Town of Holderness, NH
Conservation Commission Meeting
May 12, 2008
Town Office
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chairman Spencer.
PRESENT: Larry Spencer, Shelagh Connelly, Betsy Whitmore, Anne Packard, Barbara Currier, and Janet Cocchiaro.
OTHERS PRESENT: Chris Devine (Squam Lakes Association Director) and Anne Abear (municipal secretary)
MINUTES: Ms. Currier moved and Ms. Packard seconded to approve the minutes of the April 15, 2008 as written. Vote was unanimous. Motion passed.
MAIL & CORRESPONDENCE: Chairman Spencer reviewed the following -
1. A membership renewal from NH Timber Association
2. A request for additional information from the landowner from NHDES regarding the Tilney property (231-012-001) in which they are applying for an impact permit to place a dock on their property.
3. A notification from NH DES regarding an application for a dredge and fill for the Anderson property (map 241-046) to place a seasonal pipe dock and boat lift at their property on the shore of Squam Lake.
4. A notice from Squam Lakes Conservation Society regarding a reception for the Beij-Pierce property to be held on May 16 at 4:00 p.m. This reception will be to thank the Beij-Pierce family for their generous property donation to the Society.
5. 3 intent to cuts were reviewed.
UPCOMING MEETINGS –
A notice of the upcoming meeting to be held by Lakes Region Planning Commission was reviewed. The meeting will be held on June 23, 2008.
OLD BUSINESS –
1. Posting of policies on the website – Chairman Spencer disbursed copies of the four policies which have been adopted by the Commission for the members to review. The policies include:
a. Policy on commissioner/abutter matters under the Commission’s purview,
b. Policy on outside correspondence and submitting documentation to the Town Office,
c. Policy on entering non-town owned properties or easements,
d. Policy on non-attendance at official Commission meetings.
The policies were revised by the Commission and can be viewed on the Commission’s website.
2. Trail work this spring - Mrs. Cocchiaro advised Mr. Pettitt is still on sabbatical and would be until June; therefore, it does not appear that any work will be done to the Town trails this spring. Mrs. Cocchiaro advised if the Commission would like to utilize the services of the Holderness Private School children, they must contact Mr. Pettitt by February 2009 for work to be done next spring. The Board requested Mrs. Cocchiaro contact Mr. Peter Furmanick to check on the condition of the supplies that were purchased last year and to confirm that the items are still at the highway garage and are protected.
3. Letter to Selectboard about the Comprehensive Shore land Act – Mrs. Connelly dispersed a letter address to the Selectmen requesting the Commission be allowed to participate and comment in the review process of all shore land applications that may be applied for. Ms. Packard moved and Ms. Connelly supported approval of the letter addressed to the Board of Selectmen. Vote was unanimous. Motion passed.
4. June BioBlitz – Chairman Spencer advised this program is still scheduled for June 2008. Jim Hall, past member of the commission has been asked to assist in fish identification. Anne Packard will assist in plankton work.
NEW BUSINESS
a. Meeting with Chris Devine of Squam Lakes Association – The Board met with Mr. Devine to discuss items that are concerning the Commission regarding Squam Lake. Mr. Devine discussed the run off from Route 3 to Squam Lake and advised that when work was being completed on the roadway, swales and culverts were placed in and under the roadway for the purpose of water diversion; as the roadways are updated, it is important to notice that the swales and culverts be appropriately reinstalled, of the right shape and be appropriately vegetated. Mr. Devine discussed the update on the “brick building” property on Main Street that has had jersey barriers placed in front of it for a number of years. Mr. Devine advised NH DES has advised they will be working on the project by the end
of the month. Mr. Devine discussed the concern of the run off from the roadway in that area and advised the run off could create milfoil problems. Mr. Devine discussed bio-retention areas which are being utilized to assist in the run off of water near Perkins Lane.
The Commission discussed the need to continue to educate the public on issues that are affecting the environment and items that an average homeowner could do to protect the environment. Ms. Connelly recommended holding meetings to discuss different topics over the summer. Ms. Connelly and Mrs. Cocchiaro will work together to come up with topics for meetings to be held in July and August. A recommendation was made to place information in the summer newsletter which will be going out prior to the Summer Town Meeting of August 2. Mr. Spencer will discuss this with Administrator Johnson.
Mr. Devine discussed the photo inventory that has been completed around Squam Lake and advised the information is available to anyone through the Squam Lakes Association.
Mr. Devine further discussed the potential need to connect the Town of Holderness to a water and sewer plant (possibly Ashland’s) to help protect the lake in the future. Mr. Devine advised the State has a large amount of funding available for this type of a project.
b. Letter to Public Service of NH about right of way between Mobil and Irving stations on Route 175A – Chairman Spencer advised he will be writing a letter to Public Service expressing a concern of vehicles using this right of way and recommended the area be chained or gated.
c. Fall get together of regional conservation commissions – Chairman Spencer advised this gathering is planned for September and would held at PSU.
d. Monitoring of conservation easements – Chairman Spencer advised monitoring reports had been completed and he would forward copies to the commission members for their review.
e. Summer meeting schedule and determination of contact for summer months – Ms. Packard agreed to be the designated signing agent in the absence of Chairman Spencer for the next 3 weeks. Mrs. Whitmore will check the mailbox on a weekly basis.
The Board will decide at the next Board meeting whether they will be visiting Swaney Brook area on Cromwell Point.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Spencer adjourned the meeting at 5:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Anne M. Abear
Municipal Secretary
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