Conservation Commission

June 3, 2008

Minutes

Official as of July 1, 2008 

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

PRESENT: Chairman Steve Roy, Vice Chairman Jim Ryan, Steve Hampl, Alternate Pauline Lemelin, and Board Administrator Linda Smith. Michael Matson arrives at 7:06.

ABSENT: Wini Young

MINUTES:
May 6, 2008: Steve Roy makes a motion, second by Steve Hampl, to approve the minutes of 5/6/08, as amended as follows:
Page 3: Desaulier (spelling)
Page 6: Change …will be… to …may include…

Mr. Roy makes a motion, second by Steve Hampl, to adopt the minutes as amended. Motion passes; 4/0/1. Mr. Ryan is opposed.

Non-Public Session
Motion to enter into a non public session per RSA 91A:IIa(c), personnel,  is made by Steve Roy and seconded by Steve Hampl. With a roll call vote, the motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

8:03 p.m.
Motion to exit the non public session is made by Steve Roy, seconded by Jim Ryan. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.
Motion to seal the minutes of the non public session is made by Steve Roy, seconded by Jim Ryan. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

OTHER BUSINESS
Lucas Pond
Mr. Roy states that Mr. Dryer of Underwood Engineering needs to address some components of the plan. A discussion is held regarding the role of Mike Matson and possible conflicts. Mr. Roy states that he feels that Mr. Matson will be an asset to the project; however, should not be heading up the lease discussion as the project manager.

Mr. Matson reads a draft letter to NHF&G regarding maintaining public access. He provides some background on the request to find funds through the NHF&G. He states that repairing the launch area will improve and benefit the fish habitat for the smelt in the pond. Mr. Matson states that the hope is to get a 30 year lease agreement with Fish and Game granting access for the general public.

Mr. Matson expresses concern with there being no funds for next year to implement the plan. He adds that this effort has nothing to do with a beach; it is for access for the area.

Ms. Smith asks if there has been any further development in locating an agreement with the state and town. Mr. Matson states that he has not been able to locate anything for the site. He refers to a document regarding access to the site but there are no specifics.

A discussion is held regarding the proposed letter. Steve Roy makes a motion, second by Pauline Lemelin, to make amendments as mentioned.

Further discussion is held regarding the fact that the signature of Mr. Matson states his place of employment. The commission feels that there is no problem with this and Mr. Matson states that he feels that his title should stay as it may have an impact. Ms. Smith refers to the town’s conflict of interest policy in that there may be a conflict and an opportunity for criticism of the NCC’s efforts. Mr. Matson states that this is going to benefit the town. Mr. Roy feels that the letter is fine with noting Mr. Matson’s employment. He adds that the next decision or letter may be the issue as there will be something delivered to the NHF&G and the town. This letter is a request for input. Ms. Smith states that she does not feel that it is appropriate for a volunteer to use their job title as part of a town board. Mr. Matson states that there is an absolute value of the letter noting the NCC and the affiliation of his job. The commission feels that it is fine for Mr. Matson to note his membership and job title and the motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

Mike Matson steps out at 8:35 to obtain the electronic version so that the letter can be put on letterhead.

Forester Bids
Ms. Smith states that it is the responsibility of the commission to handle the bid process. Ms. Smith explains that letters can be sent or phone calls can be made to foresters.

Ms. Smith states that she viewed the licensure board for the state and there are many foresters listed. Discussion ensues and the board agrees to send a letter requesting bids to 12 foresters located within Northwood, Strafford, Nottingham, and Deerfield. Steve Roy makes a motion, second by Jim Ryan, to send letters to 12 foresters within the regional area. Mr. Roy states that he will contact Ms. Young regarding Sara Ward and also contact Robert Graves III. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

Historical Marker
Ms. Lemelin states that she has spoken to Hall Monument regarding stones for the Kelsey Mill site. The cost increases per additional letters. She adds that they did mention that they may donate a stone. Further research is to be done and the issue will be addressed at the next meeting. Mr. Ryan notes that there may be a need to have some clearing of greenery done.

Ms. Smith states that Ms. Young called her and mentioned that she is still pursuing the matter. Ms. Smith mentions that the state has historical markers and she will check into this option as well.

Indian Bowl
Ms. Smith mentions the Indian Bowl on Ridge Road. She suggests that the commission check into it as a natural resource. She notes that the Indian Bowl is on a surveyed plan completed by Rick Turner. Discussion is held regarding the location. Ms. Smith states that she does not believe this is on a historic registry. She will have the plan available for the July meeting.

Appraisal/Land Projects
Mr. Roy explains that the Low’s attorney has forwarded the information to Mitchell and Bates for review. Ms. Smith states that she has not received any comments to date. Ms. Smith states that Atty. Mitchell may have some questions regarding the commission’s interest. Jim Ryan makes a motion, second by Pauline Lemelin, for Steve Roy to represent the NCC regarding any activity related to the Low property. Motion passes unanimously; 3/1. Mr. Roy abstains.

Milfoil Treatment
Ms. Smith states that information has come in noting plans to treat Northwood Lake this week for Milfoil. She states that the beaches are open now and the recommendation was for no swimming for seven days after the treatment. Mr. Roy adds that the NCC does not receive any information regarding releasing funds for payment of the treatments.

CORRESPONDENCE 
All correspondence is reviewed and a discussion is held regarding the Lamey property, Rte. 4. Mr. Roy states that NHDES is aware of the cutting and Mr. Roy notes that the argument presented was that Mr. Lamey had substantial investment in the property. Further discussion is held regarding the setback requirements of the lot. 
 
Mike Matson returns and the letter previously addressed to be sent to NHF&G is edited, reviewed, and signed by the members.
Pervious concrete information was received from the building inspector as he attended a conference. Mr. Roy makes a motion, second by Jim Ryan, that this information be forwarded to the water resources committee. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

Ms. O’Neil arrives and informs the board that there was not a quorum at the recreation meeting for the Lucas Pond Beach project so it was not discussed. 
 
ADJOURNMENT:
Jim Ryan makes a motion, second by Pauline Lemelin, to adjourn at 9:54 p.m. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary