Present- Laura Games (Chairperson), Chris Giordano, Judy Jervis, Ron Comeau, Chris Stafford.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30PM and was televised.

The minutes of March 15,2001 were reviewed by the Commission. Chris G. made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. Judy 2^nd the motion. The vote was unanimous.

Laura said that Michelle Tingley and herself were re-appointed by the Selectmen for another 3-year term.

Judy made a motion to nominate Laura for Chairperson. Chris G. 2^nd the motion. The vote was unanimous.

Chris G.made a motion to nominate Judy for Vice-Chairperson. Chris S. 2^nd the motion. The vote was unanimous.

1. Forest Committee Requests Conserv. Funds to Develop Forest Management Plan

Laura asked the Commission if anyone had attended the Forest Committee Meeting on April 5^th? Chris S. said that he did attend and thought it was a good meeting. Ron said he has been reading about the Town Forester, Charles Moreno and what he has done for the Plaistow Town Forest. Elisabeth Sanders, Forest Committee Member was in attendance to the meeting. Laura invited Elisabeth to the table to speak to the Commission. Also attending our meeting was Walter Baird, town resident, Laura also invited Walter into the meeting. Elisabeth said that she was there to support the development of the forest management plan and to hear the Commission’s vote on whether or not to allocate funds for its development. Walter explained and pointed out to the Commission that the funds in question were not intended to be used for giving or loaning to other groups or boards. The intent of the money was to save the town money by purchasing land and/or conservation easements while preserving our natural resources, recreation and protecting our water supply. He stated that back in March of 1997 the current use change tax to conservation fund use warrant article was passed by the town’s people for this purpose only and he strongly urged the Commission not to use the money for which it was not intended to be used for. The purchase of the Sandlilands property is an example of how the money is to be used. Andy Ward, Forest Committee Member, came in and was also invited to join the meeting. Elisabeth asked if the funds had been used for other purposes than land purchase? Laura said no. Elisabeth said that the Forest Committee Plan would cost up $7,000. Walter explained that the Forest Committee should have a budget, just like all the other boards in town. He suggested that they get a budget together and present it to the Budget Committee, and do a warrant article to raise the money that is needed. Elisabeth explained that it takes time and they wanted to get going on the plan. Judy suggested that they might consider doing the plan in two phases. Chris S. said that he supports the forest management plan, and that Conservation should be supportive. Laura stated that she thought that the commission had been very supportive of the development of a plan. Chris G. suggested that maybe a loan of money from the conservation fund was appropriate. The group discussed this option also. It was not the intent of the funds to be used for purposes other than land/conservation easement purchase, per article #33 which was passed in March 1997. Elisabeth suggested timber cutting to pay for the plan. Chris S. said that he would like to know how much timber money they were talking about. Sheila, the clerk, pointed out that even if they were to timber the money from timber on some of the parcels of land was designated to go to charities and other places. Laura asked how could you timber cut without a plan or town vote? Elisabeth said they wouldn’t need one. Judy again asked Elisabeth about developing a partial plan. Elisabeth stated that foresters are busy this time of year. Laura asked the Commission what was the consensus on the funds? The Commission agreed that by town vote the purpose of the funds was for land and conservation easements purchase. Laura will write a letter to the Forestry Committee.

2. Anonymous Letter/Brown Hill Rd-Laura received an anonymous letter in regards to an active gravel pit. The Commission reviewed the town map and agreed that it was a Hampstead Town issue. Ron suggested Laura forward the letter to Hampstead. Chris G. will check into this for the Commission. Laura stated that the letter was addressed to Hampstead and had probably already been sent to them.

 

3. NHDES/Iron Wheel dredge and fill application-Laura said that the permit had not been issued yet because the state is looking for more information from Iron Wheel on this.

 

4. Huntington Hill-Chris G. said that the original plan had been approved. Laura said she had some concerns on the placement of silt fencing around and within the wetland. The Commission reviewed the plans.

 

5. MDR-Chris G. said that they are not changing the footprints, just adding buildings. He said that MDR was redoing the drainage calculations. Laura asked if they are paving? Chris G. said he thought he was because he was asked for drainage calculations. Ron said he reviewed the plan and found it to be ok. Chris S. asked about the sign issue. Chris G. said he thought that he was going to the state on that. The Commission reviewed the plans.

 

6. Workshop- Laura asked the Commission about scheduling another wetlands evaluation workshop. The Commission will place this on the June agenda.

 

7. Watershed Ecology/Community Mapping Courses- Laura passed out the brochures to the Commission.

 

8. 3^rd Annual Bike and Walk Conference-May 24,2001 Sheraton Wayfayer Inn Bedford, NH 8:00am-4:00PM

 

9. Land & Community Heritage (LCHIP)- Laura received a letter stating that the house passed 6 million dollars for 2002 and 9 million dollars for 2003. The letter urged people to call or write to your Senator and voice support for permanent funding.

Chris G. made a motion to adjourn. Chris S. 2^nd the motion. The vote was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 9:20PM.

*****Next Meeting June 6,2001*****