Conservation Commission

Minutes

November 16, 2011

Official as of December 6, 2011

Chairman Steve Roy calls the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m.

Present: Chairman Steve Roy, Tom Chase, Paul Lussier, Jim Ryan, Board Administrator Linda Smith, and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver.

Absent: Vice Chairman Steve Hampl, Mike Matson, Wini Young, and Alternate Loren O’Neil.

MINUTES
August 2, 2011
Mr. Roy makes a motion, second by Mr. Lussier, to approve the August 2, 2011 minutes, as amended, as follows:
Page 2: Change Borgue to Borg
Motion passes; 4/0.

September 6, 2011
Mr. Roy makes a motion, second by Mr. Lussier, to approve the September 6, 2011 minutes, as amended, as follows:
Page 3: Change executor to executory
Motion passes; 4/0.

September 20, 2011
Mr. Roy makes a motion, second by Mr. Ryan, to table the September 20, 2011, minutes to the next meeting. Motion passes; 4/0.

MAIN BUSINESS:
Conservation Easements – Update
Mr. Roy provides an update as to the two conservation easement projects; Wallman property, Map 228; Lot 16 and Gallagher parcel, Map 228; Lot 3. He states that surveyor Bill Wormell has completed his portion of work for both parcels including mylars, plans, and legal descriptions.

Mr. Roy states that he met with the property owners, the appraiser, the surveyor, and a member of the New Hampshire Society for the Protection of Forests (“The Society&rdquo. He states that the meeting was very productive and was good for all members to get together and discuss the proposals for each property. 

Mr. Roy reviews the plan of the Gallagher 80 acre parcel and general discussion ensues. 

Mr. Roy states that “The Society” has finished the draft conservation easement and the materials have been sent to the Gallagher’s attorney. At this time since the Gallaghers are interested in selling the easement to the town, it would be better to wait for the appraisal and then the commission and property owners can negotiate. He states that the appraisal is expected next week. 

Ms. Smith notes that Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher should both sign the promissory agreement.

Mr. Roy reviews the plan of the Wallman proposal. He indicates that with this parcel there is a substantial more developable value due to the road frontage. Mr. Roy states that the easement is to be a gift held jointly by the town and “The Society”. He states that “The Society” is the primary easement holder with the town being the executory easement holder. General discussion ensues. Mr. Roy states that Mr. Wallman would like the IRS tax deduction for this donation and will have to obtain his own appraisal.

Mr. Roy states that “The Society” has not completed the draft easement to date. He states that Mr. Wallman would like his project completed by year end. In addition, he notes that there is a federal allowance that will expire by December 31. 

Ms. Smith states that she will contact town counsel for the protocol regarding the Wallman project. 

Mr. Roy makes a motion, second by Mr. Lussier, to forward the easement language to town counsel for review. Motion passes, 4/0.

Mr. Roy makes a motion, second by Mr. Lussier, to plan to meet with the selectmen at one of their December meetings to discuss these projects. Motion passes, 4/0.

Tom DeMeritt, Upper Deerfield Rd. Map 235; Lot 2 - Update
Mr. Roy states that the DeMeritt plan has been signed and recorded. He states that he would like the commission to send a letter to the DeMeritts explaining that the process is not always easy for a land owner in town. The commission appreciates the sincere intent in granting the easement and to contact the commission to assist in any future projects.

Ms. Smith states that she suggested to the DeMeritts that the commission may be interested in scheduling a walk through on the property and they were both very receptive to the idea. Mr. Roy suggests that staff suggest some dates for December and add this item to the December meeting agenda.

CONSIDERATION of APPLICATIONS
Revised - Driveway Culvert Plan, Schlang. Map 230/Lot 7
Mr. Roy reviews the amendments and notes that the revisions are a response to the commission’s letter pertaining to the temporary impacts. No further action is required. He adds that an approval has been received based on the revised plan.

SPECIAL REPORTS
Hannaford Conservation Easement Walk
Mr. Roy states that he, Mr. Chase, and Mr. Hampl conducted a site walk September 10. He states that he will provide a base line report and some photographs. He explains that they did see an encroachment on the easement. 

Woodman Park
An email update on Woodman Park was provided by Mr. Matson and read into the record by Ms. Weaver. The email noted what has been performed at the site and the funds remaining.

Update for NHDES Beach Applications 
Mr. Roy states that he has completed the wetlands application for Northwood Lake Beach. He states that he is still working on the application for Mary Waldron Beach.

Mr. Roy notes that there is some beach erosion occurring. He states that this project is a beach replenishment project and will require design specifications. He suggests that the town’s engineer review the area and provide an estimate on the project. Ms. Smith states that she will address this. She states that the recreation department should also be included with the next project. General discussion ensues as to the project details and Ms. Smith states that she will forward pictures to CMA for further discussion and review.

OTHER
Mr. Ryan suggests a nomination for the NH Fish and Game Annual Awards of Excellence. Mr. Chase makes a motion, second by Mr. Lussier, to support the nomination for NH Fish & Game, as suggested. Motion passes; 4/0.

ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Chase makes a motion to adjourn. Mr. Ryan seconds the motion. The motion passes unanimously at 8:24 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary