Sutton Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
March 22, 2007 @ 7:00 p.m.
Present: Betsy Forsham, Tim Davis, Don Davis, Gerry Putnam and Leslie Ward. Bill Curless, Jean LaChance, Rick Goddard, Charlie Whittemore and George Wells were absent.
Chair Betsy Forsham called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Leslie Ward was appointed to sit for Charlie Whittemore.
Gerry Putnam was appointed to sit for Jean LaChance.
Review of February 22, 2007 Minutes:
A motion was made by Tim to accept the regular minutes of February 22, 2007 as is. Don seconded the motion. It was unanimously approved.
Financial:
Betsy reported the Town account still showed a balance of $0.00, and that the actual budgeted figures should be available for next month. Expenditures for the month were $314.18, which included signs for the Class VI roads, secretarial services and Registry of Deeds fees. The total expenditures for the year are $449.02.
The Conservation Fund account, as of February 28, was $201,764.29 with $190,728.47 in the Conservation Fund and $11,041.45 in the KHR Fund. Betsy added $200 was paid to the attorney for the Wells easement on March 11th.
Correspondence:
Betsy reported she had spoken with Elly regarding the digitalization of the KHR trail map. Don said he would contact Elly to discuss this further. Gerry mentioned Dana Flewelling as a source to help with technical support.
Betsy reported she received a phone call from John Feins regarding her letter dated February 17 regarding posting of the Quarry Walk. Feins stated he was having his surveyor research the issue. Betsy gave him a week to get back to her. Feins never called back. The Board decided they would take the signs down within the next two weeks.
Betsy, Leslie, Don and Gerry went on a site visit to Meadowview Farm subdivision, as part of the DES Standard Dredge and Fill application process. They were accompanied by wetland scientist Bob Stewart and engineer, Dave Eckman. Betsy wrote a letter to DES on March 2nd stating that the area was sensitive and there should be a thorough and professional review. She also noted that the SCC had no objections to the application and appreciated the applicany’s attempts to minimize wetlands crossings and disturbances.
Betsy sent a letter on March 13th to the Selectmen regarding the 2007 appointments to the SCC Board. She has not heard back yet.
Sutton Conservation Commission 1 March 22, 2007
Betsy announced the workshop “Saving Special Places” will be in Londonderry at the Middle School, on Saturday April 14th.
Ausbon Sargent sent three pieces of correspondence:
- A request for donations towards an annual Preservation Fund. The Board felt
this was something members could pursue on an individual basis.
- The ASLPT Conservation Easement properties received a $2,600 grant from a
donor to promote, highlight and enrich the natural resources within ASLPT’s protected lands. Submittals are due by May 1st with a decision to be made by June 1st. Don will look into this.
- The ASLPT will host a Land Summit conference on October 27th to discuss
topics of growth, development and land conservation. There is a list of potential topics. The Board members will review the list and email Betsy for input to ASLPT.
Betsy announced a workshop on March 27- 28th at UNH, “Landscaping at the Water’s Edge”
Betsy mentioned a local officials workshop, which she stated, was something more fitting for the Selectmen’s office.
Review of Wetlands Applications and Permits:
Betsy reported on a Restoration Plan Approval from DES to Laurence Harper, File#2004-00554 on Route 114, T/L# 4/126,518. Betsy added it sounds like the owner will do a good job.
Betsy reported on a Letter of Deficiency from DES regarding the public water system at Wadleigh State Park. Don said this is about quarterly testing requirements for the water fountains in the building and that there is always a lag in the testing over the winter because the park is not open. Make-up samples will be done the beginning of summer.
Betsy reported on a letter from DES regarding changes to the NH Heritage Bureau environmental review process. As of June 1, 2007, each DES wetlands dredge and fill application and notification must be accompanied by documentation, issued by the NHB, pertaining to rare species or exemplary natural communities in the vicinity of the proposed project.
Betsy reported on a letter dated March 16th from Environmental and Groundwater Associates, Inc. regarding the Village District of Eastman’s large ground water withdrawal project-source #5, at the Bog Brook Well Site in Springfield. They are proposing withdrawing 158,400 gallons a day. Sutton is part of the watershed where this proposal is located. The purpose of the letter is to seek comments.
Review of Intents to Cut & Logging Issues:
Betsy reported on an intent to cut from John and Julie Pellerin on Rowell Hill Road, T/L 9-892,518 and 930,516. The logger is Adam Mock. This has already been done. Betsy added she had spoken with Mock.
Sutton Conservation Commission 2 March 22, 2007
Vincent and Margaret O’Malley in East Sutton, T/L #1-192,030. The logger is Lost Cloud. This cut involves two wetlands crossings and water that flows into the Warner River. Betsy stated this was a cut that the Board should keep an eye on.
Betsy added she needed to call to check why there were still logs on Shaker Street.
Old Business:
Betsy reported most of the Class VI signs were up and asked members to note the shape of the signs this summer to see what needs replacing for next year. She added next year it would be better to post the signs after the regular posting and snowmobile season. Betsy thanked the Board members for their help.
Betsy reported she met with George Wells and he signed the letter of intent to move forward with the easement. The attorney and surveyor have been notified. She added the project could now get back on track.
Betsy updated the Board on the terms coming due. All agreed that Charlie Whittemore will be missed and thanked him, in absentia, for his 15 years of service. A card will be mailed to him tomorrow
The Board discussed a possible land acquisition.
New Business:
Betsy reported she received a call from Alex Herwitz of Bedford Massachusetts, representing Tribal Films, with a request to use the KHR for the filming of a movie. He never called back to request a formal meeting. The Board decided this was not a good use of the property. Don mentioned the special use permits the State uses. Tim suggested the Board look into a commercial use policy for KHR. Don will research more of the State’s documentation and policies.
Betsy reported on her attendance last Wednesday at the Land Resource Management Workshop at DES. She added the Shoreline Protection Act seminar was interesting and encouraged members to attend next year. It is free of charge.
SCC Properties and Greenway Reports:
There were none.
Other Business:
Leslie discussed a possible land acquisition.
Don mentioned the annual roadside pickup was coming April 22, which is earth day. A volunteer is needed to put an announcement in the paper as well as do postings. As the dump is only open on Saturday, and the 22nd is a Sunday, the Board thought it best to refer to the event as Earth Day weekend and encourage people to pick up trash on Saturday.
Don said National Trails Day is June 2, which is a Sunday. He added by next meeting he will have a project for KHR and that traditionally the work project is in the morning with a get together around 1:00.
Sutton Conservation Commission 3 March 22, 2007
Don reported there would be a Public Hearing with the ZBA on March 28th regarding a proposed cell tower on Mastin Road.
Gerry announced that this year he plans to create a connection from the Musterfield Farm trails, across his property, to the KHR.
9:20 p.m. A motion was made by Tim to adjourn the meeting. Leslie seconded the motion. It was unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Swett
Secretary
Sutton Conservation Commission 4 March 22, 2007
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