The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire - Conservation Commission Minutes 08/05/08

PUBLIC INPUT
Mike Matson makes a motion to postpone the public input portion to later on in the meeting. Steve Hampl seconds and the motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

MINUTES
July 1, 2008:
Page 2: Add: Conservation easements…; …easement…
Page 3: Add: …for NALMC to cut a trail 500 yards long in order to connect a
trail from the park to the Wallman property.
Page 5: Strike: Discussion ensues regarding the process of positions of the planning board and conservation commission.
Page 5: Add: …Bear Paw Regional Greenways has some projects in Northwood…

A discussion is held regarding the paragraph regarding the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (CSPA) section, Page 6 of the 7/1/08 minutes. After discussion, members feel that the wording is not clear as to what the town can or can not do regarding the 50’ setback that the state has implemented from the shoreland as compared to the town’s regulation of 20’ building setbacks as noted in the development ordinances. NHDES information relative to the CSPA is reviewed and further discussion is held. Clarification is requested relative to the CSPA. Jim Ryan makes a motion, second by Steve Hampl, to postpone the minutes of 7/1/08 to the September meeting. Motion passes 3/0/2. Loren O’Neil and Mike Matson abstain as they were not at the meeting. Loren O’Neil makes a motion requesting clarification from town counsel of the 50’ setback and how it applies to the state and the town regulations; 20’ setbacks versus 50’ setbacks. Second by Steve Hampl. Motion passes; 4/1. Wini Young is opposed.

PUBLIC INPUT
Paul Lussier is present to observe how the conservation commission functions and what work is involved with membership. Mr. Lussier states that the CSPA is confusing to him as well. Mr. Ryan explains the process of becoming a member of the commission via letter of interest.

NEW APPLICATIONS
Standard Dredge and Fill: Micucci, 106 Shore Dr. Map 217/Lot 18.
The application is reviewed. The commission has no additional comments or
changes. Mr. Ryan makes a motion, second by Mr. Matson, to approve the
application having no recommendation or changes at this time. Motion
passes unanimously; 5/0.

OTHER BUSINESS
NCC Procedures:
The proposed procedures are reviewed. Jim Ryan makes a motion, second by
Steve Hampl, to approve the procedures as presented, effective August 5,
2008. Motion passes; 5/0. Ms. Young notes that there is a section in the
Procedures for financial report distributions. A discussion is held regarding
financial reports and when the current use penalties are applied to the
conservation fund. Ms. Young would like to discuss financial reports and
distributions of these reports at the next meeting.

Appointment to Woodman Park Study Committee:
Mr. Ryan asks if interested parties would like to speak to the appointment.

Loren O’Neil explains that she is interested in being a part of the Woodman Park project and Study Committee. She explains that she is concerned with the safety of the park and would like the area to be fully used and restored for the town’s children. She is interested in the park and beach area and combining the interest to the boat launch. She states that she has been a member of the conservation commission for 8 years and feels that she has the experience to represent the committee. In addition, she has 15 years of business analysis experience and has 10 years experience of being a project manager. Ms. O’Neil explains that she also brings a financial background and an understanding of development as she has developed her own land. Also, she is a real estate agent; however, she states that there will be no conflict of interest as she does not operate in Northwood. She states that her goal is to make the area a better place for Northwood. She feels that these qualities along with her background make her a qualified candidate to the Woodman Park Study Committee representing the conservation commission.

Mike Matson also expresses an interest in being appointed to the Woodman Park Study Committee. Mr. Matson states that he appreciates all of the efforts of Ms. O’Neil for this project. He explains his view points. He states that as far as the conservation commission, the CC should be responsible to bring the site back to a safe condition. He feels that the CC should be responsible with making sure that nothing is going into the water as far as gravel. He adds that everything else should be addressed by the recreation commission. Mr. Matson states that he feels the Ms. O’Neil’s efforts would be better utilized as a member of the recreation committee after the area has been restored to its original state and the area is a safe place. Mr. Matson states that his intention and goal is to have a stable and safe area with no erosion, then have the town decide if the area is to be a swimming site, a fishing area, a beach area, or a beach front property. He feels that these discussions are not appropriate for the commission’s agenda.

Steve Hampl states that Mr. Matson has raised a valid point in that the goal is to get the area back to a safe and useable area. He feels that in the short term the CC should be thinking in that direction. He adds that the area is still a liability. Once the area is stable then the other aspects can be addressed relative to the beach and making it a nice, enjoyable area. Mr. Hampl states that the area must be made safe first before any other aspects can be addressed. Mr. Hampl nominates Mike Matson to represent the conservation commission on the Woodman Park Study Committee. Wini Young seconds. Mr. Ryan asks if there are any other nominations. Ms. O’Neil nominates herself. There is no second provided. Mr. Ryan explains that he will be abstaining from the voting process as he is chairman. He adds that he has tremendous admiration for the work the Ms. O’Neil and Mr. Matson have done on this project so far. Mr. Hampl adds that both candidates have done an incredible amount for the town on this project. He adds that he hopes that they both will continue working on the project. He adds that the project just needs to be completed in steps. Motion for Mr. Matson passes; 3/0/2. Mr. Hampl, Ms. Young, and Mr. Matson are in favor. Mr. Ryan and Ms. O’Neil abstain.

Mr. Ryan suggests that there be a backup CC representative should Mr. Matson be unable to attend a meeting of the Woodman Park Study Committee. Mike Matson nominates Loren O’Neil as the back up CC representative. Wini Young seconds. Motion passes; 4/0/1. Mr. Ryan abstains.

A discussion ensues regarding the membership of the study committee relative to the appointment of two residents. Mr. Ryan explains that he is aware that the selectmen have appointed Jim Hadley as one of the residents to the committee. Ms. O’Neil inquires as to the process of being appointed to the committee and adds that she thought that the procedure was that this needed to be publicized in three locations. Ms. Weaver states that the notice is scheduled to be in tomorrows Suncook Valley Sun and refers Ms. O’Neil to the town administrator for further information.

Mike Matson motions to send notification of the study committee appointments to the selectmen. Steve Hampl seconds. Motion passes; 5/0.
Kelsey Mill Historical Marker
Linda Smith provided a catalog from Gemini for the commission to review. Wini Young explains prices and options for the marker. The board agrees to pursue an aluminum sign. Steve Hampl makes a motion, second by Mike Matson, to spend up to $150. to purchase a plaque for the Kelsey Mill property with the funds to be expended from the conservation fund. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0/1. Ms. O’Neil is out of the room at this time.

NH Fish and Game Commission Appointment
Ms. Weaver explains that Mr. Roy previously drafted a letter to Governor Lynch from the CC in support of Mr. Ryan’s appointment to the NH Fish and Game Commission. Copies are provided for review.

Mr. Ryan explains that the commission consists of 10-11 commissioners representing each county and the coastal zone. He states that there is an opening on the commission for a commissioner representing Rockingham County. The term is for 5 years. He adds that the commission deals with and looks at all of the aspects of the Department of Fish and Game and makes recommendations to the department, which has a budget of approximately $21 million and there are 208 members in the department. Mr. Ryan states that the commission is involved with hunting, fishing, and conservation aspects. He feels that the department would appreciate a commissioner with such backgrounds. He believes the commissioner is a position that is recommended by the governor, which then goes to the governor’s counsel, and a public notice is posted for 30 days, then the position is filled.

Mr. Ryan recuses himself for any further discussion relative to this matter.

Steve Hampl makes a motion, second by Loren O’Neil, to recommend the appointment of Jim Ryan to the NH Fish and Game Commission established under RSA 206. 4/0/1. Mr. Ryan abstains. Members sign the letter to Governor Lynch. Mr. Ryan notes that none of the meetings for fish and game conflict with the conservation commission.

Mr. Ryan returns to chair the meeting.

Discussion of Forester Bids
Ms. Weaver notes that Charlie Moreno has provided a statement as an addendum to his original bid from September and Robert Graves, III has submitted a bid as a technician working under Forester John Conde. Copies have been provided for review. The list of who the requests for bids were sent to is read by Mr. Ryan. After review, Ms. O’Neil suggests that the commission request a presentation from both Mr. Conde and Mr. Graves at the next meeting.

Loren O’Neil makes a motion to request a presentation from both Mr. Graves and Mr. Conde as to what can be offered. Mike Matson seconds. Motion passes unanimously; 5.0. To be scheduled for the September or October meeting, 7:30 p.m.

CORRESPONDENCE
All correspondence is reviewed. Action is required relative to the following:

Facilities Committee Memo
A discussion is held regarding a memo received from the facilities committee requesting recommendations of any repairs and improvements to town buildings. Mr. Ryan motions to send a thank you for the notification; and to state that the conservation commission does not feel that the NCC has any input or requests at this time. Steve Hampl seconds. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

UNH Survey
Ms. Young volunteers to complete this survey. Jim Ryan makes a motion, second by Mike Matson, to authorize Ms. Young to complete the survey as a document from the conservation commission. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

ADJOURNMENT:
Loren O’Neil makes a motion, second by Jim Ryan, to adjourn at 9:20 p.m. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary

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