Conservation Commission

Minutes

April 3, 2007

Official as of May 1, 2007

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

PRESENT: Chairman Steve Roy, Vice-Chairman Jim Ryan, Steve Hampl, Michael Matson, Alternate Wini Young, Board Administrator and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver.

VOTING DESIGNATION: Steve Roy, Jim Ryan, Steve Hampl, Michael Matson, and Wini Young.

ABSENT: Loren O’Neil and Alternate Pauline Lemelin

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Jim Ryan makes a motion, second by Steve Hampl, to nominate Steve Roy to continue as chairman. Mr. Roy accepts the nomination. Motion passes 4/0/1. Mr. Roy abstains.

Steve Hampl makes a motion, second by Steve Roy, to nominate Jim Ryan for vice-chairman. Mr. Ryan accepts; however, he notes that he is currently the chairman of the school board. Motion passes 4/0/1. Mr. Ryan abstains.

Docko Site Walk:
The site walk began March 31, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. 
Conservation commission members present were Wini Young, Steve Hampl, Loren O’Neil, and Steve Roy. Robert Young was also in attendance as a member of the public.
The NCC visited the site of the proposed planned excavation, which constituted an upland area north of the property, currently owned by Mr. Docko, the southern boundary of the Big Woods Conservation Overlay District. General discussions with Mr. Docko were held regarding the following:
- wetlands crossings for access road
- erosion control devices for surface water runoff
- the anticipated long term reclamation of the site
- general operational guidelines or model that the applicant intends to follow at the site (general discussions of blasting programs and the frequencies of which it will occur)
- noticed existing wetlands in surrounding areas

Following the completion and review of the site, Mr. Docko stated that he did receive the variance from the ZBA and is still inclined to pursue the conservation easement on the property. The NCC offered to provide additional information regarding easement language and options in a special session held specifically with Mr. Docko and possibly Dan Kern, a representative of Bear Paw Regional Greenways. The NCC stated that they would follow up with Mr. Docko with suggested dates for this meeting. 

The site walk adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

APPOINTMENTS:
Robert Graves: 90 Green St. Map 231; Lot 24.1. Robert Graves II is present and provides a signed copy of the agreement to cover half the cost of the appraisal. He explains that he has spoken with Dan Kern from Bear Paw and the Graves’ will be working with Bear Paw and Bear Paw will be the easement holder. Mr. Graves notes that Mr. Kern stated that there may be a possibility
for funds from LCHP. Mr. Graves adds that Mr. Kern will be drafting the easement language. Mr. Graves states that he will be meeting with Dan Kern on April 17. Mr. Roy makes a motion, second by Mr. Ryan, for Ms. Young to reflect the NCC minutes at the next Bear Paw meeting, noting the town is supporting the Graves’ project. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

7:27 p.m. Mr. Roy makes a motion, second by Mr. Ryan, to go into a non public session under 91A:3(II)(c).
Roll call Vote:
Steve Hampl – yes
Jim Ryan – yes
Steve Roy – yes
Mike Matson – yes
Wini Young – yes
Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

Mr. Ryan makes a motion, second by Mr. Roy, to come out of non public session at 8:07 p.m. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

Mr. Ryan makes a motion, second by Mr. Matson, to seal the minutes of the non public session. Mr. Ryan states that no motions or actions were taken during the non public session. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

UPDATES:
Low, First NH Turnpike. Map 221; Lot 40. Mr. Roy provides detailed plans for the Low property, which have been provided from T.F. Bernier. The total parcel is approximately 100 acres. Mr. Roy states that he sent a full set of the plans to the Lows who reviewed the plans and were okay with what was presented.

Mr. Roy states that the permanent monuments have been set for the new lot. He explains that the town will be receiving the final plans, digital copies of plans, and a legal description of the new lot from T.F. Bernier as well.

Mr. Roy explains that the next step will be to meet with the selectmen and introduce the project. He suggests a work session with the planning board regarding the subdivision application. He adds that there will be an agreement created between the conservation commission and the Lows stating that the Lows will sell the lot to the town once the subdivision has been completed. Mr. Roy states that the NCC will now meet with the BOS, possibly April 10, and provide an introduction of the project.

Ms. Smith expresses concern with the access and the easement to the property. Discussion ensues regarding the access and Mr. Roy mentions discussions of a previous meeting that the NCC had with commissioners of the water district relative to the access for the road and the road maintenance.

Additional discussion is held regarding the subdivision application process. Ms. Smith explains the planning board application process and the options regarding meeting with the planning board. After discussion, the NCC will offer to assist the Lows with preparing the subdivision application as well as the planning board process. Mr. Roy will contact the Lows and suggest April 17 or 19. Mr. Roy states that he will draft a cover letter requesting waivers for planning board subdivision application fees. He will also email the draft agreement for the Lows and have this available for signatures at the NCC work session. Mr. Roy will contact T.F. Bernier and request 10 copies of the subdivision plans for the planning board. 

Mr. Ryan makes a motion, second by Mr. Hampl, for Steve Roy to be the sole representative for the NCC when sitting with board of selectmen to present facts for the Low property and other items of interest to the BOS. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

Elizabeth Rooney: Allen Farm Rd. Easement Map 220; Lot 10.
A discussion is held regarding the Rooney conservation easement handled by Bear Paw. Mr. Roy explains that the NCC motioned, per the request of Bear Paw, for a $3,500 donation to Bear Paw to help support the Northwood and Strafford easement. Further discussion is held regarding the process of monies per RSA 36:A in that to appropriate monies there must be a real gain or interest either by an easement or ownership; therefore, the town cannot pay Bear Paw as they are the holders of the easement. Suggestions are made that the title be modified to include the town as an owner or easement holder. Mr. Ryan makes a motion, second by Mr. Hampl, that Ms. Young convey to Bear Paw the issue regarding any payments of monies to Bear Paw related to the Rooney easement.

Conduct of Officials:
A brief discussion is held regarding the newly adopted conduct of officials. All members will need to sign the contract. An explanation is provided regarding abstaining under issues. Ms. Young states that she will abstain from voting when issues related to Bear Paw are discussed. Reference: Guidebook for NH Charitable Non Profit Organizations, Office of the NH Attorney General Charitable Trust Unit.
Mr. Ryan left at 9:00 p.m.

NEW APPLICATIONS:
Minimum Impact Expedited Applications: Guill, 18 Brown Rd. Map 119; Lot 24. The commission reviews the application and determines that the application is complete. A discussion is held regarding the fact that the water is mapped to the Town of Deerfield. The commission agrees to send a letter to the Town of Deerfield as a courtesy and attach a copy of the boat lift installation. Also to copy NHDES the letter to Deerfield along with the application. Mr. Hampl makes a motion that the chairman sign the minimum impact application for Guill; Map 119; Lot 24. Mr. Matson seconds and the motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Shoreline Restoration Plan: Gaviat Green restoration plan has been received.

Budget:
Ms. Smith states that the selectmen are requesting that there be no spending unless it is imperative and that each department cut 3% from their budgets. A discussion is held as budget items are reviewed. The NCC’s total budget is $6,441. After review of the budget, the NCC agrees to recommend to reduce $400 from line 820/Training and Conferences. Additional discussion is held regarding the budget of the NCRC. No plans were received from the NCRC regarding their budget. The NCC requests that Ms. Young, contact the NCRC for plans for their budget and if there are any possible reductions that the NCRC could make as well.

Other budget discussions are held regarding this year’s purchases. Mr. Roy states that the NCC would like to purchase a large map rack for the upper portion of the town hall; possible cost share with the planning board. 

Additional discussion is held regarding the town’s forestry project. Ms. Smith will contact Charlie Moreno, the town’s forester regarding updating the town’s forest management plan.

Milfoil:
Ms. Weaver notes that there are many Milfoil treatment pamphlets leftover for the beach racks. Mr. Roy states that he will revisit the beaches for the racks and report back for next month. He adds that the NCC should place an ad for Milfoil in the Suncook Sun. Ad to begin in May. 

CORRESPONDENCE:
All correspondence is reviewed.

ADJOURNMENT:
Motion to adjourn is made by Steve Roy and seconded by Steve Hampl. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0 at 9:45 p.m.  

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver,
Board Secretary