second by Wini Young, to accept the minutes of March 24, 2006, as written. Motion passes; 2/0/1. Steve Hampl abstains, as he was not at the meeting.  

4/4/06: Steve Roy makes a motion, second by Steve Hampl, to accept the minutes of April 4, 2006, as written. Motion passes; 2/0/1. Wini Young abstains, as she was not a member of the board.

REPORTS:

Gulch Mountain Acres Report - Steve Hampl was present at the meeting

along with the owner of property, an abutter, a representative from Underwood Engineering, and Grace Levergood of the NH Dam Bureau. Mr. Hampl states that the town administrator was not in attendance and there was no member of the board of selectmen present either. Mr. Hampl explains that they walked the area. No work has begun at this time and Underwood has no specific date to begin as they need to wait until the water level is lowered from spring run off. Mr. Roy requests that a letter be sent to Underwood requesting courtesy copies of any documents relative to the dam.

APPOINTMENTS:

Chris Meyer, Rochester Road. Map 234; Lot 7; Sublot 4. Mr. Meyer states that he would like to build a helipad or landing area for his helicopter. The area for the pond is in proximity to a wetland area. He explains that the pad would be 12’ x 12’ and built using all natural structures either using stones or hemlocks, nailed or tied together; however, it will be within the 20’ setback. A discussion is held as the commission reviews the development ordinances and the definition of a structure. Plans are reviewed and additional discussion is held regarding if dredge and filling falls into a type of use that would require a special exception from the zoning board. The board refers to the definition of a structure within the ordinances and determines that what has been described is a structure. A site walk is scheduled for May 19, 2006, at 3:00 p.m.

NEW APPLICATIONS:

Minimum Impact Expedited Application: Dunbar, 27 Klaubert Dr, Map

101/Lot 4. Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar are present. The application is reviewed. Mr. Dunbar explains that this is for a new retaining wall. Mrs. Dunbar states that the project will occur during the fall months. The area to be disturbed will not disturb more than 50’ and there is still 25’ from the abutters. General discussions are held as the commission reviews the application and after review of the application, the commission determines that the Dunbar’s have filled out the wrong application. The minimum impact application cannot be used for projects within the water. The correct application is the minimum standard dredge and fill application as there is less than 3,000 sq. ft. of impact. Mr. Roy explains that this application does not require CC signatures as the state deals with the process; however, they are welcome to meet again with the commission to make sure the application is complete. 

APPOINTMENTS:

Dan Kern, Bear Paw Regional Greenways, Johnson Property, First NH Turnpike. Mr. Dan Kern is present from Bear Paw Regional Greenways regarding the Johnson property. The appraisal has been received and was previously distributed, as requested. General discussions are held as the commission reviews the information regarding the appraisal and the parcel amount. Mr. Kern states that the Johnsons are not happy with the appraisal. Mr. Roy states that he will review other appraisals and draft a letter to Louis Mannius with information from other appraisals that the town has had done.

Further discussion is held regarding the location of the septic system and the option to push it back further to the restaurant. Options are mentioned to suggest that the soils be replaced and included in an easement. Steve Hampl makes a motion, second by Wini Young, for Mr. Roy to contact Louis Mannius from Capital Appraisal and speak to him regarding the appraisal and report of lands and buildings for the Johnson property, located on First NH Turnpike. Motion passes unanimously; 3/0.

Cathy Copp, Property East Northwood. Mr. Roy states that Ms. Copp contacted him regarding a 23 acre parcel with an access easement through the PSNH corridor, an 800’ long easement on the property. They want $325,000 for the property. A discussion is held regarding the surrounding properties. Mr. Roy explains that Ms. Copp stated that the property has been on the market for a while and added that the area is heavily used for horse back riding, walking, etc. The tax card and tax map are also reviewed. Mr. Roy has already explained to Ms. Copp that the NCC has a few projects currently in the queue and at this time these projects would be the priority. The commission discusses filing out a site evaluation of the property. After discussion, Mr. Hampl makes a motion, second by Wini Young, for Mr. Roy to contact Ms. Copp regarding what the beneficial public access component to the property as the property has restrictive access even through crossing PSNH land. Motion passes unanimously; 3/0.

Low Property Update:

Ms. Smith states that the Low’s have submitted a ZBA application. 

FOLLOW UP LIST:

Kelsey Mill: Ms. Young will contact Mr. Schroeder to schedule a time for a picture to be taken of the mill area with Mr. Schroeder and the NCC members. 

Weddle Letter: The letter to the Weddles is reviewed and amended accordingly and will be sent out to the Weddles.

Code Enforcement Correspondence:

Alukonis, 148 Tasker Shore Dr. Map 111; Lot 24. A memo was sent to the health officer requesting information if he had received anything on an approval of a septic system. Upgraded septic designs have been provided and are reviewed. The plans were signed by the health officer 3/22/06. Site walks pictures have been developed and are reviewed. A copy of the approval to be added to the file.

Cedric and Pamela Libby, 28 Bennett Bridge Rd. Map 106; Lot 30. A letter has been received from the code enforcement officer regarding clearing of pine trees in the vicinity of Bow Lake Lagoon. The Libby’s were advised that any clearing must conform to the NH Department of Environmental Services Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act. Mr. Roy explains that 50% of the basal area must be maintained within 150’ of the shore line. Steve Hampl makes a motion, second by Wini Young, to send a letter to the Libby’s regarding the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act and the possibility of cutting pine trees, with a copy to the code enforcement officer. Motion passes unanimously; 3/0. 

REVIEW  CORRESPONDENCE:      

All other correspondence is reviewed.

OTHER:

Mr. Hampl states that he contacted NH Department of Fish and Game relative to rules regarding shooting ranges as a follow up to the meeting with the Boy Scouts. Mr. Hampl states that Fish and Game virtually has no materials, requirements, or guidelines for shooting ranges.

Mr. Roy suggests that the NCC propose an ordinance change relative to invasive plant development.

ADJOURNMENT:

Steve Hampl makes a motion, second by Wini Young, to adjourn. Motion is unanimously accepted; 3/0 at 10:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver

Board Secretary

Town of Northwood

Conservation Commission Minutes

May 7, 2006