Sutton
Conservation Commission
DRAFT #2
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2005
Present: Betsy Forsham, Jean LaChance, Tim Davis, George Wells, Charles Whittemore, Don Davis, Gerry Putnam, Rick Goddard (Alternate), and Leslie Ward (Alternate).
7:00 p.m. Betsy Forsham called the meeting to order. She also welcomed new members Gerry Putnam, Leslie Ward, and Rick Goddard and recording secretary Marnee Saltalamacchia.
Review and Approval of Minutes
Motion made by Betsy Forsham to approve minutes of March 2, 2005. Seconded by Charles Whittemore. Unanimous Affirmative Vote (7:0).
Financial Report
1. Betsy Forsham reported that dues for the NH Association of Conservation Commissions were paid from the budget which has a current balance of $2690.71. She also informed the Commission that the conservation funds as of March 7, 2005 have a balance of $90,163.00: King Hill Reservation fund balance of $14,829.21 and the Conservation Fund balance is $75,333.79.
2. She asked that anyone with bills to be paid give them to her for processing and submittal to the town.
Correspondence
1. Nomination letter to the Selectmen from Betsy Forsham dated 3/10/05 for the new members who are all in attendance this evening.
2. Letter dated 3/14/05 to the National Resources Conservation Service in regard to monies to be dispersed from the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program signed by the Selectmen and Betsy, authorizing them to accept and expend monies from the program.
3. Certified Public Hearing Notice from the Planning Board for proposed Major Subdivision at the Former Maple Leaf Golf Course, Hominy Pot Rd., for a March 22nd meeting.
7:30 p.m. Appointment with Debbie Stanley, ASLPT
Debbie Stanley introduced Janet Haines in attendance with her as a volunteer with the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust, who will be helping to coordinate this summer’s event at the Putnam’s. Janet can be contacted by email at JanetMillerHaines@att.net.
Debbie Stanley extended thanks to Gerry and Lisa Putnam for the easement which was donated to The Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust and to the Sutton Conservation Commission for financing the cost of the survey and the monitoring and appraisal fees for the project.
Debbie stated that they are hoping to have a celebration at the Putnam property and have the Sutton Conservation Commission co-sponsor the event. She proposed Friday, August 12, 2005 from 4-7 p.m. to have a potluck picnic, open to the general public with invitations to all members of Ausbon Sargent and an ad in the paper as well. She stated that the goal is to bring people out to the land.
Debbie Stanley listed items they will coordinate and may need help with:
§ Parking,
§ Hike,
§ Music (Gerry has offered),
§ Public Speaking @ Land Conservation,
§ Insurance,
§ Tent,
§ Games i.e. horseshoes, and
§ Any necessary permitting or contacting local officials.
Debbie Stanley informed the Board that there are 1000 members in the ASLPT and that they have a 263 person Sutton mailing list to be included as well. She asked that the Conservation Commission make a list of those people they would like personally invited.
Betsy Forsham offered to speak with Elly Phillips for an updated current use list. Debbie asked if it could be in Excel format.
Don Davis suggested that it may be possible to include a news release in the Muster Field Farm newsletter. Gerry Putnam offered to speak with Judy Lowe or Larry Ballin in regard to this.
Don Davis volunteered to help coordinate a hike.
Janet Haines will look into using the Scouts for parking.
Jean LaChance mentioned that posters can be left in her COA box and she will distribute to COA members.
Debbie Stanley will look into porta-potty options and may call Ron’s John’s for the best price as recommended by Jean. Debbie also stated that Ausbon Sargent will secure liability insurance.
Betsy Forsham offered to inform the Selectmen and copy Police, Fire, and Rescue in June.
Jean LaChance offered to be the point person on the Conservation Commission for the event.
Correspondence continued
4. Copies of monitoring reports from the ASLPT for King Hill Reservation property dated 3/10/05 which were reviewed and signed by Betsy Forsham.
5. Copies of monitoring reports from the ASLPT for the Enroth conservation easement as well as Emerson (Clark) and Emerson (Hublitz) easements dated 3/14/05.
6. Colby-Sawyer College letter dated 4/8/05 re: Community and Environmental Studies program project presentation to be held on Monday May 9 at 7:00 p.m. in room 201 of the Ivey Science Center (new building next to Library).
7. Information from Marjorie Swope, Executive Director of NH Association of Conservation Commissions: Conservation News Bulletin highlighting workshops. Web page is www.nhacc.org and email announcing Grants available for Grassroots Environmental Projects from PSNH. Information is available at (www.psnh.com/Energy/PSNH_Environment/grants.asp). Betsy was asked to find out when the next round of grant money will become available.
8. Order form for 2004 Conservation Commission Handbook (we have one downstairs).
9. State Forest Nursery Booklet may be helpful to King Hill subcommittee.
10. Focus on NH Forests Workshop Flyer for Foresters and Tree Farmers on April 28.
11. “Restoring Osprey to NH’s Lakes, Rivers and Seacoast” Warner Town Hall, April 20 7pm.
12. NH Lakes Association Annual Report.
13. The Source (DES), Betsy asked that we be taken off their mailing list.
14. 2005 Local Officials Workshops from Local Government Center.
15. RESOURCE: NH Association of Natural Resource Scientists (www.nhanrs.org).
Review of Wetlands Applications
A. “Notification of Incomplete Expedited Application”, dated 3/14/05, for the Robert Pollack Hominy Pot Road bridge project (Map 10 Lot 156,419) – the state is asking for more information prior to granting a wetlands permit.
B. Standard Dredge and Fill Application, Sandra D. Wells Trust, Map 8 Lot 057,374, Keyser Street for proposed pond to provide greater storm water storage and for aesthetic reasons.
C. Minimum Impact Expedited Application received from Sam Dube, Gile Pond Rd., T/L 5-819,576. Applicant wishes to rebuild a driveway in a seasonally wet area for better site distance and for access to a new garage. Betsy viewed the site on 4/5 and, seeing no significant impact, signed the application.
D. Wetlands & Non-Site Specific Permit #2005-00165, dated 3/3/05, issued to NH DOT for work on I-89, with conditions.
Review of Intents to Cut
A. A. & D. Pfeil property, T/L#2- 633,545, Twin Oaks Rd., 1 of 2 acres. Logger is Devin Willett of Bradford.
B. Received “Complete Forestry Notification” from wetlands bureau for J. & M. Pfeifle and D. & E. Erickson timber cut off Cottage Lane, T/L #2-633,545 and #1-922,155. The land also spills into Warner. We have not yet received an Intent to Cut for the project. Betsy contacted one of the owners, Mel Pfeifle and logger, Mike Carter’s office, and was informed that they are just cutting in Warner now. An Intent to Cut will be filed with Sutton upon return from vacation next week.
C. Re: W. Begin logging operation on Rt. 114, T/L#6- 193,122 – several people have expressed concern with wetlands issues and the lack of either an intent to cut or a building permit. State forester, Doug Miner, has visited the site several times, as have Tim and Betsy of the SCC and Anita Blakeman, town timber tax monitor. Miner told the logger, Bill Holmes, not to proceed with the cut until proper paperwork has been filed with the Town and/or the State by the owner, Will Begin. Betsy has received several emails between Miner and the town/Anita on this issue.
Old Business
§ Tim Davis reported that the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP) money was approved to cover the cost of hiring John Brown for work to be completed in late August at KHR. He stated that he will flag the limits this summer.
§ Betsy Forsham requested that she be empowered to record the Russell Pond Survey at the MCRD. The Board approved and agreed.
§ Betsy mentioned that she is the Chair by default and if anyone wanted to co-chair to please come forward now or at a later time.
New Business
§ Betsy asked if someone would be willing to look at the Intents to Cut and if wetlands are on the property to make sure they have also applied for the proper wetlands permit. Charlie Whittemore agreed to do this for a while.
§ Betsy distributed a handout of five possible subcommittee projects that is titled SCC Tasks – 2005. She asked that members come to the next meeting with an idea of where their interest lies. Leslie Ward suggested adding Special Events to the list, which Betsy will do.
§ Charlie referred to a recent Concord Monitor article about development moving up the 89 corridor. Discussion ensued.
§ Gerry Putnam will look into a storage option for the mower and brush saw in his basement.
King Hill Reservation Report
Don Davis stated that there are 2 trails days coming soon. He referenced the first Saturday in June (6/4/05) as National Trails Day and July 16 as NH Trails Day. He recommended that the Conservation Commission participate in both of these days in addition to other work days.
Don handed out a four page detail of the King Hill Reservation 2005 Tasks and Goals which will first be reviewed by the subcommittee. The “Recreation Use Policies” sheet for KHR which was sent with the minutes will be reviewed at the next meeting.
Next Wednesday April 20th, King Ridge and the King Hill Reservation will be the topics at the Historical Society meeting.
9:55 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Marnee Saltalamacchia, Recording Secretary
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