PITTSFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes
February 28, 2005
1. Meeting called to order by Donna Keeley 7pm
Members in attendance – Donna Keeley, John M, Mark Wallace, Laural Collier, Susan Willoughby (alt), Ronald Vien (alt)
Presentation and approval of minutes November 2004
2. Financial Report
(MBIA) – $4264.33
General Fund – $500
Question regarding CC Budget $ – what can we do with this money, can we change a def. of a line item and move money around? Pending with Cara.
Considerations of Applications to the NH Wetlands Bureau – NONE
New Business –
R2C2 Pittsfield Rep? Mark Wallace, Susan W alternate, next meeting April 10, 2005
Public Education Issues, Current Use, Conservation Easement, Land Preservation Techniques. Should we host a public education forum? Could obtain data on all CU land and map this to get a better idea of open space and corridor potential etc.
Old Business –
Review of town land presentation and recommendations for benefit of Susan and Ron – see attached chart
Forest Mgmt. Reserve Fund – cannot spend $$ from FM fund or should not sign any contracts without SB approval, unless such authority was given by SB when FM was enacted ** DK checked minutes of FM enactment and nothing specific mentioned. The correct way to handle this is to present info and plan to SB and ask for approval of signing contract for DB selective cut. Then warrant for town meeting for FM plan. Need discussion on this. DK contacted Chairman of CC in Bow as they have a FM Commission and have hired a forester and have performed selective timber cuts.
DK Will review info. With full SB in Mid April for opinion as to how to proceed.
Questions to ask: If the CC/FM retains a forester for Selective Cut, does the SB need to sign the contract or can the FM Commission?
Does the SB need to approve the proposal?
If payment to the forester comes from the proceeds of the selective cut, does this fund acquisition require approval?
** Also, DK received a call from Dennis Chagnon asking about a possible Timber Harvest. DK to contact Dennis after SB reviews proposal etc.
CC and FM need to decide how to proceed with FM plan and Dustin Barker selective cut. Present to SB, how and when?
• Forester Moreno Forest Mgmt Plan Update – received estimate for FM Plan for ALL town owned rural raw parcels of land, $10+k for comprehensive study. Discussion as to whether we need this sort of study or whether we should focus on core parcels and/or parcels that provide possible green corridor.
• The CC does not have the funding necessary to move forward with this project, so two choices exist, Warrant Article at Town Meeting or use the funds from the D Barker town forest selective timber harvest.
• Forester provided estimate for his fee’s on D Barker timber harvest based on harvest and bid amount for timber. He would handle everything to do with this timber harvest, bid spec’s, forester hiring assessment with CC, site overview, marketing, paperwork, site visits, etc.
• CC and FM Commission has to determine if Forest Mgmt Commission has authority to sign this sort of contract or if the Selectboard should be involved. D Keeley to contact town council to determine how to proceed.
• Charlie Watson – interested in revisiting possibilities for his land to remain open. SPNHF? Back burner but CC should remain involved.
• FM Fund, money that showed in town report under Forest Mgmt. Reserve Fund has been transferred to the CRF as deemed in the vote from 1982 when the fund was created. Since we have a FM Commission, we are entitled to a FM Fund therefore we need to research how we can transfer this CRF money into a separate FM fund. ** Still Pending **
• Map cabinet, pending someone’s time to research. Paul Metcalf delivered hanging map cabinet, however it does not lock. We can store the maps we have in the Town Admin’s office in the flat cabinets and have sign in/out sheet with inventory of maps so we know what maps are filed and who signs them out. Discussion?
Articles and Education – would be nice to get some articles in the SS about new members, CE’s, open space, FM plan etc. Need a volunteer for this task!
Members Concerns/Other issues:
John M – discussion of FM Plan and surrounding properties to potential selective cuts. Discussion about how this DB selective cut will be the headway for other projects and a revenue stream.
Discussion about how the CC can assist the PB and ZBA. Need to ensure that they are aware that we are willing to work with them and share ideas/information. DK, memo has already been sent to boards and they have asked us to review plans since the memo. Will continue to work with them and stay in tune with applications that come into the boards.
Meeting adjourned – 9pm
Respectfully Submitted
Donna Keeley
Chair
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