HOLDERNESS CONSERVATION COMMISSION
PO BOX 203
HOLDERNESS, NH 03245
May 11, 2010
Members Present: Chris Buckley, Janet Cocchiaro (4:40), Anne Packard, Larry Spencer, and Betsy Whitmore
Members not Present: Shelagh Connelly and Jacqulyn Jewell
Others Present: Kevin Coburn – Road Agent
Regular Meeting - Call to Order
Mr. Spencer called the meeting to order at 4:08 P.M.
Road Agent: Mr. Coburn explained his policies in regard to sanding and salting town paved roads, ditching, and road-side re-vegetation. He explained that the department uses just enough salt in the sand to keep the sand from freezing. Paved roads are pre-treated with salt to prevent the snow bonding to the road; dirt roads are not treated with salt at all. There is no recycling of the swept up sand in the spring as it contains too many contaminants. Sump holes are dug at the end of each culvert to help with proper drainage and run-off. The department uses NH Conservation Mix for re-seeding, which is an all natural mix. Mr. Coburn explained that the proper method when mowing near invasive species is to mow around them, especially bamboo, as mowing them will spread the species even further. Mr. Coburn has
offered to help move the materials for the bridge on the Pilote property to the bridge site. He will also talk with Skip Thompson regarding the mowing of the town conservation parking areas. Mr. Spencer and Mr. Buckley will meet with Mr. Coburn to try to delineate the correct five acres for the town garage on the Town Forest property, as there do not appear to be any accurate maps of that area.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of 04/13/10 were approved as corrected.
Permits & Other Correspondence:
Marden – Permit by Notification (PBN): Mrs. Whitmore signed the form which described the project as replacement of 28’ of railroad tie retaining wall with a stone retaining wall and steps. There was general discussion of the use of a PBN versus a Minimum Impact Expedited (ME) form. The PBN may be used for some minor scope projects listed on the MIE when certain criteria are met and followed. It was agreed that any member who is called to sign an application of any kind should not sign the form if s/he has any questions regarding the project. An unsigned application would be discussed in full at the next meeting, or at a special meeting if a response is required prior to the next meeting. The town clerk will be notified that Mr. Spencer is first on the call list, then Mrs. Whitmore.
Conkling Minimum Impact Expedited: The Conkling application was sent a Notification of Incomplete Application by DES; the applicant subsequently supplied further documentation.
Buck – Wetlands Bureau Complaint: The notification did not describe the violation; Mr. Spencer will contact the Bucks for more information.
Old Business
Pilote Forest – sign: Mr. Spencer reported that the Pilote’s grandson will make a sign which will include some history of the family, the transfer to the town, and trail map.
North River Street Property: Mr. Johnson, Mr. Spencer, and Mr. Taksar met to discuss the property. Mr. Taksar explained that the property owner had been contacted several years ago to discuss a possible purchase but wanted too much for the property. At this time, PSU is not interested in pursuing the matter further. The Board of Selectmen is moving forward with obtaining an injunction to enter the property to assess the situation.
May 8 Roadside Clean-up: The clean-up effort was limited due to the bad weather Saturday. Members agreed to take care of specific areas in the next few weeks, but agreed that any further effort should wait until next year. It will be placed on next March’s agenda for a clean-up the last weekend in April or the first weekend in May, hopefully in conjunction with Holderness Central School.
Town Forest Report: Mr. Spencer provided a final monitoring report for review by the Selectmen and inclusion in property files. Mrs. Whitmore referenced the 2003 management plan and suggested reviewing the recommendations for future action. Mr. Spencer suggested contacting George Frame to review the plan with the Commission; it was agreed to review all professional service project needs in September and allocate funds available on a priority basis. Mrs. Whitmore felt that the property should be put in easement; Mr. Spencer will contact Carol Andrews at the NH Conservation Commission Association for advice.
Review of Web sites: After brief discussion the commission agreed to disband the Conservation web site. Mrs. Sharpe will be asked to place the following information on the conservation page on the town web site: descriptions of town conservation properties (Mr. Spencer will provide the language); the last 5 years of conservation commission annual reports; policies and goals of the commission; and a list of prime wetlands.
Goals and Policies & Procedures: Mrs. Cocchiaro moved, seconded by Mrs. Whitmore, to adopt the Summary of Roles and Goals for the Conservation Commission and the Procedures & Policies as amended. Motion passed.
New Business
Town Easements: Monitoring assignments were made as follows: Pilote – Mr. Spencer and Ms. Connelly; Crawford – done; Pemi Riverside Park – Mr. Buckley and Mr. Spencer; Aides – Mrs. Whitmore; Chabot – to be done in early 2011; White Oak Pond – Mrs. Cocchiaro and Ms. Packard.
DES Applications: discussed above
Nominations for Conservation Award (LRPC): none
Meeting & Seminar Reports: Mr. Spencer and Mrs. Whitmore reviewed highlights of sessions attended at the Saving Special Places conference. Mr. Spencer and Ms. Connelly attended the DES Watershed Conference; Ms. Connelly sent in a video regarding the increase of arsenic in private wells which will viewed by the members.
Other Business
Potential Wetlands Restoration Site Map: After brief review of the map provided by PRLAC and LRPC, it was agreed that Mr. Spencer will send a brief email stating it appears the wetlands have been identified properly and there doesn’t appear to be a need for restoration at this time.
Holderness School: Mr. Spencer reported on a proposed project to construct two new dorms in an area with a seasonal wetland. The goal is to decrease the density in the dorms and all setback distances appear to have been maintained.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 5:40 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Wendy J. Huff
Secretary
Minutes Approved: not yet approved
Corrections:
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