Conservation Commission

Minutes

April 1, 2008

Official as of May 6, 2008

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

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

ABSENT: Loren O’Neil, and Steve Hampl

Election of Officers:
Chairman: Mike Matson nominates Steve Roy for chairman. Second by Jim Ryan. A discussion is held regarding the chairman position and the meetings. Mr. Roy encourages other members to consider chairing the meetings. Mr. Matson notes that Mr. Roy has the expertise to continue as the chair and has been doing a great job. Other board members agree. Ms. Young thanks Mr. Roy for his willingness to do so much for the commission. Mr. Roy accepts the nomination as chair. Motion passes; 3/0/1. Mr. Roy abstains.

Vice-Chairman: Mike Matson nominates Jim Ryan for vice-chairman. Second by Wini Young. Mr. Ryan accepts the nomination as vice-chair. Motion passes; 3/0/1. Mr. Ryan abstains.

VOTING DESIGNATION: Chairman Steve Roy, Vice Chairman Jim Ryan, Michael Matson, and Alternate Wini Young.

OTHER
Board Administrator Comments
Budget/Forest Management Plan: A discussion is held regarding the budget, which was approved. Ms. Smith explains that last year’s budget was approved $6,441. This year’s approved budget is $13,393. Mr. Roy notes that $4,000. was for the forest management plan and $7,000 was for contracted services. Mr. Ryan states that Bob Graves, forester, reviewed the proposal from Forester Charlie Moreno, and commented that it was a good plan. Mr. Ryan adds that Mr. Graves may be interested in joining the commission. The September 28, 2007 scope of work from Mr. Moreno is reviewed and the purchase order process is explained. Jim Ryan makes a motion, second by Mike Matson, for the NCC to go forward with the forest management proposal and request that Mr. Moreno attend the May 6 meeting. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0. A memo to be sent to the BOS requesting signature on the contract and purchase order and a letter be sent to Mr. Moreno requesting he attend the May 6 meeting.

Budget/Contracted Services:
Mr. Roy states that as far as the contracted services, the commission had originally requested $10,000 and the line was reduced to $7,000. Mr. Roy requests that Mr. Matson lead the erosion aspect of the Lucas Pond project. Discussion ensues regarding the work related to erosion. Mr. Roy suggests a site walk and discussions with the town’s engineer, then obtain a cost estimate to repair the area. Ms. Smith states that due to the amount of money, the selectmen would need to approve the spending. She suggests that a representative meet with BOS and get an understanding of the project. Further discussion is held regarding the safety issues of Lucas Pond Beach area with the railroad ties. Mr. Matson will meet with the selectmen to address the safety issues, and to obtain a cost estimate for engineering review, development, and implementing an erosion control plan. 

Steve Roy makes a motion, second by Jim Ryan, for Mike Matson to be the special project manager of the Lucas Pond Beach area efforts, to coordinate and schedule resources accordingly, and make decisions as necessary on behalf of the commission. Motion passes; 3/0/1. Mr. Matson abstains. 

Further discussion is held regarding the Lucas Pond Beach area relating to more of a recreation focus. Mr. Matson notes that April 26 is opening day for fishing. Discussion is held regarding having a portable toilet and dumpster added to the Lucas Pond Beach area. Ms. Young states that this is town owned land and the area has previously been noted for problems.

ZBA Cases:
Mr. Roy provides a draft letter to the commission members for their review regarding requests for appeals that have recently been approved. Mr. Roy explains that these lots were previously approved subdivisions done by the planning board in the late 70’s. Discussion ensues regarding private roads and RSA 674:41. Ms. Smith states that the voters in Northwood approved an amendment in March 2008 to the zoning ordinances clarifying that all lots shall have adequate frontage. Further concern is noted that with the appeals granted it is opening back lot development in the town.

Amendments to the letter are suggested and Mr. Roy makes a motion, second by Mr. Ryan, for all amendments to be made as discussed, secretary to resend to Mr. Roy for final review and approval, then forward to the selectmen. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

PUBLIC INPUT
Erika Washburn, UNH student, is present regarding her dissertation research relative to the 14 towns involved with the Lamprey Watershed. She explains that she is trying to attend board meetings of these 14 towns. She plans to interview members of committees and boards throughout these towns.  Mr. Roy asks what the thesis of dissertation is. Ms. Washburn replies that her thesis is based on the managed decision making and processing of the towns with a watershed perspective. 

Also in attendance is Colleen Kent, UNH student majoring in Environment Operations. She explains that she is present to report on issues from local organizations.

OTHER BUSINESS
Conservation Commission Fund
Ms. Smith refers to the March 25 selectmen’s meeting regarding the CC fund. A suggestion was made at the BOS meeting to consider adjusting the percentage of the current use tax from 50%. Mr. Bryer noted that there is approximately $500,000 currently in the fund and he suggested that the percentage be amended at next year’s town meeting. Ms. Young notes that some towns are at 50% but have a cap.

Additional discussion in held regarding the different properties in town that the NCC should look into and discuss. Mr. Roy suggests that the commission work on inquiry letters at the May meeting. Ms. Young offers to contact Dan Kern of Bear Paw Regional Greenways.

Ongoing Projects
Ms. Smith explains that town counsel will be doing their final review on the Low project documents. She hopes that the planning board will have the information at their next meeting for their review. Mr. Roy notes that the projects still ongoing are the Lows, Johnsons, and Graves. Mr. Roy states that he will contact the Lows regarding the process of the project and paperwork.

Lucas Pond – Fishing Season
Mr. Matson refers to a selectmen’s meeting he attended last summer regarding unsanitary conditions at the Lucas Pond Beach. He explains that the selectmen motioned and approved the rental of a chemical toilet to begin from that point on through Labor Day and it did not occur. He requests a memo be sent to the BOS again noting that there is a real need for a chemical toilet especially for the fishing season, which opens on April 26. In addition, he requests that a dumpster be placed in the area. Mike Matson makes a motion, second by Jim Ryan, to send a memo to the BOS requesting a chemical toilet and dumpster for Lucas Pond. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Members and Re-Appointments
Ms. Smith provides a copy of RSA 41:3 relative to members and terms. She states that the statute states that a member is in office until there is a successor. In addition, she notes that alternate members need to be appointed by the selectmen. Terms expiring are Stephen Roy as a regular member and Pauline Lemelin as an alternate member. She notes that Wini Young is the only alternate with a term to expire in 2009. Mr. Roy makes a motion to recommend Ms. Young from alternate member to full member, consistent with the current term, which will expire in 2009. Mr. Ryan seconds. Motion passes; 3/0/1. Wini Young agrees to recommended change and abstains from voting.

Steve Roy makes a motion, second by Mike Matson to send the selectmen a memo requesting to reappoint Pauline Lemelin as an alternate, with a three year term.  Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Jim Ryan makes a motion, second by Wini Young to send the selectmen a memo requesting to reappoint Stephen Roy as a regular member, with a three year term.  Motion passes; 3/0/1. Mr. Roy abstains.

A discussion is held regarding the need for additional members. The commission agrees to send a memo to the selectmen requesting an advertisement be placed on the town’s website for one additional full time member for the NCC and for the selectmen to determine the length of the term.

NEW APPLICATIONS
Permit By Notification: Marilyn Payne, 107 Lakshore Dr. Map 109; Lot 43.
Copies of the application are provided and reviewed. After review and discussions, the application is deemed to be incomplete. Per the plan requirements of the PBN application, the NCC requests that a letter be sent to the applicant noting the following items need to be provided:
• A description and/or depiction of the siltation erosion and turbidity control measures on the site plan;
• Provide the name of the plan’s author and the date the plan was drawn;
• Label the normal high water line on the plan; and
• Provide a description of materials proposed.

Steve Roy makes a motion, second by Jim Ryan, to send a letter to the applicant requesting the above information. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0. Jim Ryan makes a motion, second by Mike Matson, for the chair to review the update materials and sign the application, when the completed information is provided. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

CORRESPONDENCE 
All correspondence is reviewed. No action is required. Updated grant information is made available to members.

MEMBERS COMMENTS/UPDATES
Wini Young states that David Price was her original contact regarding the issue on Old Mountain Rd. She states that she feels that this still needs to be looked into as there are possible wetland violations. She notes that the commission did send a memo to Mr. Price regarding the matter and requests permission from the commission to contact Mr. Price and at this point state that she is representing the commission.

Ms. Young states that June 7th is trails day in New Hampshire. She states that there is a trail system which includes Carl Wallman’s land. She asks for permission to place a sign along Winding Hill Road and at the end of the old part of the trail system. Mr. Roy states that the permission should be given from that property owner.

Ms. Young states that Sarah Ward has contacted her regarding the cutting in the Northwood Narrows. Ms. Young explains the proposed trimming and the cutting will keep the swath area open for the view the Johnsons want to preserve.

Mr. Roy states that there may be an issue due to the new regulations of the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (CSPA) as there may be a minimum percentage of underscoring that must be maintained. He suggests that she call and confirm this info before any cutting is done and actually have someone walk the area as well. Mr. Roy makes a motion, for Ms. Young to contact NHDES noting the cutting intent and ask about the new rules for the CSPA, and contact the county forester. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Ms. Young states that discussion was held regarding placing a historic marker/plaque at the Kelsey Mill site. She offers to research the costs and styles. A catalog will be brought in and the issue will be addressed at the next meeting. 

ADJOURNMENT:
Jim Ryan makes a motion, second by Mike Matson, to adjourn at 10:00 p.m. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary