Conservation Commission

Minutes

October 6, 2009

Official as of November 3, 2009

Chairman Steve Roy calls the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m.

Present: Chairman Steve Roy, Vice Chairman Steve Hampl, Paul Lussier, Loren O’Neil, Board Administrator Linda Smith, and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver. Mike Matson arrives at 7:45 p.m. 

Absent: Wini Young, and Jim Ryan

Minutes
September 1, 2009
Page 3: Spelling correction.
Steve Roy makes a motion, second by Loren O’Neil, to approve the minutes of September 1, 2009, as amended. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Public Input
North River Lake, Rochester Rd. Map 232; Lot 40.
Curtis Naleid states that he lives on North River Lake Road, a private road, and there has been some flooding on the road so he is trying to get the three old and broken culverts replaced. He states that one is clogged and they are not adequate sized culverts so the problem is getting worse. He states that he plows the road and maintains the road. Mr. Naleid states that he filed a shoreland protection violation and the department stated that since this is a private this is not something that would fall under their jurisdiction. He was not provided any additional information.

Mr. Roy explains that the town cannot apply town funds to private roads. He explains that he lives on a private road and their culverts needed to be replaced. Everyone on the road contributed to repairing the culverts and it was a collaborative agreement as all residents on the road own a portion of the road. He adds that a wetlands permit was not required for his project. He asks who owns this road and Mr. Naleid replies the owners of the road live in New Jersey and he has not been able to reach them.

Additional discussion is held regarding rights of way and deeded rights. Mr. Naleid states that he is not sure as to deed languages of the other residents who use this private road. He adds that the concern is that there is a population of 30 houses on this road with a lot of traffic. He explains that there is a continuous stream, approximately 4 ft. wide that flows under the private road. He asks if there is any direction that the commission can give or if there is anyone that may have an interest in the condition of the culvert.

Mr. Roy states that the water quality of the lake is a concern and he recommends that the deed language be researched for rights and abilities to maintain the road. He suggests contacting the lake association as well as contacting the state relative to the wetlands. He adds that the replacement of the culvert will require a wetlands permit. Mr. Roy adds that there may be a possible violation of the road itself and he suggests that Mr. Naleid contact NHDES, explain the drainage issues, and provide the name of the owners.

Appointments
Don Rhodes, Norway Plains. Minimum Impact Expedited Application:
Town of Northwood Athletic Fields
Mr. Rhodes of Norway Plains Assoc is present to present the minimum impact expedited application required for the town’s athletic fields.

Mr. Rhodes explains that the project is to construct athletic fields on a 24.5 acre parcel. He explains that the access to the new fields requires a driveway, crossing jurisdictional wetlands to access the rear 20 acres. He states that the wetlands area impacted by this driveway will be 2,350 sq. ft. Mr. Rhodes states that there are two fields in the front of the property and this crossing will be at the narrowest point with no additional work beyond the crossing. He adds that they propose a gravel parking area. He notes that an alteration of terrain permit will be filed as well.

Mr. Roy states that members have walked this parcel and there was a good view of the general wet area. Mr. Roy asks if the access road will be paved and Mr. Rhodes replies that it will be gravel.

A discussion is held regarding setbacks relative to the parking area and driveway. Mr. Roy states that the driveway is not exempt from setbacks and must meet 20’. Mr. Rhodes replies that they have met all setbacks.

Mike Matson arrives at 7:45.

The application and checklist are reviewed. A discussion is held regarding the need for a wetlands scientist stamp being required. Mr. Rhodes states that this stamp is not required. In addition, Mr. Roy notes that the distances from the wetlands impact to the abutters has not been delineated.

Mr. Roy asks if there will be blasting involved and Mr. Rhodes replies yes. Mr. Roy notes that there is a community water supply well for the condos. Mr. Rhodes states that he is unsure as to the location of this well. Mr. Roy states that there is significant potential to impact ground water with blasting operations and modern blasting materials. He states that the process for the alteration of terrain permit has been revised to include water quality related issues due to the proximity of the community water supply well. He adds that there will be costs associated with this as well. Mr. Roy states that there will probably be a pre-blast survey including water quality prior to blasting as well as during and post the project.

Mr. Roy asks about the detention basin and if it is just sheet flow from the gravel parking area. Mr. Rhodes explains that they are constructing swales on both sides with two culvert pipes to get the water into the detention pond. He adds that there will be no direct runoff from the parking area.

Ms. O’Neil makes a motion to accept the application and for Chairman Roy to sign the plans after the distance is added from the abutters to the impact to the plans. Mr. Hampl seconds and amends the motion to require proper documentation regarding the certified wetlands scientist.  
Mr. Matson seconds the amendment. The amendment passes unanimously; 5/0. Original motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

Mr. Rhodes amends the plans and resubmits with the impacts delineated on the plans as well as the number for the certified wetlands scientist. 

Carl Wallman - Northwood Area Land Management Collaborative (NALMC)
Carl Wallman is present to meet with the commission and provides copies of an ecological assessment report, written by Ellen Snyder. He explains that this report describes the 6,000 acres within the pristine area of Northwood, the headwaters of the Lamprey River and notes that to the west are the headwaters of the Merrimac River. Mr. Wallman states that this area includes ecologically significant old growth black gum trees 700+ years old. He adds that the report contains recommendations and objectives.

Mr. Roy mentions a steering committee and states that the steering committee will facilitate launching the friends group. Mr. Roy mentions the stewardship of the Northwood Meadows State Park and explains that the state does not have any funds available so the friends group will be created for the future protection, maintenance, and management of the park. Further discussion is held regarding the friends group progress.

Additional discussion is held regarding the parcel and forest land management. Mr. Wallman provides a map of the area noting the forest areas and feels that this is the way of the future. He states that this land could become a forestry plan and would be unique in NH; however, this would only be with consenting property management. He adds that this group is only for purpose of exchanging ideas and would be available for people who want to be a part of it. Mr. Wallman adds that these activities are consensual.

Mr. Wallman states that there is currently a DRED project going on at Forest Peters property. He explains that they are doing some studies and patch cutting. The intent to cut is reviewed.

Mr. Matson makes a motion, second by Mr. Lussier, to appoint Mr. Roy as the conservation commission’s representative on the steering committee for NALMC. Motion passes; 4/0/1. Mr. Roy abstains.

A discussion is held regarding distributing the ecological assessment report. Mr. Roy suggests that an article be placed in the Suncook Valley Sun as well as the commission having a display table at town meeting. The commission agrees to provide copies of the ecological assessment report at town meeting. Further discussion ensues regarding proposing a warrant article to designate the report and possibly editing the existing overlay district in town. Mr. Roy states that the steering committee would be discussing these issues and would possibly recommend items to the commission.

Forester Contract
The proposed forester contract from Bean Hill Forester Services, LLC is reviewed. General discussion is held and changes are proposed. The commission requests that a sentence be added requesting that Bean Hill Forest Services attend two meetings annually at the request of the town to discuss, review, and plan for either current timber harvest activities or upcoming timber harvest activities. Further discussion is held regarding the town’s required amount for liability insurance and if the amount provided by Bean Hill of $300,000 - $600,000 is sufficient. Ms. Smith will check with the town administrator on the insurance.

Mr. Roy refers to Article 5 in the contract and requests that Ms. Smith further review this section with the town administrator as he does not feel this section should be addressed by the commission. Mr. Roy asks that the original proposal be compared to this contract. Ms. Smith reviews the information and states that all language is consistent with the contract and proposal.

Mr. Roy makes a motion, second by Mr. Hampl, to finalize the contract with the amendments as discussed, provided that the town review #5 relative to the loss management language. Motion passes; 5/0.

Mr. Roy motions to direct Ms. Smith to negotiate with Bean Hill Forest Services regarding the request for up to two annual meetings. Mr. Matson seconds. Motion passes; 5/0.

Financial Report
2010 Budget
Members discussed the proposed budget suggested by Ms. Smith. A discussion is held regarding maps. Mr. Roy suggests reducing the maps line to $150. to allow for the possibility of invasive species mapping. Mr. Hampl notes that funds may be necessary in this line for the purchase of a GPS unit to allow mapping with topo for trails. It is agreed that a GPS unit would be allocated under the equipment line. 

Additional discussion is held regarding the special day line. Mr. Roy explains that there is talk for the Discovery Day to occur again next year. He feels that this line should be increased to $400. Ms. Weaver reminds the commission of Ms. Young’s notation for the marker at Kelsey Mill. Ms. Smith notes that estimates for the marker were from $250. and up not including installation.

Printing and education line is discussed and Mr. Roy proposes to level fund this line at $500. and cover the marker through this line. Installation is mentioned and to be funded under contracted services.

As far as the town forest land management line, Mr. Roy proposes level funding this line and to keep in mind that the commission may need to cover some costs for town forester services.

Additional discussions are held regarding the equipment line and the possible purchase of a GPS unit to use with topography and software with maps for trails. Mr. Matson notes that the state uses Maptech and he feels it is great software as well as the Garman brand for the unit itself. Ms. Smith suggests that the equipment line remain at $600. based on the need for staff for computer materials, licensing, etc.

Mr. Roy motions to purchase a GPS unit up to $500. from Galls and for Mr. Hampl to review information and execute the purchase. Mr. Hampl seconds. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0.

Loren O’Neil left at 9:45 p.m.

A brief discussion is held regarding training. Mr. Roy notes that there are trainings available and he encourages members to attend. He proposes level funding this line.

Mr. Roy makes a motion to spend $100. from this year’s budget from the maps line, 621, for software for maps for the GPS unit and for Mr. Hampl to execute this purchase through Linda Smith. Mr. Lussier seconds. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Mr. Matson makes a motion, second by Mr. Roy, to spend $100. from this year’s budget from the equipment line, 690, for software for the GPS unit and for Mr. Hampl to execute this purchase through Linda Smith. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Mr. Matson amends the motion to state that should the GPS unit be less than $500., he recommends that any additional funds be applied to software for maps and software for the GPS unit, purchasing executed by Mr. Hampl, through Linda Smith. Mr. Lussier seconds. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Mr. Roy makes a motions, second Mr. Lussier, to omit line 623-NCRC, from the budget format. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Mr. Roy makes a motion, second by Mr. Matson, to approve the revised budget as follows: 

46111 CONSERVATION                                 2009 ADOPTED     2010     DEPT RECOM 
100-46111-320  LEGAL CONSERVATION COMM $1.00                $200.00  INCREASED
100-46111-330  CONTRACTED SERVICES        $1.00                $1.00      LEVEL
100-46111-490  FOREST LAND CONSERVATION $1.00               $1.00      LEVEL
100-46111-491  TOWN FOREST LAND MGMT      $300.00            $300.00  LEVEL
100-46111-550  PRINTING/EDUCATION CC       $500.00            $600.00  INCREASED
100-46111-560  DUES CONSERVATION             $425.00            $425.00  LEVEL
100-46111-620  SUPPLIES CONSERVATION       $300.00            $300.00  LEVEL
100-46111-621  MAPS CONSERVATION             $250.00            $150.00  REDUCED
100-46111-622  SPECIAL DAY CONSERVATION  $250.00            $400.00  INCREASED
100-46111-623  NORTHWOOD COMM RESOURCE$0.00                   $0.00  REMOVE
100-46111-690  EQUIPMENT CONSERVATION     $600.00             $600.00  LEVEL
100-46111-820  TRAINING & CONF CONSERVATION $250.00        $250.00  LEVEL

TOTAL 46111 CONSERVATION                               $2,878.00      $3,227.00 TOTAL
Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Correspondence
Donation
The commission is in receipt of a monetary gift from the NH Fish & Game Commission in memory of Pauline A. Lemelin. A discussion is held regarding the best way to use this donation. The commission agrees that the funds should be given in the form of a scholarship to a Coe Brown Northwood Academy 2010 graduate seeking a career in natural resources at The University of New Hampshire next fall. The scholarship will be in a form of a gift card to the UNH bookstore.

All other correspondence is reviewed.

Letter from Facilities Committee
A letter has been received from the facilities committee asking the commission if they have any recommendations for outside maintenance repairs or proposed upgrades to any town buildings. The commission will reply noting that there are no major projects anticipated for 2010.

Other
Woodman Park
Mr. Matson explains that he contacted the town administrator this week inquiring as to the progress of Woodman Park. He states that this project was to be completed in the summer/fall 2009. He states that to date the bids have not been obtained and he is disappointed that nothing has been done. The commission requests a memo be sent to the facilities committee requesting an update be provided on the status of Woodman Park.

Adjournment
Mr. Hampl motions to adjourn. Mr. Lussier seconds and the motion passes at 10:30 p.m. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary