PITTSFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes
October 3, 2005
1. Meeting called to order by Donna Keeley 7:10pm
Members in attendance – Donna Keeley, John M, Mark Wallace, Laural Collier, Paul Metcalf, Susan Willoughby
Presentation and approval of minutes July 2005 Minutes, __Susan_____ motioned_____Paul___2nd all in favor _________________
2. Financial Report
(MBIA) – $4,327.03
General Fund – $ 0 – $233.06, need to transfer this amount debit to MBIA, Projects line.
New Business –
Whites Farm, S Pittsfield Road – Emergency Dredge and Fill application. Small farm pond with algae bloom. Donna Keeley spoke with DES and assisted owner with paperwork.
DES Compliance Report – Globe manufacturing, file # 2003-02510, inspection complete, case closed.
Letter from NH Fish and Game to TTG Environmental Consultants re: NHFG 2003-0045 Phase 2 Wastewater facility upgrades, Pittsfield. Letter regarding NH Natural Heritage Bureau on sensitive species at the WW facility Phase 2 location. Brook Floater is a sensitive species and they see no impact on this, however they have concerns with the Old Gravel Pit and stockpiling of solids. “The Proximity of the location to the Suncook River and the aquifer raises questions whether the water quality will be protected……likewise, the old gravel pit is located within .2 miles of the Suncook River and may provide nesting habitat for Blanding’ and Spotted and the Wood turtle…the value of old gravel pits to turtle species and other reptiles, including northern black racer and eastern hognose snake, an endangered species, far precludes the value of the adjoining woods as deer and bear habitat. Therefore, we recommend that the old gravel pit is preserved for its significant wildlife habitat and a corridor be maintained between the pit and the Suncook River. Will there be any habitat set aside for wildlife as part of the project?……
• Mark asked about railroad easement that abuts this property, who owns and how can this be protected?
• CC decided memo to SB with copy of this Fish and Game letter to keep everyone in the loop. DK to write memo and attach both F and G letters.
• DK will contact Fish and Game and obtain more details on this letter and what it means.
Wetlands and non site specific permit – 2005-01497
Steve Lawrence and Roger Beaudion, 356 Catamount Rd, Pittsfield approved.
Wetlands Bureau File 2005-00878, Mark Weldon, lot 31 5
2nd site visit regarding the creation of a pond before permit was given. DES will consider after the fact permit with completed application.
Intent to cuts – would it be possible for the CC to receive a copy of these also? Discussion. DK to ask Cara if this would be feasible.
Intent to cut for Pittsfield Aqueduct Land – SW to check to see if anything filed at the state due to proximity to water body. Nothing filed.
Laural – Tan Road subdivision maps are needed by DES for site walk and they cannot be located at Town Hall. Need the original subdivision maps under VanHertel showing wetland delineation and 6 subdivided lots. SW mentioned that Stacey Herbold from DES may have copies, she will check with her.
John M – when site visit made with he, PB Chair, reviewed new stream crossing, grade was raised by design ok, culvert ok, rip rap was not finished on the downstream side – report sent to DES and town was aware of this. Lot 9D was the main problem for wetlands issues.
DK will check with Town Hall on the map issue.
Laural – Dunkin Donuts – are there wetland issues? CC should keep informed on further development on this property.
Old Business – (pending issues)
Forest Management Plan and Selective cut memo to Selectboard by DK.
Propose having Moreno attend CC meeting, either Oct 24th (regular meeting) or Oct 31st, to review Timber Harvest Plan and discuss bid process etc. CC ok with this, DK contacted and left message.
Background info below:
• 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. Project – Current Use Change Tax proposal for next year’s town meeting. Can someone be the owner of this, collect data on other towns, pros, cons etc. Later this year we can work on wording the warrant and providing public education. NH Association of Conservation Commissions has a lot of data on this……http://www.nhacc.org/nhacc.ht
• We need to begin working on the wording for the Warrant Article for the change use tax fund……..Susan W and Mark Wallace will work on this: to do items:
• John M will research articles on conservation land
1. RSA wording for Warrant
2. Copy of Petition form for signatures
3. Research other towns and NHACC for data
4. Articles in SVS with specifics
5. Draft warrant
6. Present to SB by deadline.
• 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. **need to keep
as is, this is how this fund was voted ** will have to plan expenditures in advance for each year’s town meeting.
• Articles and Education – schedule all set. Mark Wallace, easements, Susan Willoughby Current Use Change Tax etc, D Keeley wetlands, Laural Collier, Open space benefits etc
• Members Concerns/Other issues:
Meeting Adjourned, Paul, Mark, all in favor
8:45pm
DK